Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Hawaii tourism looks bright, few judicial applicants, teachers angry over union negotiations, Medicare premiums to rise, solar for every school, Kauai mayor can discipline police chief, more tsunami response analysis, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Tuesday that September visitor arrivals grew 6.1 percent to 595,019 and spending rose 15.6 percent to $1.1 billion, which was $146.5 million more than in September of 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Total spending by visitors to Hawaii rose 16 percent in September to $1.1 billion, and was nearly 20 percent higher for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Aspects of Hawaii’s economy — outside of tourism — are beginning to show signs of a recovery, according to First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

A month of head-to-head debates, outside spending and full-bore campaigning did not move the needle, and Mazie Hirono is still comfortably ahead of Linda Lingle in the race for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate Candidate Lingle Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Negotiations between the State and the Hawaii teachers union has stalled again and some teachers are talking strike. Hawaii News Now.

In what could become the largest solar power project of its kind in the nation, the Department of Education is proposing to install photovoltaic panels on every public school in Hawaii over the next five years in a bid to cut electricity costs and move the state closer to its renewable energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Miscalculated Wave Impact on Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Buoys may need relocating after Saturday's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senior Geophysicists: There May Be More Cost Effective, Efficient Ways to Track Tsunamis. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of applicants for higher-level state judgeships has been decreasing over the years, according to data released Tuesday by state Judicial Selection Commission members who want to see more applications for future vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two largest health insurers will increase premiums for seniors with Medicare insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two major surveys conducted earlier this month have both candidates for Honolulu mayor as frontrunners: the pro-rail Caldwell, and the anti-rail Cayetano. KITV4.

The tab for the advertising campaign by the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee this election season has topped $2.8 million, with nearly all of it going to the pro-rail group's effort to defeat mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano wants Honolulu’s local TV stations to stop airing certain ads by the Pacific Resource Partnership, otherwise he might include them as defendants in a defamation lawsuit he lodged last week. Civil Beat.

By the time next week’s election is over and all the bills are paid, the Hawaii Carpenters Union and its affiliates will have spent nearly $4 million in an unprecedented effort to elect their chosen candidate for Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell and, perhaps more importantly, blasting his opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

It wasn’t 10 to 1, but when it comes to campaign money Ben Cayetano is definitely the last dog around the bend in the sprint for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Thielen challenges Hemmings’ return to Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Cockroaches have invaded an Ewa neighborhood by the thousands. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi pumped almost $90,000 into his re-election machine between the primary election and Oct. 22, as challenger and former Mayor Harry Kim sprinkled his grass-roots campaign with a tenth of that, according to reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is calling a cattle grazing program at the Kapulena Agricultural Park a success, but when the land will host its first farmers remains unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Big Islanders using the county Civil Defense’s mass emergency notification system on Saturday received no notice of a tsunami warning until after 8:45 p.m. – nearly two hours after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center told residents to anticipate a tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino has spent close to $100,000 on his bid for re-election with a week to go before the general election. Maui News.

After a first term highlighted by passage of short-term vacation rental regulations and work toward a Maui Island Plan for future growth, Don Couch says he hopes to be re-elected to the Maui County Council's South Maui residency seat so he can continue the work. Maui News.

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals' denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Kula resident Richard Dancil today said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration this morning seeking a stay of the event. Maui Now.

Kauai
A Kauai circuit judge Tuesday ruled the mayor of Kauai has powers to suspend or discipline the police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled that the mayor has the power to suspend or discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Abercrombie job approval slips, tsunami siren failures scrutinized, 1,300 travelers stranded in Hawaii, Big Island weighs in on biofuel electric rate hikes, Bio-Logical Capital also wanted to buy Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Gov. Abercrombie and Hawaii teacher of the year Karen Kutsunai, courtesy photo
Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating has slipped as his administration struggles to find footing after nearly two years in power. Forty-one percent of voters in a new Hawaii Poll approve of Abercrombie's job performance, down from 43 percent in July. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono: Defense cuts would hit every state, including Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Lingle says Hawaii needs bi-partisan representative. KITV4.

U.S. Senate Candidate Hirono Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Early voting for the November general election is on pace to nearly double the number in the primary. KHON2.

The Hawai‘i State Environmental Council, with the assistance of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC), has issued a draft of revised rules for the state's environmental review process (Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes). The public is encouraged to view the draft rules and provide input via the comment form at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx. Hawaii Reporter.

More than 1,300 travelers bound for the East Coast remain stranded in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists made it through Saturday's tsunami but got stranded in Hawaii on Monday as flight disruptions from Superstorm Sandy affected travelers. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii officials' standing with the public isn't faring well in the aftermath of the Stevie Wonder concert debacle this summer, the latest Hawaii Poll indicates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public high schools with large percentages of military dependents that participated in a new, federally funded program aimed at improving students’ Advanced Placement (AP) scores reported record results in its first year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell has continued his steady surge in the Honolulu mayor's race, closing to within striking distance of Ben Cayetano just two weeks before Election Day, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell reported raising $603,000 in the 10 weeks since the primary election, bringing his total for the campaign at about $1.5 million, according to his campaign. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, Caldwell’s mayoral rival, reported raising $339,000 in the same period, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell outraised and outspent opponent Ben Cayetano by a 2-1 margin since the primary election and a two pro-Caldwell PACs funded by the Carpenters Union poured more than $2  million into the campaign during the same period, according to state figures. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayoral candidates discuss how they would handle energy policy if they're elected. Civil Beat.

