Appeals court rules Hawaii's open-carry gun law unconstitutional, cop killer's alleged accomplices in court, Maui sand mining moratorium extended, lots of politics and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

SIG Pro semi-automatic pistol PC:Augustas Didzgalvis

Appeals Court: Hawaii Can’t Restrict Openly Carrying A Gun In Public. If the ruling stands, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling could lead to more guns in public in states like Hawaii and California that have restrictive laws. Associated Press.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that the Constitution protects the right to openly carry a gun in public for self-defense, rejecting Hawaii's claims that the right to carry only applies to firearms kept at home. Hawaii News Now.

Federal court of appeals ruled Hawaii's gun law violates constitutional rights. KHON2.

Gun enthusiasts welcome court ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of carrying a firearm in public for self-defense. Star-Advertiser.

Appeals court sides with Big Isle man in case about open carry of guns. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Tuesday sided with a Big Island man when it ruled the Second Amendment affords the right to openly carry a gun in public for self-defense. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo veteran has pushed for gun rights for 6 years. George Young Jr., a Chinese-Hawaiian Vietnam veteran from Hilo, wasn’t surprised after winning a lawsuit for the right to openly carry a gun for protection, a victory that could have significant implications for the Aloha State. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are warning that a federal appeals court decision striking down state restrictions on who can carry a firearm in public could make Hawaii a more dangerous place to live. Star-Advertiser.

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In Crowded Race For Congress, Democrats Span Ideological Spectrum. Unlike candidates in many blue districts on the mainland, “progressives” have struggled to find traction in Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

New attack ads slamming the governor and a local councilwoman surface. It is 18 days until the primary election and a Super-PAC with a history of negative campaigning has launched a series of new attack ads. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters is boosting its spending on advertising to support U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and oppose Gov. David Ige just as early absentee ballots are being cast in the Democratic primary, according to new reports filed with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Video: Meet the four people running for the OHA Trustee seat. KITV.

Fake Service Animal Owners Face Consequences. The growing problem of people bringing their pets into clinics and dentist offices, grocery stores restaurants, shopping malls and even movie theaters has struck a nerve. Hawaii Public Radio.

Florida and Hawaii lead nation in shark attacks. Florida by far led the country in shark attacks between 2007 and 2016, with 244, according to an analysis by the SafeWise security company. Hawaii came in second with 65. Star-Advertiser.

Union: Marriott Agrees To Subsidize Hotel Workers’ Housing. Local 5 also says that the company has promised to install panic buttons in response to sexual harassment concerns. Civil Beat.

Marriott has agreed to contribute to a housing fund to help hotel workers deal with the high cost of housing in Hawaii, according to representatives from Unite Here Local 5 who are in the midst of collective bargaining. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air reports $79.5 million profit. The Honolulu-based company said it had net income of $1.56 per share. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

4 Council seats to be decided by voters. Because Oahu has a population of more than 1 million people, each of the nine Honolulu City Council members represents more than 100,000 constituents. Star-Advertiser.

2 seasoned state lawmakers vying for Senate seat that covers Kailua, Kaneohe. With state Sen. Jill Tokuda deciding to run for lieutenant governor, her Senate seat is up for grabs.  Hawaii News Now.

Health Department rips city for illegal wastewater leaks from garbage trucks. Health Department investigators said the city could face fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation if it doesn’t address the problems. Hawaii News Now.

New report says Airbnb, HomeAway users spent $1.1 billion on Oahu in 2017. One of every seven visitors to Oahu stayed in alternative accommodations last year, spending about $1.1 billion, according to a report released Tuesday by Kloninger & Sims Consulting LLC. Pacific Business News.

More than 4,200 solar panels to be installed at HNL to meet green energy goal. New solar modules will be installed at Honolulu airport as part of Hawaii's goal of reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Hawaii News Now.

