Showing posts with label Clinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clinton. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Obama to return to Hawaii for Christmas, Abercrombie must disclose judicial candidates, special ed falters, Big Island land eyed, Maui wind farm site in dispute, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UPI pool photo
Politicking in his boyhood home, President Barack Obama told supporters Monday that everything they worked for and that the country stands for is on the line in his 2012 re-election bid, warning of a bleak America should a Republican win. Associated Press.

Early indications are the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference might not have drawn 20,000 visitors nor added $165 million to the economy as forecast, but it likely gave Hawaii something of more value: a new image. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama announced on Monday at a campaign fundraiser on Oahu's Leeward Coast that his wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 9, will be returning "shortly" to Hawaii during the Christmas and New Years holiday - and he hopes to join them as well. Hawaii Reporter.

After spending three days in Hawaii, President Barack Obama is expected to depart the islands at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Coming back to Hawaii was more than just a stop for high-level diplomacy for President Barack Obama. Star-Advertiser.

First lady Michelle Obama spent her last day in Hawaii Monday promoting a nationwide effort to help veterans and military spouses find jobs in a speech at a job fair at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Pacific Business News.

First Lady Michelle Obama met veterans and military families today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state judge ruled Monday that Gov. Neil Abercrombie must disclose the names on Judicial Selection Commission candidate lists used to make appointments.Star-Advertiser.

It was nearly a year ago that Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Sabrina McKenna to the Hawaii Supreme Court without revealing the other finalists for the job. Civil Beat.

The achievement gap between Hawaii's public school special education students and their peers is wider than the national average, partially because they are isolated more than they should be, an evaluation agency reported this week. Civil Beat.

A new report that raises questions about the transparency of special-education funding and argues there are "strong disincentives" for moving disabled students into general-education classrooms will be used as a guidebook for making big changes through the coming year as to how special-education services are administered, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
APEC helps local business land big deal. KHON2.

The Ka Pua project, initially proposed for Makaha Valley, is now being considered for Maili on land owned by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. KITV4.

Hawaii Medical Center said it has found a new lender and potential buyer, averting the possibility that the bankrupt operator of hospitals in Liliha and Ewa, formerly known as St. Francis, will have to shut down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Roughly 18 months after Hawaii County failed to attract a single purchase offer for its Paauilo properties, its attempt to lease the 718 acres of former sugar cane land has generated more than 40 requests. Tribune-Herald.

Banyan's Beach in North Kona has surfed to the top of the priority list for county acquisition next year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The site of a massive proposed wind farm in West Lanai where hundreds of archaeological and cultural sites have been identified has been named one of the state's "most endangered historic places" for 2011 by the Historic Hawaii Foundation. Maui News.

Purchasing and rehabilitating foreclosed homes, developing "clean and sober" rental units and renovating affordable apartments in Wailuku are among the projects proposed for the county's Affordable Housing Fund this year. Maui News.

Kauai

The type of treatment an addict pursues often reflects the willingness to overcome the addiction with support, experts say. Garden Island.

Monday, November 14, 2011

APEC to give Hawaii $120M boost, Honolulu, Maui looking at property tax exemptions, Big Island to celebrate Peace Corps' 50th, Hawaii Five-0 helps local school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC leaders 2011 Hawaii "Family Photo" courtesy photo
APEC

There was no aloha for aloha shirts Sunday as world leaders, for the second year in a row, discarded the tradition of appearing in locale-specific attire for their "family photo" to wrap up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation annual summit. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Sunday tied the hopes of a faster American economic recovery to the booming Pacific Rim region, saying "we're not going to be able to put our folks back to work" unless the Asia-Pacific region is successful as an engine for the world. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama on Sunday declared the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit a success that will strengthen the U.S. economy, and he expressed gratitude to his hometown for hosting representatives from the 21 APEC nations. Star-Advertiser.

President Obama wrapped up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit here on a personal note yesterday, thanking the people of Honolulu for their "extraordinary hospitality" and telling his visiting guests that Hawaii “made me who I am.” Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama capped the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting Sunday night with pretty much the same message he has been pushing all weekend — that the Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing economic region in the world and one that the United States recognizes as a catalyst for its own future economic successes. Pacific Business News.

