Showing posts with label 2018 legislative session. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2018 legislative session. Show all posts

Monday, March 5, 2018

Legislature advances foam food container ban, minimum wage hikes unlikely, records request deadline killed, property taxes for Honolulu rail, vacation homes proliferating, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Polystyrene foam food containers ©2018 All Hawaii News
Senate committee advances a bill to impose a statewide ban on polystyrene foam containers. Star-Advertiser.

Don’t Count On A Minimum Wage Hike This Session. The Senate wants an analysis. The House wants to give employers the option of increasing pay or offering paid sick leave. Civil Beat.

Senator shelves bill for timely action on state records requests. A bill seeking to speed up the resolution of disputes over which government records should be open to the public appears to be dead for the session. Star-Advertiser.

State bills aim to make homes for disabled user-friendly. State researchers addressing issues faced by people with disabilities want every new home in Hawaii built with six basic features they say will benefit a disadvantaged group that includes an approaching “silver tsunami” of seniors. Star-Advertiser.

A bill before lawmakers would provide free tuition in exchange for a commitment to remaining a state government employee. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators Want Abandoned Cars Removed Quicker. Counties object to measures that would give them 10 days to move the vehicles off of roadways. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed 131 bills on third reading on Friday, March 2, moving them to the Senate for their consideration. Big Island Now.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission fined four Hawaii Tourism Authority employees for unethical travel practices but chose not to penalize two other HTA employees, including a state senator’s wife. Star-Advertiser.

Child welfare agency shows no improvement in latest federal review. In the 14 categories that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services analyzed in 2017, the state agency showed no improvement from 2009. Star-Advertiser.

Hee: Allow schools to decide on arming security officers. A former state senator who is hoping to be Hawaii's next governor is offering his plan to prevent gun violence at schools. Hawaii News Now.

Surveillance is accepted practice in workers’ comp cases. It can lead to a cutoff of benefits, but things are not always as they appear. Civil Beat.

Community solar is poised to launch in Hawaii as early as this year, and putting the pieces together to make it happen is turning out to be quite a puzzle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Navy admiral likely to head U.S. Pacific Command has little experience in Asia. U.S. military forces stationed in Hawaii will soon report to a new commander after President Donald Trump said last month that he intends to name current U.S. Pacific Command Commander Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. ambassador to Australia. Pacific Business News.

Despite talk of the Navy’s surface fleet losing its war-­fighting edge, the head of U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor said a two-year training success that’s only being revealed now challenged the status quo, injecting greater uncertainty — and a higher degree of risk of failure — into sea-based exercises. Star-Advertiser

Animal advocacy groups called it cruel and misleading. Local food producers called it humane and important for Hawaii’s food supply. Recently, however, the practice of shipping live pigs to Hawaii for slaughter ended. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Share Of The Bill For Rail Just Got $54 Million Bigger. At a budget preview Friday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell acknowledged the city will have to cover more of the project’s cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa is again demanding the city step up its bulky-item pickup service in East Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor proposes fees for bulky item, residential trash pick-up. Hawaii News Now.

Feds: UH Manoa Violated Rules In Handling Sexual Harassment Cases. Complaints were mishandled and federal grievance procedures weren’t followed, investigators found. Civil Beat.

Sales of condominiums on Oahu rose 5 percent in February, as prices rose by the same percentage point, while single-family home sales recorded a slight decline in sales and a slight increase in prices, according to a report from Hawaii real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

After giving shade for 5 decades, iconic monkeypod in Manoa to be cut down. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s new bike-share program is getting popular, and expanding. To drum up more interest, Bikeshare Hawaii has been offering free 30-minute rides to new users today. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Vacation rentals: Changing the face of neighborhoods. West Hawaii Today.

Neighbors of a large vacation rental under construction in the oceanfront community of Leleiwi are appealing county Planning Department approval of a special management area permit. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii County Council member wants to rein in rooster farms. Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara is introducing a bill that would require anyone owning more than four roosters to keep them at least 75 feet from property lines. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo developer is hoping to build a new housing project for a vastly underserved demographic: low-income seniors. Tribune-Herald.

The month of March kicks off the budget season in Hawaii County, and the preliminary numbers are presenting a bleak picture for Big Island government finances. Big Island Video News.

Needed Water Reuse Could Affect Planned Kona Park. Big Island Video News.

A historic Naalehu landmark remains in a sad state of neglect after years of failure by the property’s owners to maintain it. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Water Board is proposing an increase to its power cost charge and will hold a public hearing on the matter later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county Planning Department has begun charging fees for repeated reviews of building permit applications, with the first re-review costing $250. Maui News.

Longtime Hawaiian falsetto singer Richard Hoopii died early Saturday morning at home in his beloved Kahakuloa. He was 76. Maui News.

Beloved Maui musician, Uncle Richard Hoopii passed away early this morning at his home in Kahakuloa, family members have confirmed. Maui Now.

Maui’s state Highways Division is looking to add at least 10 workers to help clear out thick cane grass along the road and glycine — an increasingly pervasive vine that blankets guardrails, road shoulders and road signs, state Department of Transportation officials said. Maui News.

Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer, on the ultimate Ultimate Whalewatch with the Experts, recovered a placenta in Maui’s waters today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Six qualified candidates are vying for three positions on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board. The nonprofit co-op, Hawaii’s only member-owned electric utility, is making progress towards its goal of using renewable resources to generate 70 percent of Kauai’s power by 2030. Garden Island.

