Thursday, March 15, 2012

Legislature advances Hawaiian land settlement, 1.4% of registered voters go to GOP caucus, lead and mold in Honolulu Hale, double-dipping solar credits, Oahu plagued with potholes, Kauai man struck with flesh-eating bacteria, Koloa Camp residents fight evictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Mele Carroll at Native Hawaiian rally at Capitol, file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle ceded lands claims was advanced Tuesday by two House committees that reversed course on making technical changes to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House committee reconsidered a bill today to transfer 200 million dollars of land in Kaka’ako to settle back-rent owed by the State to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voter turnout for the first-ever Hawaii Republican caucuses on Tuesday night exceeded the party's expectations, breaking 10,000 -- just 1.4 percent of the state's 690,748 voters -- as Republicans backed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans are celebrating the success of the party's first ever caucus in the islands.Hawaii News Now.

Party officials said local candidates may get a much-needed boost from thousands of newly registered Republicans. KITV4.

For the first time, the federal government will charge companies in Hawaii for placing renewable energy projects in its waters, which extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore. Civil Beat.

To get more highly qualified teachers and deal with teacher shortages, the state is starting to hire months earlier this year and has partnered with the University of Hawaii to obtain more special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers and solar companies are slugging it out this year over a bill designed to prohibit homeowners and businesses from claiming more than one state tax credit on a single rooftop array. Civil Beat.

The average Hawaii consumer had $7,457 in credit card debt last month, down nearly 1 percent from $7,524 in January, and down 5 percent from $7,849 a year ago, according to Credit­Karma.com. Star-Advertiser.

A new mandate from the Department of Justice requires new public swimming pools that are 300 feet or longer to have two ways for a person with a disability to enter and exit the water. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law maintained its spot as the highest-ranking small law school in the top tier in the U.S. News and World Report annual law school rankings this year. KITV4.

Oahu


A new report says mold and lead dust has been found in Honolulu Hale, raising health concerns for those who work and do business at City Hall.Civil Beat.

After more than a year of analysis, the site for Honolulu's next landfill may be revealed this week. KHON2.

Even before the recent winter storms opened up new potholes across Oahu, the poor condition of the island's major roads was costing the average driver $701 more per year in extra wear and tear on their cars, trucks and SUVs, a new study says. Star-Advertiser.

Overcrowded ERs turning ambulances away. Hawaii News Now.

A former training specialist with the Honolulu Liquor Commission was sentenced for two bribery charges Wednesday. KHON2.

The Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based X-Band is returning to Oahu and will be visible on the horizon on or about Thursday, Navy Region Hawaii officials said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A proposed frontage road within the Kohanaiki project got state environmental approval this week. West Hawaii Today.

Brightly colored flags for pedestrians to hoist when using a crosswalk are now stationed at the Alii Drive and Hualalai Road intersection. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has resumed his “talk-story” sessions in communities around the island, and he received a raucous reception Monday night at the one in Pahoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

A draft environmental impact statement has been released for public review as part of planning for the proposed 1,500-home Olowalu Town project. Maui News.

The state Department of Health's Clean Air Branch has cited two companies operating on Maui for air permit violations, the department announced. Maui News.

Kauai

After more than six hours of discussion, 200-plus pieces of written testimony and numerous amendments on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that Grove Farm Co. meet with its Koloa Camp tenants to explore alternatives to eviction. Garden Island.

Kauai county council considers halting Koloa evictions. Hawaii Independent.

A Kauai man is fighting to overcome a case of rare flesh-eating bacteria that have already attacked his legs, back and abdomen. Star-Advertiser.

One of the saddest days in Kauai's recent history occurred six years ago on March 14, 2006, and many people on the island are remembering the events they say changed the island forever. Hawaii Reporter.

Kaua‘i Homelessness Strategic Plan meeting Friday. Garden Island.

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