FBI investigating mass shooting threat at state Capitol as TMT battle intensifies, 6-year property record backlog, Kauai company to increase beef production, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

FBI investigating online threat of a mass shooting at State Capitol. The FBI is investigating a threat that was made in a Facebook comment which appears to be a threat for a mass shooting at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

FBI responds to shooting threat at Capitol. Facebook comment threatening a shooting at the Capitol sends FBI and HPD on alert. KITV.

Hawaii Resident Threatens ‘Mass Shooting’. The rhetoric surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope dispute atop Mauna Kea continues to ratchet up, as one Hawaii resident took the conversation to the topic of mass shootings. Big Island Now.

Some experts believe online death threats on the rise due to increased social media usage. Some tech experts aren't shocked at Saturday's FBI alert on the online threat of a possible shooting.  KITV.

State Puts Pressure On TMT Protesters Over Environment, Threats To Officials. The protesters say they are being vilified in an attempt to discredit the Mauna Kea movement. Civil Beat.

State, Anti-TMT Leaders Condemn Social Media Threats. Top state leaders are denouncing threatening social media posts directed at Hawaii law enforcement officers involved in the standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Homes Chair Seeks Private Counsel Amid Mauna Kea Access Road Dispute. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requesting to "hire private counsel to advise the Commission on the valuation of compensation through funds and land owed to DHHL, pursuant to Act 14." Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Seeks Thousand Acre Transfer. Maui Now.

Twitter Troll Impersonates TMT Account. An unverified Twitter account has closely copied the appearance of the official Thirty Meter Telescope account and is sending out derogatory and culturally insensitive posts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Served “Judicial Summons” By Group, “Arrest Warrants” Threatened. A group claiming to represent the Hawaiian Kingdom went to the County building on Tuesday, some wearing tactical vests, to serve the mayor their written demand. Big Island Video News.

=====


Scientists hope to see trend of increased sightings of humpback whales. The Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales that migrates from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer waters to mate, calve and nurse their young has been estimated at roughly 10,000 individuals. Star-Advertiser.

How Climate Change Will Affect Hawaii’s Favorite Fish. Hawaii’s beloved bigeye tuna will be smaller, less abundant and farther away for local fishermen to catch as the Pacific heats up with global warming, scientists project. Civil Beat.

Backlog for Hawaii property title certificates now 6 years. Somewhere in the bowels of the Kalanimoku Building behind Hono­lulu Hale is a massive state government paperwork jam for certifying ownership of real estate in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Charter schools show growth in number of students. The number of students in Hawaii’s charter schools rose again this year while overall public school enrollment dipped slightly. Star-Advertiser.

Vanilla, Chocolate Sweeten Hawaii Agritourism. Farmers’ focus on new crops helps mesh two distinct industries in the Aloha State: tourism and agriculture. U.S. News & World Report.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha led criminal case into Board of Water Supply’s billing practices, but was it real? Like so many Hawaii residents, Katherine Kealoha was fed up with her utility bills, especially her bills from the Board of Water Supply. Hawaii News Now.

New Trial For Grandma Who Sued Katherine Kealoha And Lost. A 100-year-old woman who sued her prosecutor granddaughter in a financial dispute and lost is getting a new trial. Associated Press.

Honolulu ranked ninth in a recent ranking of 20 cities with the worst traffic by Insurify, a website that compares auto insurance rates. With a congestion level of 28% and average commute time of 29.1 minutes, Honolulu was not as bad as San Francisco (No. 3), but worse than other cities, including Boston (No. 13) and Portland, Ore. (No. 15). Star-Advertiser.

City tells DOT it has no plans for Laniakea park, urges barriers be put back. Traffic and safety at Laniakea on Oahu’s North Shore is being revisited yet again. KHON2.

UH Receives $5.3M for ‘World-Famous’ Reproductive Lab. The Institute of Biogenesis Research gained its popularity after producing mice that glow a greenish color when placed under ultraviolet light. Maui Now.

Abandoned vessel sinks off Ala Wai Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard said an abandoned vessel that was being towed by the state sank off Ala Wai Harbor Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Bird invasion threatens Waikele community. The community has spent over $140,000 fixing damage caused by these birds. KITV.

Civil Beat Wins National Award For General Excellence. The Online News Association is the world’s largest organization for digital journalism. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council asking county leaders to brainstorm new waste, energy ideas. With Hawaii Island’s zero waste and renewable energy programs only trudging along, it’s time for a major paradigm shift, county officials say. West Hawaii Today.

Funding recovery: County has so far spent nearly $10M in response to 2018 Kilauea eruption. Hawaii County could receive more than $300 million in state and federal funding to support recovery and response efforts stemming from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, but only a portion of funding has so far been obtained and even less has been spent as the county works to cement long-term recovery plans. Tribune-Herald.

Disaster losses - including those from lava and VOG from the the Kīlauea eruption, as well as Hurricane Lane - will be eligible for assistance. USDA Offers Disaster Assistance For Hawaii Farmers, Meetings Set. Big Island Video News.