The first new shopping center on the North Shore in 30 years is about to open in Kilauea, but two things will be missing when it does: the anchor supermarket operated by Foodland and a long-awaited new access road to Kilauea Town. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

The restoration of Kahoolawe is a marathon, not a sprint. And we're on mile 1. Hawaii News Now.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Chin apologizes for old anti-gay speech, bill criminalizes bogus service animals, committee chairmen refuse to televise meetings, Honolulu Police Commission chairman up for vote, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

By Pete Markham - originally posted to Flickr as Emmet Practices Opening a Power Door, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6828623
Service dog opens door PC: Pete Markham, Creative Commons
Bill targets growing problem of bogus service animals. Senate Bill 2461, introduced Jan. 19, would make the act of falsely claiming an animal to be a service animal a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail or up to $1,000 for the first offense. Tribune-Herald.

Jail time and fines for owners of ‘fake’ service animals? Hawaii Island Sen. Russell Ruderman told KHON2 a gray area in the Americans with Disabilities Act has allowed people to abuse this law. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin is apologizing for an anti-gay speech that he made more than 20 years ago in church. The angry address, which he delivered at the Oahu Church of Christ, is now being used against him in his race for Congress. Hawaii News Now.

The Only Three Legislative Committees You’ll Almost Never See On TV. Despite the difficulties of attending legislative hearings in person in Hawaii these House committee chairs have nixed televising their hearings. Civil Beat.

The Department of Human Services Wants Multigenerational Approach to Address Poverty. The state department with the largest operating budget is asking lawmakers to help make it more efficient. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state Senate bill calling for greater transparency in video game gambling systems is the subject of a public hearing today. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools has acknowledged that the $80 million settlement its agreed to pay to victims in a decades-old sex abuse scandal could affect future educational programs or the planned expansion of existing ones. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission members could decide Wednesday whether to retain embattled Chairman Max Sword as their leader or to elect a new one. Star-Advertiser.

How Honolulu’s New Police Chief Is Shaking Up A Troubled Department. In her first four months, Chief Susan Ballard is disrupting old policies and practices with a new vision. Civil Beat.

Man’s troubles with law affect sons’ Punahou School enrollment. The case of a man accused of sexually molesting a girl and showing a pornographic video to another while they were at sleepovers at his home is sparking spirited debate about just how far Hawaii’s private schools can go to penalize a child for the alleged sins of a parent. Star-Advertiser.

The mother of a Punahou School first-grader has sued the private institution over its attempt to expel her son because of the disruption stemming from his father’s troubles with the law. Star-Advertiser.

A Kids Museum Struggles Amidst Homeless Squalor. But Loretta Yajima of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako will not be deterred from fulfilling its mission. Civil Beat.

Neglect for an Ewa Beach park.  Is the Mayor of Honolulu playing favorite when it comes to funding parks around Oahu? KITV.

Whole Foods Market will open its largest Hawaii store by early summer in Kakaako after a dozen years of planning and setbacks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii prepares to send another 'Lei of Aloha' to Florida after school shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A move to take County Council budget planning behind closed doors will be heard today by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Mohouli Senior Residences in Hilo completed Phase 2 of construction and is fully occupied. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council is donating contingency relief funds to purchase stealth cameras to monitor areas prone to criminal activity in Puna. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s months-long Mars simulation mission was suspended today — five days after it began — because of a medical incident. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Budget panel moves toward buying building. The property, once acquired, would be torn down to make way for the Wailuku civic complex development. Maui News.

An informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center. Maui News.

Yellow tubes aiding in ocean rescues in south Maui. The president of a group that installed rescue tube stations along south Maui beaches says while he is happy the tubes are working, he wishes they weren't necessary. Associated Press.

Kauai

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency says the total cost of a failed missile test off of Kauai was $130 million. Garden Island.

Two Kauai County officials are scheduled to give a presentation on housing at this week’s meeting of the Lihue Business Association. Garden Island.

Lei of Aloha for World Peace is activated again, this time engaging schools across the state to weave ti leaf leis to send to the families of the 17 students and teachers killed in Parkland, Fla., last week. Garden Island.

Friday, February 9, 2018

Tourism outlook sunny, legislative committees advance pesticide bills, emergency shelters, vacation rentals, monster homes, 'survival sex' for young Honolulu homeless, plus Maui politics, Coco Palms lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki beach ©2018 All Hawaii News
Hawaii visitor arrivals and spending are expected to grow over the next four years. Speakers at the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s annual outlook and economic forecast forum tried to evaluate how much of a boon for Hawaii the latest forecast from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism would be. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said in a new report Hawaii’s overall economic condition in 2018 will be better than previously projected, as a result of the new tax reform bill. Pacific Business News.

Visitor accommodation units statewide increased to 80,336 units (+1.6%) year-over-year, the largest total ever recorded for the State of Hawaii, according to the 2017 Visitor Plant Inventory released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Bills Introduced to Crack Down on Vacation Rentals, Monster Homes. Maui Now.

All new state buildings would have to be designed and built with shelter space capable of withstanding catastrophic disasters under a proposal making its way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

House Emergency Preparedness Task Force Bill Advances. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the hours before the state's infamous missile alert mistake, a documentary crew from NBC News was getting an exclusive tour of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, gathering material for a future story that was meant to focus on communications in the aftermath of an actual attack. Hawaii News Now.

