Thursday, October 31, 2019

Keaau satellite launch port nixed, homeless diversion program working, state charges Maui jail rioters for damages, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii public school PC:Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii Schools May Soon Experience A Wave of Retirements. Three of the state’s 15 complex area superintendents are leaving this school year. Many more school officials will soon be eligible to retire. Civil Beat.

One Path To Better Health For Native Hawaiians May Be In Their Backyards. For centuries, native Hawaiians fed themselves by developing sophisticated systems of fishponds and irrigated taro patches. But societal changes disrupted their connection to traditional food sources, leading to high health risks for diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. Hawaii Public Radio.

You Don’t Need To Go Far To Buy E-Cig Devices In Hawaii. Hawaii gas stations and convenience stores are among the largest retailers of electronic smoking device products in Hawaii and there are more vape shops per capita on neighbor islands, according to a Civil Beat analysis. Civil Beat.

Schatz Staffer Tied To Fossil Fuel Investments. Roll Call reported Wednesday that U.S. Sen Brian Schatz, a champion of action on climate change, has a chief of staff whose spouse has “substantial holdings” in fossil fuel companies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Program that has police referring homeless to services sees positive results. An intensive social work program being tested in Chinatown has successfully reduced crime, according to a university study. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless program shows positive results after first year. A new partnership between Hono­lulu law enforcement and outreach workers to encourage homeless people in Chinatown to seek help and housing has dramatically reduced the number of law enforcement encounters, calls for medical treatment and days spent on the street. Star-Advertiser.

LEAD homeless diversion program shows positive results, will expand. The program helped 47 people in its pilot year. KITV.

City sweeps homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. After getting complaint after complaint, the city on Wednesday swept a homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. KITV.

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New Kapiolani high-rise in development. The developers of a planned 43-story residential condominium and hotel high-rise called Sky Ala Moana held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the estimated $510 million project. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking held for transit-oriented condo-hotel near Ala Moana Center.  On Wednesday, dignitaries and developers broke ground on Sky Ala Moana, a condo and hotel on Kapiolani Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Ban on short term vacation rentals leads to influx of long term units for rent. Looking to rent a studio or small condo long term? More of them are available in places like Honolulu and the Windward side likely due to the ban on short term vacation rentals. KHON2.

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‘Shadow Flicker’ And Lost Sleep: Are Kahuku Wind Turbines Too Close To Homes?. Some of those living near the Kahuku wind turbines blame them for an array of health ailments. Civil Beat.

Wind plant opponents take break from protest. Few, if any, demonstrators against the project to install eight 568-foot tall wind turbines in Kahuku on the North Shore made an appearance at Kalaeloa in Kapolei Tuesday night, with opponent leaders saying a much-needed break was taken from gathering every night. Star-Advertiser.

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Construction of Kuhio Beach groin to begin. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday on a 95-foot sandbag groin designed to stabilize an erosion hot spot at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki’s Kuhio Beach fronting the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Star-Advertiser.

Federal team dispatched to Kalihi after toxic dumpsite is partially exposed. A federal emergency response team has been deployed to Kalihi to patch potholes after a toxic dumpsite buried under the road was partially exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shipman pulls out of planned satellite launch facility: ‘This wasn’t the right fit’. A proposed satellite launch facility near Keaau will not go forward after the owner of the potential site pulled out of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Bid protest stalls bus contract. It’s back to the drawing board for the embattled Hele-On bus service, after a bid protest stopped a contract from being awarded to the winning bidder, Roberts Tours and Transportation Inc. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers scramble to contain invasive beetle attacking Big Island crops. Scientists are still working on an official common name for Acalolepta aesthetica, which has been dubbed the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Hawaii News Now.

Advice for Hilo Bay users: ‘If it’s brown, turn around’. Those who frolic in Hilo Bay might want to take note of new research conducted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State charges Maui riot detainees thousands for damages, triggering federal civil rights lawsuit. The state has sanctioned 18 inmates over the Maui jail riot this spring — not with criminal charges yet, but with financial penalties for thousands of dollars each. KHON2.

A lawsuit filed Monday by state Rep. Angus McKelvey, Maui Tomorrow and others seeks to clarify whether Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has the authority to ignore a resolution by the County Council calling for the settlement of the Lahaina injection wells case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Maui News.

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Mahi Pono Hires Tim O’Laughlin as COO. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced the hire of Tim O’Laughlin as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Maui Now.

Calif. water lawyer tapped as Mahi Pono COO. Veteran California water lawyer Tim O’Laughlin was recently named Mahi Pono’s chief operating officer, the Maui company confirmed. Shan Tsutsui remains senior VP of operations. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was released from police custody after posting $10,000 bail Wednesday evening. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Court kicks Ala Wai project back for an EIS, Kauai councilman arrested, accused of assaulting traffic cop, state pays Honolulu to take over Kakaako parks, Maui mayor to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Injunction stops funding for Ala Wai flood control project. A judge Tuesday issued an injunction stopping the city and state from funding a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of $350M Ala Wai flood control project secure a win in court. On Tuesday, state Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Crabtree ruled that no money can be committed to the project until an Environmental Impact Statement is completed, which could take quite a bit more time. Hawaii News Now.