County asks court to order property owners to clear homeless camp. After the owners of a property that has become a homeless encampment in downtown Hilo failed to appear at a court hearing Friday, a judge granted a motion to compel them to clear the property. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Brewing chugs along on construction of new facility. Construction is moving along at Kona Brewing Co.’s new brewery, with the first kegs and cans of beer targeted to roll off the line next spring. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More testimony expected on Maui appeal to Supreme Court. The Maui County Council is set to receive public testimony Friday about a resolution to drop the county’s appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding its discharge of treated wastewater from its Lahaina plant. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai rancher hopes to expand local beef production through his new company. A major Kauai rancher has new plans to expand the statewide supply of locally raised beef after taking control of Oahu’s only slaughterhouse as part of a business separation. Star-Advertiser.

A farm for everyone. The 11-acre farm at Timbers Kauai at Hokuala isn’t just for luxury owners and vacationers. It’s an amenity for island residents, too. Garden Island.

Island’s hemp industry focus of business group’s meeting. The Lihue Business Association will be focusing on industrial hemp farming and the progress of the pilot programs on Kauai, during its monthly meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Garden Island.

Molokai

$8.5 million bridge in works for Molokai’s south side. Replacement proposed for Makakupaia Bridge built in 1940. Maui News.

DLNR claims TMT protesters destroying endangered species, Augie T. mulls council bid, state cracks down on CBD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pu'u Huluhulu near Mauna Kea protest campsite ©2019 All Hawaii News

State warns of damage to endangered plants at TMT protest site. State conservation enforcement officers are investigating the destruction of four endangered Hawaiian vines in the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve near Puu Huluhulu, the site where protesters have been blocking Mauna Kea Access Road for the last two months. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR is concerned Mauna Kea demonstrations may be harming native plants. State wildlife officials are concerned about native plants and animals being harmed during the ongoing demonstrations at Mauna Kea. KHON2.

DLNR: Endangered vines destroyed at protest site. The state Department of Natural Resources reported Thursday that four endangered vines have been destroyed during the occupation of Pu‘u Huluhulu. Tribune-Herald.

State Raises Puuhuluhulu Impact Concerns, Kanaka Rangers Respond. The DLNR says it is investigating environmental impacts, while the Kanaka Rangers say they are closing the guided educational walks of the kipuka. Big Island Video News.

Officials Express Concern About Protestors’ Impact on Maunakea Environment. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) is investigating the possible destruction of four, endangered Hawaiian ʻānunu vines in the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve, a Sept. 12, 2019, press release from the DLNR disclosed. Big Island Now.

DLNR: Mauna Kea protectors impacting endangered plants, animals. During a press conference on Thursday, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources announced claims demonstrators on the mountain are negatively impacting endangered plants and animals. KITV.

Ige hits back at Mauna Kea telescope protesters over flag ‘tactics’. Nearly a week after state crews used a saw to cut through the door of an illegal structure at a Mauna Kea protest camp, Governor Ige has accused activists of baiting law enforcement crews with the Hawaiian flag that had been affixed to the building. Hawaii News Now.

=====

State officials cracking down on unregulated CBD products. Growing national concern over the safety of unregulated CBD is prompting state health officials to target retailers selling products appealing to children and marketed for vaping. Star-Advertiser.

Experts tell lawmakers: Localize Hawaii’s CBD industry to safeguard consumers. On Thursday, lawmakers were given an education on the benefits and dangers of the increasingly popular drug that’s now flooding the marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Residents Report Low Rates of Food Insecurity, The Reality May Be Much Different. Fewer Americans are struggling with hunger than at any point since 2007, according to federal statistics. But local anti-hunger organizations say that data doesn’t tell the full story. Hawaii Public Radio.

State: Don’t buy rape kit. Hawaii’s attorney general added her voice to the growing number of state attorneys general speaking out against the MeToo rape evidence collection kit.  Tribune-Herald.

Report: Poor Kids Have Less Access To Sports In Hawaii. A lack of programs throughout the state contributes to inability to participate in high-quality sports experiences for many kids. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Comedian Augie T. Eyes Honolulu City Council Run. Augie Tulba is raising cash in a possible bid for Ron Menor’s seat. Civil Beat.

Pay Hikes For Water Board Engineers Outpace Other City Officials. And check out what we’re paying Honolulu City Council members and other employees of the city’s legislative branch. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s, Public Defender’s offices team up to offer homeless services. A deputy prosecutor and a deputy public defender, normally adversaries in court, have joined forces with the growing number of police officers and outreach workers taking to the streets, sidewalks and parks to make personal contact and offer services directly to the homeless in tackling one of Oahu’s most intractable problems. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance For Hawaii Farmers, Meetings Set. Disaster losses - including those from lava and VOG from the the Kīlauea eruption, as well as Hurricane Lane - will be eligible for assistance. Big Island Video News.

TMT traffic enforcement: 24 arrests, 2,237 tickets. The four-week-long campaign of enhanced traffic enforcement on Daniel K. Inouye Highway near the Thirty Meter Telescope protest and encampment site has netted 2,237 traffic citations and 24 arrests for 39 offenses, the Hawaii Police Department said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

4 endangered Hawaiian monk seals admitted to Ke Kai Ola. Four endangered Hawaiian monk seals rescued from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are receiving care at Ke Kai Ola in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

4 rescued monk seal pups thriving at Big Island’s Ke Kai Ola. our malnourished monk seal pups rescued from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument are now doing well in the care of Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s monk seal hospital in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Mayor begins county budget hearings for fiscal year 2020-21. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino and his administration are presenting a series of community meetings this month and next month — beginning Monday — to receive public comments and suggestions on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21. Maui News.