Four bills are moving ahead in the state legislature, and lawmakers believe that a lack of action on the federal level will increase the likelihood that the bills will pass. The bills would regulate the use of some heavily used pesticides, including a popular herbicide called Roundup.  Hawaii News Now.

House Committee Advances Ban On Chlorpyrifos. Big Island Video News.

The House committees on Agriculture and Energy & Environmental Protection passed a complete ban on the pesticide chlorpyrifos during a hearing at the State Capitol on Thursday. Big Island Now.

A statewide ban on chlorpyrifos passed through two Hawaii House committees Thursday, along with measures for stricter restrictions on glyphosate herbicides and public notification requirements for pesticide application. Garden Island.

Modernizing Hawaii’s Electric Grid For Less Than $1 A Month. Hawaiian Electric Co. needs to upgrade its distribution system to accommodate mushrooming rooftop solar. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric reports 1 percentage point increase in renewable energy in 2017. Hawaiian Electric Cos., the state's largest utility company, said on Thursday it was able to increase its renewable portfolio standard to 27 percent during the past year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Schools Can’t Seem To Give Breakfast Away. Nearly all of Hawaii’s public schools participate in the federal School Breakfast Program, but only 43 percent of low-income students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches also take advantage of subsidized school breakfast. Civil Beat.

Another government shutdown — even a short one — has particularly bad timing for the Hawaii National Guard, which has its once-a-month drills this weekend. More than 4,500 Hawaii Army and Air Guard soldiers were expected to train Saturday and Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Young homeless on Oahu are forced into “survival sex”. Homeless youth on Oahu tend to have been abused by their parents, became homeless at the age of 14, on average, and generally live a dangerous and disturbing existence where most tried to kill themselves while others were forced to perform “survival sex,” according to the first study of its kind in four decades. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has a lucrative second job at Territorial Savings Bank, and that's raised concerns with members of the state Legislature. Now, legislators are considering a proposal that would prevent acting governors and mayors from having second jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Spill sends 10,000 gallons of sewage into Waianae drainage ditch. The Hawaii Department of Health is urging the public to stay away from a sewage-contaminated drainage ditch in a residential area near Waianae Mall. Hawaii News Now.

City reverses decision to reject gift aimed at supporting young athletes. KHON2.

A woman who stole more than $3.8 million from the company that publishes Honolulu Magazine through a scheme the judge called “intricate” and that the prosecutor said was “exquisitely executed” was sentenced in federal court Thursday to four years in prison. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Nature Conservancy has transferred ownership of 222 acres of land to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Lifeguard liability bills treading water. West Hawaii Today.

A state House committee voted Thursday to advance a bill to establish lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Rep. Richard Creagan and the Hawaii County Council don’t think the Hawaii Department of Health is as serious as it should be about rat lungworm disease. West Hawaii Today.

After two meetings left local business owners with more questions than answers about the proposed surf school regulations, the county has postponed a looming deadline to bid on doing business at Kahaluu Bay. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Army National Guard is replacing its decades-old vehicle and equipment maintenance shop in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Was Maui Official Ousted For Skipping Mayor’s Campaign Event? The director of Maui’s Department of Water Supply is suing his boss after being placed on leave. Civil Beat.

New rental car tax proposed to help fund Lahaina, Paia bypasses. $4.50 per car, per day fee would help build state projects stalled in county. Maui News.

Ongoing discord among Maui County Council members has inspired the launching of campaigns for two candidates: former mayoral candidate and Council Member Alice Lee and Claire Kamalu Carroll, the 48-year-old daughter of Council Member Bob Carroll, who’ll retire this year. Maui News.

Maui resident and community organizer Tiare Lawrence is running for the State House representing Maui. KITV.

Two men who were arrested for allegedly harassing a monk seal in Lahaina could have felony charges dismissed if they make donations to a federal agency responsible for managing ocean resources. Maui News.

Businesses who use the EKO Compost facility that do not have a commercial account are being reminded by Department of Environmental Management officials that they are now required to set up an account and pay green waste tipping fees at $46 per/ton. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms Developer Fights Back With Its Own Native Hawaiian Research. A Hawaiian consultant disputes the claims of the occupiers of a planned resort site on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Milo Spindt, born in Lawai and now a Kalaheo resident, has pulled papers and is running for the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kapaa grocery store Cost-U-Less is closing after a quarter-century of doing business.  Garden Island.

Phyllis Ann De Graff Kunimura died Dec. 7. She was known as the “First Lady of Kauai” during her husband Tony Kunimura’s tenure as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Ige to give State of the State address this morning as lawmakers criticize missile alert snafu, mayors seek taxing power, grim budgets as employee costs rise, Honolulu councilman seeks false missile alarm working group, federal employees face furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy Rep. Della Au Bellati
Gov. Ige addresses legislative committee PC: Rep. Della Au Bellati
Amid sharp critiques, Ige to deliver fourth State of the State. After a difficult week for his administration and amid mounting questions over his leadership, Gov. David Ige will address lawmakers and constituents on Monday in his fourth State of the State address. Hawaii News Now.

State public funds’ shortfall hits $25B. The two public funds designed to meet the future pension and health care needs of government employees and retirees are a combined $25 billion in the hole with a growing shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections jumped 14 percent in 2017. Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections increased 13.8 percent to $508.4 million in fiscal year 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual report to the state Legislature. Pacific Business News.

County Mayors: We Want More Power To Tax. They also want a larger share of the state hotel tax revenues and immunity for lifeguards at state beaches. Civil Beat.