Judge's decision puts funding for controversial Ala Wai flood control project on hold. Opponents of the project said they're not against flood mitigation of the Ala Wai Canal, but they think there are alternative ways to go about it. KITV.

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‘Nation’s Report Card’ shows improvement for Hawaii students. Fourth graders in Hawaii’s public schools have caught up to the national average in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, but eighth graders still lag their peers nationally. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Teens Have Some Of The Highest Vaping Rates In The Nation. Researchers say it’s a mixture of marketing and economics, plus Hawaii getting a head start on a trend that started in Asia. Civil Beat.

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Gov. Ige appoints former prisons director Ted Sakai to corrections oversight commission.  Gov. David Ige appointed former prisons director Ted Sakai to the new Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. KHON2.

Ige Makes Appointment To Prison Oversight Panel. Ted Sakai has some 30 years of experience at the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

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Federal Regulators Announce Rules for Commercial Hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new rules that help clear the way for commercial cultivation of hemp in the country, Hawaii  included. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State pays city $2.25M to take over Kakaako parks with troubled reputation. After three years of back and forth, the Hawaii Community Development Authority has agreed to pay the city $2.25 million to take ownership of three troubled parks in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

HCDA To Transfer Kakaako Parcels To City. The makai land includes the Gateway and Waterfront parks. Civil Beat.

City takes over Kakaako parks; mayor says big fixes and funding preclude playground. The City and County of Honolulu officially takes over Kakaako makai parks this week, in one of Hawaii’s largest such land transfers. KHON2.

Kaka‘ako land transfer to be realized November 1. The historic transfer of public lands and facilities in one of the fastest growing areas of the state will be finalized and take effect on Friday. KITV.

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Mayor says no other target or subject letters from feds; city cooperating with subpoenas and warrants. Federal investigations have intersected with Honolulu Hale quite a bit recently, from the Kealoha case to the rail project.  KHON2.

Police outnumber demonstrators at Kahuku, Kalaeloa wind-farm protest sites. Demonstrators against the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project remain resolute as the nightly transport of turbine parts to Kahuku continue. Star-Advertiser.

‘We trusted her’: Man explains how Katherine Kealoha abused his trust. Ransen Taito was just a child when he met Katherine Kealoha, a long time family friend who promised to help him and his younger sister after their father died in 2004. Hawaii News Now.

Navy's Proposed Fuel Tank Upgrades Get Cold Reception, Health Officials Seek Tougher Standards. A public meeting is scheduled next month on the U.S. Navy's proposed upgrades to its Red Hill fuel facility while a separate gathering is planned later this year on rule changes that would toughen standards for underground storage tanks. Hawaii Public Radio.

New proposal would require microchipping pets and raise fees for a lost pet. Under a new City Council proposal, pet owners would be required to microchip their dogs and cats. KHON2.

Zippy’s says stricter ban on plastics could cause closures. A stricter plastic ban is headed to a final reading at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

Community divided over Kaneohe cemetery’s plan to expand by 30 acres. After selling most of its burial plots, Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery in Kaneohe wants to expand its 156-acre cemetery by about 30 acres. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Puna Senator Puts Governor On The Spot Over Geothermal Reopening. State Senator Russell Ruderman sent a letter to Governor David Ige concerning the reopening of the Puna Geothermal Venture facility in his district. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Police Department looking for 47 new police officers. Think you got what it takes to wear the badge and blue? West Hawaii Today.

Building instability and moisture are resulting in extensive fog, ice and high humidity at the summit, forecasters say. Ice and snow can already be seen on observatory webcams. Ice was starting to cover the summit of Mauna Kea on Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

TMT official says Hawaii still preferred site, despite Spanish news report. The Thirty Meter Telescope remains committed to building on Maunakea, contrary to reports published in a Canary Islands newspaper. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County announces year-round vehicle disposal assistance program. Hawaii County is resuming an amnesty program to help subsidize disposal costs for residents wanted to dispose of unwanted vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Geologists sample growing pond in Halema‘uma‘u. U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Saturday collected samples from the growing water pond in Kilauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u crater. Tribune-Herald.

County Recycling Cutbacks A Sign Of Global Market Changes. When China and other Asian nations curtailed dirty recycling streams, the county’s recycling contractor saw markets dry up, forcing residents to seek alternatives. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Mayor Plans To Sue Fossil Fuel Companies For Climate Change Damage. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced plans Tuesday to sue fossil fuel companies that he says are responsible for climate change-related damage to roads and other infrastructure, but there are challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County Plans Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Companies. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his intent for Maui County to file a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for what he called “mounting impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.” Maui Now.

Maui County to sue fossil fuel companies over costs of climate change. Maui County plans to sue fossil fuel companies to seek compensation for the mounting costs of climate change, which officials say are already being felt. Hawaii News Now.

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New Lawsuit Filed In Maui County’s Supreme Court Showdown. The latest legal action asks a state court judge to allow the Maui County Council to settle the case before it has the potential to carve a giant loophole into the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.

Conservation positions open at park, sanctuary. Kupu is looking for individuals passionate about preserving the natural environment at Haleakala National Park and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai County councilman arrested, accused of assaulting a police officer. County officials say Arthur Brun was booked Tuesday afternoon. Sources say Brun was wanted for drug-related charges. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai councilmember arrested following traffic stop. Kauai police arrested a Kauai County councilman Tuesday afternoon after he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. Garden Island.

