Friday, May 13, 2011

Waikiki Beach to be widened, new Disney resort to boost economy, state rep. fined for late finance reports, rail stirs council debate, another lawsuit, Big Island tackles redistricting, more Hawaii news

Waikiki sand (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A $2.5 million project to replenish the sand along a 1,700-foot shoreline of Waikiki Beach is finally set for completion by the first quarter of next year. Star-Advertiser.

The Magical world of Disney is coming to Ko Olina and this summer the Aulani Resort will officially welcome guests.KHON2.

The Walt Disney Co. plans to hire through the next six weeks most of the 800 workers needed for its much-anticipated Aulani Resort in West Oahu, providing a needed boost to the state's anemic job market. Star-Advertiser.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, will be among more than 140 employers meeting with job candidates at the WorkForce 2011 job fair on May 18. Pacific Business News

A sea of people wearing green “Keep the country country” shirts flooded last night’s Koolauloa North Shore Alliance’s Talk Story 3, regarding the future of Turtle Bay Resort, where a proposal to increase its current size of 500 hotel and condo units to 4,000 units—five new hotels and 1,000 luxury condominiums have been planned. Hawaii Independent.

State Rep. Mele Carroll has been fined $2,608 by the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission for the late filing of her 2010 election finance reports. Maui News.

When new retirement rules kick in next summer, state and county employees will have to work four extra years to earn a similar pension they would get under current rules. Civil Beat.

The last bales of trash at the Hawaiian Waste Systems facility in Campbell Industrial Park has been removed and delivered to a City waste disposal facility, according to the city. Hawaii News Now.

Challenging assumptions that the general excise tax surcharge and federal funds would be adequate to support the $5.3 billion rail transit system, City Council members pressed the city administration on proposed backup plans to pay for the system without tapping general fund money. Star-Advertiser.

A complaint has been filed in federal court seeking an injunction to halt Oahu's rail transit project. KITV4.

Hawaii's statewide campaign to raise funds for the survivors of the Japan earthquake and tsunamis has reached $6 million in donations. Associated Press.

The average price of gas in Hawaii dropped this week but continues to be the most expensive in the nation. Associated Press.

The annual Kaua‘i Marathon has generated over $5 million to the local economy in its first two years, according to organizers. But the event has yet to make a profit, and organizers have come before the County Council asking for substantial subsidies to keep the marathon running. Garden Island.

A Honolulu police officer implicated in an overtime abuse investigation has been found not guilty. KHON2.

A new law mandating how County Council districts are drawn almost ensures that Hilo will lose one of its three council seats, Puna will gain at least one additional seat and lines along the Kona coast will move significantly.  West Hawaii Today.

A University of Hawaii professor has won an award for outstanding national contribution to school librarianship. Associated Press.

Of the 2,800 known sex offenders currently living in Hawaii, around 650 of them are behind bars. Hawaii News Now.

The Ups and Downs of Traditional Hawaiian Fishponds. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed the county's Deputy Planning Director Michele Chouteau McLean as the chairwoman of the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission, the county announced Thursday afternoon. Maui News.

Move over Mt. Waialeale. Hawaii has a new "wettest spot" in the islands. KITV4.

A proposal to review Hawaii County's real property tax structure comes before the County Council's Finance Committee Monday morning. West Hawaii Today.

In response to the high volume of requests for changes and clarification, county officials have extended the deadline to May 31 for property owners to make changes to their residential refuse collection assessment. Garden Island.

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