Incumbent Keith Kaneshiro is hauling in more cash and doling it out faster than his opponent in the race to be Honolulu city prosecutor for the next four years, according to campaign spending reports filed Monday. Civil Beat.

Human error. That's the most plausible explanation being given by emergency planners as to why some Oahu neighborhoods never heard a siren blast announcing Saturday's tsunami warning. KITV4.

Siren malfunctions due to push of wrong button. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Civil Air Patrol tsunami warning aircraft paid special attention to Kaa­awa and Kahana Bay late Saturday night because Civil Defense officials had told them the sirens in those areas were malfunctioning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
A computer glitch is being blamed for several tsunami warning sirens initially failing to activate Saturday as residents were ordered to evacuate the coast. Tribune-Herald.

Aina Koa Pono’s biodiesel proposal isn’t a good deal for Hawaii County residents, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Monday, hours before the Public Utilities Commission was set to begin its first Big Island hearing on the subject. West Hawaii Today.

No more increases. That seemed to be the main message relayed to members of the state Public Utilities Commission on Monday night by more than 100 Big Isle residents who showed up at a public hearing at the Hilo High cafeteria to weigh in on two separate electricity rate hikes proposed by Hawaii Electric Light Co. Inc. Tribune-Herald.

A year after county officials discovered that more than $100,000 worth of fuel had been illegally siphoned from the Waimea baseyard pumps, allegedly by Department of Environmental Management employees, the suspects remain free and taxpayers have not been reimbursed for the loss. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission is set to vote on approving a senior center in Ocean View, within a State Land Use Agricultural District. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Despite Kahului Harbor seeing the largest of Saturday night's tsunami waves to hit Hawaii, Maui County appears to have sustained no major damage to coastal areas. Maui News.

Three-time Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat incumbent Gladys Baisa said voters should easily be able to differentiate her from her general election opponent: She's the one with the diverse list of accomplishments. Maui News.

An estimated 500 people attended a Maui Democratic Party rally at the Maui Tropical Plantation on Saturday afternoon. Maui Now.

A relic of St. Marianne Cope will begin a five-day tour of Maui County Tuesday morning at St. Theresa Church in Kihei and culminate Saturday with a procession down the pali trail to Kalaupapa for events in the village where she served leprosy patients for more than three decades. Maui News.

Kauai

The money approved by the Kaua‘i County Council to be used in private attorney fees in a Kaua‘i Police Commission versus Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. lawsuit now amounts to $55,000, after last week’s approval by the council of an additional $15,000 to the administration. Garden Island.

County Officials report the Koloa Post Office is now fully operable after an SUV crashed through the building Thursday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i people had two opportunities to visit a relic of St. Marianne Cope Monday. Garden Island.

Lanai

The new head of Bio-Logical Capital’s Hawaii operations confirms that the Colorado-based land investment company had been interested in purchasing the island of Lanai before Larry Ellison bought it. Pacific Business News.


Monday, October 29, 2012

Hawaii teachers union strongest in the U.S., Poll: Hirono 22 points over Lingle, tsunami sirens malfunction, Maui County seeks to gag public comment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii union protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii is No. 1 in at least one area of education: Strongest teachers union in the nation. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has a double-digit cushion over former Gov. Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate, a gap that has remained constant since the Hawaii Poll began tracking the campaign in May 2011. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, drawing energetic support from women and union households, has the advantage over former Congressman Charles Djou in their rematch in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa was correct that Djou helped form a lobbying firm the same month he left public office. Civil Beat.

The public will have the opportunity this week to speak out on a revised plan by Hawaiian Electric Co. to buy locally produced biofuel for power generation after its initial proposal was rejected as being too costly for ratepayers. Star-Advertiser.

State Civil Defense crews will be out inspecting sirens today across Oahu after some did not sound in certain areas while the tsunami warnings were going out Saturday evening. On the Big Island, crews will head out Thursday to inspect their own sirens after 7 to 10 of the roughly 70 sirens malfunctioned in areas like Puna and East Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said only 75 percent of the sirens went off when they were initially activated. KITV4.

State and county officials haven't yet come together to discuss the details of how Saturday's tsunami warning and coastal evacuation were handled, but all agree that it went as well as it could have given the short time frame emergency responders had in which to act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was caught a bit by surprise Saturday night when an earthquake off the coast of British Columbia generated a tsunami that officials decided was headed straight for the islands. Civil Beat.

It's been quite an eventful weekend, as thousands evacuated their homes Saturday night when a state tsunami warning was issued at about 7:45 p.m. KHON2.