Kauai County councilman allegedly hits police officer with car. Kauai police arrested Tuesday afternoon a 47-year-old Waimea man who allegedly struck a police officer with a car while trying to flee during a traffic stop. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai councilman accused of hitting officer with vehicle. Kauai police arrested a county councilman Tuesday afternoon after authorities say he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. KHON2.

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Spectrum says services fully restored. Kauai got its regular internet, phone and cable TV back Monday night, but exactly what went wrong with the undersea fiber optic cable connecting the island to Oahu and the rest of the world remains unclear, and there is no firm timeline for repairs. Garden Island.

Molokai

Discounted prescription drug program on Molokai in limbo. Contract ends between Molokai health center, only independent pharmacy on island, Molokai Drugs. Maui News.

Lanai

Revamped Lanai hotel ready to welcome guests — starting at $2,700 a day. Lanai is about to be an island anchored by two luxury resorts — again. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Hawaii's newest import - homeless? Plus, more wind farm arrests, Louis Kealoha supporters say it's his wife's fault, Kauai cable outage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless in Honolulu ©2019 All Hawaii News
Is New York really ‘exporting its homeless to Hawaii,' as a recent article claimed? An article published in the New York Post over the weekend has become quite a talker in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Report: New York City exporting homeless to 32 other states, including Hawaii. Since the program launched in 2017 New York has sent over 12,000 homeless, but according to a City of Honolulu official, only one has landed in Honolulu as a part of the Special One Time Assistance Program. KHON2.

NY Post article making waves in Hawaii. A recent article claiming that New York is 'secretly exports homeless to Hawaii' is creating some waves in the islands. KITV.

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FBI approached rail contractor workers, lawsuit says. The FBI has approached employees of a major rail contractor, and federal investigators also served a search warrant on the city to gather data such as emails in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation into rail, according to court records and city officials. Star-Advertiser.

Drone delivers parts, medicine to underway Navy submarine. In a first for the Navy, a quadcopter drone was flown more than a mile from shore on Oahu to deliver a 5-pound payload of circuit cards, medical supplies and food items to the submarine USS Hawaii in a potentially radical new way to provide logistics resupply of small items to subs at sea, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Lactation Room Opened At Hawaii State Capitol. It’s intended to provide “a comfortable, private space for mothers to nurse their babies and express milk.” Civil Beat.

Oahu

Councilwoman Kymberly Pine enters fight in upcoming mayoral race. Councilwoman Kymberly Pine said Monday she will be a candidate for Honolulu mayor in 2020, a race that is likely to become crowded in a hurry. Star-Advertiser.

Pine Announces Candidacy For Honolulu Mayor. She currently is in her second and final four-year term as a member of the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Council Member Announces Run For Honolulu Mayor Seat. City Council Member Kymberly Pine announced Monday she will run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kym Pine and other lesser-known candidates for Honolulu mayor need to build name recognition, analyst says. The Honolulu City Council member, who represents Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Wai'anae, and other areas of District One, formally announced her candidacy, joining business executive Keith Ame­miya and former state senator John Caroll. KITV.

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Letters in support of Louis Kealoha puts blame on wife Katherine. Letters in support of Louis Kealoha were released Monday, asking a judge to give the former police chief a lighter sentence. KHON2.

Friends Tell Court Former Honolulu Police Chief Kealoha Was A Model And Deserves Leniency. Several wrote that Louis Kealoha, convicted of conspiracy in federal court, did not know the extent of crimes committed by his wife, former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, but her lawyer said it’s unfair for her to take all the blame. Civil Beat.

Letters showing support for Louis Kealoha unsealed. "What Louie has done for the community in over 30 plus years of service by far exceeds any wrong doings that may have come about." KITV.

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Lawsuit: Last-Minute Honolulu Talk on Mauna Kea Violated Meeting Law. The Honolulu City Council violated the Hawaii Sunshine Law when members discussed policing on Mauna Kea at a meeting without providing six days of public notice, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu police arrest 16 more wind farm protesters overnight in Kalaeloa. Honolulu police made another 16 arrests at Kalaeloa overnight during protests against the Na Pua Makani wind farm, bringing the total number of arrests to 127 since the protests began on Oct. 17. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrest 16 for trying to block convoy of equipment for wind farm project. Sixteen people were arrested in late Sunday into early Monday in an attempt to block a convoy of heavy equipment for a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore, according to Honolulu police records. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: More studies needed on infrasound. The Department of Health has a branch that deals with noise complaints and regulation and infrasound is new to them. KITV.

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Private developer makes state’s Kewalo Basin harbor shipshape. A more than decade-old effort to improve substandard conditions at a state-owned harbor in Kakaako popular with tour boat operators is just about complete. Star-Advertiser.

Work to widen the H-1 freeway shoulder in Aiea completed ahead of schedule. The untying of maile lei marked the early completion of a paving and shoulder widening project on the H-1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT denies report that telescope site decision is imminent. Officials with the Thirty Meter Telescope on Monday denied a report in the Canary Islands that a decision on where to construct the $1.4 billion project will happen within the next few weeks. Star-Advertiser.

