Ige: No changes to mask mandate, Safe Travels program in latest COVID emergency proclamation
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Gov. David Ige held a news conference on Friday to announce that he’s extending the emergency proclamation as part of the state’s COVID-19 delta response. It expires on Nov. 30.
There are no changes to the mask mandate and Safe Travels program.
On Friday, Ige said the extension of his emergency order includes extending the renewal date for expired driver’s licenses and state IDs, which was set to expire on Monday, Oct. 4.
Since the emergency period began in March 2020, the City and County of Honolulu reported fewer than 50,000 driver’s licenses and learner’s permits remain expired.
Fuel duel: Lawmakers discuss alternatives as state’s last coal power plant is set to close
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With the planned shutdown of AES Corp.’s coal power plant next year, lawmakers are looking at alternative fuels to keep the 180-megawatt facility running.
“Next year with the closure of the AES coal plant, we aren’t really confident we have a game plan as to how we are going to fill that puka,” said state Sen. Glenn Wakai, chair of the Senate Energy, Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
The AES power plant at Campbell Industrial Park generates about 10% of Oahu’s firm electricity supply. But because it uses coal as a fuel source, it’s a major source of greenhouse gases and doesn’t fit in with the state’s green energy goals.
During a Senate informational briefing, officials with Hawaii Natural Energy Institute outlined the benefits of converting the coal plant to one that burns biomass -- or wood chips. Read more.
Tech View: Hawaii ‘brand accelerator’ takes local companies global
Hawaii today is home to about a dozen accelerator and incubator programs, tangible proof Hawaii’s business climate and opportunities for entrepreneurship have strengthened over the past decade. Read more
State house speaker pushes governor to allow spectators at UH football games
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With the University of Hawaii Football team set to play their homecoming game on Saturday, the state speaker of the house is calling on the governor to allow fans in the stands.
House Speaker Scott Saiki sent a letter to Gov. David Ige’s office, urging him to gradually open the Ching Athletics Complex to a limited number of spectators.
To watch the game in-person, Saiki proposed that spectators must provide proof of vaccination and a negative test from a trusted state testing partner. They must also wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.
Saiki said it is crucial to open seating to fans to show the country that Hawaii is returning to normalcy as well as to improve athletic recruiting. Read more.
Manufacturing Day 2021: A Collaborative Future
Join the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and HTDC Innovate Hawaii at our virtual Manufacturing Day 2021 event!
Manufacturing Day is a national celebration of the 12 million men and women who work in manufacturing nationwide and is supported by a proclamation from Governor David Ige. This event will feature speakers Dana Shapiro from the Hawaii Ulu Cooperative and representatives from La Tour Bakehouse who will speak about the importance of manufacturing in Hawaii and their visions of a collaborative future. They will also give a virtual tour of their facilities and partake in a Q&A session with the audience. Gary Yoshioka, president of Diamond Bakery and the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association will be moderating the event.