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Governor took 15 minutes to announce missile alert was false. The Hawaii National Guard’s top commander said Friday he told Gov. David Ige that a missile alert was a false alarm two minutes after it went out statewide. But the governor didn’t tell the public until 15 minutes later. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige was told last week’s missile alert was a false alarm just two minutes after the warning message was sent to cellphones across the state, the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Knew 2 Minutes After Missile Alert That It Was False. But it took his office 15 minutes to announce the news in a Twitter post, legislators were told Friday. Civil Beat.

Legislature Conducts Hearing on False Missile Alert. Governor David Ige told lawmakers Friday that safeguards are in place and there will be consequences for the 38 minute delay to end the false alarm. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers put Hawaii emergency officials, including Governor David Ige, under the spotlight during an informational briefing Friday, held to review the circumstances surrounding the erroneous release of a statewide emergency alert on Saturday, January 13. Big Island Video News.

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Republicans Want Lower Taxes And Better Public Access To Legislature. Bills to expand public record laws and exempt food items from taxes are endorsed by the minority caucus. Civil Beat.

State Representative Andria Tupola confirms run for governor. KITV.

There’s an increasingly urgent need for more state-funded ambulance units across the state to deal with a surge in emergency calls, primarily by seniors and the homeless, emergency services chiefs told state lawmakers last week. Star-Advertiser.

State tracks bacteria at busy beaches but often cannot identify the source. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s plan for improving public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act was approved Friday by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education said it’s received federal approval of its plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, the federal education law which replaces No Child Left Behind. Tribune-Herald.

Here’s What We Pay County Workers — Except For Cops. Our salary database has thousands of new entries, but a legal challenge is holding back Honolulu police officer information. Civil Beat.

Several thousand federal civilian employees in Hawaii will be furloughed today because of the government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

What happens now? How Hawaii is affected by a federal government shutdown. KHON2.

2 Hawaii congresswomen decline pay for duration of government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Feds make more than $2M available to reduce fishing bycatch. Associated Press.

Dozens Of Hawaii’s Mentally Ill May Lose Their Homes. The state looks to stop subsidies to people who already have received them for much longer than the intended two years. Civil Beat.

A state-sponsored ferry service for Hawaii would be financially and commercially impractical, according to a new study conducted last year by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

"Our job is to be ready": USS Carl Vinson en route to Western Pacific. KITV.

Across the state, thousands turn out for women's marches, rallies. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to convene “a false missile alert working group” to assess how the city Department of Emergency Management and other city agencies responded to the Jan. 13 alert issued by mistake by state emergency officials. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement Could Cost Honolulu Another $10 Million. The city is scrambling to figure out how to make use of empty buildings in Waipahu and Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Private sponsors sought for programs at city zoo. Star-Advertiser.

Auction begins for Ryan’s Grill Honolulu as it closes after 34 years in business. Oahu Auctions will sell kitchen equipment and restaurant decorations from Ryan’s Grill Honolulu, which will serve dinner for the last time on Saturday, after more than 34 years in business. Pacific Business News.

Porn law’s loophole helped Oahu man avoid charges, critics say. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei parcel sails back on the market, but this time not for sale. An affiliate of the James Campbell Co. has listed 14 acres of commercial land in Kapolei, but the parcel sandwiched between Farrington Highway and the H-1 freeway is being offered under long-term ground leases rather, as well as for sale.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

General excise tax hike mulled as county drains fund balance. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday sent the County Council a bill to raise the general excise tax by one-half percent to balance next year’s budget, while telling a state legislative panel the county exhausted its fund balance to pay for this year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim traveled to the State Capitol Friday, joining the state’s other county mayors for an informational briefing before the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Finance Committee. Big Island Video News.

Crawford returns as Finance Department deputy. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed portions of the park to the public as a result of the federal government shutdown. Tribune-Herald.

EnVision Maunakea’s process coming to a close; about 100 people participate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three Lawsuits Filed on Maui Over Shoreline Access. Maui Now.

Mayor looking into perks given to affordable housing owner. An apartment building owner who received millions of dollars in benefits to create an affordable housing project in Lahaina is coming under county scrutiny in light of the owner’s plans to raise affordable rents to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Low inventory, higher housing prices persist in Maui County. Year-end real estate sales remain hot. Maui News.

Federal Government Shutdown Results in Haleakala Sunrise Summit Closure. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines reinstated daily nonstop service Friday between Portland, Ore., and Maui. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui drivers brace for closures due to highway repairs. Hawaii News Now.

A public presentation on a proposed renewable energy conversion and sludge processing project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be held Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

County leaders reflect on 2017 accomplishments. Garden Island.

Feral pig population holding steady. Garden Island.

One month without plastic. The average resident on Kauai produces around 1,300 pounds of waste per year, and county officials said that points to the potential impact of every individual’s choices. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Hawaii Legislature opens session as thousands commemorate 125th anniversary of overthrow, Ige praises Big Island false missile alert while officials call for statewide investigation, Chin defends campaign manager, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy of Treena Shapiro
125th anniversary of Hawaiian overthrow observed PC: Treena Shapiro
Palace And Capitol: Hawaiian Event Bridges Two Worlds. On the same day the ruling government reconvened its Legislature, thousands noted the 125th anniversary of the former government’s overthrow. Civil Beat.