‘Clearly it’s possible’: TMT supporters say if Kahuku wind farm protesters can be moved, why can’t the same be done on Mauna Kea? Hawaii News Now.

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Builders question whether to delay projects until new county energy code is in place. Balancing energy conservation with building costs was top of mind Monday, as about 50 designers, builders and homeowners quizzed county Building Division staff about proposed changes to the county energy code. West Hawaii Today.

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Flow of tourists in Leilani Estates diminishes. More than a year after lava stopped flowing aboveground on the Big Island, lava tourism in Leilani Estates might be slowing down. Tribune-Herald.

Keaau facility to provide biodiesel for Hamakua Energy. The Pacific Biodiesel refinery in Keaau will begin providing fuel for the Hamakua Energy plant next week. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit filed to protect habitat for 14 Hawaii Island species. The Center for Biological Diversity Monday sued the Trump administration’s Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect and designate critical habitat for 14 endangered species found on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Hotels Record Highest Revenue Statewide in September. On average, Maui County hotels grossed $232 in revenue per available room, about an 8 percent increase from the same time last year. Maui Now.

Maui Police and Air Force Plan Emergency Preparedness Exercise in Kihei. Members of the Maui Police Department and personnel of the United States Air Force will be participating in a one day, coordinated agency Emergency Preparedness Exercise. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai back online. An undersea fiber optic cable between Kauai and Oahu malfunctioned Sunday evening and left most of the island’s residents without internet, cable TV or phone service, a spokesperson for Hawaii Telcom said Monday. Garden Island.

Spectrum service slowly returns to Kauai after island-wide outage. Spectrum internet, TV and phone service is slowly coming back for some Kauai residents, but it may not be fully restored until some time Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Spectrum outage islandwide on Kauai. KHON2.

Pau with the parakeets. The bright green rose-ringed parakeets stir thoughts of jungle adventures and tropical getaways, but the exotic-looking birds are taking a bite out of Kauai. Garden Island.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Kahuku wind farm project lacks environmental review, Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition, drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Choon James
Kahuku wind farm arrests PC:Choon James
PUC’s Former Lawyer Says Approval Of Kahuku Wind Farm Violated Law. A former Public Utilities Commission counsel said regulators needed to complete an environmental review before approving the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm ‘arrestables’ say breaking the law is their last option. Over the last two weeks, 111 people volunteered to be arrested for protesting a controversial wind energy farm in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Wind farm demonstrators out in Kalaeloa again Sunday night. Wind turbine construction materials are scheduled to move again on Sunday night, leaving from Kalaeloa for the Na Pua Makani wind farm site in Kahuku. KITV.

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Drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M last year. Hawaii doctors received $4.29 million in total payments from drug companies for promotional talks or consulting work in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Dispensaries stop selling vapes with outside ingredients. Five out of eight Hawaii medical marijuana dispensaries that had been warned by health officials to stop selling vaping products made with outside ingredients say they are now in compliance with state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants prepare to vote on a possible strike. Starting Monday, more than 2,100 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will begin voting on whether they should authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii kids hit median on Smarter Balanced Assessment. A new analysis shows that Hawaii’s public school students rank in the middle of the pack in both English and math proficiency among the states that use the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Want a selfie with a Hawaiian monk seal? Don’t get too close. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers recently conducted a study of how social media can play a role not only in monitoring the public’s interaction with endangered monks seals in Hawaii, but in research, education and conservation. Star-Advertiser.

Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund. The move by the inspector general comes after a Civil Beat investigation and request from four congressmen. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement late Thursday that she won’t seek reelection to Congress so she can focus on her presidential bid turns what early challenger Kai Kahele saw as a likely mano-a-mano contest into a political free-for-all. But it’s up for debate whether this makes it more or less difficult for the relatively new state senator from Hilo to win the congressional seat. West Hawaii Today.

Tulsi Gabbard’s decision not to seek reelection to Congress and instead focus on her presidential campaign opens an opportunity for familiar and lesser-known potential candidates who might want to run in 2020 to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Why Tulsi Gabbard Should Quit Congress Right Now. The presidential wannabe can show true aloha for the people of the 2nd District by letting them have proper representation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Feds Demanded Rail Information From Honolulu City Hall. Officials investigating the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation have either seized or requested information from the city, the mayor’s communications director Andrew Pereira confirmed. Civil Beat.

Acting city prosecutor faces heat over failure to act in wake of scandals. Acting city Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto continues to dodge questions about the suspected cover-up of crimes by ex-deputy Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

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Pro-Labor Bill Becomes Law Without Mayor’s Signature. Caldwell informed the council he wants to work on “legal concerns.” Civil Beat.

Labor bill favoring unions becomes law without the mayor’s signature. Union workers will essentially get priority for all city projects over $2 million thanks to a bill that is now law. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Wai harbor redevelopment effort falls short — again. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has come up empty-handed after a committee reviewed proposals for redevelopment of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor — rankling some Waikiki residents and boaters who fear the state will never get it right. Star-Advertiser.

State goes ‘back to the drawing board’ for Ala Wai harbor development. Many people consider the area near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to be the gateway to Waikiki. But for years, that area has included a fenced-off vacant lot. Hawaii News Now.

