Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Gov. Ige's popularity tanks in poll, Kauai poi mill nets OHA employee ethics complaint, Hawaiian men unhealthy, Big Island council dithers over tax hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Gov. David Ige during 2014 election campaign © 2017 All Hawaii News
Civil Beat Poll: Gov. David Ige Could Be In Trouble In 2018. Hawaii voters responding to our poll prefer “someone else” over the incumbent by a wide margin. Civil Beat.

The health of Native Hawaiian men is considerably worse than their counterparts in Hawaii’s general population, according to a new report that found higher rates of obesity, asthma, deaths from cancer, mental health problems and the shortest life expectancy, among other disparities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry is joining nationwide partners in protesting President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget, which would eliminate investment in Brand USA, the nation’s international travel marketing arm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is gaining popularity as a possible presidential candidate in 2020. But her approval rating continues to drop here at home. KITV.

Hawaii political leaders, including Gov. David Ige, have joined a growing coalition of governors, mayors, business leaders and academics throughout the country who have pledged to continue combating climate change despite President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division has received a $3 million federal grant to provide funding over four years for the treatment of adolescents with substance abuse and mental health issues. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii ranks in the bottom half of a new study comparing the economies of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii ranks 38th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of “innovation potential,” according to WalletHub, a personal finance and credit research firm based in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Clearer laws on collecting in and access to the forest are among changes the state is proposing for the rules that govern state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife lands. Garden Island.

May was an extraordinary month for housing markets on Kauai and Hawaii island, with industry trade associations reporting several gains of at least 40 percent in sales volume and median prices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Within a few hours of the city sweeping homeless from a grassy median along busy Nimitz Highway on Monday morning, at least one homeless person returned as city officials vowed to continue clearing the state-owned land. Star-Advertiser.

City crews cleared out homeless camps on Nimitz Highway medians Monday without giving the customary 24-hour notification. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha, who is under federal investigation for corruption and abuse of power, is asking a state judge to block city officials from releasing documents about her employment history to Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Prosecutor's $75K request for 'mobile command' unit questioned. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is underway to transform the former longtime Bank of Hawaii building on Kapahulu Avenue into one of the state’s first medical marijuana dispensaries. Star-Advertiser.

A big celebration is being planned for Hōkūleʻa’s homecoming at Magic Island a week from Saturday – marking the end of the Mālama Honua voyage. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Council was working into the night Monday sifting through a combination of budget cuts and tax increases, trying to arrive at a number acceptable to two opposing economic philosophies. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to stop the deportation of a Big Island coffee farmer. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation is joining the fight to stop the deportation of a respected Kona coffee farmer. KHON2.

Waimea man Graham Ellis seeks postponement of deportation. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii’s major provider of services for homeless residents is shifting strategies. Tribune-Herald.

At least eight employees at North Hawaii Community Hospital have been given notice or terminated since late March alone. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Public Works inspected a dirt road in Waimea, Monday, to determine whether or not it was a county road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After six months, the Pools of Oheo in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park remain closed following a rock slide reported on Jan. 3. Maui News.

The last day that Kmart will be open to the public is June 18, a manager at the Kahului store said Monday. Maui News.

Sewer pipe installations will prompt alternating lane closures in both directions of Waiehu Beach Road at the intersections with Nukuwai Place this week, according to the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

OHA staffer faces conflict of interest allegations over Kauai poi mill venture. Hawaii News Now.

New school bus contracts awarded, concern over student safety a factor. Garden Island.

An update on the proposed Pu’u Opae Pumped Storage Hydro Project from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is set for today at Waimea Theatre. Garden Island.

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association will hold its first summer meeting at 7 tonight at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

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