Thursday, August 11, 2011

Hawaii the most Democratic, Abercrombie extols unions in Vegas while fighting them at home, Honolulu B&B squabble draws 300, Maui medical plaza advances, Big Island gets new Internet connection, flood maps, more Hawaii news

Corpse Plant Hawaii County Courtesy Photo
The flies were buzzing around the owl enclosure on Wednesday, and for good reason. The "corpse flower," or Amorphophallus titanum, was in full bloom at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie stood on a Vegas stage Wednesday extolling the importance of fair wages, collective bargaining and solidarity among workers, while back home, battles with the state's unions continue. Civil Beat.

A new Gallup poll shows that Hawaii is the most Democratic state. Hawaii News Now.

Hearings in the teacher's union challenge of the state's unilaterally imposed contract got started on Wednesday. KHON2.

The teachers union expressed disappointment Wednesday after the Hawaii Labor Relations Board decided to take more time to consider the union's motion seeking relief from imposed wage reductions and higher medical premiums. Star-Advertiser.

Negotiations between Hawaii’s teachers union and the state reached a new level of tension on Wednesday as legal counsel for both sides battled in front of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Hawaii Reporter.

A planned dinner for Hawaii legislators and staff attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas was cancelled this week after Ethics Commission director Les Kondo said the event would violate the state Ethics Code. Hawaii Reporter.

More than eight months after state officials warned that he could face high fines for failing to file any campaign finance reports for the 2010 election cycle, former Maui County Council Member Bill Medeiros still has not filed the reports. Maui News.

A majority of those who testified at a Honolulu Planning Commission hearing Wednesday spoke against a city proposal that would make it more difficult for unlicensed bed and breakfasts and transient vacation rentals to advertise. Hawaii News Now.

The controversy about unpermitted vacation rentals in residential areas continued to flare Wednesday, with more than 300 people attending a public hearing on a proposal to tighten the enforcement of laws barring them. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Vacation-Rental Controversy Heats Up. Civil Beat.

Lenders restrained by Hawaii's new foreclosure law processed relatively few foreclosures in July, the second month of a temporary reprieve for many local homeowners with delinquent mortgages.Star-Advertiser.

Visitor Industry Expects To Benefit From Market Freefall. KITV4.

Hawaii County administrators say they're monitoring the national economic scene, but they're confident recent cost-cutting measures will help the county weather the uncertain times. West Hawaii Today.

Local farmer says prisoners can grow their own food. KHON2.

Hawaii Dumps 1,000s of Gallons of Water into Maxed-Out Sewage System. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau on Wednesday named Brian Miyamoto as its new chief operating officer and Joy Gold as its new interim executive director. Pacific Business News.

As Oil Prices Fluctuate, Matson Hasn't Reduced Oil Surcharge, Investigation Shows. Hawaii Reporter.

The Big Island is getting connected to the Internet thanks to $7.5 million federal grant offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tribune-Herald.

Not including flood-prone areas of middle Kona and a lack of continuity in the use of maps by lenders were among concerns residents voiced about proposed revisions to Big Isle flood insurance rate maps Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

MoveOn rallies for 'Jobs Not Cuts' West Hawaii Today.

The Kaua‘i County Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee on Wednesday deferred for at least two more weeks its decision on a bill that would allow camping at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

After five years of planning, revisions and more planning, the six-story medical plaza building next to Kanaha Pond wildlife sanctuary got its special management area permit Tuesday. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo says the first graduates of its pharmacy school have been hired for jobs in 16 states as well as Guam and Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island will welcome its 14th charter school next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A species called the small hive beetle has been found bunking with Molokai bees. Molokai Dispatch.



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