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Kirk Caldwell, developer of Ala Moana playground reject idea of different site. Moving the site of a proposed inclusive children’s playground from Ala Moana Regional Park to Kakaako Waterfront Park will cause suffering to children with special needs by making them wait longer to enjoy the first such playground in Hawaii, said Tiffany Vara, executive director of Pa‘ani Kakou, a nonprofit that has pledged to build the playground with private money and give it to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Support for an inclusive playground is there. But where should it be built? Dozens on both sides of the controversy over a proposed, privately funded playground at Ala Moana Park attended a rally at the park today. Hawaii News Now.

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Bill 25 standoff reveals difficulty in requiring greener energy as part of Oahu’s building code. Improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings is a key element to reducing global climate heating. And on Oahu, there’s plenty of room for improvement, as our built environment is responsible for some 35% of the island’s carbon pollution, according to the city’s recently established greenhouse gas inventory. Star-Advertiser.

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Financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa may be overseen by conservator. A hearing will be held to determine whether a conservator will be appointed to oversee the financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa outside of her $215 million trust, a judge ruled Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian royalty descendant rejects calls for appointment of a conservator. Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa was back in court Friday, rejecting claims she can’t handle her own financial affairs and medical needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki residents concerned by bikers on sidewalks. Riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal. KITV.

This Run Down Shopping Center In Hawaii Kai Has Neighbors Begging For Repairs. It’s not the only shopping center in Hawaii that is showing signs of decay. But this community, fueled by a neighborhood social media discussion, is fighting back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition. A petition that challenged the density of development of astronomy observatories on Mauna Kea was denied Friday by the state Land Use Commission, with a majority of the commissioners declaring they have no jurisdiction over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Land commission votes 5-2 to deny request by two Hilo residents. The state Land Use Commission voted Friday to deny a petition that requested a declaration that the use of land at Maunakea summit is improper for its current zoning. Tribune-Herald.

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Sirens in tsunami-prone areas now ‘highest priority'. Prioritization of emergency warning siren maintenance, repair and installation across the state has changed. West Hawaii Today.

Final review of proposed dolphin swimming ban continues. Federal officials are still working to finalize a rule three years in the making that’ll render it illegal to approach or swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui continues to discuss how to meet Hawaii’s renewable-energy goals. The months-long, record-breaking heat wave that has caused spikes in Maui’s electricity use underscores why the island — and the state as a whole — has such ambitious renewable-energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Column: Tax reform legislation moves to the full council on Nov. 8. Five months ago, the Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee decided to study options for more equitable taxation by creating a temporary investigative group, or TIG, on real property tax reform. Maui News.

Local Businesses Open Up Shop at Wailea Village. Wailea Village, a new shopping center in South Maui that promises a “different” and “outdoor-focused” retail experience, is now the home of several locally owned stores. Maui Now.

Kauai

Police Chief Calls For New Procedures In Wake Of School Threats. Responding to recent threats against island schools, Kaua'i Police Chief Todd Raybuck described school lockdowns and evacuations as appropriate when the threats are active and imminent, but said they may not be when unconfirmed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai’s police chief urges parents to remind kids about seriousness of making threats. In light of recent threats against DOE schools, Kauai’s Police Chief Todd Raybuck is strengthening the call for the community to work together to prevent future incidents. Hawaii News Now.

Eyes on the reefs. The sediment in Anini’s shallow lagoon could be saturated with heavy metals, according to results from a study conducted through volunteers with the nonprofit Reef Guardians Hawaii. Garden Island.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hawaii 2nd Congressional seat wide open as Gabbard announces she won't seek reelection, Maui families sue Monsanto, Honolulu advances plastic ban, LUC hears TMT case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and early challenger state Sen. Kai Kahele ©2019 All Hawaii News
Gabbard won’t seek re-election to Congress so she can focus on White House run. The news opens the door to a highly competitive race for her seat representing Hawaii’s Congressional District, and likely has repercussions for other local races. Hawaii News Now.

Tulsi Gabbard Won’t Run For Re-Election To US House. The Hawaii Democrat will focus instead on her presidential campaign. Civil Beat.

She's all in: Tulsi Gabbard gives up congressional seat. In a six minute video posted to her campaign page, Tulsi Gabbard announced that she will not seek re-election for her congressional seat to focus on her 2020 presidential campaign. KITV.

Tulsi Gabbard says she will not seek reelection to Congress. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced on her presidential campaign website today that she will not seek reelection to Congress in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard drops congressional race to focus on presidential. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she will focus on her White House bid and not run for reelection to her congressional seat. The congresswoman from Hawaii made the announcement early Friday. Associated Press.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going all in on her bid to be the next president, and she says she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Tulsi Gabbard is saying mahalo to Hawaiʻi in a new video, and has announced that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will not seek re-election to the US House of Representatives, the Democratic candidate for President announced on Thursday evening. Big Island Now.

Tulsi Gabbard announces she will not run for re-election in Congress, will focus on the presidency. KHON2.

UH Political Analyst on Gabbard’s Decision, Kahele’s Position. Big Island Now.

Gabbard's full press release and video. Gabbard campaign.

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Survey: Ige Among Most Unpopular Governors. Hawaii’s chief executive has a mere 36% approval rating. Civil Beat.