The rate at which Hawaii teens and young adults are taking their own lives has more than doubled over the past five years, spurring some mental health experts to call for it an emergency situation. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

If re-elected, Palolo state Rep. Calvin Say would become the longest-serving lawmaker in the 76-member state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

“The equivalent of an academic bake sale” … that’s gone "awry.” That was the comparison that University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple made earlier this week at a campus forum after a student asked him to explain how the University was defrauded out of $200,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The prospect of paying higher electricity rates next year has prompted public opposition to a pair of increase requests from Hawaii Electric Light Co. slated to go before the state Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Caution was replaced by calm Sunday as Big Island residents returned to much of their normal routines after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Canada prompted tsunami fears the night before, leading to evacuations of Hawaii County’s shores.Tribune-Herald.

Despite the short tsunami warning Saturday, effective disaster plans, well-rehearsed drills, prior responses and teamwork kept police, fire and county officials on top of the situation, said Assistant Police Chief Marshall Kanehailua. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attorneys for Maui County have asked the state Land Use Commission to consider excluding public testimony at next week's proceedings to determine if the landowner planning a pair of large shopping centers in Kihei has violated land-use conditions imposed on the property. Maui News.

2012 Election: Council race pits longevity against training. Maui News.

Crews on Maui worked late into the night and early morning hours to assess coastal areas around Maui and determine if any damages were sustained during a tsunami event that occurred overnight. Maui News.

An official with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said late Saturday night that there was a wave of 5 feet from peak to trough in Kahului Harbor, marking the biggest wave logged statewide from an earthquake off Canada. Maui News.

Kauai

The anticipated series of up to 7-foot tsunami waves may not have materialized Saturday night, but the precautions taken by public safety officials and Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency were not overdone, say officials. Garden Island.

Hanama‘ulu Beach Park was the main topic of the County of Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting Friday. Garden Island.

The candidates for Kaua‘i County Council on Thursday night participated in the last forum until the Nov. 6 elections. Garden Island.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Native Hawaiian evicted from Hawaii County land, state tops in multigenerational households, TV news lacks government info, illegal ballots don't matter, UH selling land to pay bills, Maui approves growth plans, gas average $4.41/gal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Kawa Bay activist Abel Simeone Lui (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii County officials on Thursday evicted Native Hawaiian activist Abel Simeone Lui, whom state courts ruled — after years of challenges — was illegally occupying the land at Kawa Bay. West Hawaii Today

U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday show multigenerational families make up 11.1 percent of all households in Hawaii. That's by far the highest rate in the nation, and well above the national average of 5.6 percent. Star-Advertiser.

A new study by local citizens groups shows that Hawaii residents see more ads than information when watching local TV news programs, raising questions about whether local news stations are doing enough to educate voters before they head to the polls. Civil Beat.

More than one-half million Hawaii ballots were printed with the presidential candidates in no particular order, despite a state law that says all candidates must be in alphabetical order within their respective races. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Thursday that success in Congress depends on how well you get along with your colleagues, but reflecting your political party's values is also important. Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou said he would work closer to the political center than the extremes. Star-Advertiser.

The Tax Review Commission met Thursday at the No. 1 Capitol District Building to hammer out a draft of revenue evaluation and policy recommendations to make to the Hawaii Legislature in December. The report is expected to be finalized when the commission meets again in late November. Civil Beat.

Ray L'Heureux, assistant superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Support Services, told the Board of Education last week that the district could spend its entire annual capital improvement projects budget on just one of the state's 15 complex areas and still fall far short. Civil Beat.

Gas prices drop in Hawaii for first time in 11 weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen's Medical Center is suing Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. for more than $4 million, saying Kaiser underpaid Queen's for care given to Kaiser members. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu sold $913 million of bonds this week at historic low interest rates and refinanced older bonds to save taxpayers more than $75 million, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

House Finance committee Chairman Marcus Oshiro says the state won't easily give up the general excise tax surcharge that’s currently being collected for the city’s $5.26 billion rail project, he has another think coming. Civil Beat.

In an exclusive interview on Hawaii Reporter Television today, former Governor Ben Cayetano blasts Pacific Resource Partnership for its latest attack ad targeting his record as governor. Hawaii Reporter.

Transportation alternatives … rail or buses … are at the epicenter in the race for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tom Berg's strident political persona and some well-publicized controversies have made Berg a well-known political figure on Oahu, but that fame may also make him vulnerable to a challenge by four-term state Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine. Star-Advertiser.

The newly opened UH West Oahu campus is facing future financial shortfalls, and Hawaii News Now has learned that university officials are selling a large portion of land at the campus to the Catholic Church to help make ends meet. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese-based Seibu Group intends to keep its three Hawaii hotels after an unsuccessful effort earlier this year to sell the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs to pedestrian bridge over Moanalua Freeway to begin Nov. 1 State will shut down exits from freeway to Moanalua Road overnight. KITV4.

