The Maui News
Gov. David Ige declared Maui County a disaster area as worsening drought conditions impact ranchers and farmers and lead to increasing deaths among axis deer.
The emergency proclamation issued by Ige on Wednesday enables the state to provide relief from disaster damages, losses, and suffering caused by the disaster, as well as to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.
Under drought conditions that have persisted since March 2019, ranches and farms operating in Maui County have suffered significant economic loss, the news release said. In addition, large numbers of axis dear have migrated into agricultural and developed areas seeking food and water, devastating farms and contributing to crop loss. Hundreds of deer have died, and decomposing carcasses threaten to contaminate streams and the ocean.
News Highlights: Government Ige is pushing for more investment in digital technology HONOLULU (KHON2) - In his state speech on Monday, Governor David Ige
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Mokulele is now the sole airline servicing Molokai and Lanai after âOhana by Hawaiian stopped servicing the islands on Jan. 15. Lawmakers said that Mokulele is filling the void, but they still have concerns over weight and accessibility issues.
MOKULELE AIRLINES photo
State and county lawmakers say Mokulele Airlines is currently meeting the needs of Molokai and Lanai since the departure of larger carrier ‘Ohana by Hawaiian, though they still have concerns over weight and accessibility issues with the smaller aircraft.
Hawaiian Airlines suspended its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian service to Lanai and Molokai and halted flights beginning Jan. 15. Low air traffic due to travel restrictions triggered a provision in labor contracts that prevented Hawaiian from offering its third-party passenger and all-cargo service, Hawaiian has said.
The main task facing state lawmakers this session will be to plug the $1.8 billion hole in Hawaii’s budget. Leadership signaled a reluctance to accomplish