Asian-Pacific leaders have agreed on a range of measures to boost economic growth, including simplifying trade rules and cutting tariffs on green energy goods. Hawaii Reporter.

To give you an idea of just how unimportant the APEC summit was to the White House press corps, consider the fact that, of the 10 or so questions asked of President Barack Obama at his concluding press conference, just three or four were about APEC. Civil Beat.

At this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated U.S. intentions in leading a united effort to establish free and fair trade throughout the Pacific. Hawaii Independent.

While trade was the main focus of last week's APEC meetings, a number of other topics were also discussed. One was the role of women in regional economic growth---and what can be done to boost that role. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than one thousand people, many of them local Filipino-Americans, attended a dinner honoring Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. It was the only public appearance for Aquino, who was in Hawaii to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Hawaii News Now.

Makana Slips In Protest Song, Performing Before APEC Leaders. KITV4.

The big question many people have been asking - was it all worth it? KHON2.

Oahu

An independent review panel is leaning toward recommending that the city abolish property tax exemptions for roughly 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including the blind, elderly and disabled, as part of a major but controversial effort to bring more fairness, efficiency and accountability to the tax system while generating additional revenue for city services. Star-Advertiser.

The stars of CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" will be lending a hand off-screen to military school kids at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida on Sunday announced his campaign for prosecuting attorney. West Hawaii Today.

When the federal government sought a training area to transition volunteers in the newly forged Peace Corps to posts in Southeast Asia, the Big Island was a natural choice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county should require property owners to dedicate their land to agriculture before awarding them significant tax benefits, according to a group of Maui County Council members formed to investigate the system. Maui News.

Kihei teen Matt Matasci got a once-in-a-lifetime experience Saturday when he heard speeches by world leaders including President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaiian guitarist Makana says he put his fears aside and listened to his heart when he chose to repeatedly sing his protest song, “We Are the Many,” to world leaders gathered for an APEC dinner Saturday. Garden Island.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drive on Oct. 29 at the Kaua‘i Police Department headquarters resulted in the recovery of 120 pounds of various unused medications, county officials said. Garden Island.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Clinton addresses Hawaii APEC, Obama on his way, teacher's union loses court case, military beefing up, council redistricting maps completed on Oahu, Big Island, more top news for web and smartphone

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (c) 2011 Sen. Will Espero
APEC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided the first public comments from a high-ranking official at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, saying America's prosperity is tied to the region and pledging stepped-up economic, diplomatic and military emphasis in the East. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday vowed to expand U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific by building trade ties, reinforcing alliances and continuing to press for democratic reforms in authoritarian nations like China and Vietnam. Associated Press.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday portrayed this week’s meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum here as but the first step in the Obama Administration’s strategy to put new emphasis on America’s diplomatic, economic, and military posture in this region. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that the United States would expand its role in the Asia-Pacific region. Pacific Business News.

Rains held off in rainy Manoa Valley for U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 50-minute address on what she called “America’s Pacific Century.” Hawaii Reporter.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the East West Center yesterday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Determined to deepen relations with Asia, President Barack Obama is pouring nine days of valued time into a diplomatic mission away from Washington while Congress struggles toward a crucial budget deadline and a doubtful outcome. Associated Press.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Thursday urged China to continue allowing its currency to strengthen, a move that could translate into increased spending by the growing number of Chinese visitors to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The European economic crisis is the central challenge to global growth, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

As catastrophic floods overwhelm Thailand, preparation for such disasters and providing relief in their aftermath were prominently discussed today at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

The private-sector side of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation starts today in Waikiki, but registration for the APEC CEO Summit appears to fall short of expectations and past summits, according to the full list of participants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii politicians and business leaders urged attendees of the Asia-Pacific Business Symposium Thursday to form relationships that will transcend beyond the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week. Star-Advertiser.

In APEC's Shadow: The Pacific People's Economy. Civil Beat.

About 1,800 journalists from news organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region are in Honolulu this week to cover APEC.  Civil Beat.

On Friday morning, the Russian President is expected to arrive. And then late Friday night -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. KHON2.

