Friday, December 3, 2010

Honolulu media reports on new rail pricetag, Pearl Harbor gears up for 69th anniversary, Speaker Say still counting votes, affordable housing bogs down on Big Island, Maui, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

It's a reality check for rail. Hawaii News Now.

An analysis of Honolulu's proposed rail transit system that Gov. Linda Lingle commissioned is raising serious concerns about its financial viability. Associated Press.

The proposed 20-mile rail transit system is likely to cost the city an additional $1.7 billion over the next 20 years, raising the total price tag to at least $7 billion, according to a state review of the project's finances. Star-Advertiser.

A state funded financial study of Honolulu’s rail project cautions about higher costs and lower ridership. KITV4.

Outgoing Governor Linda Lingle says she has given the City, and incoming Governor a 116-page final report her administration has compiled about the financial impact of rail. KHON2.

Outspoken critic of rail was part of group governor hired to assess the project's finances, raising questions about fairness of findings. Civil Beat.

We now have a price tag to go with Neil Abercrombie's gubernatorial victory: $4.1 million. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Speaker of the House Calvin Say is one vote short of keeping his leadership post, while his opponents are pushing for a compromise candidate. Associated Press.

Worried Hawaii farmers and ranchers say a ruling allowing a new cargo carrier to break up Young Brothers' inter-island shipping monopoly could result in higher prices and less locally produced food. Associated Press.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to violating the Endangered Species and Migratory Bird Treaty acts and paid fines totaling $40,000. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members will see a rise in their rates, although it will likely be minimal and won’t take place for a few years, to help pay for measures to protect endangered seabirds, a KIUC official said Thursday. Garden Island.

It's one of the swankiest locations for office space in all of East Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo is leasing it for almost $12,000 a month. Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Education has re-elected Garrett Toguchi to a third consecutive one-year term as chairman. Associated Press.

On Oahu’s Leeward Coast, Kamaile Academy plays an important role for Waianae’s families—38 percent of the charter school’s students are at-risk, 27 percent come from single mother families, 26 percent of their parents are on public assistance, 26 percent live in poverty, and 84 percent are Native Hawaiian students. Hawaii Independent.

The 69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is days away, and for this year's commemoration, the second phase of the new $56 million Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will be open to the public. KITV4.

Pearl Harbor survivors in Texas heading to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.


A new online tool makes it easy for people to see when, where and what kind of property crimes are being reported in their neighborhoods on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Lillian Koller announced today that Hawai‘i residents can now submit online applications for Medicaid and other forms of public health insurance. Hawaii Reporter.

As of January 2, 2011, most consumer fireworks like fountains and even sparklers will be illegal on Oahu.  KHON2.

A brighter future for Hawaii's improving hotel industry will lead a statewide economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

A group of beachgoers hope that a trail to Papaikou Mill Beach -- known by surfers as "The Mill" -- will become public. Tribune-Herald.

Oceanic telephone customers experienced a state-wide service outage Thursday night. KHON2.

A litigation cloud has been lifted from a $40 million Waikoloa affordable housing project, but battles continue on several other legal fronts. West Hawaii Today.

A Maui County Council committee rejected a proposed "fast-track" affordable housing project Wednesday - not based on its merits, which were not considered - but because of what panel members called "bad timing." Maui News.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management has scheduled decision-making on applications for existing use withdrawal permits from Na Wai Eha for April 20 to 21, but at a hearing Wednesday, almost all parties asked the commission to go slow. Maui News.

The Nature Conservancy’s Molokai office is sporting a new look – a large rooftop photovoltaic system that will significantly reduce energy  costs while providing enough power to meet the office’s electricity needs for years. Molokai Dispatch.
Hawaii County could lower its construction expenses by allowing public scrutiny of cost overruns and contract supplements, says Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong. Tribune-Herald.

John D. "J.D." Kim, a veteran Maui County deputy prosecutor with a reputation for intelligence and fairness, has been nominated to be on Maui County prosecuting attorney. Maui News.


Duke’s Beach House, the newest addition to T S Restaurants in Hawaii, will host its one-year anniversary party on Friday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. Lahaina News.

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