Corals Are Adapting to Higher Temperatures, But Likely Not Fast Enough. Evidence from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology shows that corals are already naturally adapting to higher temperatures. But the rate of increase may be too rapid for them to keep up. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Despite concerns, proposed ban on single-use plastics advances to full council. A wide-ranging ban on single-use plastic food containers and utensils has advanced in the Honolulu City Council, despite concerns from the restaurant and food industry over alternative materials and their cost. Hawaii News Now.

More plastic, more problems? Bill 40 was introduced with intent to remove single-use plastic, such as bags and utensils, from takeout food orders. Its language is sparking fear in some local business owners. KITV.

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Rail Contractor’s Former Lawyer Alleges ‘Illegal’ And ‘Dishonest’ Activity. A whistleblower lawsuit says Nan Inc. tried to drive up rail construction claims at taxpayers’ expense. Civil Beat.

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Police deny teen’s claim of officer mistreatment at wind farm protest. Honolulu police are vehemently denying a teen’s claims that an officer punched and tased him before his arrest Sunday at a protest of a planned Kahuku wind farm. Hawaii News Now.

Police deny Kahuku wind farm protesters were mistreated. Several people who have been arrested in Kahuku for obstructing the delivery of wind turbine parts this week have said that they were treated with the utmost care and respect by arresting officers. But not everyone. Star-Advertiser.

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Princess Kaiulani tower project moving forward, contingent on several public benefits. Kyo-ya’s plan to raze the existing Princess Kaiulani Hotel to make way for Waikiki’s first all-hotel tower in 40 years took a critical step forward Thursday in obtaining city approval to build. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents say city to blame for growing sinkhole that’s threatening homes. A sinkhole in a Kailua’s Keolu Hills neighborhood looked pretty routine at first. But nearly a year later, one former Kailua Neighborhood Board member says homes are being threatened by a growing underground reservoir. Hawaii News Now.

6 tons of ‘ghost nets’ removed from Kaneohe Bay. A nonprofit group and researchers from Hawaii Pacific University have teamed up recently to remove 12,000 pounds of discarded “ghost nets” from Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea telescopes amount to urban development, land commission is told. The state Land Use Commission heard arguments Thursday that the 13 existing Mauna Kea observatories along with their related offices, parking lots and utilities amount to an inappropriate urban development on state conservation lands and that the area must be reclassified as urban before any further development takes place. Star-Advertiser.

Testimony continues for Maunakea land rezoning petition. A meeting of the state Land Use Commission will continue through today as petitioners argue to reclassify land at the summit of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Why Mauna Kea’s Conservation Land Classification Is Under Scrutiny. Opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope may be at the forefront of Mauna Kea protests, but some native Hawaiian practitioners are questioning the cumulative effects of development on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant cost increases. Delays and scope expansions have increased the cost by millions to upgrade the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce R1 recycled water. West Hawaii Today.

Legislators hear from Big Island disability community at annual forum. In the mostly rural communities of the Big Island, it’s important for those with disabilities to make sure their voices are heard by the people in power. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Suit blames birth defects in Maui community on Monsanto chemicals. A lawsuit filed on Maui blames birth defects on chemicals from Monsanto corn fields. Hawaii News Now.

Maui mother who’s filed lawsuit against Monsanto: ‘It’s just not right’. Two Maui families with children born with rare illnesses are suing Monsanto and its parent company Bayer.  KHON2.

Lawsuit claims Monsanto caused birth defects in Maui neighborhood. A new lawsuit claims that Monsanto caused birth defects over the course of decades in a Maui neighborhood. KITV.

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Hearing on Rules Relating to Fines for Unpermitted Transient Vacation Rentals. The Planning Department has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Kalana Pakui conference room in Wailuku regarding amending the Department’s rules relating to fines for unpermitted transient vacation rental operations. Maui Now.

Kama Holds Meeting to Discuss Unsheltered Homeless Impacts and Solutions. Concerns surrounding the homeless presence off of East Kamehameha Avenue and Hoʻohana Street in Kahului were heightened following a fatal traffic accident on Sept. 11 and a shooting the following morning involving a homeless altercation at the site. Maui Now.

Officials hope endangered Maui birds find romance. Wild, captive-bred kiwikiu moved, slated for release. Maui News.

Kauai

Rice Street vision quest. Jim Guerber opened Thursday’s Lihue Business Association meeting asking people to share their perspectives on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Kauai Students’ Teacher Housing Proposal Recognized. The Kauai Community College students earned second-place at a national entrepreneurship challenge. Civil Beat.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of HawaiÊ»i’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Kealoha chapter closes with guilty pleas, City Council says no outside attorneys in rail probe, battles continue across the state over wind, solar and water issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Katherine and Louis Kealoha admit guilt. Once one of Oahu’s preeminent power couples, Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s stunning fall from grace continued Tuesday with both pleading guilty to additional federal charges. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief, Estranged Wife Plead Guilty. A retired Honolulu police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bank fraud in order to avoid other trials against them, capping a federal corruption investigation that brought down the once-respected and powerful couple. Associated Press.