State

Budget cuts are forcing the state to eliminate programs that help welfare recipients get jobs. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised a tentative agreement reached between the state and the United Public Workers union that will save the state 5 percent in labor costs over two years. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge Thursday dismissed the Hawaii State Teachers Association's attempt to force a decision on its request to block the contract imposed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie this summer while the union pursues an unfair labor practices complaint. Star-Advertiser.

About half of Hawaiian Telcom's workers began a two-day strike Thursday after negotiators failed to agree on a new contract. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Telcom’s motto of “always on” may be a little off, as more than half of the company’s roughly 1,300 workers began a two-day strike yesterday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Marine Corps has proposed basing two new aircraft in Hawaii, according to a draft environmental impact statement released Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Despite today's arrival of President Barack Obama and at least nine other delegations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, traffic congestion could ease up with fewer cars on the road because of today's Veterans Day holiday, state transportation officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The impact of APEC in the Pacific in the long term will not be immediate, but its impact on Honolulu has begun and will continue for the next few days. Hawaii Independent.

A city panel has approved the plan that will shape the Honolulu City Council landscape for the next decade. Civil Beat.

Ground was broken Thursday on a facility to expand what the state calls its "hub of international trade" near downtown Honolulu. KITV4.

Waikiki hotels report their room sales gradually increased last week as people arriving early for this week's APEC meetings, while neighbor island hotel occupancy remained lower. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hilo played host Thursday afternoon to a delegation of Russian dignitaries looking to get an eyeful of the Big Island's natural wonders. Tribune-Herald.

More than a dozen meetings, nine public hearings and innumerable hours of squinting at census blocks culminated Thursday in the county Redistricting Commission's "final" draft map of new County Council districts for the next decade. West Hawaii Today.

After 11 attempts, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission has designated County Council districts that keep most communities intact, provide for two Puna lawmakers and avoid changes many residents called unacceptable. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann ramped up his campaign to win votes on the Neighbor Islands by collecting the endorsement of ILWU Local 142 Wednesday at its union hall in Wailuku. Maui News.

A high-surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Maui and Molokai will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service announced. Maui News

Kauai
The Kaua‘i High School Foundation presented a $3,500 check to Kaua‘i High School teacher Leah Aiwohi to support a project designed to assist the Kaua‘i Police Department in its public safety awareness program. Garden Island.

Molokai

A helicopter taking four tourists on an excursion over West Maui and the neighboring island of Molokai crashed into a mountainside near an elementary school Thursday, killing all of the tourists and the pilot, authorities said. Associated Press.

Molokai Boy Joins DHHL Leadership. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Top APEC stories of the day, everyone wants to live Hawaii, state, UPW strike deal, military gets cool reception on Big Island, wind farm coming to Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC courtesy photo
APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit moves to higher levels today, with top Obama administration officials here to lay the groundwork for this weekend's Leaders' Meeting and with the traffic-stopping arrivals of major heads of state. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama launches a busy weekend in Honolulu with a series of bilateral talks aimed at strengthening U.S. ties to the Asia-Pacific region and stimulating domestic job growth through economic partnerships in the region. Star-Advertiser.

The White House released details today about President Obama's schedule during his APEC Hawaii trip. KHON2.

The Obama administration reiterated on Wednesday that APEC is a cornerstone of the president's economic goals. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Hawaii where she is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press.

Chinese president Hu Jintao is expected to arrive today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Asia's economy has improved, but continued sluggishness in the U.S. labor market as well as Europe's financial woes threaten recovery — which could mean serious implications for Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Asian-Pacific leaders gathering in warm, sunny Honolulu this week will be searching for ways to kickstart faster growth through freer trade, moving on from the gloom over European debt that prevailed days earlier at the G20 summit in chilly Cannes. Associated Press.

Eyes on whether APEC leaders will don aloha shirts. Associated Press.

A first-ever forum bringing together local and foreign businesses during APEC Leaders Week was launched today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A sampling of graduate students at Hawaii Pacific University on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference here this week drew responses that split all over the lot—and thus seemed to reflect a cross-section of opinion throughout Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the APEC summit — at least from the point of view of supporters — is that it could snuff out once and for all the notion that Hawaii is a bad place to do business. Civil Beat.