Kahauiki Village Daycare and Preschool Blessed. An on-site children’s facility was blessed today at a plantation-style affordable housing village near Sand Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

An associate of Justin Waiki told authorities the fugitive cop killer intended to shoot it out with police, according to a court document filed by prosecutors in Kona. Jamie Jason, the 35-year-old woman who hid with Waiki under a blanket in the rear of a sport-utility vehicle, told police she held the stolen .38 revolver and extra rounds of ammunition while Waiki took a swim at a beach at Ka Lae, aka South Point, shortly before the violent end of a 60-hour manhunt on Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Suspect: I tried to get cop killer to turn self in. Malia Lajala told police she asked Justin Waiki on Friday to turn himself in the days after he became a suspect in last week’s shooting death of Officer Bronson Kaliloa. West Hawaii Today.

'I saw everything.' Cop killer's alleged accomplice reveals new details of deadly shootout. KHON2.

A "bombshell" claim on tape played in a Kona court room Tuesday. A woman inside the vehicle with accused "cop killer" Justin Waiki told police he shot his alleged accomplice as officers moved-in. KITV.

Law enforcement agencies that offered rewards for information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of killing a Hawaii police officer haven't made decisions about who will receive more than $30,000. Hawaii News Now.

Proving Waiki's friends were accomplices to attempted murder will be challenging, says law expert. KHON2.

Connection of other officer shooting unconfirmed. More than 10 shots were fired during a pursuit last week that injured the driver of the suspected vehicle in the arm, according to testimony during a preliminary hearing Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Vacation rental bill heads to planning commissions. Hawaii County Council members approved a fourth version of a vacation rental bill Tuesday, fine-tuning a measure that’s generated a lot of controversy from those on both sides of the issue. West Hawaii Today.

Disabled or unemployable veterans would pay no property taxes under a bill advanced Tuesday by the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Water Board voted Tuesday to raise the power cost charge to ratepayers, while choosing to defer action in a power purchase agreement dispute between the Department of Water Supply and Lalamilo Wind Company. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua residents attended a political forum at the Honokaa People’s Theater on Monday evening, which featured candidates for State House and State Senate. Big Island Video News.

The U.S. Senate passed legislation Tuesday instructing the federal government to evaluate the damage done by the Kilauea eruption to the Big Island’s economy. Tribune-Herald.

County Council to consider resolution to rename fissure 8. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR Responds To Criticism Over Sea Turtles Killed By Lava. As images of dying sea turtles and cited lava viewers spread online, the state tried to quell social media unrest with a written statement. Big Island Video News.

State officials said eight more people have been cited for loitering in the East Rift Eruption Zone in Puna, seven of them since Monday, bringing the total so far to about 90 since early May. Star-Advertiser.

An unknown disease is killing wild horses in Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee voted Monday to recommend extending a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui through Dec. 31, allowing the county time to complete a study on sand availability and possibly pass new laws regulating sand mining. Maui News.

Hololani resort’s latest effort to halt erosion of beach faces lawsuit. Plaintiffs: Driving in sheet piles needs greater review. Maui News.

Panel looks to roll back park facility fees. Complaints of increase cost, logistics cited. A Maui County Council committee today will review a recently passed $20 across-the-board fee hike for use of county parks facilities amid complaints from the public and the need to close parks permits offices for a week to implement the change manually. Maui News.

Community stunned by trees mowed down in west Maui, but state defends project. West Maui residents were shocked recently to see dozens of trees chopped down to their stumps near Honolua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Opening arguments were heard Tuesday in Fifth Circuit Court in a jury trial against the former Kauai Police Department officer who would eventually become head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources on Kauai. Garden Island.

New charter school readies for opening. Dr. Kani Blackwell put out a call for help to unload the Alakai O Kauai “School in a Box” at the site of the newest charter school at Kahili Mountain Park. Garden Island.

Commentary: Affordable housing — closing the loop on Bill 2687. Affordable housing is at crisis levels. Garden Island.

