Native Hawaiian recognition moves forward, Hawaii team seeks Pacific garbage patch, civil defense sirens to be mandatory in Hawaii County, 911 fails on Kauai, Oahu sewage problems increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian bill signing courtesy photo Governor's Office

A new state law recognizes the first people of Hawaii and lays the foundation for Native Hawaiians to establish their own government. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed a bill into law recognizing the first people of Hawaii. KITV4.

With historic Washington Place as the backdrop for a ceremony that included conch-shell blowing, traditional Hawaiian music and hula, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill that formally recognizes Native Hawaiians as "the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population" of the islands and begins a process to create a registry of qualified members to work toward the reorganization of a native government. Star-Advertiser.

As of Wednesday Native Hawaiians have confirmation from the state of something they knew all along. Wednesday Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law officially recognizing Native Hawaiians as the "only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population of Hawaii." Hawaii News Now.

In one session, the 2011 Hawaii Legislature was able to do what the U.S. Congress has not been able to do in a decade's time: recognize Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A bill intended to move in concert with the Akaka Bill was signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday, July 6 at Washington Place amid praise and protest. Hawaii Independent.

Unwilling to wait for federal recognition of the Hawaiian people, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill providing for recognition and eventual self-governance. Tribune-Herald.

The team onboard the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot steel-hull racing sloop expects their mission to find the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" will take a week. KITV4.

Farms Under EEOC Scrutiny in Hawaii and Washington Receive Federal Aid. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposed business model for the development of geothermal energy as a statewide resource for electrical production. Hawaii Independent.

An ordinance requiring civil defense sirens as a condition of development moved forward Wednesday with a positive vote from the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Waikiki residents and leaders are stepping up efforts to get the first city park built in central Waikiki after the death of community activist William Lee Sweatt, who worked for more than a decade to turn the derelict lot behind his condominium into a place where his grandchildren could play. Star-Advertiser.

The City & County of Honolulu, which is working to construct a $5.3 billion steel on steel elevated rail system from Kapolei to Honolulu, has leased premium office space in the midst of Honolulu’s pricey downtown civic center. Hawaii Reporter.

Rail project officials meet with Kakaako residents about pre-construction noise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Thursday will change the type of aircraft it uses to operate its daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Pacific Business News.

Don Ho's Island Grill is "not closed," said owner Phillip Johnson, who established parent company PJJ Restaurant LLC to buy the Aloha Tower Marketplace restaurant in September. Star-Advertiser.

In just a few weeks, raw sewage sludge will start to be trucked from downtown Honolulu to treatment plants in Kailua and Ewa Beach. KHON2.

Leeward Oahu residents say they've seen a rise in staph infections and they fear the source is one the more popular beaches on the westside. KHON2.

Inside the Nawiliwili Council Chambers on Wednesday morning, Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry spoke about the dangers of driving while holding a cell phone. Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo are leading a delegation of county representatives to South Korea to encourage tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Hawaii and the emerging Asian economic powerhouse. Maui News.

A group of business and political heavyweights pitched Wednesday to a receptive County Council a public-private partnership for handling East Hawaii garbage, but Mayor Billy Kenoi said after the meeting the administration is proceeding with its own plans. West Hawaii Today.

Molokai community leaders Kanoho Helm and Walter Ritte told PBS Hawaii Insights moderator Dan Boylan last night that Molokai doesn’t want the billion-dollar undersea cable and Molokai doesn’t want Big Wind. Molokai Dispatch.

For five hours beginning Tuesday night, the Kauai Police Department's 911 emergency dispatch telephone system and its backup failed, Kauai County officials said. KITV4.

Two investors have partnered with the owners of Waiakea Waterfront, bringing much-needed capital into the troubled commercial development in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Collecting on delinquent accounts, charging more fees, curbing property tax abuse and reviewing procurement and employee contracts are just a few avenues proposed by a commission tasked with reducing the cost of our island's government. West Hawaii Today.