East Oahu residents complain about it and the City is aware of it. So what's being done to stop an over-population of feral cats in the heart of Hawaii Kai? KHON2.

Hawaii

Negative campaigning seems to be commonplace in the 2012 elections, however, mudslinging should have no place in Hawaii politics, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Mazie Hirono said Thursday during a party rally in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Pohakuloa Training Area will open several areas to bow hunting on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council is getting closer to approving boundaries for future growth after a committee OK'd maps this week that will guide development for the next 20 years. Pacific Business News.

A decadelong process neared an end Wednesday afternoon as a Maui County Council committee recommended approval of maps that will guide future growth and development on the island over the next two decades. Maui News.

Waihee School Principal Leila Hayashida has been tapped as acting complex area superintendent for the Central Maui complex, according to Sandy Goya, spokeswoman for the state Department of Education. Maui News.

An appeal has been filed with the Intermediate Court of Appeals seeking a stay on the County sponsored Halloween event in Lahaina Town. Maui Now.

Kauai

There are three simple ways to improve electric sustainability, according to County Energy Coordinator Ben Sullivan. Garden Island.

After learning last week that the contract between the county and Hale ‘Opio’s Teen Court had expired, Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro introduced Wednesday a bill to appropriate $31,000 to fund the long-standing youth diversionary program. Garden Island.

The Koloa Post Office closed briefly on Thursday after an elderly man crashed his car through the front of the building. Garden Island.

Lanai

The grass may soon be greener on the island of Lanai. New owner Larry Ellison has already set into motion changes around town but there are even bigger plans in store for the future. KHON2.

Molokai

A new county Department of Public Works baseyard will bring upgrades for both the department and Molokai’s emergency response capabilities. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Hawaii DLNR sued over tropical fish-collecting, tax office loses records, Maui, EPA settle landfill pollution case, and plenty politics from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii Moorish Idols (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Department of Land and Natural Resources should have conducted environmental reviews before issuing aquarium fish collecting permits, environmental groups and several Hawaii residents say in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Oahu’s 1st Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: DLNR Must Study Effects of Aquarium Fish Trade on Hawaii Reefs. Civil Beat.

The nonprofit environmental-law organization Earthjustice on Wednesday filed a civil complaint in First Circuit Court in Honolulu against the state of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, seeking to stop all commercial collection of aquarium fish until the industry complies with the Hawai‘i Environmental Police Act. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou have different philosophical approaches to reducing the federal deficit and national debt, with Hanabusa favoring steps already taken by Congress and President Barack Obama and Djou preferring more structural guarantees. Star-Advertiser.

The only Native Hawaiian ever elected to the U.S. Senate is about to retire. Civil Beat.

Candidates for Hawaii’s U-S Senate seat cast their ballots today during early walk-in voting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu's press corp waited patiently outside Honolulu Hale midday Wednesday for U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to arrive for scheduled interviews. Civil Beat.

One after the other, the candidates for U.S. Senate filed in to Honolulu Hale on Wednesday, joining the line of walk-in voters, followed by cheering fans and well-wishers. KITV4.

A 1994 Chevy Silverado, the only vehicle in the state with an "OBAMA" personalized license plate will be auctioned off this weekend. KHON2.

Oahu

Unlike some of his predecessors, it’s doubtful Ben Cayetano will kiss the ring of U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye if he’s elected Honolulu mayor. Civil Beat.

In urban Oahu’s storied Distr. 20, a Green Party candidate who refuses corporate contributions is seeking to unseat the veteran Speaker of the state House of Representatives. Honolulu Weekly.

A World War II veteran who inspired many with his determination to vote even though he had end-stage liver cancer died Wednesday. Associated Press.

What's the in waters off Makua Valley, where the U.S. Army held live-fire military exercises for several years? The Army is now trying to find out by asking those who actually live in the area. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has released a draft environmental assessment detailing its $600 million plan for modernizing Honolulu International Airport. Pacific Business News.

A state agency has decided to give the public an early look at tentative proposals from two developers competing to build a 650-foot residential tower in Kakaako that would soar above Honolulu's tallest existing buildings. Star-Advertiser.

A Coast Guard aircrew was forced to return to Barbers Point late Tuesday after someone shone a laser at their MH-65 Dolphin helicopter when it was two miles offshore of Oahu, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown businesses are asking for increased police presence after a spate of burglaries in recent months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A contracted courier recently lost a bag containing tax documents filed by businesses and individual taxpayers with the Hilo and Kona state tax offices. Tribune-Herald.

Car trouble: Kenoi ticketed for talking on cellphone while driving Kim’s 2009 accident cost county $100K. West Hawaii Today.
Big Island hunters may soon be granted permission to kill axis deer. Tribune-Herald.

Geophysicists in Hawaii and Texas have come up with a mathematical model that could explain how Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are linked yet have distinct, separate eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
Maui County has agreed to a $5.1 million settlement with federal officials about alleged clean air violations at its major landfill, including uncontrolled release of gases from rotting garbage. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a $5.1 million settlement with the Maui County to address alleged air pollution violations at the Central Maui Landfill in Puunene, including the construction of new gas-collections systems and a wind farm. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa today called a settlement reached between the county and the Environmental Protection Agency a “win-win.” Maui Now.