PUC OKs Hana Water System refund proposal. Hana Water Systems’ proposal to refund nearly $17,000 to customers who were overcharged for water services was approved Friday by the state Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center to Close for 12 Months Starting Oct. 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

South Shore rezoning bill stalls. A bill that would restore zoning within specific areas of Kalaheo and Koloa has been deferred. Garden Island.

Ride the bus for free Sept. 20. The county Transportation Agency announced that all ride The Kauai Bus free on Friday, Sept. 20, Ride the Bus Day. Garden Island.

Coral bleaching worries scientists, lawsuit threatened over rumors of Ige's TMT ties, CBD products impure, Honolulu cracks down on vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral bleaching from 2011 event off Hawaii Island ©2019 All Hawaii News

Coral bleaching appears off Maui as ocean heats up. State officials said signs of severe and widespread coral bleaching event, as earlier predicted, are already apparent along reefs off of Maui due to higher than average ocean temperatures. Star-Advertiser.

High Summer Temperatures Linked to Coral Bleaching. Researchers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources have observed a coral bleaching event that they link to Hawaii’s record breaking high temperatures this summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Coral Bleaching Already Underway As Hawaii Waters Heat Up. Reefs off Maui Nui are showing impacts, the state reports, as a severe and widespread coral bleaching event is predicted to occur this year. Big Island Video News.

Coral bleaching already being seen in Hawaii waters. State scientists say they’re already beginning to see coral bleaching in Hawaii’s warmer-than-average waters. Hawaii News Now.

Coral Bleaching Event Has Begun in Hawaiian Waters. The severe and widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is already occurring along reefs across the state, according to a Sept. 11, 2019, press release from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Now.

Bleached corals found. Corals in Hawaii have started bleaching, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and local reports show concern for some of Kauai’s corals as well. Garden Island.

Predicted Coral Bleaching Already Appearing off Molokini and South Maui. The severe and widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is already occurring along reefs across the state, according to information compiled by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

=====

Top Hawaii Sheriff Officials Lacked Basic Training For Decades. Three years after news reports first surfaced questioning a lack of training, the state Department of Public Safety finally releases records confirming the lapse. Civil Beat.

HNN investigation finds bacteria, inaccurate potency in popular CBD products. HNN-commissioned tests of seven CBD products purchased in Hawaii stores found that the potency of cannabidiol in products wasn’t the same as what was on the label in every single case. Hawaii News Now.

UH Enrollment Drops 3 Percent. Fewer students means less revenue for the university system. Civil Beat.

State Meets on Resilience in Face of Disaster. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green hosted the inaugural meeting of the 2019 Hawaii Maritime Regional Resiliency Assessment Program at the Hawaii State Capital on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. Big Island Now.

Event Focuses on Preparedness for Catastrophic Incidents. Government officials convened on Tuesday to discuss how Hawaii can better prepare for and recover from catastrophic incidents that impact the stateʻs ability to provide goods and services. Maui Now.

Hawaii Gears Up To Make Sure All Residents Are Counted In 2020 Census. The census will determine revenues for many programs, including those that serve Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

=====

High profile attorney threatens to sue over ‘vicious’ TMT rumors. Attorney Michael Green is representing a couple that’s threatening to sue people who are spreading rumors that Gov. Ige has financial ties to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Protest might be harming endangered plants. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating how the occupation of Maunakea Access Road might be harming a rare native Hawaiian plant and several other endangered species. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Has Been Mulling Mauna Kea Management Changes For Months. With the Thirty Meter Telescope project delayed by opposition, news reports say the mayor plans to recommend changes to the Mauna Kea management structure. It won't be the first time he has done so. Big Island Video News.

Trustee Asks OHA to put TMT Back on Agenda. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Dan Ahuna penned a letter to fellow trustees requesting the Thirty Meter Telescope project be added to the agenda so the OHA Board can “consider its position on the project.” Big Island Now.

Full interview with Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim about TMT and other issues related to Mauna Kea. KHON2.

Oahu

Officials step up citations for illegal rentals. The number of violation notices issued by the city to operators for allegedly advertising unpermitted short-term rentals has risen to 37 with more anticipated in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

First fines may soon be issued under Honolulu’s strict vacation rental law. City officials say the Department of Planning and Permitting issued 37 notices of violation to vacation rental operators suspected of advertising illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

City sends out dozens of notices of violation to short-term rental operators. The City Department of Planning and Permitting has given out 37 notices of violation for short-term rental advertising. KHON2.

=====

New conviction-eviction law for public housing. People convicted of serious crimes and allowed to remain in taxpayer-funded public housing projects — has been a source of frustration for taxpayers. KHON2.

Kahuku wind farm plan challenged again. A Hawaii environmental group hailed by Kahuku residents made a new bid to stop development of a third wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

‘This Is Our Mauna Kea’: Oahu Wind Farm Opponents Say They’re Inspired By Big Island Protests. The movement on Mauna Kea is motivating others to assert collective power over land-use decisions, even at the last minute. Civil Beat.