Under deal approved by judge, Kealohas plead guilty to remaining charges. After maintaining her innocence for years, Katherine Kealoha pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to bank fraud, identity theft and covering up knowledge of a drug ring involving her brother ― all felonies ― under a plea deal approved by a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Judge accepts, finds Kealohas guilty. The Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright accepted the Kealohas’ guilty plea Tuesday. Prosecutors say the plea agreement that Louis and Katherine Kealoha entered into will bring some vindication for additional victims. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors may be interested in what Katherine Kealoha knows about HART, her attorney says. Attorney Earle Partington had planned to appeal the Kealohas' June conspiracy and obstruction conviction, but with the Kealohas cutting plea deals with the federal government, the focus has changed. KITV.

Is the Prosecutor’s Office doomed to repeat the past? That’s what the Council is worried about. In a tense exchange Tuesday, Honolulu Councilman Ron Menor questioned Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor on why his office hasn’t taken steps to independently confirm how deputy Katherine Kealoha abused her office for years for her personal benefit. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council rejects hiring outside lawyers to help city employees. Lawyers for the city expect the federal criminal investigation of the rail authority will likely result in more subpoenas or other requests for information from other city departments, but members of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to hire a mainland law firm to help cope with those inquiries. Star-Advertiser.

Criminal Probe Into Rail Might Creep Into Honolulu Hale, Attorneys Fear. After the City Council rejected using taxpayer money to pay for legal representation, city employees would have to seek it out on their own. Civil Beat.

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Wind farm battles aren’t new. And our search for green energy means they’re not going away. The opposition might have appeared to come out of nowhere. But in fact, wind farm projects are no stranger to controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm arrests decline on third night. Three people were arrested Tuesday in Kahuku after refusing to move from the driveway of the wind farm site where trucks were delivering four turbine tower sections. Three protesters were also arrested Monday night in Kalaeloa, bringing the total arrested to 101 since the protest began Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu Council Committee Considering Charging Transportation Companies for Parking Stalls. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces. Hawaii Public Radio.

Move proposed Ala Moana playground to Kakaako park, City Council member Kobayashi says. Instead of building a proposed 1-acre children’s playground with a zip line and water feature at Ala Moana Regional Park, the city should build it at Kakaako Waterfront Park near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of a new playground slated for Ala Moana Park are trying to convince the city to switch to a different site. They received a boost from a key council committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

How To Remove Homeless People From A Park? Close It, Honolulu Says. Opponents of the city proposal say closing parks is not the answer when better enforcement and maintenance is needed. Civil Beat.

City council exploring options for a tiny, problematic park in Downtown Honolulu. Honolulu city council members passed a resolution Monday that explores alternatives for the Kamalii Mini Park in Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Large scale enforcement effort underway at Kea‘au Beach Park. Combined efforts from numerous city departments, state coordinators, non-government organizations and volunteer community members are currently underway with the goal of cleaning a stretch shoreline along the Leeward Coast north of Kea‘au Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public hearing slated for petition challenging classification of state land on Maunakea summit. The state Land Use Commission will have a public hearing Thursday about a petition by two Hawaiian cultural practitioners concerning the classification of state land on the Maunakea summit. Tribune-Herald.

Search Begins for New UH Astronomy Director. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun. Big Island Now.

Water is the holdup for Laiopua. There are many hurdles to completing the master-planned Villages of Laiopua, but topping that list is water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Conflicts, Antitrust Questions Raised Regarding Maui Solar Farm. Utilities and others are concerned that the same lawyers are representing multiple parties in a competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Farmers, Advocates Rally for Restored Streamflow in Na Wai ʻEha. Community organizers picketed outside of the state building earlier this evening to push for full streamflow in Wailuku, Waiʻehu, Waiheʻe, and Waikapu, also known as Na Wai ʻEha, or the four waters. Maui Now.

UPW contract with hospitals is ratified. Terms not disclosed by either union or Maui Health System. Maui News.

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Brush fire closes Kapalua Airport on Maui, forces evacuations. The fire department is continuing to fight the fire in West Maui, and are working to protect homes in the Kahana Ridge and Ala Hoku subdivisions. Star-Advertiser.

Brush Fire Closes Maui's Kapalua Airport. Kapalua Airport in Maui was closed and evacuated Tuesday because of a brush fire that damaged power supply lines, causing the airport to lose power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Two pharmacies on Kauai are being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly distributing drugs without a prescription. Drug Enforcement Administration officials seized records and inventory from Westside Pharmacy in Hanapepe and Kalaheo Pharmacy during inspections on Oct. 9 and 10, according to receipts documenting the execution of a federal inspection warrant. Garden Island.

The business of climate change. On Kauai, the first of five conversations on the topic happened Monday at a meeting at Kauai Community College attended by about 40 people that was part lecture, part brainstorming session, focused on Kauai’s business sector. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Hawaii on list of possible G7 summit sites, Ige attending Naruhito’s enthronement, Kealohas to enter guilty pleas, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii Convention Center ©2019 All Hawaii News
Next year's G7 summit could be coming to the islands. White House officials confirmed Hawaii was on the short list of locations being considered, prior to the President dropping plans to hold the international conference at his Miami resort. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige to attend Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony in Japan. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is one of the honored guests attending Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony, heralding his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Heads To Japan For Enthronement Ceremony. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is Hawaii’s acting governor until Friday. Civil Beat.