Many more visitors could begin traveling to Hawaii if the U.S. joined a Pacific free trade bloc, the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday .Associated Press.

Some 48 agencies charged with ensuring the security and safety of U.S. and foreign dignitaries in Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference have centralized their operations in one major Multi-Agency Communications Center otherwise known as MACC. Hawaii Reporter.

State

Hawaii has knocked California from the top of a poll that asks Americans where they would most like to live, not counting their current state. Pacific Business News.

The United Public Workers union representing some 8,500 state and county blue-collar workers has reached a tentative agreement with the government negotiators on a two-year contract. Star-Advertiser.

A 6-month-old Hawaii law continued to constrain the flow of foreclosures statewide in October, as a relative trickle of cases were initiated mainly through Circuit Court instead of a nonjudicial process through which most cases had been pouring prior to the law's enactment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite Expected Influx of Prostitutes for APEC, No Arrests — So Far. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotels are filling up with APEC attendees, but there is not yet any measurable bump in statewide visitor arrivals, nor is it yet clear how many Waikiki restaurants or shops will be helped or hurt by the event's special security-related disruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Motorists can expect delays on the H-1 freeway and Nimitz Highway beginning today as world leaders begin to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and roads are closed for their motorcades. Star-Advertiser.

This week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and all the associated road closures are having a big impact on businesses around the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii
The U.S. Army is not welcome in Hawaii, some Big Island residents told military representatives Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Rat lungworm is an increasingly common, potentially fatal disease that's understudied, hard to diagnose and even harder to treat.  Tribune-Herald.

Hooulu Community Farmers Market, held weekly at Keauhou Beach Resort, has been shut down after hotel management received word the market may be in violation of county zoning and special management area permitted uses. West Hawaii Today.

For the last four years, Hawaii Kai resident Chuck Denny has been intrepid in his effort to capture photos of Hawaii Island lava fields that almost no one else has seen. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved permits Tuesday for Auwahi Wind Energy to build and operate eight 428-foot-tall wind turbines on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

Maui's hotels were two-thirds full in September, not unusual for one of the dullest months of the year in the visitor industry, but hotel operators were able to boost their rack rates by more than $15 a night. Maui News.

Kauai

When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

APEC brings leaders, protests, traffic jams, Legislature eyes drug shortages, state to release Brazilian bug against invasive guava, Maui golf course for sale, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abel Lui claims Kawa Bay property (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Hawaii County has finalized the purchase of a 550-acre Kawa Bay parcel occupied by a Native Hawaiian group that claims ownership to it. West Hawaii Today.

Drug shortages across the country are leaving people with cancer and other diseases without the medications they need, sometimes midtreatment, state Sen. Josh Green says. West Hawaii Today.

The U-S Food and Drug Administration cites a shortage of 200 drugs nationwide in 2011. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Agriculture gave itself permission this week to release a Brazilian insect as a biocontrol measure for strawberry guava. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s attorney general joined 45 other attorneys general across the nation to ask Village Voice Media to stop publishing classified advertisements that promote child trafficking and sex trafficking on BackPage.com back in August. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii had the nation's 20th-worst mortgage delinquency rate in the third quarter as 5 percent of the state's homeowners missed two or more payments during the period. Star-Advertiser.

APEC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returns to Hawaii with the message that with reductions in forces and commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. is at a "pivot point" at which it can and will refocus on Asia and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Yoshihiko Noda, the prime minister of Japan, has been expected to announce this week that Japan will join a round of trade talks called TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it's no longer absolutely certain. Hawaii News Now.

The meeting here of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum seems to have generated barely muffled yawns in capitals in Asia and the Americas. Civil Beat.

The Secret Service said Tuesday it will use Twitter to disseminate information to the public and media for the first time during this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Honolulu. Associated Press.

The US Secret Service on Tuesday showed off the capabilities of the Multi-Agency Communications Center, or MACC, which will play a crucial role in security operations at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

With so many high level government officials here, security is understandably tight and secretive. KHON2.