Power unstable at Terminals 1 and 2 at Honolulu airport. Electrical power was unstable at Terminals 1 and 2 today at Daniel K. Inouye Airport, but did not affect any flights. Star-Advertiser.

New Aloha Stadium may be ready in 2023, firm says. Having the new Aloha Stadium ready for a 2023 football season opening is “eminently do-able, sensible and economical,” said the head of the company overseeing the project for the state. Star-Advertiser.

State scrapping Navatek, but boaters might be on the hook to cover costs. The state is finally dismantling and removing the Navatek II, a derelict catamaran, from the gateway of Waikiki where it has sat since May. Star-Advertiser.

Crews to begin removing Navatek II near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Work to dispose of the large catamaran at the start of Waikiki is beginning. Hawaii News Now.

Greater Potential For Micromobility Transit In Honolulu Than Any Other U.S. City. A new report finds that Honolulu has more potential for micro-mobility than any other American city, primarily due to the prevalence of car trips measuring less than 3 miles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lanai Lookout and the parking lot off of Kalanianaole Highway in East Oahu will be closed on Monday as crews film an episode of “Hawaii Five-0,” according to state transportation officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Abandoned vehicle program on a roll. The Hawaii County Council is fixing a glitch in a law that allows the county to haul abandoned vehicles from county property, but not state or federal property. West Hawaii Today.

Highways Administrator Apologizes For Puna “Carmegeddon”. Ed Sniffen, the Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division administrator, took questions from the Hawaii County Council on the traffic mess that occurred in Puna a few weeks ago. Big Island Video News.

Waimea roadwork will trigger lane closures starting Monday. The commute to, from and through Waimea will be more difficult in the coming months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Factual report on fatal helicopter crash released. Debris recovered earlier this year. The fuselage of a Robinson Helicopter R44 that crashed in the ocean off Molokai two years ago, killing two aboard, was severely fragmented and partially embedded in the ocean floor, according to video from an underwater remotely-operated vehicle at the crash site. Maui News.

Plane That Ran off Runway in Kapalua Had Trouble Slowing Down, Report Finds. A Mokulele Airlines plane that swerved off a runway at Kapalua Airport last month had trouble decelerating, according to a preliminary report that the National Transportation Safety Board issued on Wednesday. Maui Now.

East Maui water improvements topic. Meetings to provide updates on East Maui water system improvements for area farmers will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at Haiku Elementary School and 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Keanae Congregational Church. Maui News.

Kauai

Council votes ‘no’ to pension overtime cap. A bill that would have placed a cap on the amount of overtime considered to be “compensation” for pension retirement benefits, won’t be included in the 2020 Hawaii State Association of Counties Legislative Package. Garden Island.

Partial lane closure in Kapaa. The public is advised that there will be a partial one-lane road closure on Kuhio Highway on the outermost northbound lane between Papaloa Road and Aleka Loop in Kapaa today from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.  Garden Island.

Hawaii poverty rate drops, legislators probe AI impacts, first vape lung case reported, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki sidewalk scene © 2019 All Hawaii News

High Costs Make Hawaii’s Poverty Rate Higher Than U.S. Average. New census data shows that the poverty rate is down from last year but that Hawaii residents still struggle with the high costs of housing and other necessities. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers discuss how artificial intelligence could impact Hawaii's workforce. Unite Here Local 5 tell KITV, members are concerned front desk positions will be among the first positions to go. KITV.

=====

Teen hospitalized with Hawaii’s first suspected case of vaping-linked respiratory illness. A teenage girl on the Big Island is hospitalized with what state health officials fear is the first case of a vaping-linked severe respiratory illness in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials investigating state’s first vaping-related illness in Big Island youth. The Department of Health issued a warning Tuesday after a Hawaii island youth was hospitalized for a “serious lung injury” that may be linked to the use of e-cigarettes. Star-Advertiser.

State DOH investigating lung injury; incident could be related to vaping. A Big Island youth has a serious lung injury possibly related to the use of electronic smoking devices, or vaping, said state health officials Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Possible Severe Respiratory Illness From Vaping Investigated In Hawaii. The Hawai‘i Department of Health is investigating a case of severe respiratory illness related to e-cigarette use, state officials say. Big Island Video News.

Vaping Disease, Possible First Case in Hawaii. DOH is investigating the first report of this possible case in a Hawaii Island resident under the age of 18 years. Big Island Now.

Hawaii investigates vaping illness. The Hawaii Department of Health is investigating the state’s first report of a possible case of vaping-associated severe respiratory illness in a resident under the age of 18 on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

State investigates first possible case of vaping-associated lung illness. The serious lung injury was reported earlier this week and health officials are aggressively gathering patient information to determine the cause of the illness. KHON2.

High percentage of high school teens vaping illegally. By Hawaii state law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to have or use vaping products. However, studies show Hawaii has some of the highest numbers when it comes to underage users. KHON2.

=====

Hawaii Students Feel Safer At School, But Not Everywhere. The 2018-19 School Climate Survey from the Hawaii Department of Education shows a wide discrepancy in student safety responses among public high schools. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Leaders of a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore seek compromise but residents say ‘no more’. Another wind farm company tried to make a good impression on Oahu's North Shore Tuesday, but the critics aren't budging. Hawaii News Now.