January 17 was the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. But the day also marked the 125 anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

125 years later, overthrow of Hawaii's last monarch marked with tears, reflection. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of Native Hawaiians marched through the streets of Honolulu Wednesday and then rallied at Iolani Palace and the Capitol rotunda to mark the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaii’s last monarch. Star-Advertiser.

Onipaa Kakou - Observing 125 years since Hawaiian Kingdom overthrow. KITV.

A look back at the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. KITV.

Saturday’s nerve­wracking missile alert was top of mind as lawmakers opened the 2018 session of the Legislature Wednesday, with House and Senate leaders vowing to investigate what led to the false alarm, and to make sure the problem gets fixed. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Convenes Amid Buzz Over False Missile Alert. Lawmakers highlight housing and education priorities while addressing public concerns over the Saturday panic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to boost housing, prevent false alarms. State lawmakers opened the 2018 Legislative Session on Wednesday with vows to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness. Associated Press.

False Missile Alert and Homelessness Highlighted in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Counties push for bigger TAT share again. On the heels of a tumultuous summer special session that raised the transient accommodations tax by 1 percent, the state’s local governments and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal responsibility in nuclear attack alerts is unclear. The astonishing error and dismal response has prompted both state and federal investigations and left one of the state’s U.S. senators wondering aloud if top brass at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should be replaced. Associated Press.

Schatz: Missile-Alert System Is Still Hawaii’s Kuleana. State and federal officials aim to fix the warning system — and hopefully, rebuild the public’s trust — by this summer. Civil Beat.

FEMA confirms state’s delay in call for guidance. It took Hawaii emergency management 23 minutes to connect with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after a state employee triggered a false ballistic missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Tick Tock Of Terror: Timeline Of False Missile Alert. The sequence of events involving the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s infamous Saturday morning. Associated Press.

Not an ‘oops’ button: Missile alert took many clicks, long scroll state never mentioned. KHON2.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Briefed On False Emergency Alert. Maui Now.

Parents of Hawaii public school students have been told not to pick up their children at school during a missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

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Doug Chin’s Opponents Pile On Criticism Of Candidate’s Campaign Manager. Kaniela Ing will file an ethics complaint with the FEC, while Chin’s other foes for a congressional seat also criticized him. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar Group launched a new interline partnership on Wednesday that offers travelers from cities in New Zealand and Japan convenient flight connections to Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines expands Japan, New Zealand service through interline agreement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City received 29 medical calls within 1 hour after alert. That’s substantially up from the average of between eight to 15 calls an hour. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of volunteers are still needed for next week’s census of Oahu’s homeless population — but the head of the annual Point in Time Count isn’t concerned. Star-Advertiser.

Final public meeting set for Ala Moana Park project. The city will hold a final public meeting on the Ala Moana Regional Park Master Plan at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the McCoy Pavilion Auditorium. Star-Advertiser.

Family demands answers after state hospital patient drowns in shower. KHON2.

Biki ridership holds steady. Bikeshare Hawaii says Biki ridership in the second three-month period of the program matched the first three months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige praises Big Island response. Gov. David Ige praised Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s swift response to correct Saturday’s erroneous ballistic missile threat alert that was issued to the public statewide. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit filed in fatal police shooting in Hilo. A woman shot by police in Hilo almost two years ago is suing the county, alleging the officers who shot and killed her husband and injured her used excessive force. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park updated the public and gathered community input last night on its Environmental Assessment for sunrise visitor management at the summit of Haleakala. Maui Now.

Teenage mom programs crowded out at Maui High. School faces space crunch with record 600-plus freshman class expected next year; ‘hard decisions’ had to be made, says principal. Maui News.

Goode heading to Kaupo to hear about the impacts of bridge closure. Residents seeking access while Waiopai Bridge repairs are ongoing. Maui News.

All county HI5 redemption centers operated by Aloha Recycling have been closed temporarily, beginning Wednesday, while the company waits for reimbursement from the state, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers talk session priorities. Garden Island.

The first-ever hackathon to improve Hawaii agriculture using computer technology has produced a smart camera prototype that could be valuable to the state’s biggest coffee farm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai solar permits fell 12% in 2017. Kauai posted the smallest drop-off among Hawaii counties for solar permits issued in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Celebrating the vision of Queen Liliuokalani. Garden Island.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Full text: House Speaker Scott Saiki's opening remarks as the Hawaii Legislature begins its 2018 regular session

OPENING DAY REMARKS  2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION  SCOTT SAIKI  HOUSE SPEAKER  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  JANUARY 17, 2018    

These are tumultuous times.     

This year, we must step up to the plate.     

The State of Hawaii requires leadership now and the House of Representatives can and should provide that leadership.                

Unfortunately, one need only look to the past weekend to see a glaring instance of the inability of government at various levels to manage major issues facing our state.                

Saturday's events reinforce the importance of the role of government. It also shines light on the role of the Legislature as the policymaker and as the check on the other branches of government. It is our duty to ensure that the three branches abide by their respective constitutional duties so that we all do our jobs well.     

We rely on the executive branch to competently and efficiently implement our laws and to administer programs. This begins with basic functions. Some of these functions must be carried out without mistakes because, when mistakes happen, the public loses confidence in all of us.     

We also rely on the Judiciary to fairly adjudicate and dispense justice. It is not the role of judges to make policy decisions from the bench. It is the Legislature's duty to set policy, and we do this with the benefit of broader public input and context.    

The legislative branch, and particularly we as the House of Representatives, begin this session with a renewed sense of purpose.                