Super PAC influences lieutenant governor's race, Ige criticized over rail stance, pro-white candidate ousted, services set for fallen police officer, alleged accomplices charged, lots of politics plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lieutenant governor candidates at forum ©2018 All Hawaii News

Super PAC spending in lieutenant governor’s race a ‘mystery’. Why is a union-backed super PAC spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising to back a candidate for a political office that has little power and that historically has not played a role in the union’s bread-and-butter issue, rail?
 Star-Advertiser.

Lawyer Vs. Engineer: Governor’s Race A Battle Of Leadership Styles. Personalities, not ideologies, are at the heart of the contest between incumbent David Ige and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

The primary will decide many Democrat-heavy races. As the Hawaii Republican Party has weakened over the years, Hawaii’s primary election has become more important than ever.  Star-Advertiser.

Trying To Build ‘Generation One’ Of Micronesian Voters. Could younger Micronesian-Americans, many of whom will eventually have the right to vote unlike their parents, be Hawaii’s next big voting bloc? Civil Beat.

Several women in leadership roles held a news conference Sunday at the state Capitol to blast Gov. David Ige for a campaign commercial that they say presents a double standard against women. Star-Advertiser.

On the steps of the State Capitol on Sunday morning, a group of women led by House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti voiced their concerns over what they call "misleading tactics" by Gov. David Ige's campaign. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric receives 12 applications for community solar projects. Concerns that Hawaii's new community solar program may not attract sufficient interest, especially during the initial program phase, seem to have been unfounded after Hawaiian Electric received 12 applications within the first 10 days of its launch. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

House Speaker Scott Saiki is publicly criticizing Gov. David Ige for saying earlier this month he is “open” to another extension of the half-percent state excise tax to help finance extending the city’s rail project to Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Zoning Committee last week moved forward two more bills that would slap tougher penalties on homebuilders who sidestep zoning laws. Star-Advertiser.

Newcomers Challenge A Career Politician In Honolulu City Council Race. Can Carol Fukunaga’s hyperlocal approach overcome the islandwide perspective of three challengers, including one with union backing? Civil Beat.

USS Arizona: Memorial set to reopen in months. Star-Advertiser.

The two Democratic candidates for governor said they favor a public-private partnership to build a new, smaller replacement for aging Aloha Stadium but differ on where the facility should be built. Star-Advertiser.

Aina Haina residents still cleaning up; urged to re-visit FEMA centers before closing. It's been three-and-a-half months since torrential rain devastated parts of East Oahu, and some Aina Haina residents are still cleaning up the mess. KHON2.

Family of Honolulu officer killed in the line of duty reflects on anniversary of his death. It had been 15 years since the last fatal shooting of a Hawaii police officer. KITV.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki’s renovation aims to attract millennials. A picture is worth $4 million to Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, a boutique hotel that recently underwent a redesign to make itself more Instagram-worthy to attract millennials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Candidates For Governor Hone Their Messages At Hilo Forum. At a time of upheaval on the Big Island, two Democrats and two Republicans talked about how to build a better future. Civil Beat.

Four gubernatorial candidates sounded off Friday evening on Big Island issues before a crowd of more than 150 at a forum sponsored by local business groups. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island residents had the chance to see the candidates running for Governor at a candidate forum Friday evening at the Event Center at the Arc of Hilo. Big Island Video News.

‘Pro white’ candidate expelled by state GOP. The Hawaii Republican Party says it expelled a candidate for state House District 2 after it became aware of his racist views. Tribune-Herald.

Four candidates for Hawaii County Council – two each running for Puna districts 4 and 5 – participated in a political forum Thursday night at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, or HAAS. Big Island Video News.

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3 accused of helping suspected Big Island cop killer to appear in court. Charges have been filed Sunday against three people in connection to the manhunt for wanted felon Justin Waiki. Hawaii News Now.

Accomplice to murder charges filed in South Point shootout. Three individuals arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting fugitive Justin Waiki, who was killed by police Friday in a shootout on South Point Road, are facing charges that could put them behind bars for the rest of their lives, if convicted. Tribune-Herald.

On Sunday, three people were charged with accomplice to first-degree murder for allegedly helping Justin Waiki hide from police. KITV.