State leaders and developers celebrated the completion of the largest block of grid-scale solar power in the state. Clearway Energy Group turned on the power at projects in Kawailoa, Waipio and Mililani on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Developer breaks ground on Waikiki rental tower. Dene Oliver, chief vision officer of mixed-use development for Canadian-­based Brookfield Properties, said the 28-story tower with 402 mostly market-priced apartments will feature a full-service grocery store affiliated with Foodland Farms, other retail tenants and a garden around an existing banyan tree at the Kuhio Avenue site occupied by a Food Pantry store and other businesses until recently. Star-Advertiser.

State’s largest solar block goes online. The sun was shining brightly in Mili­lani on Tuesday as officials welcomed the the state’s largest collection of solar farms, a trio of sun-powered projects that will generate enough electricity to light up nearly 18,000 homes. Star-Advertiser.

New cash smuggling allegations raised against Filipino mega-church officials. Felina Salinas, a Hawaii manager for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church, has been charged with trying to smuggle more than $300,000 in cash from Hawaii to the Philippines last year on the private jet of the church’s founder, Apollo Quiboloy. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island mayor floats plan to transfer Mauna Kea governance. Hawaii county Mayor Harry Kim is proposing a long-range Mauna Kea management plan that would transfer governance of the mountain away from the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kim Proposes Giving Native Hawaiians A Say In Managing Mauna Kea. The Hawaii County mayor’s plan would make the University of Hawaii share management with other groups in an umbrella agency. Gov. David Ige says he supports the idea but many details must be worked out. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive $12M in federal funds for roads damaged by eruption. Hawaii will receive more than than $12 million in federal funds to repair damaged roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Jury selection starts in accomplice case. Jury selection began Tuesday for the trial of three accomplices accused of aiding suspected cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Some vacation rental owners bow out before Sept. 30 permit application deadline. The deadline for vacation rental owners to apply for a permit to continue to operate draws near, but some owners already threw in the towel. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is the most ethnically diverse college campus, according to new rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Students at UH Hilo in fall 2018 reported being 22.4 percent Asian, 36.1 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 22.5 percent white and 13.9 percent of two or more races. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Schools on List of Those With Largest Enrollment. Maui High School was the fifth largest in the state with 2,082 students; Maui Waena is the fifth largest intermediate school in the state with 1,162 students; Kahului is the fourth largest elementary school with 933 students and Kīhei Charter School is the fifth largest charter school in the state with 689 students. Maui Now.

Maui sushi bar shut down by inspectors due to roaches, rats. State health officials announced Tuesday that a red placard has been issued to Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar in Kahului, Maui, closing it down for extensive rodent and pest infestations. Star-Advertiser.

Red “Closed” Placard Issued to Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar on Maui. The Hawaii Department of Health Sanitation Branch has posted a red “Closed” placard at Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar located at 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue, #23 in Kahului on Maui for an “extensive rodent and pest infestation". Maui Now.

MECO set to take over 4 EVohana fast-charging sites. Number is 4 less than utility originally planned in March. Maui News.


Kauai

Rezoning the South Shore. A bill to be discussed at today’s county council meeting is essentially restoring the zoning of specific areas on the South Shore back to what it was before. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe trolling set this weekend. Trolling in the waters of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve will be allowed Saturday and Sunday and Sept. 28-29, according to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. Maui News.

Hawaii happiest state, hula reduces heart attack risk, Caldwell mulls gubernatorial bid, Mauna Kea astronomers selling off equipment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii senior hula dancer ©2019 All Hawaii News

Study finds hula can ‘significantly’ reduce risk for heart disease. Results of a five-year study with more than 260 Native Hawaiian participants found that hula “significantly” reduced a patient’s risk for heart disease. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Named Happiest State in the Nation. WalletHub compared the states across 31 key indicators of happiness to determine where Americans had the highest satisfaction with life.  Maui Now.

Respecting culture among topics of HTA’s new ‘Kuleana Campaign’ for visitors. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is rolling out a new campaign targeted at educating visitors to the islands. They’re calling it the ‘Kuleana Campaign.’ They’ve created special videos to teach tourists cultural etiquette. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority releases visitor safety videos. From drownings to hiking tragedies, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has become involved in making sure visitors are more aware of Hawaii’s hidden dangers. KHON2.

Hawaii’s need for doctors continues to fall behind a growing demand. Hawaii’s supply of doctors is the lowest since 2015 as aging physicians retire and younger ones move to the mainland for better-paying jobs. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Gabbard says she’s closer to the debate stage, despite national reports to the contrary. National reports to the contrary, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she secured her third qualifying poll on Sunday, leaving her one poll short of making October’s Democratic presidential primary debate. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell: ‘I’m seriously looking at running for governor’. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he’s “seriously looking at running for governor” in the next election come 2022. Hawaii News Now.

