Good evening, Hawaii. The Nature Conservancy announced that a $2 million insurance policy has been issued for Hawaii’s coral reefs, a Kalakaua Avenue rehabilitation project begins on June 15 and our partners at Honolulu Civil Beat explain why grant writers are crucial for Hawaii farmers to access capital. Read about the important stories you need to know.
Your Weather Planner
We'll see shower coverage increase tonight into Tuesday as a disturbance begins working across the islands. Plan on periods of more active showers throughout the week, especially at night and early in the mornings. Trade winds also look to stay breezy.
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Today's Big Stories
1. $2M insurance policy in effect for Hawaii coral reefs in time for hurricane season
An environmental group has a $2 million insurance policy on Hawaii's coral reefs, which is in effect in time for a busier hurricane season that could damage the vital natural resources that are increasingly under threat from climate change.
In announcing the policy purchase last year, The Nature Conservancy said it was the first-ever coral reef insurance policy in the United States.
The policy, issued by insurance firm Munich Re, is triggered at windspeeds of 57 mph if sufficiently close to reefs and can provide payouts up to a maximum of $2 million to allow rapid reef repair and restoration after storm damage.
Coral reefs make up much of Hawaii’s nearshore ocean ecosystem and are critical to the state’s economy.
Hawaii’s reefs protect populated shorelines from massive ocean swells and storm surges from tropical storms — a benefit the U.S. Geological Survey valued at more than $860 million a year.
Adding tourism, fishing, cultural value and other factors, the state’s reefs are worth more than $33 billion, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-funded study.
2. Kalakaua Avenue rehabilitation project begins June 15
Motorists driving on Kalakaua Avenue are advised of a road rehabilitation project from Olohana Street to Monsarrat Avenue and from Dillingham Fountain to Poni Moi Road, according to the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction.
Construction will begin June 15 with crews working on different areas at a time to reduce negative impacts on the public and traffic. The project will last about nine months, with work hours between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Work will be done to reconstruct asphalt roads, concrete curbs and gutters; adjust utility hole covers and utility boxes; and install vehicle detector loops.
Anna Yamada is desperate to grow more of the produce she sells at her Waianae store, a business she started when the pandemic sunk her 2-acre Lualualei farm.
So when Honolulu last year announced a $3 million grant program designed to inject some capital into Oahu’s agricultural sector, Yamada hoped to get enough money for a down payment on some farmland.
The mother of four’s application was among 61 out of 127 that were unsuccessful, adding to her long list of rejected loan and grant applications. The grants, which require record keeping but not repayment, were for amounts between $10,000 and $50,000.
Grants can be a lifeline for struggling farmers and inject capital into farms that want to ramp up operations but many Hawaii producers do not have the time, resources or the awareness they are even available.
Click the link above to read the full story.
4. Jesse Sapolu, June Jones reflect on changed times at GPA College Football Showcase
Jesse Sapolu let out a belly laugh as he gazed across Saint Louis School’s turf field and at hundreds of kids engaged in skills drills on a hot June afternoon.
The closest thing the four-time Super Bowl champion out of Farrington High had to that sight as he came of age in the 1970s?
“Absolutely nothing,” said Sapolu, 62. “Probably out there just playing around with your own friends.”
Sapolu had just finished guiding some 77 linemen in duels at the ninth annual Gridiron Performance Academy College Football Combine Showcase, a camp designed to give high schoolers the chance to be seen by college recruiters. Clips of their combine-style drills and head-to-head highlights are disseminated online. Select coaches are allowed to see the players live.
Click the link above to read more about this year's showcase.
5. Polls: Americans think Trump charges serious, Republicans still support him
A pair of polls have found that most Americans believe the federal charges filed against former President Donald Trump are serious but that the indictment has done little to damage his front-runner status for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
An ABC News-Ipsos poll released Sunday found that 61% of Americans think the charges in the classified documents case are either very or somewhat serious, compared to 28% who said they are not too serious or not serious at all.
There was a stark partisan split, with 91% of Democrats and 38% of Republicans viewing the indictment as serious. Sixty-three percent of independents agreed with them.
Trump was indicted last week on 37 federal charges of willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, conceal a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.
The former president, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to appear in Miami federal court Tuesday to answer to the charges.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Tuesday, June 13
- Donald Trump arraigned on charges of mishandling classified documents
- Federal Open Market Committee two-day meeting begins, with interest rates decision Wednesday
- Secretary of State Blinken and NATO secretary-general deliver joint statements 6 a.m. HST
- Treasury Secretary Yellen testifies to annual House committee hearing on "The State of the International Financial System"
- United Nations Security Council open debate on climate change, peace and security
- Annual Congressional Soccer Match
- 3,000-mile Race Across America endurance cycle race begins
- Brighter nights could lead to eradication of glow worms, study says
- Court hearing for man charged with fatal stabbing of Cash App founder 6 a.m.
- What: Kuhio Beach Torchlighting and Hula Show
- Where: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound | Near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue | 808-843-8002
- Details: This iconic event sharing the tradition of conch shell blowing and Hawaiian music and hula by various halau returns to Waikiki, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The event will continue throughout the year except during parades, street fairs and bad weather.
- What: Aquari-om Yoga Classes
- Where: Maui Ocean Center | 192 Maalaea Road, Wailuku | 808-270-7000
- Details: Practice the calm of yoga next to schools of fish, manta rays, sharks and other marine life held after hours, 5-6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday throughout June. Open to all levels ages 12 and up. Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Classes will also take place every Tuesday and Thursday, May 16-Aug. 17 and Sept. 26-Jan. 11, 2024. A portion of the proceeds support sea turtle rescue and coral restoration on Maui. Register.
- What: Taco Tuesdays Comedy
- Where: Elk’s Lodge Niteclub | 75-170 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona
- Details: Hawaii Top Comics present a comedy show, which can be enjoyed with tacos. Open mic to follow. Free entry for all performers. $10 entry for all others. Doors open at 6 p.m., showtime at 7 p.m.
- What: Lihue Placemaking, Forestry & Gardens Initiative
- Where: Kalena Park | 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy., Kilauea | 808-828-211
- Details: Join in the two-year effort to develop a future green infrastructure along Rice Street in collaboration with the Rice Street Business Association, Better Block Hawaii, County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, AARP, The Funders Network and Health Go Market. No experience needed for this gardening effort, 4-6 p.m. Register.
For more on these and other events, see this week's HI Out & About.
In Case You Missed It
Starting July 1, responsibility of the new Animal Control and Protection Agency will fall under the Mayor's Office. (Photo courtesy of the Hawaii Police Department)
Hawaii County animal control transitioning to a separate agency as of July 1
As of July 1, the Hawaii County Animal Control Services will transition to become a separate entity, the Animal Control and Protection Agency, and will no longer fall under the management of the Hawaii Police Department, according to a news release.
After the Hawaii County Council passed Bill 22 earlier in the year, the new Animal Control and Protection Agency was created. Responsibility of the agency will fall under the Mayor’s Office.
The county is in the process of hiring a new administrator and administrative services assistant for the agency and expects at least one position to be filled by the end of June.
Phone numbers to reach animal control services will remain the same, with 808-327-3558 serving as the number for lost pets and non-emergencies.