With the manhunt over for suspected cop killer Justin Waiki, tributes are being planned to honor the slain Big Island officer. Hawaii News Now.

Services for Big Island officer killed in line of duty to be held at Afook-Chinen auditorium. Hawaii News Now.

Sgt. Bryan Tina in good condition according to Hawaii County mayor. The three-day manhunt for Justin Waiki is over. It culminated in a violent shootout that left Waiki dead and Sgt. Bryan Tina with a non-fatal gunshot wound. KHON2.

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The flow of tourists to the lava ocean entry slowed but did not stop last week after a tour boat was hit by a “lava bomb,” injuring 23 passengers. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists get rare chance to collect data on impact of lava on marine life, sea water. Tribune-Herald.

New testing underway to discern unknown ailment killing wild horses in Waipio Valley. No one knows how many wild horses in Waipio Valley have perished, or what is killing them. West Hawaii Today.

State terminates grant for $2.7M open space purchase. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case has notified Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim of the state’s termination of a grant agreement with the County that would have provided $1.33 million in matching funds for the acquisition of over 300 acres of private property that formerly reached the Waiopae coastline in Puna.  West Hawaii Today.

The State Legacy Land Conservation has agreed to terminate the agreement that would have helped Hawaii County purchase 300 acres of private property that reached what was once the Waiopae coastline, after lava inundated all of Kapoho. Big Island Video News.

Maui

After 130 years, kalo is harvested in Kahoma Valley. With the stream flowing again from mauka to makai, residents are able now to plant kalo. Maui News.

Joint effort formed to clean up Ukumehame site. Government and private landowner work to remove cars, homeless camp. Maui News.

The unemployment rate on Maui Island was at 2.6% in June, up from the 1.9% rate in May and down from the 2.8% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Westside sea level rise is meeting topic. Anyone who lives or works on the Westside is invited to participate in the West Kauai Community Vulnerability Assessment that will assess the area’s vulnerability to hazards like sea level rise and explore solutions. Garden Island.

Guardsmen deploy to Saudi Arabia. The 45-minute deployment ceremony for about 30 members of Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard, marked what will be a year-long tour. Garden Island.

Fallen police officer mourned, hunt still on for killer; Honolulu police to roll out body cameras next month; first wave of free wi-fi hotspots unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bronson K. Kaliloa

The Big Island mourned the loss of Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Wednesday, only the fifth police officer to be killed in the line of duty on Hawaii island in the last 100 years. Star-Advertiser.

Condolences to the family of fallen Puna patrol Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa poured in Wednesday as word spread that the 10-year Hawaii Police Department veteran was shot and killed Tuesday night, allegedly by a man wanted on an arrest warrant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s entire Big Island police force was on alert Wednesday for a suspect wanted in the killing of an officer during a traffic stop, including off-duty officers and some who returned to work from vacation and days off to join in the search. Associated Press.

5 Big Isle cops died in the line of duty since 1918. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Police Chief Speaks After Officer Kaliloa Killed In Line Of Duty. Big Island Video News.

Tribute to Fallen Officer Bronson Kaliloa. Big Island Now.

Fallen officer remembered as proud father of 3 who loved to help others. KHON2.

How officials react to the fallen Big Island officer. KITV.

Authorities are still searching for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a Big Island police officer on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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The state says it has rolled out the first wave of more than 1,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots offering one hour of free service throughout Hawaii as a result of a deal with Spectrum. Star-Advertiser.

List and maps of designated hotspots can be found here.

Here’s Why These Rookie Candidates Decided To Get Into Politics. This year’s newcomers come from all over the political spectrum, and a variety of issues inspired them to run. Civil Beat.

