Friday, December 21, 2012

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye honored, Abercrombie budget increases state spending, Cayetano alleges corruption, Maui biodiesel to fuel Honolulu airport, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Associated Press photo through Yahoo News
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye lies in state, AP photo
Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Medal of Honor winner and the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history, was honored Thursday at the U.S. Capitol in a solemn ceremony usually reserved for presidents. Star-Advertiser.

The state has announced plans to accommodate the public at memorial services in Hawaii for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

‘Olelo Community Media, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, will cablecast live the lying in state ceremony in honor of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye at the State Capitol on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 5 p.m. through midnight. Hawaii Reporter.

Dozens of dignitaries, many sitting congressional members, will be flying in from Washington D.C. to remember their dear friend and colleague in his home state. KITV4.

While many powerful politicians paid their respects to the late Sen. Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii) at a rare ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. Thursday, others who didn't know him well personally also showed up because they felt a connection to him and his legacy. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history, was remembered Thursday as a man who gallantly defended his country on the battlefield and gracefully sought to better it during the 50-plus years he represented his beloved state of Hawaii. Colleagues and aides lined the Capitol rotunda five deep to say farewell. Associated Press.

The retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka took to the Senate floor Thursday and urged his colleagues to approve a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill in honor of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

As Washington, D.C., paid silent tribute to the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, his longtime friend Sen. Daniel Akaka asked his colleagues to complete a task the two lawmakers never could — pass the Akaka bill. Civil Beat.

It's what everyone in town is talking about: Who will be appointed to replace Daniel K. Inouye in the U.S. Senate? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said Thursday that he will apply for the appointment to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, giving Hawaii Demo­crats a youthful option who could build seniority in the Senate over several decades. Star-Advertiser.

Two more Hawaii lawmakers plan to apply for Sen. Dan Inouye's seat in Congress. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that the spending increases he’s proposing for the next two fiscal years address fundamental necessities like early childhood education, state employee pensions and retiree health care. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says his administration will wait until the Council on Revenues issues its quarterly forecast next month before deciding whether tax increases or any other type of revenue-boosting measures are needed to balance the two-year budget he proposed this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii would have to spend more than $500 million a year for the next 30 years to make the state's employee health and retirement funds viable again, state Finance Director Kalbert Young says. Civil Beat.

The Governor outlined his two-year executive budget proposal today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is involved with two significant lawsuits in Hawaii, will headline the Smart Business Hawaii Annual Conference on Wednesday, January 9, discussing "Ending Corruption in Hawaii." Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii mental health advocates say the shooting rampage at a Connecticut elementary school underscores the need for a robust mental health safety net and for improved efforts to provide resources and support to individuals early — at the first signs of worrisome behavior. Star-Advertiser.

Randy Iwase, veteran of the state Senate and one-time gubernatorial candidate, has left politics but hasn’t strayed that far. He chairs the state Tax Review Commission, a panel assembled periodically to recommend tax-code changes to help the state cover its bills. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii introduced new Athletics Director Ben Jay to the media Thursday. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for December 21. Associated Press.

Oahu
First coined in the 1970s, the sentiment “Keep the Country Country” still runs deep. But that mantra hasn’t insulated the North Shore of Oahu from the pressures of urbanization, which are squeezing the region on numerous fronts from Haleiwa to Laie, all connected by the sole two-lane highway but lacking a comprehensive plan. Honolulu Weekly.

Five years after a car critically injured McCully resident Gwyne Isa in a Moiliili crosswalk, the city will dedicate a pedestrian-activated warning signal at the crosswalk today. Star-Advertiser.

David Becker, the former Waimanalo puppy farm manager, says he was the fall guy and maintains his innocence.  He also thanks the judge that set him free. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

With foreclosures and short sales at lower levels than this time a year ago, West Hawaii real estate agents are seeing improvements in the local market. West Hawaii Today.

A three-member panel of the National Labor Relations Board ruled last week that an election granting a union the right to organize workers at Puna Geothermal Venture was valid. Big Island Now.

The Reed’s Island bridge in Hilo will be closed for four hours Dec. 28 as crews prepare to make repairs. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State regulators have approved a multiyear contract for Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel to supply Hawaiian Electric Co. with 250,000 gallons a year of locally produced biodiesel. Maui News.

The contract for Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel Technologies to supply biodiesel to Hawaiian Electric Company for the Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility has been approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

Maui tied for third with Alaska cruises in the top domestic destinations category for 2013 in the Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends Survey. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council gave final and unanimous approval Wednesday on a bill that bans fishing at Morgan’s Ponds in Lydgate Beach Park, a popular recreational spot utilized by visitors and local residents. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery is back in business, ending a five-month closure stemming from state Department of Health violations. Maui News.

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