Sea Turtles For Swordfish? Feds May Lift Cap On Endangered Species. Wespac has proposed easing federal regulations on the incidental entangling of loggerhead turtles by commercial longliners. Endangered turtles are at the center of a dispute between fishing regulators and environmentalists over how many turtles are too many to lose each year to fishermen on the hunt for swordfish in the waters off Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Boat Harbor Fee Hikes to Help Delayed Maintenance. Fees for Hawaiʻiʻs small boat harbors and boating facilities will increase soon, a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui Now.

Increased boat harbor, commercial use permit fees go into effect Nov. 1. Big Island boaters will be doling out more green come November when increased fees for small boat harbor users and commercial operators on state waters go into effect. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Kim’s Maunakea plan could be delivered to Gov. Ige this week. Mayor Harry Kim on Monday said he believes that no police escalation will occur until his role as a mediator between the state and the Hawaiian community has been completed. Tribune-Herald.

TMT Protesters Who Flocked To Mauna Kea For A Showdown Are Still Waiting. Protest leaders say the alarm bells went off when many sources consistently reported that a move to clear the road to the summit would happen this week. Civil Beat.

After a night filled with anxiety over a possible law enforcement action – and a few false alarms – the hundreds gathered in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea greeted the sunrise on Monday morning. Big Island Video News.

Rumors of Mauna Kea sweeps run rampant on social media, causing worry for some. An overnight false alarm and social media rumors over the weekend sparked all hands on deck of an estimated 1,000-plus people at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Social media fueling concerns atop Mauna Kea. KITV.

If TMT goes, billions of research dollars could go with it. The man in charge of research and innovation at the University of Hawaii says there’s more at stake in the Thirty Meter Telescope impasse than the loss of an important astronomy outpost. Star-Advertiser.

Tour companies trying to hang on. Maunakea tour companies are restructuring and selling off equipment as the closure of the access road and inability to conduct stargazing tours stretches into the ninth week. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell traveling to Atlanta for Smart City Expo. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is traveling to Atlanta, Georgia tonight to represent Honolulu at Smart City Expo Atlanta – a leading national conference focused on urban technology and innovation. He is scheduled to return to O‘ahu on Saturday, Sept. 14. KHON2.

Will Hawaii Electric Customers Ever Save Money With Renewable Energy?. A regulatory scheme designed to create savings for consumers is unfolding even as Hawaiian Electric proposes a rate increase for Oahu. Civil Beat.

New lab safety software implemented at UH Manoa following 2016 explosion. More than 3 years after a lab explosion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the school’s department of Environmental Health and Safety Office implemented a new laboratory safety software platform called the “UH Safety Solutions," or UHSS. Hawaii News Now.

Nursery on Sand Island experiments with coral to speed up the healing of reefs. n Oahu’s Sand Island a small team of coral specialists and technicians has been working for years to restore the slow-growing coral reefs in Hawaii that are being subjected to increasingly frequent bleaching events. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Land secured, Ka'u nonprofit looking to build big time skate park. A Ka‘u community is coming together in a grassroots effort to bring a multi-purpose recreational center to their region. West Hawaii Today.

Company Introduces QR Codes for Kona Coffee. The Kona Coffee brand has been a point of contention and market confusion for decades. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Electric to Lower Electric Vehicle Charging Rates. The Maui Electric Company is taking over four electric vehicle charging stations throughout Maui. Maui Now.

Eight Citations Issued at Maui Convoy; Aloha Aina Observance Planned in October. Maui police issued a total of eight traffic citations during a Mauna Convoy at Kahului Airport on Monday afternoon. Maui Now.


Kauai

Council to address ‘pension spiking’. A bill for an act for possible inclusion in the 2020 Hawaii State Association of Counties Legislative Package, proposed by councilmembers Mason Chock and Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa, is attempting to address pension reform. Garden Island.

Restoring trust and the watershed. There’s a need to establish trust between hunters and gatherers on Kauai and the state that manages the forests upon which they rely to feed their families. Garden Island.

Kauai Superintendent Bill Arakaki has announced his retirement. Garden Island.

Lanai

As tensions over TMT run high, plan to build small observatory in Lanai faces scrutiny. Residents gathered Monday for an informational meeting about the Manale Observatory project. Pulama Lanai wants to build the facility on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Hawaii News Now.

Monk seals, sea turtles thriving, cannabis unprofitable, Senate plans special session for confirmations, Maui mayor criticizes injection well settlement plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honu sea turtle at Hawaii park ©2019 All Hawaii News

NOAA scientists report good news on monk seals and sea turtles. A team of researchers recently returned to Honolulu with positive news on Hawaiian marine life in the remote Papahanau­mo­kuakea Marine National Monument 1,500 miles northwest of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Special Session Planned On Hawaii Court Nominees. The Hawaii Senate is scheduled to convene Sept. 16 in special session to review nominees to the state courts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pakalolo profits have yet to light up in Hawaii. Two years after Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened on Maui, the legal pot industry in Hawaii has yet to achieve profitability. Star-Advertiser.

UH Will Ask The Legislature For Money To Build, Demolish And Consolidate. A Board of Regents committee on Thursday OK’d a $236.5 million proposal for 2021 as part of a six-year modernization effort. Civil Beat.