Dozens of luxury condominiums and hundreds of time-share interests at the financially troubled Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay are headed for the auction block in December. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday took a few minutes to give its final approval to a bill setting bulk rates for bus passes for Kaua‘i Community College students. Garden Island.


Molokai

Hawaiian Airlines announced last week that their parent company, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., will begin service to Molokai and Lanai sometime next year. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery remains closed, now for nearly four months, but the 75-year-old establishment's owner said work is nearly complete on improvements aimed at correcting health violations, and he hopes to reopen in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Maui News.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Hawaii DOE proposes a computer for every student, Maui cane-burning opponents seek study, OHA candidate Pomroy dies, Big Island roads twice as deadly, UH gets low rankings, Hawaiian Airlines' profits fly high, more news from all the Hawaian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie at K-9 retirement, courtesy photo
A special ceremony was held today at Washington Place for one of the Public Safety Sheriff Division’s finest canines. Sheriff Deputies along with other law enforcement officials gathered for the retirement of Deputy Canine Drikus who served in the Sheriff Division from 2002 until last month. Hawaii Reporter.

The Department of Education wants to provide every public school student with a laptop or computer tablet by 2015 as part of an initiative that would also include training teachers on the devices and buying digital materials that reflect new national Common Core standards for math and reading. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and mixed-race youth are disproportionately represented in Hawaii's juvenile justice system, a recent study concludes. Civil Beat.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i Foundation (“ACLU”) has filed an amicus curiae brief (also known as a “friend of the court” brief) in United States District Court supporting the Constitutional rights of attorneys and their clients to speak privately, without monitoring and eavesdropping by prison personnel. Hawaii Reporter.

Early walk-in voting for the general election began on Tuesday. KHON2.

Voter apathy in Hawaii is getting national attention with a new CNN report that places the state rock-bottom when it comes to election day turnout. Hawaii News Now.

Fund for Freedom Committee, a Washington, D.C.-based super PAC, has reserved television advertising time in Hawaii to help former Gov. Linda Lingle's Republican campaign for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case loaned his campaign $50,000 in the final days leading up his loss in the Aug. 11 primary election, then used that money to refund contributions earmarked for the general election run that never happened. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent of Hawaiian Airlines, reported a third-quarter profit Tuesday of $45.5 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, which was a 77 percent increase over the same quarter in 2011, when the airline posted a profit of $25.6 million, or 50 cents per diluted share. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for October 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The number of Oahu early walk-in voters Tuesday — 1,729 — topped first-day totals for the August primary and the 2010 general elections, which were 983 and 1,261, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

A day after Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano sued a third-party business and labor group for libel, opponent Kirk Caldwell said he's also seen enough of negative campaigning and wants to focus on issues affecting the city. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: New Low In Political Ads. Civil Beat.

QS World University Rankings has the University of Hawaii at Manoa No. 283 out of 400 top universities for 2012, an improvement from its ranking of 295 last year. Pacific Business News.

Canoe paddlers rallied at the Capitol to speak out against a proposed development on Sand Island. KITV4.

Before a recall had been issued for ground beef from Higa Foodservice due to concerns about possible E. coli contamination, two elementary schools on Oahu had served students the suspect meat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Thirty-five people have been killed on Big Island public roads through Tuesday — more than double the 16 fatalities recorded during the first 297 days of 2011. West Hawaii Today.

The Army said it is considering basing Stryker armored vehicles at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island as part of a larger plan to pre-position equipment, on land or on ships, around Asia and the Pacific to improve training, engagement and response times, and to keep costs down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is reviewing offers by two of its power producers to stop tying energy costs to the price of oil. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u residents and island hunters took the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to task earlier this year during meetings to discuss the proposed Ka‘u Forest Reserve Management Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Naniloa Volcanoes Resort owner Ken Fujiyama is in default of a $10 million loan he used to purchase the hotel in 2006. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As anti-cane burning activists don gas masks during protests and sugar workers line roadways in support of the industry, Maui’s district health officer is pushing to finish what he feels could be a definitive look at the health effects of cane smoke on the island. Maui Now.

The Krausz Cos. plans to build a 250,000-square-foot multiuse community on Maui adjacent to the Safeway-anchored Piilani Village Shopping Center in Kihei, which the California company acquired nearly a decade ago. Pacific Business News.

A fourth-generation member of Hana's iconic Hasegawa General Store that soon will be rebuilt at the site of a fire that claimed the storied establishment years ago was honored Saturday with the Tiny Malaikini Mea Kokua Award, the community's recognition for public service. Maui News.

After a criminal complaint against former police officer Christopher Kealoha was received at the Maui Police Department in February, the document went missing before it was served on him more than five months later. Maui News.

Kauai

Sharon Pomroy passed away Tuesday morning. She never regained consciousness after suffering a seizure and heart attack last Wednesday during a candidates meet and greet event in Wailua. Garden Island.