State Workforce Development Council Wants to Hire Transitioning Military Members and Spouses. Military service members and their families make up more than 10 percent of Hawaii’s population and the state wants to hire those leaving the military to fill critical shortage jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Diversion programs are an alternative to incarceration. The idea is to divert people away from prisons and into treatment programs. They’re being used in a growing number of communities across the country and they’re generating some excitement here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donors pick up $3.7 million tuition tab for University of Hawaii medical students. A trio of donors is aiming to tackle the physician shortage in an unusual way — they are picking up the entire tuition tab for nearly a third of the incoming class at the University of Hawaii Medical School. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced new legislation on Wednesday in an effort to protect native Hawaiian plants. Hawaii News Now.

Law proposed to improve missile alerts. Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and John Thune, R-South Dakota, introduced the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2018. Garden Island.

University finds new life in the abyss. While manganese mining operations eye the Pacific Ocean floor as their potential next frontier, scientists have found the seafloor plains are anything but vacant. Garden Island.

Panda Express to hire 85 people in Hawaii. Panda Express is hiring through a weeklong Panda Career Event, starting today at 400 locations nationwide, including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD rolling out body cameras next month. The body cameras will be deployed to HPD stations in phases, going district by district, starting next month. KHON2.

City mistakenly overstates number of homeless getting permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Hoarder house no more: City hires contractor to clean Makiki eyesore. Hawaii News Now.

City will remove old vehicles, rubbish, overgrowth from Pensacola Street home. Star-Advertiser.

Can An Algae Supplement Turn Around A Struggling Hawaii Startup? Cardax, after burning through nearly $58 million, is finally making money and trying to expand sales on the mainland. Civil Beat.

An award-winning multi-million dollar organic farm in Waialua is now on the market. The five-acre lot is in Poamoho Estates in Waialua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Finding safe lava viewing site proves challenging. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii searches for safe spots for people to see lava. Stunning images of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it's nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava - a fact that's squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy. Associated Press.

Planning efforts for temporary and permanent housing solutions were a focus of Tuesday night’s public meeting in Pahoa on the Kilauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

After nearly 11 weeks, eruptions are still claiming homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Collapse explosion destroys structure at Leilani Estates. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists unfazed by lava bomb accident. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC exercises hit Hawaii Island. The U.S. Navy LCAC seemingly floats over the sand, kicking up a cloud of dust and mist as the hovercraft’s massive propellers spin, allowing it to turn on a pivot and make its way into the water at Kawaihae Harbor to gather soldiers and equipment from the USS Bonhomme Richard sitting some 3-5 miles offshore. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent’s Surprise Withdrawal Opens Up Council Race. The departure leaves two newcomers who emphasize agriculture and sustainability facing off for the seat. Civil Beat.

Major components need to be added, attitudes shifted, as the fight against opioid misuse marches on. West Hawaii Today.

The Painful Demise Of A Big Island Charter School. Ka'u Learning Academy had its charter revoked after multiple violations, but there were plenty of red flags from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Maui

Familiar opponents went head to head over issues of pesticides, the Kihei high school, the minimum wage and lobbyist donations at a forum held for South and West Maui’s state Legislature candidates
Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Candidates for the South Maui state House seat took on topics of nearshore water quality, the growing visitor industry, use of the Piilani Promenade project site and other issues during a candidate forum held Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced that he has appointed Shayne Agawa as the new Deputy Director of the Maui Department of Water Supply, effective July 17, 2018. Maui Now.

Overcrowding worsens at Maui High — and relief is years away. The campus in Kahului is expecting about 2,023 students, including 600 freshmen. Hawaii News Now.

Newly Activated State Hotspots Offer 1 Hour of Free WiFi. Maui sites include business and community gathering places in Hana and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reps, challengers report contributions. Garden Island.

Charter school status in question. Kanuikapono Public Charter School and Learning Center is going before the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today to keep their doors open for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

In response to April’s flash floods, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho instituted emergency measures that included a ban on vacation rentals. Now the mayor is considering lifting the ban to address the housing crisis in the wake of the floods. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Goodfellow Bros. Inc. crew reeled in a record-breaking marlin from Kauai waters on Saturday during a trip to do some team building. The marlin weighed in at 1,073 pounds. Star-Advertiser.