New law requires Hawaii’s private schools to be licensed or accredited. All private schools in Hawaii will need to be licensed or accredited by July 1, and students attending schools that do not comply will be considered truant under a bill signed by Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Retired Judge Appointed To Prison Oversight Commission. Mike Town, who retired in 2010, was appointed by Senate President Ron Kouchi. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s 129 Judges Are The Top Paid Judiciary Employees. They’re getting smaller raises these days, which concerns the chief justice who says qualified judges are hard to find. Civil Beat.

Why Is Tulsi Gabbard Paying This Obscure Consultant Big Bucks? Kris Robinson grew up in the same controversial religious sect as Gabbard. Now, he’s one of the top-paid vendors on her 2020 presidential campaign. Civil Beat.

=====

Social media post attempts to link Gov. Ige to impropriety with TMT. A social media post from Mauna Kea activists goes on the offense against the Governor and his wife Dawn. The governor denies the allegation. KITV.

2 Arrested As State Demolishes Structure Built By TMT Opponents On Mauna Kea. A protest leader said the house was constructed as an education space for kids, but the builders knew it wasn’t legal or sanctioned by anti-TMT leaders. Associated Press.

Overall costs of Mauna Kea law enforcement remain hazy. The Attorney General’s Office continues to withhold information about the overall costs of the state’s law enforcement efforts on Mauna Kea, where demonstrators have been blocking the road leading to the construction site of the Thirty Meter Telescope for nearly two months. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents go mobile with protest along Oahu roadways. Hundreds of vehicles driving from Hawaii Kai to Maili Beach Park on Sunday in opposition to the planned Thirty Meter Telescope on Hawaii island were greeted along the way with signs, Hawaii flags and people pushing their thumbs and forefingers together in a symbol of support for Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Mauna Kea protectors led convoy from Hawaii Kai to Waianae. Hundreds of Kiai or protectors of Mauna Kea took their cause to Oahu's roads Sunday morning for a convoy. KITV.

Ku Kiai Mauna leads Mauna Convoy from Maunalua Bay to Maili Beach Park. KHON2.

Government denies rumors of Monday sweep of TMT demonstrators. The Big Island Mayor's office denies rumors of a law enforcement sweep before dawn on Monday morning at Mauna Kea. KITV.

TMT opponents expecting sweep this week. About 1,000 opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope massed at Mauna Kea Access Road by early afternoon Sunday as protest organizers summoned their supporters to prepare for a possible law enforcement sweep of the road as early as today. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian activists threaten legal action over Mauna Kea Access Road. Some Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries say the state acted illegally by allowing the building of the Mauna Kea access road, which they allege is theft of Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

DHHL, city land swap for rail stirs questions. Another pending land swap involving the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is raising questions about whether the agency’s Native Hawaiian beneficiaries are getting the short end of the deal. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for new stadium taking shape. Incrementally constructing the new Aloha Stadium on the site of the present facility while tearing down the old one is among three preliminary concept options laid out in a just-released report for the Stadium Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira is asking the County Council to fast-track approval for a three-year contract for Hele-On bus service, although she doesn’t plan to disclose the vendor or the contract amount until after the matter is approved. West Hawaii Today.

Rain, no vog appear to be helping Kona coffee crop, though diseases and labor shortage present challenges. A combination of above-average rainfall and vog-free skies appears to have set up Kona coffee farmers for a better season this year, but a couple challenges are cropping up. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island’s coffee belt sees record rainfall in August. August was a very wet month for the Kona coffee belt. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo planning for the future. Last updated nearly a decade ago, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is working to redo its strategic plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor 'Disappointed' In County Committee Backing Of Settlement In Wastewater Case. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Sunday criticized a decision by a County Council committee to recommend acceptance of a settlement proposal with environmental groups that sued over the use of injection wells. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County Committee Agrees To Settle Injection Well Case. Maui County officials have recommended settling with environmental groups that sued over the use of injection wells. Associated Press.

Planning Department to be Short-Staffed During Statewide Conference. The County of Maui Planning Department will be hosting the annual Hawaii Congress of Planning Officials from Sept. 11 to 13. Maui Now.

County leaders draw names, excitement in home program. The County of Maui in August collected applications for its First-Time Home Buyers Down Payment Assistance Program. Maui News.

Kauai

Abandoned vehicles on the rise. In fiscal year 2019, the Kauai Police Department had 653 vehicles towed, and currently has more than 270 pending complaints. Garden Island.

Sediment sentiment. Periodically the state Department of Land and Natural Resources contracts a company to remove sand from the river mouth and restore flow back into the ocean, but the results never seem to last long. Garden Island

Ohia seed collection a success. A team of volunteers, state officials and county organizations combating rapid ohia death has just finished their first-ever seed-collecting event, and organizers are hailing it as a success. Garden Island.

Feds approve Honolulu rail recovery plan, HART staffer keeps job despite vote-rigging conviction, Ala Moana Park upgrades progressing, Kauai still seeks auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

Rail recovery funds get federal approval. The Federal Transit Administration finally has approved the city’s recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, a development that rail authority Executive Director Andrew Robbins called a “significant milestone” for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Approve Rail’s Recovery Plan, Signaling Continued Support. The FTA won’t release rail’s remaining $744 million, however, until the project’s actual costs are clearer. Civil Beat.

In ‘milestone,’ feds approve recovery plan for city’s beleaguered rail project. Despite ongoing concerns over construction of Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the rail authority’s revised recovery plan. Hawaii News Now.