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Hawaii top retirement state, Hawaii could lose Pro Bowl, online travel booking firms freed from hotel taxes, Cayetano sues over negative ads, federal agent wants murder charge dismissed, Kauai OHA candidate off life support, Big Island plastic bag ban rules released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian hula (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii was rated the best state for retirement in a study done MoneyRates.com, a financial information website. Star-Advertiser.

Travel booking companies that sell Hawaii hotel rooms online do not have to pay the state hotel room tax, a state judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The NFL will consider dropping the Pro Bowl if the level of play doesn't improve, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday night. Associated Press.

The two women running to replace Dan Akaka in the U.S. Senate faced off in their fifth and final live broadcast debate Monday night on Hawaii News Now. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono said Monday that she supports President Barack Obama's jobs initiative to help spur economic recovery, but former Gov. Linda Lingle said it would further expand the national debt. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has spent about $1 million to convince people not to vote for Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Hawaii News Now.

Monday night, the Democratic and Republican nominees for Hawaii's First Congressional District squared off in a live televised debate, in our KHON2 News studio. KHON2.

Hawaii is getting a turn in the national limelight, but CNN's latest project calls attention to a glaring lowlight: the state's voter turnout rate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gas wants to bring liquefied natural gas to Hawaii to help lower the cost of energy. But environmental groups oppose the move and are working to prevent it for environmental reasons. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service are looking into the possible misuse of a federal solar rebate program by at least one mainland solar company that operates in the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.

After receiving more than 800 emails from residents in three days last week, the Hawaii State Association of Counties joined the chorus of opponents asking for the repeal of Act 55, the law that established the Public Land Development Corp. Maui News.

State roundup for October 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

Attorneys for mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said the former governor's libel lawsuit against Pacific Resource Partnership aims to stop not just one group from its current campaign, but to prevent organizations from mounting similar attacks in the future. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano said he always knew he’d be fighting big money in the race for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday accusing the Pacific Resource Partnership, its executive director, John White, the Hawaii Carpenters Union Market Recovery Fund and the CEOs of several Hawaii general contractors of defamation over advertisements the PRP has run against his campaign for Honolulu mayor. Pacific Business News.

Ben Cayetano, a candidate for Honolulu mayor and former two-term Democratic governor, filed a libel suit Monday against a trade group that hopes to sway next month's election where rail transit has become the central issue. KITV4.

Candidate for Honolulu Mayor Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday morning accusing The Pacific Resource Partnership of attacking his character and reputation. KHON2.

Political candidates all across the country are targets of negative advertising from third parties that want to influence the November general election. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates for Honolulu Prosecutor Attack Each Other's Motives. Civil Beat.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn has set Jan. 22 for a hearing on federal agent Christopher Deedy’s request asking for the dismissal of his murder charge in the shooting of a Kailua man at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kailua last year. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki's public restrooms have been a long course of complaints. The city is now responding with a almost $1 million dollar makeover. KITV4.

Hawaii
With just under three months before Hawaii County begins phasing out plastic bags at the store checkout, the Department of Environmental Management has created new rules for retail merchants and the public to follow. West Hawaii Today.

The Connections Public Charter School is facing fines for its new proposed campus in Hilo and what its attorney calls “harassment” and “bullying” tactics by some of its opponents. Tribune-Herald.

Island resident pitches hotel give-back program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
The star of "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America" will be opening a restaurant at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa when the hotel opens in the summer. Maui News.

After dozens of witnesses saw a shark attack a sea turtle, Maui County ocean safety officers closed a portion of Kanaha Beach Park on Monday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Sharon Pomroy, a candidate for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai and Niihau trustee, has been taken off life support after her collapse at an OHA meet-and-greet event on Kauai last week, her family has confirmed. Star-Advertiser.

Family continued to sit in vigil Sunday as they made the decision to take Sharon Pomroy off a respirator. Garden Island.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will begin early voting services today in the Historic County Annex building in Lihu‘e. Until Nov. 3, properly registered voters of the County of Kaua‘i will be able to cast their votes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.



Monday, October 22, 2012

WWII vet voting photo tugs at heartstrings, bitter U.S. Senate, Honolulu mayoral races enter homestretch, officials foresaw Hawaii County election day problems, Dems rally on Kauai, Ellison's Lanai plans draw biz buzz, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Associated Press/Irene Tanabe - In this Oct. 17, 2012 photo provided by Irene Tanabe, Frank Tanabe, center, gets help from his daughter Barbara Tanabe, left, to fill out his absentee ballot in Honolulu while his wife Setsuko Tanabe sits in the foreground. The photo of the 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. (AP Photo/Irene Tanabe)






A photograph of a 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. Associated Press.