The House is in a unique position to provide leadership. Part of the reason is our composition. Our 51 members are diverse, experienced, and energetic. We represent some of the smallest units of government. Our members have a pulse on what real people actually think, what they do, and what they want. 

This collective insight is very powerful and should not be taken lightly. We should use this insight to be bold and creative. We should always be thinking of how to make things better.     

There are two painfully obvious challenges that confront our state – the lack of affordable housing and the increasing homeless population. They are full of complexity and competing interests that make them hard to solve. They will require commitment and courageous action, sustained over several years.

But the time to start is now.    

HOUSING

There is a shortage of 65,000 housing units in Hawaii. The State has set a goal of building 22,500 affordable rental units by the year 2026, and encouraging the development of housing for all income levels.    

There is a huge gap between what our working families are able to pay and the cost of building new housing in Hawaii. The state and counties must continue to partner with private and nonprofit developers to add to the affordable housing inventory and make these projects pencil out.     

To address the financing gap, we should consider increases to programs such as the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, and the Rental Assistance Revolving Fund.     

These programs will subsidize rents, infrastructure, and construction costs. 

For the very low income, elderly and disabled, we should upgrade our public housing inventory. We should also invest in infrastructure in areas that are conducive to such housing, including areas near the proposed rail stations.

HOMELESSNESS

There are now over 7,000 homeless persons throughout the state, including 667 families.      

The approach to homelessness is multifaceted and requires short and long-term action. But there is a model that we can adopt. That model is Kahauiki Village.     

Kahauiki Village is an example of a successful public-private partnership that included the combined work of the state, the city, nonprofits, and the private sector, some of whom had not interfaced before.    

It is a self-contained community that is comprised of 153 transitional homes, a preschool, a market, and a police meeting room. It also operates from a PV-generated battery system and is off the electric grid.    

This model can be extended to homeless populations with substance abuse and mental health conditions.    

One important takeaway is that Kahauiki Village represents what is possible if people and agencies at different levels work towards a common goal.     

And even as we develop more transitional housing, we must also increase law enforcement to avoid encroachment into public spaces. This encroachment affects the quality of life for all, and we must find ways to divert it.

PRESIDENT OBAMA    

These are the kinds of issues that our residents are counting on us to solve. But leadership is more than solving issues.     

A year ago, President Obama said something in his Farewell Address to the Nation that reminds me of Hawaii's situation today.     

He spoke of the youth, diversity, and drive of Americans, and the potential that these traits offered to our country.    

But the President also offered this warning:     

"[T]hat potential will be realized," he said, "only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of our people. Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now."    

The people of Hawaii are looking to us for more than problem solving.      They are also looking to us to articulate and demonstrate a sense of shared purpose that calls others, calls on everyone, to join in.     

The House will play a critical role in calling people together in common purpose, but to do it, I believe that each of us must embrace three things. 

First, let’s be open to reform and to challenge the status quo. We can still honor the past, but build upon the foundation that was left for us. It is okay to do things differently.     

Second, let’s view challenges through the lens of those who are impacted by them. Some of the most contentious issues in Hawaii arise when people believe that government does not consider their perspective or history. We need to do better at reconciling these differences – by drawing on the knowledge of all our people – including those impacted by the policies we create – to shape the path forward.     

Third, let's take a global approach to decision-making. Sometimes government is too focused on jurisdiction and turf. We need to move beyond that.

CONCLUSION     

Members, we are at a moment in history where we cannot just be stewards. This legislative session is a call to broader involvement and decisive action.    

We must be courageous activists because the issues facing our state are too urgent to wait.     

I know that we are up to the challenge.     

This year, we will rebuild a foundation that will help many residents throughout our state.    

And by doing so, we will advance Hawaii’s tradition of pioneering justice, fairness, and opportunity for all.    

Thank you and best wishes for a productive session.


Airbnb tax back before the Legislature as session opens today, 125th overthrow anniversary brings Native Hawaiians together, false nuke alarm fallout continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Charles Freedman
Hawaii Capitol courtyard PC: Charles Freedman
Ige won’t sign proposed Airbnb tax agreement. Gov. David Ige has rejected a proposed agreement with Airbnb that would have authorized the company to collect vacation rental taxes on behalf of the state, a decision that effectively punts the issue back to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Politics could jeopardize Ige’s agenda. Election-year politics often drive events at the state Capitol, but devotees of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa could cause the 2018 session of the state Legislature that opens today to devolve into a particularly partisan affair. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers welcome in the 2018 legislative session Wednesday morning at Hawaii State Capitol. KHON2.

The 2018 legislative session officially kicks off Wednesday. That means lawmakers will begin reviewing thousands of measures and soliciting public input on bills. Civil Beat.

County Councils, Through HSAC, Present Legislative Agenda. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii State Attorney General is asking for an extra $2.5 million in the department’s budget to cover the cost of security operations during large incidents. AG Doug Chin – who is stepping aside to run for Congress – presented the request to the Senate Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees during a January 9 informational briefing. Big Island Video News.

35 Hawaii Legislators have a Second Job. Nearly half of our state legislators hold second jobs, from pilot, doctor and lawyer to business owner, real estate agent and more. Hawaii Business.

Thousands will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom Wednesday. KITV.

Thousands are expected to join today’s march and Iolani Palace rally marking the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Star-Advertiser.

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North Korea mocks Trump, calls Hawaii’s false alarm a ‘tragicomedy’. Associated Press.