Ige travels to Japan for ceremony. The governor is one of seven Japanese-Americans who have been invited to the enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace today. Garden Island.

Governor Ige Travels to Japan for Enthronement Ceremony. Maui Now.

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Emergency Relief Period Extended For Homelessness. In his capacity as acting governor, Lt. Gov. Joshua Green issued a sixth supplementary proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Big Island Now.

Hotel performance tops nation but occupancy remains flat. Healthy September hotel performance helped push Hawaii’s hotel industry to the top of the nation for the first nine months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Candidates. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill ten primary and 9 alternate seats on its advisory council. Maui Now.

New Council Members Appointed for Humpback Whale Sanctuary. The NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has appointed four new primary members and one alternate member to serve on its advisory council. Big Island Now.

Oahu

More Candidates Enter Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Deputy public defender Jacquelyn Esser makes it official while attorney Tae Kim files campaign paperwork. Civil Beat.

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Kealohas are expected to plead guilty as part of plea deals. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are scheduled to appear in court today to plead guilty to federal felony charges as part of separate plea agreements, ending a years-long prosecution that toppled one of Oahu’s most prominent power couples. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Agrees To Plead Guilty To Bank Fraud. Louis Kealoha’s plea deal will keep him from a trial that had been set for January. It comes a day after his wife, Katherine, signed her own agreement. Civil Beat.

Kealohas each sign separate plea deals. First, it was Katherine Kealoha agreeing to a plea deal, now her former police chief husband Louis, who has filed for divorce, finalized his own plea deal Monday afternoon. KHON2.

Attorney with ties to Kealoha scandal suspended indefinitely. The court says attorney Christopher Woo failed to respond to four unrelated complaints for abandoning clients and financial irregularities. Woo previously represented Big Island firefighter Jesse Ebersole, who admitted to having an affair with Katherine Kealoha after lying about it to a grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

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3 wind farm protesters arrested in Kalaeloa as turbine parts leave for Kahuku. Wind turbine parts loaded onto four semi trucks began leaving the AES Corp.’s Kalaeloa yard at 11:17 p.m. Monday and were out in less than 15 minutes. Star-Advertiser.

Handful of arrests made as crews move swiftly to transport wind farm equipment to Kahuku. Crews moved swiftly once again early Tuesday to transport heavy equipment into a construction site for a wind farm project in Kahuku after more arrests were made. Hawaii News Now.

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Arguments continue in Ala Wai project lawsuit. The nonprofit Protect Our Ala Wai Watersheds went to court Monday to stop the city and and state from “prematurely obligating public funds” for a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Community group heads to court to fight Ala Wai flood project. A judge on Monday listened to opening statements and witness testimony for a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Ala Wai flood project. Hawaii News Now.

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Plan To Award Rail’s Final Contract Reaches Point Of No Return. HART is no longer considering a Plan B in case its pursuit of a public private partnership fails to get rail done. Civil Beat.

Rail project discussed at City Council Tuesday. Two rail-related measures seeking more accountability in the multibillion-dollar project will be up for discussion at a Honolulu City Council committee meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Councilwoman wants more transparency in 2 Honolulu rail programs. Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi on Monday linked concerns over the city’s rail project to frustrations that have led to mass arrests at Mauna Kea, Waimanalo’s Sherwood Forest and the Kahuku wind farm. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Councilmember Calls For More Transparency From Rail Project. Honolulu Councilmember Heidi Tsuneyoshi has submitted two resolutions to urge the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and the administration, to be more open with the Council and the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

DHHL committee to consider hiring private attorney. The Hawaiian Homes Commission took the first step Monday to hire an outside attorney to put a dollar figure on what the state owes Native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land, including the Maunakea Access Road, that was the subject of a 1995 state law. West Hawaii Today.

Halealoha Ayau Testifies, Resigns DHHL Position. Outspoken on the issue of the Mauna Kea Access Road jurisdiction, Ayau said he is resigning from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands due to "shame" over the department's actions. Big Island Video News.

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Changes to county hiring code eyed. The county Human Resources Department scheduled a public hearing for 1 p.m. Friday on changes to its hiring code giving the HR Department more centralized control over creating ranked lists of eligible candidates to be referred to the hiring departments. West Hawaii Today.

Public positive about solar project proposed for Keaau. A lot between Keaau High School and Hawaiian Paradise Park could become the home of a 350-acre solar array by 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Mokulele to provide Waimea Essential Air Service through June 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation re-selected the air carrier earlier this summer to provide essential air service for two years between Waimea-Kohala Airport and Kahului Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

High temperature sets record in Kahului. Central Maui experienced another hot weekend as temperatures in Kahului reached 95 degrees Sunday, breaking the old record of 93 set on the same date in 1996, according to the National Weather Service. Maui News.

Fates of freshwater, saltwater intertwined. Wai.Kai Week targets relationship between streams and the ocean. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to consider money requests. Items on the agenda include a bill for an amendment for funding, $625,000, for emergency work in opening the river mouth in Waimea and to establish funding for such work through the end of the fiscal year, including design and maintenance of levy gates to relieve and avoid flooding. Garden Island.

Kapaa traffic solutions update. Larry Dill, Kauai District engineer, Hawaii Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association’s meeting 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kapaa Public Library. Garden Island.