Navy buildup in Hawaii; Case-Hirono tied in poll, Matson lowers shipping cost; Pacific Biodiesel to create Big Island jobs; more endangered species for Maui; news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Hawaii, U.S. Navy courtesy photo

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Monday the Navy will send its most advanced vessels and aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region as it builds up its presence by assigning most of its fleet there. Associated Press.

The Navy has completed the final environmental impact statement needed before it can proceed with plans to spend an estimated $578 million to build facilities to base the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The public has almost a month to weigh in on Marine Corps plans to station MV-22 tiltrotor Osprey and H-1 Cobra and Huey attack-utility helicopter squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With two months left before the critical primary election, the top two Democrats in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka remain neck-and-neck. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono each sit at 46 percent in a new Civil Beat Poll of likely Democratic primary voters. Eight percent are undecided. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i voters have elected only 5 U-S Senators since statehood in 1959. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's largest ocean transportation company is lowering a fuel surcharge for shipping goods next week, but the move only partially reverses a February increase. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers want greater financial guarantees from firms that handle human resources for small businesses, but some worry that a bill before Gov. Neil Abercrombie would favor a few large firms that dominate the industry and push competitors out. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sustainability is attractive to planners. Star-Advertiser.

A study released Monday shows that for the last three years, high school students in Hawai‘i have been making better health choices. Garden Island.

State News In Brief | June 12, 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant in charge of a police team that's accused of drinking on the job while being paid overtime was fired by HPD for a previous incident and later got his job back, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Hannemann Final Radio Show Prompts Opponent To Seek Equal Time. Civil Beat.

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: We Left Carlisle a 'Huge' Budget Surplus. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest charter school says its financial house is in order after an audit listed money management issues. Associated Press.

The former manager of the puppy mill that was uncovered in Waimanalo is being extradited from Las Vegas back to Hawaii. KHON2.

The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The economic benefits generated by the state's largest ocean science and technology park are highlighted in a new study published less than two weeks after the state auditor issued a report critical of management practices at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

While the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority for more than three decades has provided researchers and fledgling businesses the chance to get their feet on the ground, it’s never completed an economic impact assessment — until now. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council’s attempts to add more transparency and exert more control over the annual operating budget were mostly blocked Friday by East Hawaii council members, who said the budget is the purview of the administration. West Hawaii Today.

Pacific Biodiesel Technologies plans to open its Big Island Biodiesel plant in the next two to three weeks after its grand opening ceremony on July 2 at the Shipman Business Park in Keeau. Pacific Business News.

The former medical director of Bay Clinic is suing the nonprofit health care organization, alleging that she was stripped of her authority and forced to resign after reporting the over-prescribing of narcotic painkillers by clinic physicians. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to add 38 species found on Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Maui to the federal endangered species list. Maui News.

Hawaii's list of federally endangered species is the longest in the nation, and it could grow under a plan announced Monday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai OHA Seat Is One Of The Year's Hottest Races. Civil Beat.

In an effort to reduce overtime expenses in fiscal year 2013, the county will be implementing changes next month in the operating hours at the Kekaha Landfill and the transfer stations. Garden Island.