Sen. Daniel Inouye urged supporters to see APEC as “Hawaii’s time to shine,” in an email sent Tuesday night.Civil Beat.

A maddening morning commute, a peaceful protest and several midlevel meetings ushered in the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Tuesday, kicking off the largest international event Hawaii has ever hosted. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 70 people marched in Honolulu late Tuesday to honor an Oahu man who authorities say was fatally shot by a federal agent in town for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. Associated Press.

The $250,000 bail posted by the mainland federal agent accused of fatally shooting a Kailua man has raised questions about whether the agent received special treatment because of his position, allowing him to be released about 48 hours after his arrest. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of Oahu residents gathered this afternoon at Old Stadium Park for a protest march and vigil in the wake of the shooting death of 23-year-old Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant this past weekend. Hawaii Independent.

The federal agency that employs slaying suspect Christopher Deedy has been plagued with management problems, staffing shortages and a lack of training facilities, according to a recent federal audit. KITV4.

State transportation officials are closing Ala Moana Blvd. between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for two nights while crews install security barriers in Waikiki. KITV4.

Oahu

Nineteen people were charged with misdemeanor trespassing Tuesday after refusing to leave the grounds of a historical Honolulu palace that was once home to Hawaiian royalty, authorities said. Associated Press.

Thomas Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will address Hawaii’s business community regarding the urgency of expanding trade and travel to create jobs locally and nationally. Pacific Business News

Two possible bomb threats recently reported on Oahu have had very different outcomes. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The U.S. Army's plan to modernize Pohakuloa Training Area received a public reception Tuesday night that was every bit as cool as Hilo's recent weather. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Agriculture has selected a site on the Big Island for an initial release of the tiny insect Tectococcus ovatus to help control the growth of strawberry guava. Garden Island.

A lightning strike at a geothermal well in Pahoa today temporarily shut down operations and caused a miniscule release of hydrogen sulfide, Hawaii Island firefighters said. Star-Advertiser.

A second radiation leak has been discovered at the Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Lani Partners is offering its 172-acre golf course for sale, fee simple, to investors. Maui News.

Residents on Kameeui Place and those at Maui Honokowai Plantation Inn & Apartments will not have water service Wednesday night though Thursday morning as crews will be working on a water main in the area. Maui News.

Kauai
When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

The county Department of Public Works has scheduled two community meetings next month to gather input on design alternatives that would improve the Kapahi, Opaeka‘a and Pu‘uopae bridges. Garden Island.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Missile test off Kauai, Hillary Clinton visit concluded, more human trafficking charges, Lance Armstrong to compete in Ironman, building code changes draw fire, UH records leak imperils privacy, more campaigning, Maui top tourist destination, lots of island news

A Japanese naval destroyer shot down a ballistic missile in a test yesterday off Kauai. Associated Press.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said yesterday the U.S. has "quickened the pace and widened the scope" of engagement in Asia and the Pacific, and she downplayed concerns the U.S. is ceding power to a militarily rising China. Star-Advertiser.

The visit to Hawaii by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was brief -- less than 24 hours -- but it was stamped with a few interesting impressions of the Aloha State. Star-Advertiser.

She calls Hawaii ‘America's bridge to the East'. For the second time this year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an official visit to the islands and highlighted how Hawaii plays a key role in American foreign policy. Hawaii News Now.

Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Djou said Thursday that he supports holding a nonbinding plebiscite in Hawaii on proposed federal legislation that would initiate negotiations for a new native Hawaiian government. Associated Press.

Political experts say all signs point to major Republican Party gains in U.S. congressional midterm elections set to take place in less than one week on November 2. Hawaii Reporter.

Why should anyone care who gets elected and who doesn’t on November 2? Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle says a Democratic Party TV ad is "an 11th hour smear" of her and the record of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the Republican candidate for governor. Associated Press.

Governor Lingle is crying foul on the latest attack ad against gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona. KHON2.

Republican Gov.Linda Lingle is fuming over a 30-second television commercial that criticizes her administration. “I am not going sit by and let others to rewrite history,” Lingle said. KITV4.

Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates disagree on how soon $23.7 million in state emergency funds should be released to nonprofit organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Education has been a top priority this election season and there's disagreement on what should be the first course of action on the subject once a new governor is elected. Hawaii News Now.

Supporters of a constitutional amendment to switch to an appointed school board have far outspent those opposing the change, according to filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

If you attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa or UH West Oahu your personal information may have been posted online, accessible to just about anyone.KHON2.

A survey of world island tourist destinations puts Hawaii, and particularly Maui, at or near the top in hotel occupancy, prices and revenue per available room. Maui News.

New state building code requirements are expected to further increase already high construction prices on the island. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed changes to Hawaii County's Building Code received a cool reception from contractors, owner-builders and others who attended a public briefing Wednesday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Aloun Farm operators Alec and Mike Sou are facing additional charges in connection with their importation in 2004 of 44 Thai nationals to work on their Ewa farm. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat asked Abercrombie and Aiona where they stand on human trafficking. Civil Beat.

A stakeholder committee Oct. 22 came up with a formula for identifying important agricultural lands on the island. Garden Island.

The president of Hu Honua Bioenergy answered community concerns about a proposed power plant under oath Wednesday and gave a tour of the shuttered facility that he hopes to reopen. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Telcom Communications Inc. says it's emerged from bankruptcy after two years under court-protected reorganization. Associated Press.

Lance Armstrong to compete in 2011 Hawaii Ironman. Hawaii News Now.

Every week, his boss gave the order that would cement them both into the annals of popular culture: "Book 'em, Danno." Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Hillary Clinton visit puts Hawaii on world stage, Djou could be key to GOP majority, big changes for education, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Hawaii, pool photo
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in town. Hawaii News Now.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling on China to clarify its policy on the export of rare earth minerals, exotic metals essential for the success of key high-tech industries. Associated Press.

The United States and Japan, grappling with the curtailment of strategically important rare-earth minerals from China, said late Wednesday both countries would need to find alternative sources of supply for these elements, as they sought to present a unified front in an increasingly tense Asian region. New York Times.

"New challenges" facing the United States and Japan will require the two nations "to deepen our dialogue, " U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said last night in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The United States and Japan say they agree that "the entire world" must begin to develop new sources of rare earth minerals after receiving a "wake-up call" from China. Voice of America.

Honolulu serves as host for international talks, solidifying the relationship between the United States and Japan. KITV4.

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara has paid his respects to U.S. war dead at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Associated Press.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver a major policy speech at The Kahala Hotel and Resort this morning. She is expected to take the podium at 8:30 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara hailed the accomplishments of Japanese-Americans, saying Japanese immigrants have become deeply rooted in American society after enduring severe hardships. Associated Press.

A fill-in Republican congressman has a shot at winning a full-term job in Hawaii, a Democratic stronghold and President Barack Obama's birth state. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Charles Djou yesterday brought out a group of small business owners who support his message of trying to reform a "fiscally irresponsible" Congress, while his opponent Colleen Hanabusa called him "hypocritical" for preaching fiscal restraint after spending $156,000 of taxpayer money during his first few weeks in office. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of the measure to legalize marijuana in California say it'll do a lot to help their financial woes.  Opponents say it will jeopardize public safety.  Would this work for Hawaii?  Here's what our candidates for governor had to say about that. Hawaii News Now.

Neil Abercrombie met separately with union and business leaders in Hilo on Tuesday in the furious final week of campaign season. Tribune-Herald.

Six weeks ago, a coalition of four Hawaii citizens' groups -- Voter Owned Hawaii and the state chapters of the League of Women Voters, the Sierra Club and Common Cause -- sent e-mails to every candidate in Hawaii state elections, inviting them to pledge their support for comprehensive public funding for elections. Big Island Weekly.

Keanae resident Meiling Akuna has spent zilch on her campaign to unseat state District 13 House Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

The Army's bid to resume live-fire training at Makua Valley hit a snag yesterday when a federal judge ruled that the Army failed to adequately study the impacts on potential cultural sites and seaweed at Makua Beach. Star-Advertiser.

A new Civil Beat poll of 1,181 likely voters found 60.6 percent support a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot that would replace the elected board with one appointed by the governor. Civil Beat.

