Friday, August 27, 2010

DOT: 83 percent want ferry, special ed lawsuit revived, economic signals mixed, more Hawaii news

Fire officials anticipate the need to remain on the fire over the weekend. KHON2.

A large wildfire continued to rage on the northern slopes of Mauna Kea Wednesday afternoon, having so far consumed more than 1,300 acres of dry brush land. Meanwhile, a second Blackhawk helicopter joined in the effort to knock the fire out. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the basing and operation of 24 MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft as well as H-1 Cobra and Huey helicopters in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force units stationed in Hawaii. KHON2.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday, reversed a 2009 Hawaii District Court ruling that dismissed claims the state failed to provide adequate access to special education programs for disabled students. KITV.

A federal appeals court reinstated a lawsuit yesterday by the parents of two autistic daughters seeking money for what they say was the Department of Education's failure to provide them with appropriate special-education services. Star-Advertiser.

A public opinion survey of state transportation issues revealed a yearning for an interisland ferry, with 83 percent of those polled by SMS on behalf of the state Department of Transportation saying a marine transportation system should be part of the state's overall infrastructure, although pro-ferry sentiment was much weaker on Kauai. Maui News.

Gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann said on Thursday that just because the U.S. government plans to take over the former Hawaii Superferry vessels it does not mean his plan to bring back interisland ferry service to the state is sunk. KITV.

The occasion was a gubernatorial forum held at Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona. It was the first gubernatorial forum on the Big Island's west side this year. Civil Beat.

The Democrats on Thursday filed a suit to challenge the legality of the move that put Kapa‘a contractor Harry Williams, a Republican, in the race against incumbent state Rep. Mina Morita, D-Kapa‘a-Hanalei, for District 14 state representative. Garden Island.

Gov. Linda Lingle (R) accused Senator Dan Inouye of being dramatic when he begged her Wednesday to sign off on the Environmental Impact Statement to allow Oahu's rail transit project to move forward. KITV.

Twelve people, including a former California schools superintendent and two mothers who protested last school year's teacher furloughs, are running for three Oahu at-large seats on the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is facing a daunting set of economic and leadership challenges that go well beyond how the state recovers from a dogged economic downturn that has thrown tens of thousands of people out of work. Hawaii Reporter.

Despite a rebound in tourism...financial concerns for the City and County of Honolulu continue. KHON2.

The Big Island economy, which suffered more economic shrinkage than other parts of the state, has stopped shrinking and is now in slow recovery, First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Five men are scheduled to go on trial in October on charges that they conducted illegal shark feeding off Oahu's North Shore, renewing the debate over shark-encounter tours. Star-Advertiser.

It turns out Oahu’s booming shrimp wagon business has not been particularly good for the state’s struggling aquaculture industry. KITV.

Environmental officials are seeking mana`o from around the state for their management review process. They met with Molokai residents last week to get their input on the future of the state’s five humpback whale sanctuaries. Molokai Dispatch.

A rare Blainville's beaked whale rescued on Maui earlier this month is progressing in its recovery, officials said Thursday. Associated Press.

The trickle of local milk in Hawaii that grew last year to a small flow could be on the verge of significant expansion again. Star-Advertiser.

A company that leased equipment to Hawaiian Waste Systems says it wants its equipment back, and the money its owed. Hawaii News Now.

A lifeguard shortage at Puna's only public swimming pool is being offset with temporary hires and staffing reassignments, county parks Director Bob Fitzgerald said Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell tried to take discussion of the charges pending against him behind closed doors Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Lanai High School teacher Gaylien Kaho'ohalahala said Wednesday that he considers his brother, Sol Kaho'ohalahala, to be a member of his household in Lanai City. Maui News.

There were no surprises or fireworks between the candidates as more than 50 interested voters turned out for the West Maui Taxpayers Association’s Candidates’ Night on Aug. 15 at the Maui Theatre. Lahaina News.

Another school consolidation fight is brewing -- this time at Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School in Kaimuki. Star-Advertiser.

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