Feds approve recovery plan for Honolulu rail project. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration approved HART's recovery plan for rail on Thursday. KITV.

FTA Approves of HART Honolulu Rail Recovery Plan. The approval clears the way for the remaining $743+ million in federal funding for the project to be released as outlined in the Full Funding Grant Agreement. Maui Now.

Federal rail payout depends on City Center bid prices. After years in limbo and federal money frozen for Honolulu’s rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the project’s recovery plan. KHON2.

=====

HART Boss Sees No Reason To Fire Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging. The rail agency’s top executive won’t say who’s advising him to keep Russell Yamanoha at HART after his plea deal. Civil Beat.

Despite conviction, rail spokesman allowed to stay on the job. A rail official who pleaded guilty earlier this week to falsifying the results of an election when he worked for a Hawaii union will keep his job for now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Caldwell gives update on Ala Moana Regional Park’s master plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday hailed the completion of key renovations at Ala Moana Regional Park and took aim at critics of his far-ranging master plan for Oahu’s most popular recreational stop, calling the critics “a very small group of people.” Star-Advertiser.

City shows off much-needed upgrades to Honolulu’s most popular park. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showed off improvements to Ala Moana Beach Park on Thursday, including newly-renovated bathrooms at the Ewa end of the park. Hawaii News Now.

Kirk Caldwell holds presser to discuss Ala Moana Regional Park improvement projects. At a press conference earlier today, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell discussed progress at Ala Moana Beach Park and future renovation projects. KHON2.

=====

Board balks at landfill plan. A community panel Wednesday night took a stand against expanding a construction debris landfill in Nanakuli after two hours of sometimes heated testimony. Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board supports banning helicopter tours over Kailua. Kailua neighborhood board members passed a resolution on Thursday requesting the FAA to ban all helicopter tours over their community. Hawaii News Now.

New ambulances raise safety concerns for paramedics. New ambulances for EMS on Oahu had to be taken off the road after complaints were filed to the state labor department. KHON2.

Alleged legal tours to Haiku Stairs faces push back. But the Board of Water Supply, the owner of the stairs and some land surrounding it says there's no legal way. KITV.

A new $310 million Mauka Concourse underway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is designed to increase the number of passengers boarding a plane at the state’s largest airport by about another 1.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales decline, prices mixed, over 12 months ending in August. Sales of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu declined by 8% over the last 12 months as median prices were mixed, with single-family homes rising by 2% and condos declining by 2%, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Upped Traffic Enforcement on Maunakea. Police efforts during the new weeklong period covering last Thursday, Aug. 29 to Thursday, Sept. 5 has resulted in the issuance of an additional 566 traffic citations and three suspects arrested for five offenses. Big Island Now.

=====

Kilauea lava triggered massive algae bloom. In the midst of the destruction during last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, scientists from the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California observed how one of nature’s most devastating forces can also create and sustain life. Tribune-Herald.

During the 2018 eruption, heat from the lava ocean entry caused nutrient-rich deep waters to rise, which led to a phytoplankton bloom, researchers say. Big Island Video News.

Here’s how rivers of lava flowing into the ocean created a massive algae bloom. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava stimulates phytoplankton bloom off Hawaii Island. KHON2.

=====

Team that captured first image of a black hole wins international award. About 30 scientists and engineers from two Maunakea observatories have won an international award for their involvement in the project that captured the first image of a black hole. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii scientists net ‘breakthrough’ award for first image of black hole. The team that captured the first image ever of a black hole has received a prestigious Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Flu hitting Big Island schools; vaccination program starts next month. Big Island schools have been back in session for a month, and already cases of influenza are being reported among the student population and staff members. West Hawaii Today.

Kuawa Street park completion date still uncertain. The completion of the Kuawa Street park is delayed yet again despite county officials in July saying the new ballfields were on track to open in August. Tribune-Herald.

Single-family home sales, prices jump on Hawaii Island in August. Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii Island jumped by 22% in August, compared to last year, and the median price rose 13%, while condominium sales and prices both declined for the month, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hike in illegal rental fines moves forward. Planning, vendor make enforcement progress. Maui News.

=====

New Maui traffic cameras now live on GoAkamai.org. Free for public use, the cameras provide real-time footage of traffic conditions at 10 key intersections on Maui. Maui News.

New Maui Traffic Camera Images Now Available Online. Department officials say the images will also provide additional tools for the state and counties to manage the roadway system. Maui Now.

New Maui traffic camera images available on GoAkamai.org. KHON2.

Kauai

Council still seeks an auditor. The Kauai County Council is still seeking qualified candidates for county auditor in the Office of the County Clerk. Garden Island.

County Council continues recruitment for County Auditor position. The Kauai County Council is continuing its ongoing recruitment and acceptance of applications for the position of County Auditor. KITV.

Who is responsible for regulating the number of passenger flights that arrive on the island every day? That was one of the main questions brought up at a recent County Council meeting during a discussion of the Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan 2019-2021, which aims to mitigate the effects of “overtourism.” Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 32% in August as sales drop. The median price of a condominium on Kauai soared by 32% last month even as sales dropped, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices declined, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.