Hawaii has clean beaches, ag land in peril, Oahu low unemployment brings down state average, Earthjustice to sue Maui over wastewater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawai‘i’s beaches had the fourth cleanest water in the nation last year, according to an environmental action group’s report released Wednesday. Associated Press.

A national evaluation of two Big Island beaches has found both have a history of exceptional water quality. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers scrambled for news and contacted their union and government leaders Wednesday, two days ahead of the Department of Education's plan to unilaterally impose a 5 percent wage reduction and other contract conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Next week, many Hawaii public workers will receive less take-home pay, but others will see unexpected, if temporary, increases.Hawaii Reporter.

Paycuts and a bigger share of health premium costs are among the changes taking place Friday for most public employees. KHON2.

Two more appointees asked by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to resign say they will not do so. Civil Beat.

Attorneys for Earthjustice announced Wednesday they had filed a notice of intent to sue Maui County over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

The push to go green in Hawaii has reached the State Capitol. Employees are duking it out in the Battle of the Buildings - a national competition for the title of "most energy-efficient" workplace in the country. Hawaii News Now.

While Hawaii ranks low when compared to other states in terms of federal subsidies for farms, dozens of Hawaii farms and ranches have received funding from the federal government over the last 10 years. Hawaii Reporter.

Supporters of preserving Oahu’s ag land are preparing to rally against the proposed Hoopili Subdivision in the Honouliuli ahupuaa on the Ewa plains. The subdivision is being pushed by U.S. housing developer D.R. Horton Company. Honolulu Independent.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has prepared a new plan for managing the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu's North Shore over the next 15 years. Associated Press.

A freshman senator's efforts to preserve undeveloped South Kona state property are culminating in a bill signing Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Each year, the military opens the doors to its commissaries and exchanges to local businesses. Pacific Business News.

A contractor who lost a bid to build part of Honolulu's planned rail line has appealed the decision to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

This is the year, Maui County officials promised, that the Transportation Department will finally begin building proper shelters and benches at Maui Bus stops. Maui News.

Bullying in local schools was the focus of a Mental Health America of Hawai’i workshop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Woman Files Lawsuit Over Osteoporosis Drug. KITV4.