Thursday, February 2, 2012

Gambling bill rolls snake eyes in Hawaii Legislature, Kauai police chief on leave, more beach for Waikiki, Health Department monitoring for tsunami debris radiation. Legislature tackles teacher tenure, speeding, move over law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Waikiki sand replenishment project has moved on to its next phase. KHON2.

A proposal giving the Hawaiian Homes Commission authority to decide whether to allow gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands — the first gambling-related bill heard in this year's legislative session — was quickly tabled, giving some indication that such bills once again face long odds of passing. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers expressed support Wednesday for writing into state law high-stakes evaluations for teachers that take into account student academic growth, but questioned how the state Department on Education would follow through with the reforms. Star-Advertiser.

State leaders are looking at a variety of measures to improve education in Hawai`i. Changes to teacher tenure are among the many bills already introduced in the new legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The proposed overhaul of Hawaii's charter school law received its first public hearing at the Legislature Wednesday and ran into strong opposition from the teachers' union but received conditional support from many charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

The grieving sister of a fallen Honolulu police officer on Wednesday tearfully urged state lawmakers to make Hawaii's roads safer for officers and other emergency responders. With her emotions still raw, Amanda Stevens testified in support of the so-called Move Over bill. Hawaii News Now.

Representative Joseph Souki is once again fighting to send a strong message to excessive speeders. KHON2.

State Health Dept. Monitoring Shoreline For Radioactive Waste. Several federal and state agencies are working to monitor the movement of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunami. KITV4.

Fast-growing Hawaiian Airlines needs more flight attendants. Pacific Business News.

Among Hawaii’s four so-called Super PACs, one didn’t attract any money over the second half of 2011, another raised $561 strictly from donations of less than $100. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

City officials fanned out across Oahu Wednesday, issuing 76 notices to protesters at Thomas Square and to homeless people, warning that their tents and personal items must be removed from sidewalks and other public property or be confiscated today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced the launch of “Honolulu 311,” a new system through which the public may use personal smart phones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii


Mayor Billy Kenoi's re-election war chest is flush with cash after fundraisers pulled in more than $140,000 during the last six months of 2011. Tribune-Herald.

The two candidates for Hawaii County prosecutor have raised a combined $20,000 between July 1 and Dec. 31. Tribune-Herald.

Two weeks after announcing an additional $150,000 was needed to begin construction of a new Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kona, Big Island, project leaders said the goal has been reached and more contributions are still on the way. Garden Island.

Maui

No one disputed the goal of a bill aimed at conserving Maui County's drinking water supply, a precious, finite resource. But the rub came Tuesday with how to accomplish that goal and its potential costs. Maui News.

Molokai student develops myoelectric prosthetic for dogs. Maui News.

Neighbor island airports, including the Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui will implement a parking rate increase for monthly passes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry was placed on leave Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i County officials Wednesday night announced that Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has been placed on leave —just one day after his two assistant chiefs were placed on leave. Garden Island.

Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed deputy county clerk and Eddie Topenio, Jr. was named administrative assistant to the county clerk, County Clerk Ricky Watanabe announced in a press release Wednesday. Garden Island.







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