A state agency responsible for protecting Hawaii's historic and cultural sites, including construction sites where Hawaiian burials are found, is declaring success fixing serious deficiencies the federal government flagged two years ago amid chronic struggles to properly carry out its mission. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian groups from across the country convened this past week to talk about some of the key issues facing their community. But rather than gather in the place of common ancestry, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs held its annual convention here in the nation's capital, just steps from the seat of the government many Hawaiians still distrust as an illegal occupier. Civil Beat.

A once-in-a-generation open seat for U.S. Senate. A Honolulu mayor's race that could decide the fate of a $5.26 billion rail project. A rematch for Congress in urban Honolulu. A favorite son who wants another four years in the White House. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Mazie Hirono, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Republican Linda Lingle, the former Hawaii governor, has been dominated by strong attacks on each other's campaign. Civil Beat.

Press Secretary Donalyn Dela Cruz, who has been handling media liaison duties for Abercrombie since he took office, departs at the end of this month for a new job with the state Department of Education. Hawaii Reporter.

A contingent of Hansen's disease patients, nuns, priests, Catholic pilgrims and hula dancers from across Hawaii traveling on a nearly 10,000-mile pilgrimage to Rome attracted crowds wherever they went — from San Francisco to Syracuse, N.Y., to Rome. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell wants to change the face of Honolulu. Ben Cayetano doesn’t. Civil Beat.

A feisty Ben Cayetano attacked Honolulu's former Mayor, Mufi Hannemann, for a letter Hannemann wrote last week to his supporters asking them to back his previous managing director, Kirk Caldwell, in the November mayor's election. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tuesday, Honolulu International Airport will join dozens of airports across the country already part of the TSA pre check expedited screening program. KHON2.

The Waikiki 20/20 conference recently wrapped up at the Hawaii Convention Center, and this year, transportation, pedestrians and building on what began decades ago are taking center stage. KITV4.

Thanks to a unique partnership, a special place just for homeless women veterans is about to open up. KITV4.

The Karsten Thot Bridge reopened to traffic early Friday morning, but this was the first weekend that Wahiawa area businesses have had a chance to see if things are returning to normal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two days before the Aug. 11 primary, state and county officials were aware that a “blue flu” was about to hit the Hawaii County Elections Division, resulting in the election day absence of more than half of the permanent division staff — including the top administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Robert K. Lindsey Jr. will face a pair of challengers for his seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is preparing for an influx of visitors as lava lake levels in Halemaumau Crater continue to rise to their highest point since since its formation following an explosive eruption on March 19, 2008. Tribune-Herald.

The bank holding the mortgage on the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort is moving to foreclose on the beleaguered Hilo hotel. Big Island Now.

The picture-wing fly, anchialine pool shrimp and certain plants are among 15 species on Hawaii island that are in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future, according to the agency, which is proposing that they be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The agency is soliciting information from the scientific community and the public until Dec. 17 to help make a final determination. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercromie on Friday announced the release of $91.9 million for various capital improvement projects across the state, including numerous projects on the Big Island — with $10 million earmarked for electrical and telecommunications improvements at several Big Island schools. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A former Maui liquor control officer claims in a lawsuit against the county that he was fired for reporting that several supervisors received free food and drinks from various establishments and had sexual contact with hostess bar employees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County residents are being asked to watch out for seabirds that may get disoriented in bright lights at night and collide with wires or structures and fall to the ground, officials said. Maui News.

Push to Resume Hunting of Hawaiian Turtles Underway. Maui Now.

Mother Marianne Cope, who came to Hawaii more than 100 years ago to care for leprosy patients, is now a saint. Maui News.

Kauai

Several hundred Democrats filled Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria Saturday for the Kaua‘i Democratic Party Grand Rally. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.

A giant sea turtle is still alive thanks to a Washington state couple visiting Kaua‘i on vacation. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s sustainability/renewable energy plan for Lanai has sent shock waves through this “green” part of Hawaii’s business community. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

When Mayor Alan Arakawa and his team of county officials visited Molokai last week, they did what many Molokai residents do every day–they waited for a ride from the Maui Economic Opportunities (MEO) bus. Molokai Dispatch.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Special report -- Naming Names: all the documents behind the 7 Hawaii Boy Scout 'Perversion Files'


Here are the links to the documents behind the Boy Scouts 'Perversion Files' for the seven Hawaii cases, courtesy of Kelly Clark Attorney at Law, a longtime advocate for sexually abused children.

Because sunlight is the best disinfectant.


Last    First    Date    State    City    Link

Dunham    Edward P.    1982/10/06    Hawaii    Wahiawa    Download PDF

Green    William L.    1966/04/12    Hawaii    Honolulu    Download PDF

Kamp    Michael William    1968/04/04    Hawaii    Honolulu    Download PDF

Kubic    Jerome W.    1965/09/13    Hawaii    Barber's Point    Download PDF

Strain    Gary L.    1983/06/16    Hawaii    Mililani Town    Download PDF

Wilson    Dale Edmund    1971/11/03    Hawaii    Honolulu    Download PDF

Zottoli    Joseph    1983/06/16    Hawaii    Honolulu    Download PDF


Hawaii lures Japanese tourists, 3 Hawaii Boy Scout leaders in 'Peversion Files,' 817 voters get double ballots, fired Maui liquor officer sues alleging officers took bribes, Honolulu mayor sells affordable housing complex, Big Island radio personality 'Mynah Bird' dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Waikiki Spam Jam (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Japan Association of Travel Agents are committed to returning visitor arrivals from Japan to Hawaii to 2 million per year by 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Three Hawaii residents are identified in a just-published database that documents thousands of sexual abuse allegations in the Boy Scouts of America. Civil Beat.

