Friday, September 14, 2012

Uphill climb for Native Hawaiian recognition bill, Honolulu train stalled by human remains, coqui frogs heard on Oahu, BYOB survives on Maui, Habitat for Humanity building Big Island homes, yacht racing may come to Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Native Hawaiian protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
A Senate committee advanced the newest version of a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill Thursday, signaling the start of a last-ditch campaign to gain a full Senate vote on the bill before its chief sponsor retires. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka's office says the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has amended and passed a bill granting federal recognition to Native Hawaiians. KITV4.

Thursday was a good day for Sen. Daniel Akaka and the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act that he hopes will be his legacy. Civil Beat.

The Public File: Hirono, Lingle Each Spend $1 Million On TV Ad Time. Civil Beat.

Next year, the Chinese space mission Chang’e 3 is embarking on the first soft moon landing in 40 years — and Hawaii scientists will have a pair of eyes on the trip. Civil Beat.

The State Senate's investigation into UH's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco and its aftermath is expanding in scope to include numerous financial and management issues at the university, and could continue for several weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii has paid more than $80,000 in worker’s compensation benefits to another dead man. Associated Press.

Eleven years of war have taken their toll on U-S Servicemembers and their families. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
The first human remains to be discovered in the path of the Honolulu rail project have been unearthed in Kakaako by a crew conducting an archaeological survey for the project. Star-Advertiser.

The first human remains have been found along the proposed Honolulu rail route, ratcheting up the tension that has gripped the city's transit project when it comes to the sensitive issue of Native Hawaiian burials. Civil Beat.

Human remains have been found along the route of Honolulu’s rail transit project in the city’s Kakaako area, the first burials discovered during archaeological surveys of the 20-mile route. Pacific Business News.

Archeologists surveying the planned route of Honolulu’s rapid transit line discovered a single human bone fragment yesterday afternoon near Cooke Street in Kakaako.Hawaii Reporter.

Excavation continues tomorrow at the site of the first bone fragment discovered along Honolulu's proposed rail route. KHON2.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that stopped construction on the Honolulu rail line is expected to delay work for the next nine months while the city completes an archaeological survey along the route and obtains new permits to resume building, transit officials were told Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu is rehashing old arguments in its request for the Hawaii Supreme Court to reevaluate its recent decision stopping the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project, according to court documents filed Thursday by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. Civil Beat.

With Ben Cayetano opposing the Honolulu Rail on environmental grounds, and Kirk Caldwell supporting the Rail as green, it’s time to take a look at which one is the more credible advocate for the environment. Honolulu Weekly.

Invasive-species investigators will be looking into at least 12 reports of coqui frogs across Oahu as a result of the "Go Out and Listen Night!" surveillance event Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday morning a meeting was held at HTA headquarters at the Hawaii Convention Center to discuss how large tour buses could continue to bring visitors to the popular beach parks without disturbing Kailua residents. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools is expanding food production on land it owns in Punaluu as part of an effort to improve management and use of its vast agricultural property holdings. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel employees at the Turtle Bay Resort voted overwhelmingly Thursday to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
A Maui pilot must make amends for illegally flying axis deer to the Big Island by providing a group trying to eradicate the invasive species there with 500 hours of helicopter flight time — an act of restitution expected to cost him more than $300,000. Associated Press.

Veteran helicopter pilot Thomas Leroy Hauptman will provide the Big Island Invasive Species Committee 500 hours of flight time as restitution for illegally transporting Maui axis deer to Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Councilwoman Brenda Ford will introduce at the Sept. 18 Planning Committee meeting a resolution to urge the state Legislature to abolish the Public Land Development Corporation. Tribune-Herald.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii’s 2012 Blitz Build in Kona got under way as the sun rose over Hualalai with hundreds of volunteers eager to construct five affordable family homes within 10 days. West Hawaii Today.

Work may begin next week on replacing a sewer underneath Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A weekly farmers market may be returning to Captain Cook, two years after it was moved because of complaints about traffic. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources could revoke a permit for the kayak tour company that led a group of teens when one from New York was swept out to sea. Hawaii News Now.

Kona-based microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. said Thursday it has secured a $5.5 million long-term loan agreement to make a major investment in its production facility. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission on Wednesday voted down a proposal to exclude hotel and condominium hotel liquor licensees from a law allowing customers to bring their own bottle of wine to restaurants to consume with meals. Maui News.

With reports showing a decrease in complaints and noise levels from bars at Kihei Kalama Village, the Maui County Liquor Control Commission voted Wednesday to take no action on a proposal to ban late-night music, dancing and entertainment at the Kihei complex. Maui News.

Maui motorists are advised that the transport of wind turbine components for the Auwahi Wind Farm project in Ulupalakua will begin next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

After nearly six hours of discussion and public testimony, the Kaua‘i Planning Commission’s three-member Subdivision Committee on Tuesday deferred a decision on whether to recommend an 8-year extension on subdivision permits for a proposed development of more than 2,000 acres of prime agricultural land across Kealia Beach, at the north end of Kapa‘a Town. Garden Island.

“Start Something!” is the call to action to the community by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua‘i as school children begin to settle in to the new school year. Garden Island.

Instruction  in how to shaka, led by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., is an aspect of the three-week intensive English and Experiential Learning program being undertaken by six students of the Oshima National College of Maritime Technology, more commonly known as Oshima Shosen, or Merchant Marines. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is considering plans to bring his America's Cup-winning racing team to Lanai for training in a move that would bring a huge lift to the island's economy. Hawaii News Now.


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