State briefs for July 8

13 HA employees test positive for coronavirus

HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines Inc. says 13 of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus following an annual training course.

The employees who tested positive for COVID-19 took part in flight attendant training at the airline’s Honolulu headquarters about two weeks ago, the company said.

One infected attendant worked during a flight last week, the airline said.

All employees involved in the classes have self-isolated in accordance with protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health, the air carrier said.

The training involving about 60 employees included close interaction and masks were optional, the company said.

There will be more rigorous protocols when training resumes including required face coverings, electrostatic disinfection and additional time between activities to minimize interactions, the company said.

Lawmakers stall funding for 10-story school

HONOLULU — State lawmakers stalled funding for a 10-story public elementary school, preventing a groundbreaking this year for Hawaii’s first vertical public school.

Members of the Legislature recently opted not to approve $20 million for the Pohukaina Elementary School and an associated residential tower.

The funding for the estimated $60 million project was planned as a supplemental capital improvement spending authorization running through June 2021.

Democratic state Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran, vice chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the funds were not needed in the next year because the project is not ready for construction.