At least three adult Boy Scout leaders in Hawaii resigned or were forced out of the organization in the 1970s and '80s because of alleged improprieties involving children, according to documents released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Six documents relate to six men who worked with Boy Scout troops in Hawaii in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Hawaii News Now.

More than 14,000 pages of "confidential" files kept by the Boy Scouts of America  on suspected pedophiles are now public. KITV4.

Hawaii cases in the file -- link here.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle challenged U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Thursday to explain why she voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011, which raised the debt ceiling and avoided a government default but also created the possibility of automatic spending cuts to national defense. Star-Advertiser.

In Tuesday's U.S. Senate debate, Democratic Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and the Republican candidate Linda Lingle once again butted heads over who is more bipartisan. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle has flatly denied ever describing President George W. Bush as the "greatest president," but she acknowledged making the statement in an email a decade ago.Star-Advertiser.

The consultant the Hawaii Department of Education hired to clean up its student transportation services mess has figured out why the cost of busing kids to and from school has skyrocketed in recent years — and what school officials must do to fix the problem. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents met for about 2 1⁄2 hours behind closed doors Thursday, continuing a discussion on the future of embattled UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii regents went into executive session again this afternoon to discuss UH President M.R.C. Greenwood’s employment contract, but no resolution of the matter was expected today. Hawaii Reporter.

UH Board of Regents approve biennium budget. KHON2.

The Public Land Development corp. Will Vote to Finalize Rules Next Month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Retail gas prices across the state have increased for the 10th straight week. KHON2.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate fell to a seasonally adjusted 5.7 percent last month, its lowest rate in nearly four years. Associated Press.

Oahu

The 817 voters in upper Manoa who received two absentee ballots in the mail this week are being told to destroy them and wait for another envelope to show up in the mail next week, city election officers said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu elections officials said Thursday that 817 voters in the city’s Manoa neighborhood received duplicate absentee ballots for the upcoming election because of a printing error. Associated Press.

With less than three weeks to go until the election, the Honolulu City Clerk's office has flagged a problem. A processing error led to duplicate absentee ballots being mailed out to hundreds of registered voters in Manoa. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Peter Carlisle signed an agreement Thursday clearing the way for the lease of the city's 12 affordable housing complexes to a private group for $142 million, carrying out the goal of several mayoral administrations to get the city out of the affordable rental management business. Star-Advertiser.

SaveOurHonolulu.com, a new independent expenditure committee dedicated to stopping the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project, has begun airing two commercials that bash the pro-rail mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The absentee ballots have been mailed, the precinct cans are being packed and phone lines at the control center are being connected. Tribune-Herald.

A marine salvage company contends a sunken sailing vessel it found off Hawaii island may contain valuable cargo and is hoping to claim the wreckage. Star-Advertiser.

Progress on the long-sought Laaloa Avenue extension was delayed again after Leeward Planning commissioners on Thursday deferred voting on a special management area permit to determine whether an area resident can contest the case. West Hawaii Today.

Seventeen people have been apprehended in connection with the recent crime spree in South Kona, and a majority of them are facing their share of 61 felony charges, area residents learned Thursday evening in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

Melvin “Mynah Bird” Medeiros, both beloved and controversial as the signature voice of Hilo’s radio airwaves for more than five decades, died Thursday morning in Fremont, Calif. He was 72. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A fired Maui County liquor control officer is alleging liquor control officers overlooked violations and received free food, drinks and gifts from liquor establishments they were charged with inspecting, in a lawsuit against Maui County and four Department of Liquor Control employees. Maui News.

A Maui paddler escaped injury Thursday morning after an encounter with an 8-foot shark that took a bite of his paddleboard. Star-Advertiser.

Officials closed beaches around Kanaha Beach Park Thursday morning after a shark bit a stand-up paddle board around 7:30 a.m. off of an area known as "Kite Beach," or Kaa Point. Maui News.

A California-based retail investment trust is moving ahead with buying the bankrupt Lahaina Gateway Center from Central Pacific Bank, which foreclosed on the shopping center last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Thursday that it will build a $40 million solar-energy facility that will generate 12 megawatts of electricity on 67 acres leased from Grove Farm near Koloa on Kauai’s South Shore. Pacific Business News.

Kaua‘i will soon have three solar facilities under construction or in development. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council’s five-member Transportation Committee by a 4-1 vote approved a bulk rate for bus passes at an 80 percent discount for Kaua‘i Community College students. The entire student body will have to pay for the passes, which will be included in the tuition. Garden Island.