Experts say North Korean missile strike on Hawaii still highly unlikely. Hawaii News Now.

Saturday’s ballistic missile false alarm glaringly pointed out one thing: The state’s North Korea nuclear preparedness plan, unfortunately, is still very much a work in progress. Star-Advertiser.

False missile alert had potential to be ‘totally catastrophic,’ Hirono says. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says the agency will be working with states to follow proper protocols when issuing safety alerts and can quickly retract incorrect alerts like Hawaii’s warning of a ballistic missile over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa are asking the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services to look into giving U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) access to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s alert system. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard have requested a formal Congressional investigation into the policies, practices and procedures governing the issuance of a ballistic missile alert, following Saturday’s false ballistic missile alarm. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency officials have yet to contact Honolulu police about “dozens of death threats by fax, telephone, social media” that its executive officer said were directed at the warning officer who triggered a bogus missile alert on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says it is taking formal action against death threats made to its employees after Saturday's false missile warning. Associated Press.

Hawaii businesses are evaluating policies in the case of a statewide emergency in the aftermath of Saturday’s false missile alert. The review comes after widespread reports of people being kicked out or not allowed entry into stores such as Walmart, Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, Costco and City Mill in the midst of a supposed ballistic missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority: Travel Demand Unaffected By Alert Scare. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Distributed Phony Image Of Missile Warning Screen. Gov. David Ige’s office mistakenly sent out a screenshot of menu options for emergency warnings that it thought was real. Civil Beat.

State issues different image of screen leading to employee’s false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

The state can't agree on what the missile alert interface actually looks like. Hawaii News Now.

Agency releases emergency alert list, says worker not doing well after mistake. KHON2.

Techies and the general public are weighing in on the design, logic and layout of the drop-down menu the state employee saw before clicking on the wrong link, leading to the false missile alert sent by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

What should students do in the event of a missile threat? DOE explains. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii public schools are offering additional crisis counseling services for students experiencing emotional trauma after Saturday’s false ballistic missile alert. Tribune-Herald.

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A national group with a new chapter here is activating to advance right wing views. Proud Boys is an international men's organization whose credo is, The West is the Best. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii has joined 22 other U.S. states in filing a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission to block what the suit calls an illegal rollback of net neutrality. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin joined 18 other attorneys general Tuesday in signing a letter to Congress requesting legislation that would allow states with legalized marijuana to bring that commerce into the banking system. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii attorney general wants banks, pot industry to work together. Hawaii News Now.

Randall Saito, the man who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital last November and was caught in California, entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday morning in Circuit Court, according to Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin. KITV.

$500,000 Cash Only Bail Set for Randall Saito. An initial court appearance was held today for escaped mental health patient Randall Saito.  Counsel Michael J. Green made a special appearance on Saito’s behalf, and entered a not guilty plea. Maui Now.

Oahu

Activists: Hawaii Can Get By With A Much Smaller Jail. As the state looks to build a new Oahu Community Correctional Center, legislators are urged to think small. Civil Beat.

Despite federal charges, body clears former police chief's attorney wife of ethical violations. Hawaii News Now.

Purported witness in Kealoha case disputes court documents. A man whose name appears on a state court document that city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kea­loha is accused of falsifying says he never met Kealoha and has no idea how his signature wound up on the document. Star-Advertiser.

UH revisits missile response plans after students went running for shelter. The sign that hung at the foot of a stairway at UH Manoa's Bilger Hall read "Fallout Shelter" — but there is no shelter space in the building. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers made another disturbing discovery at a neglected graveyard in Pearl City. Over the weekend, the clean-up crew at Sunset Memorial Park found 35 urns — majority sitting in the bushes surrounding homeless campers squatting on the property. Hawaii News Now.

Largest Honolulu Harbor Expansion Project in State History Starts. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Department of Planning and Permitting said Tuesday the public should be aware of several incidents in which men impersonating DPP inspectors asked for money in exchange for canceling building violations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Banyan Drive redevelopment, rat lungworm research among East Hawaii lawmakers’ top priorities. Tribune-Herald.

Support for college among Chamber of Commerce priorities for session. West Hawaii Today.

Mountain vacation beckons: Maunakea Rec Area bunkhouses now open. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council member warned the state that a lawsuit could be a possibility if work is not temporarily suspended on the current phase of the Lahaina bypass and its controversial merging with Honoapiilani Highway through Keawe Street in town. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park is putting its sunrise reservation program, implemented nearly a year ago to deal with overcrowding at the summit, through the environmental assessment process and will be holding a public meeting on it from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Maui News.

Maui County is accepting bids for the purchase for 55 residential lots at The Fairways at Maui Lani in Kahului that the county acquired in a legal settlement. Maui News.

Rick Volner, who was general manager of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. until the Maui operations’ closure a little more than a year ago, is leaving Alexander & Baldwin Inc. to take a job as general manager of Maui operations for concrete producer HC&D. Pacific Business News.

Rick Volner, vice president of diversified agriculture at Alexander & Baldwin is resigning his post as he prepares for a new opportunity as general manager of Maui operations for HC&D (formerly Ameron). Maui Now.

Maintenance Projects to Begin at Haleakala, Oheo and Pipiwai. Maui Now.

