HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - As Hawaii starts reopening, many are still nervous to return to work because of potential exposure to COVID-19.Regarding dental settings, says to “postpone elective procedures…and non-urgent dental visits.”However, because it is not a requirement, many dental offices are starting to re-open and some hygienists feel it is too soon."I've heard from several people, it's either you're coming in or you lose your job," said Kristen Neville, a registered dental hygienist.Neville says many in her industry are being forced to go back to work and some don’t have...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - As Hawaii starts reopening, many are still nervous to return to work because of potential exposure to COVID-19.Regarding dental settings, says to “postpone elective procedures…and non-urgent dental visits.”However, because it is not a requirement, many dental offices are starting to re-open and some hygienists feel it is too soon."I've heard from several people, it's either you're coming in or you lose your job," said Kristen Neville, a registered dental hygienist.Neville says many in her industry are being forced to go back to work and some don’t have...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - A stomach churning find in the kitchen of a Maui Vietnamese restaurant led to a red placard from the Department of Health. Health inspectors shut down the “Vietnamese Cuisine and Restaurant” in Kihei after finding a roach infestation in the kitchen. The Health Department says they found up to 30 live roaches in the restaurant and crawling within food. Roaches were seen in the flour, rice, and even on dishes, according to the DOH.Adding to the violations, inspectors found that raw food was stored in the same container as cooked food, and there was no soap...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - A stomach churning find in the kitchen of a Maui Vietnamese restaurant led to a red placard from the Department of Health. Health inspectors shut down the “Vietnamese Cuisine and Restaurant” in Kihei after finding a roach infestation in the kitchen. The Health Department says they found up to 30 live roaches in the restaurant and crawling within food. Roaches were seen in the flour, rice, and even on dishes, according to the DOH.Adding to the violations, inspectors found that raw food was stored in the same container as cooked food, and there was no soap...WW…

HONOLULU (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Hawaii’s unemployment rate up to 22.3%, generated miles-long food bank lines and led hotel operators to close their doors and board up their windows.Tax revenues are plunging and policy makers must plug gaping budget holes to allow the government to function.“The math is relatively straightforward on that. The options are also straightforward. They’re unpleasant,” said Jack Suyderhoud professor emeritus of business economics at the University of Hawaii.The good news is that Hawaii entered the crisis in relatively strong financial shape. It...…HONOLULU (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Hawaii’s unemployment rate up to 22.3%, generated miles-long food bank lines and led hotel operators to close their doors and board up their windows.Tax revenues are plunging and policy makers must plug gaping budget holes to allow the government to function.“The math is relatively straightforward on that. The options are also straightforward. They’re unpleasant,” said Jack Suyderhoud professor emeritus of business economics at the University of Hawaii.The good news is that Hawaii entered the crisis in relatively strong financial shape. It...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - United Airlines will become the first US airline to offer COVID-19 testing for passengers ― just in time for Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program.Starting on Oct. 15, United passengers flying from San Francisco to Hawaii will be given the option to take a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport or an at-home, mail-in test before their trip.The rapid test, which will cost $250, provides results in roughly 15 minutes.Those opting to take the $80 mail-in test will be asked to request the test 10 days before their trip and submit their sample within 72 hours of...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - United Airlines will become the first US airline to offer COVID-19 testing for passengers ― just in time for Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program.Starting on Oct. 15, United passengers flying from San Francisco to Hawaii will be given the option to take a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport or an at-home, mail-in test before their trip.The rapid test, which will cost $250, provides results in roughly 15 minutes.Those opting to take the $80 mail-in test will be asked to request the test 10 days before their trip and submit their sample within 72 hours of...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - State Attorney General Clare Connors is considering the legality of using tracking devices to ensure tourists are following the rules of the 14-day, mandatory quarantine.Connors told members of the state Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 that some of the ideas being proposed to track visitors could pose constitutional questions and she is exploring those concerns.“I think it runs the gamut of what they’re doing in Taiwan, which is you wear an ankle bracelet for 14 days and if it goes outside your hotel room, it pings and that’s the only information that...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - State Attorney General Clare Connors is considering the legality of using tracking devices to ensure tourists are following the rules of the 14-day, mandatory quarantine.Connors told members of the state Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 that some of the ideas being proposed to track visitors could pose constitutional questions and she is exploring those concerns.“I think it runs the gamut of what they’re doing in Taiwan, which is you wear an ankle bracelet for 14 days and if it goes outside your hotel room, it pings and that’s the only information that...WW…

By WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A cargo shipping rate increase in Hawaii is expected to raise prices on some products moved between the islands before they reach customers. The 46% increase by interisland shipper Young Brothers LLC took effect this month, The Maui News Wednesday. Although some businesses have yet to see updated invoices, Young Brothers confirmed Tuesday that its emergency rate increase has gone into effect. The company also returned to shipping schedules used before the coronavirus outbreak, which was a condition of the rate approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities...…By WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A cargo shipping rate increase in Hawaii is expected to raise prices on some products moved between the islands before they reach customers. The 46% increase by interisland shipper Young Brothers LLC took effect this month, The Maui News Wednesday. Although some businesses have yet to see updated invoices, Young Brothers confirmed Tuesday that its emergency rate increase has gone into effect. The company also returned to shipping schedules used before the coronavirus outbreak, which was a condition of the rate approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - With tens of thousands of Oahu residents unemployed, the city is launching a new emergency relief program to provide up to $1,000 a month to families in need.The funds can go toward housing payments, utilities or child care.“We all know someone who has been impacted. They’re our neighbors,” Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said, in a news conference. “We are putting people first here.”The program will be funded initially with $25 million from the federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act, and administered by Hawaii nonprofits. Details on how to apply for...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - With tens of thousands of Oahu residents unemployed, the city is launching a new emergency relief program to provide up to $1,000 a month to families in need.The funds can go toward housing payments, utilities or child care.“We all know someone who has been impacted. They’re our neighbors,” Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said, in a news conference. “We are putting people first here.”The program will be funded initially with $25 million from the federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act, and administered by Hawaii nonprofits. Details on how to apply for...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state Labor Department can use all the help it can get processing the more than 220,000 unemployment claims filed since March 1.That’s why on Monday 18 workers from other state agencies were added to the department’s 83 staff members.But Hawaii News Now learned, the additions are only for one week — just long enough to train them.Then, the 18 will rotate out.It’s a head scratcher of a decision that left lawmakers irked Monday."The public doesn’t want to hear excuses we want to get it done,” said a frustrated state Sen. Donna Mercado-Kim, during a...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state Labor Department can use all the help it can get processing the more than 220,000 unemployment claims filed since March 1.That’s why on Monday 18 workers from other state agencies were added to the department’s 83 staff members.But Hawaii News Now learned, the additions are only for one week — just long enough to train them.Then, the 18 will rotate out.It’s a head scratcher of a decision that left lawmakers irked Monday."The public doesn’t want to hear excuses we want to get it done,” said a frustrated state Sen. Donna Mercado-Kim, during a...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - A driver was killed and his passenger was seriously injured Friday when the large truck they were in plunged off the H-1 Freeway’s airport viaduct onto the median of Nimitz Highway below.The crash happened about 2:15 p.m., when the truck was traveling eastbound on the H-1 Freeway and apparently lost control, flipping over a concrete guard and falling from the viaduct.The driver was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger, a 24-year-old man, was last listed in serious condition.Multiple eastbound lanes of Nimitz Highway were closed...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - A driver was killed and his passenger was seriously injured Friday when the large truck they were in plunged off the H-1 Freeway’s airport viaduct onto the median of Nimitz Highway below.The crash happened about 2:15 p.m., when the truck was traveling eastbound on the H-1 Freeway and apparently lost control, flipping over a concrete guard and falling from the viaduct.The driver was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger, a 24-year-old man, was last listed in serious condition.Multiple eastbound lanes of Nimitz Highway were closed...WW…

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state senate’s COVID-19 committee says the state government isn’t doing enough to make sure that its workers are following mask and social distancing guidelines while on the job.“It’s almost as though it’s just chaos, that every department is just left to their own,” said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. “There’s no consistency.”The committee is the one that on Aug. 7.Committee members said they’ve heard from state employees who complain that their coworkers aren’t following the guidelines, and that they don’t feel safe.At least one senator told state...…HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state senate’s COVID-19 committee says the state government isn’t doing enough to make sure that its workers are following mask and social distancing guidelines while on the job.“It’s almost as though it’s just chaos, that every department is just left to their own,” said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. “There’s no consistency.”The committee is the one that on Aug. 7.Committee members said they’ve heard from state employees who complain that their coworkers aren’t following the guidelines, and that they don’t feel safe.At least one senator told state...WW…