Research suggests that it’s not about how school board members get their jobs. It’s about the ways they think and talk about schools. Honolulu Weekly.

When it was announced in August, Hawaii's $75 million “Race to the Top” federal grant sounded like a done deal. KITV4.

Hawaii's public school system is on the eve of one of the most important labor negotiations in its modern history, according to education and union leaders. KITV4.

Construction of the $50.5 million West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona is within budget and on target for completion by the end of the year with county departments moved in soon after, a county official said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

A project to improve the arrival experience for international visitors at Honolulu airport is complete. KHON2.

One of the greatest issues that will face the next Maui County Council is the proposed change to how members are elected. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at keeping public sidewalks clear of obstructions. KITV4.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares has still raised more money for her campaign overall, but challenger Alan Arakawa has filled his war chest with a big post-primary fundraising push, candidate spending reports show. Maui News.

Ka'u Councilman Guy Enriques' controversial proposal to sell a county-owned road is being delayed to help him win re-election, Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong has alleged. Tribune-Herald.

County officials this week repeatedly refused to answer questions about Dexter Shimatsu, 62, of ‘Ele‘ele, the former county Department of Liquor Control supervisor who allegedly sent harassing e-mails to a co-worker using his employee account. Garden Island.

After 30 years of protecting native animals and plants, the head of Hawaii's agricultural inspection operation leaves behind a short-handed and beleaguered team today, worried that invading species are slipping into the islands. Star-Advertiser.

On the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri, Monsanto’s Chesterfield Village Research Center can easily be missed from the freeway—its buildings tucked deep behind long driveways that traverse up a steady hill. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has restored power to some 23,000 customers in various parts of the Big Island. Associated Press.

An extensive study into cancer in Hawaii is helping shed light on the disease and the toll it takes on our population. KHON2.

Over 6,000 people in Hawai‘i are diagnosed with cancer every year. Hawaii Reporter.

A small parasite is quickly spreading across the globe...and Hawaii is not immune. KHON2.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Clinton stresses East-West ties in Hawaii, Big Island residents challenge DU, zoo booed, more news


Video Link to Clinton's speech.


Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking yesterday at the East-West Center, said the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in Honolulu will give Hawai'i a chance to showcase its unique diversity, its "aloha spirit," and its prime location as a hub between East and West.

Hawaii has a chance to showcase its diversity and act as a model for the region when it hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum next year, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said yesterday at the East-West Center in Manoa.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took a barge tour of Pearl Harbor yesterday, stopping briefly to lay a wreath in the shrine room of the USS Arizona Memorial.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made a major policy speech in Honolulu on Tuesday at the East-West Center in Manoa about America's future relationship with Asia.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is here in Hawaii, but she's not kicking back she's kicking off a 10 day trip aimed at strengthening and mending relations with countries in the Asia Pacific region.

A group of architects who have worked on Honolulu 's planned rail project yesterday said they support plans to build the $5.3 billion train on an elevated guideway.

The two largest land animals in all of Hawaii are at the center of a lifestyle dispute.

Hawaii legislators are working to change state law before business owners are slapped with a 1,000 percent increase in unemployment insurance taxes.

Four Hawaii residents, including three from the Big Island, are challenging the U.S. Army's application to possess depleted uranium.

Neil Abercrombie struck back against critics of his decision to resign his seat representing the state's 1st Congressional district and creating the need for a special election this spring in front of a friendly crowd of campaign supporters Monday morning.

Hawaii County developers have pledged $108.5 million for infrastructure to accommodate population increases caused by their developments, but so far, only $8.1 million has found its way into county coffers and only $3.6 million has been spent.

On the heels of legislative and public calls for a ban on fireworks statewide, Maui County law enforcement officials and lawmakers offered an assortment of views on regulating the popular and traditional practice of ringing in the new year with a bang.

Following a tsunami, Maui will get a glimpse of "Hereafter" this week - all thanks to movie magic.

For the second time in as many months, the Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday rejected a petition arguing North Shore landowner Joseph Brescia has not complied with permits in building his single-family residence on top of multiple known burials at Naue.