Kauai

Many Kauai residents are struggling to make ends meet. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Plenty of blame to go around as Ige goes on TV, names brigadier general to oversee false attack alert investigation, Japan mistakenly sends similar alert on public TV, Legislature prepares to convene, Hawaiian overthrow anniversary to be commemorated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

screen capture
Ige addresses state on live TV, screen capture
Investigations into missile scare intensify. Hawaii leaders are taking heat from the highest level for the colossal blunder that resulted in 38 minutes of terror for residents, who thought that a missile was headed for the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Brigadier General Will Review Why Hawaii Sent Out False Nuke Alarm. The initial review ordered by Gov. David Ige is due in 30 days, with a final report due in 60 days. Civil Beat.

Brig. Gen. Hara
Governor Ige Announces Actions Following Fallout from False Missile Alert. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIDEO: Apologetic Ige Taps Gen. Hara For Emergency Review. Big Island Video News.

In a rare address to the state Monday night, the governor again apologized for the "fear, anxiety and heartache" Saturday's false alert about an inbound ballistic missile caused in the islands and pledged that his administration is taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again. Hawaii News Now.

Full text: Gov. Ige Delivers Address on False Alert. KITV.

Japan’s public broadcaster mistakenly sent an alert Tuesday warning citizens of a North Korean missile launch and urging them to seek immediate shelter, then minutes later corrected it, days after a similar error in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Feds say state didn’t need to wait on them for missile-alert correction. KHON2.

Hawaii’s emergency authorities lacked reasonable safeguards to prevent the kind of false alert that panicked residents on Saturday with a warning of an imminent ballistic missile attack, the head of the Federal Communications Commission said. Bloomberg News.

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission called Saturday’s false alarm concerning a ballistic missile attack “absolutely unacceptable.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislators aim to avert future false alarms. House Speaker Scott Saiki is tearing up and rewriting portions of his opening-day speech at the state Legislature to urge his colleagues to focus more attention on public safety and disaster preparedness in the wake of Saturday’s missile scare. Star-Advertiser.

Button pusher not holding up well under multiple death threats. The state “warning officer” at the center of Saturday’s bogus alert of an imminent missile attack that triggered widespread panic is a 10-year veteran and nonunion, exempt employee who has received dozens of death threats by fax, telephone, social media. Star-Advertiser.

HI-EMA alert screen
Government officials have released an image of the screen a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency would have seen before triggering a false missile alert Saturday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Opponents smell blood as Hawaii’s governor takes heat for the false nuclear missile alert. Civil Beat.

Will there be a possible political shake up post false missile alert? KHON2.

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie blasted the Ige administration for taking too long to issue the all-clear signal to Saturday’s missile alert mistake. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Schatz: Scrap missile alert system and build a new one from scratch. KHON2.

What you need to know if you didn't receive Saturday's emergency alert. KITV.

Missile-alert error reveals uncertainty about how to react. Residents and tourists alike remained rattled after the mistaken alert was blasted out to cellphones across the islands with a warning to seek immediate shelter and the ominous statement: “This is not a drill.” Associated Press.

Isle system fails to deliver warning to all cellphones. Just how many people in Hawaii didn’t receive the dire but incorrect warning on their mobile phones isn’t known. Star-Advertiser.

Local attorneys say the level of negligence or recklessness involved in Saturday’s false alarm will determine whether people can successfully sue the state. Star-Advertiser.

Man suffers massive heart attack during false alert. Star-Advertiser.

After false missile alert, some Hawaii businesses threw customers out. Hawaii News Now.

In light of Saturday’s false ballistic missile alert, the American Red Cross on Monday reminded Hawaii residents to remain prepared for any disaster, natural or man-made. Tribune-Herald.

Here’s what to do if missiles are inbound. Garden Island.

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The Legislature is set to open its 2018 session Wednesday with a focus on housing and homelessness, two perpetual problems in Hawaii that are only expected to get worse in the coming years. Civil Beat.

The 2018 legislative session officially kicks off Wednesday. That means lawmakers will begin reviewing thousands of measures and soliciting public input on bills. Civil Beat.

Thousands to mark 125th anniversary of Hawaiian government overthrow. Hawaii News Now.

A look back at the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom as thousands are expected to observe the anniversary on Jan. 17. KITV.

Oahu

When missile alert went out, hundreds sought refuge in Ala Moana gym. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s solar industry continued to shrink in 2017 as the number of building permits issued for rooftop solar projects by the City and County of Honolulu declined nearly 35 percent from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Consumer prices in Honolulu rose last year at the fastest pace since 2011, driven by sharp increases in the cost of gasoline and electricity. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani school will soon house over 100 students as the school prepares to break ground on new dorms Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A state Ethics Commission attorney has cleared Mayor Harry Kim’s contracted lobbyist to perform his duties without registering as a lobbyist, according to county Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island real estate market ended 2017 in a strong position after residential sales increased islandwide from 2016. Not only did the final quarter of 2017 see residential property sales on Hawaii Island rise slightly — from 2,307 in 2016 to 2,494 — the median residential sales price increased by about 6 percent to $350,000, according to listing service sales data. Tribune-Herald.

Several residents at the Alii Heights subdivision in North Kona dealt with more than downed deep wells and mandatory water restrictions during the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply’s tumultuous year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Honoapiilani Work at Keawe Street to Commence on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Marchers continue to advance King’s vision. Gathering of many races is ‘proof we are living his dream’ Maui News.

Kauai

'Ku'i at the County' is Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association joined efforts of the Kauai Island Labor Alliance, and the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai each hosted events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Garden Island.