Showing posts with label Hannemann. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hannemann. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Surf's up, Hawaii late filing CAFR, Maui street party a go, Honolulu income up, Big Island home sales mixed, tasers a no-no, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's campaign donation ledger is a litany of names that — like Hannemann — are familiar in Hawaii business and politics. Civil Beat.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that the police use of electronic weapons here can be excessive use of force under the federal Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

Four months into fiscal year 2012, Hawaii has still not officially closed the books on fiscal year 2010. The lag in completing the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is not only an embarrassment for state administrators, it has had some real-world consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Clean-energy veteran Mark Glick will lead the state Energy Office, replacing an acting administrator who had filled the position since January, state officials announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Saying the public needs to be represented as well as the politicians, Kailua-Kona attorney Michael Matsukawa has filed the state's second lawsuit against the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Dangerous levels of mercury have been discovered in fish jerky sold in Hawaii stores, according to a study published last week in the Journal of Environmental Health. Civil Beat.

Russian Ship Finds Tsunami Debris Where UH Mānoa Scientists Predicted. Hawaii Reporter.

"Stop Flu at School" week kicked off today. Hawaii is the only state in the nation to provide statewide vaccinations at public, private, and charter schools. Hawaii News Now.

According to a quarterly workforce drug study, the use of crystal methamphetamine rose from o.4% to 0.7% from this quarter to the last. KITV4.

A high surf advisory continues for east-facing shores of all islands except Lanai and Niihau. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Total personal income in the Honolulu metropolitan area grew at an annual rate of 4.55 percent in the 10-year period from 2000 to 2010, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Pacific Business News.

Some homeless outreach groups are trying to prepare their clients for the possibility they may have to leave. KITV4.

Efforts to protest the APEC meeting are getting underway. KHON2.

Defend Oahu Coalition has been battling corporate greed for the past five-and-a-half years out on the North Shore of Oahu and has been somewhat successful in keeping over-development at bay. Hawaii Independent.

A sewer overflow was reported in east Oahu Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Problems with more than a dozen of the City's garbage trucks are causing pickup delays for various parts of Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii

West Hawaii recorded slightly fewer home, condo and land sales in September compared with the same month one year ago, although prices are increasing and inventory has dropped, a West Hawaii real estate agent says. West Hawaii Today.

State health officials have determined that elevated radiation levels discovered in March in a Hilo Veterans Affairs clinic were not high enough to endanger any occupants of the building. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Cultural Resources Commission, which blocked street closure in past years, and its supporters who say the party is risque and disrespectful have continued to complain that fright night on Front Street is coming back. Maui News.

Kauai

Kelvin Moniz, the food operations director at the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, said there still is a long way to go for the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Military on the move, sex ed pushed for Hawaii schools, OHA seeks new head, fishermen worry about monk seal plan, Hawaiian Airline interisland bag fees rise, Mazie, Mufi campaign, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Russell courtesy photo
The Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer USS Russell will leave today for an independent deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East, the Navy announced today. Star-Advertiser.

The mostly citizen soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment are shipping out today for a yearlong deployment that will take them first to Texas for six weeks of training and then to war-torn Iraq. Tribune-Herald.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono sees herself as an advocate for Hawaii's people, calling herself an effective legislator who can represent the state's interest in the U.S. Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Although he lives in urban Honolulu, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he has the experience, familiarity with and affinity for the Neighbor Islands that would allow him to well serve residents in Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. Maui News.

Several fishing enthusiasts, along with state Rep. John Mizuno, said Wednesday they will ask federal officials to delay any decision to expand the critical habitat for monk seals or to relocate monk seal pups to the main Hawaiian Islands as part of a three-year conservation recovery program. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is expected to replace longtime Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Clyde Namuo within the next 12 months. Star-Advertiser.


Nominations are being sought for seats on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Associated Press.

The state didn't return to talks after the Hawaii State Teachers Association's board unanimously rejected a "last, best and final" offer because union negotiators withdrew their support for the deal and the state believed it would have to restart discussions at square one, Board of Education member Jim Williams testified Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and other groups want to turn sex education in public schools from elective to mandatory. KITV4.

After facing its first losing quarter in three years Hawaiian Airlines has raised its fee for luggage on interisland flights. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ever wonder how the city picks which roads are repaved first?  It's a question that was addressed Wednesday afternoon by members of the Honolulu City Council’s Public Works Committee. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Out of Step With Other Departments on Undercover Officers. Civil Beat.

The owner of The Waikiki Edition Hotel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday as executives from Marriott International Inc. waited to take back management of the hotel. Pacific Business News.

Leeward Coast Residents Denied a Secondary Road. Hawaii Public Radio.

Turtle Bay developers back at the bargaining table, hope for cool heads. Hawaii Independent.

Disqualified rail bidder Bombardier Transportation sent a letter to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board to ask for a reconsideration. Star-Advertiser.

A "Culture Of Violence" At Waikiki Nightspot. Hawaii Reporter.

Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto is finally begining to address the safety concerns of some of his Kahaluu neighbors. KITV4.

Hawaii

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is working with Hawaii County to maximize its investment from the 250-kilowatt solar system placed atop of the West Hawaii Civic Center's parking facility, which has 14 electric vehicle conduits. West Hawaii Today.

Even as they plan a series of tuition hikes, University of Hawaii at Hilo administrators say they hope to make attending classes more affordable for their most needy students. Tribune-Herald.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has partnered with Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods in planting up to 500,000 “legacy” koa trees on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

High surf forced the closure of Puna's Pohoiki boat-launch ramp Tuesday, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation said in a written statement. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council Water Resources Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would allow water from the Hamakuapoko wells to be provided to Upcountry consumers. Maui News.

HNU-Energy, a Wailuku-based company that custom engineers renewable energy technology through research and development, was selected as the Maui County winner in the APEC 2011 Hawaii Business Innovation Showcase. Maui News.

Kauai


In an ongoing effort to boost AT&T wireless service in Hawaii, a new cell tower is being added on Kauai. Associated Press.

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative at its Tuesday board meeting took action to strengthen both the voice of its board members and those of the community. Garden Island.

The state Department of Education on Friday announced two more Kaua‘i schools have met federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards, a measure by which public schools are held accountable for student performance under the No Child Left Behind Act. Garden Island.


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Hannemann 'the one to beat,' military expands Hawaii's $62M remains identity lab, DOT seeks 50 engineers, Kauai taro gets boost, Honolulu surveillance cams raise privacy concerns, more Hawaii news

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Over the years, former Honolulu Mayor and newly announced congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann has developed the reputation of being a bully. Civil Beat.

Gabbard's Six Unions Didn't Go for Mufi Last Time, Either. Civil Beat.

Hawaii News Now political analyst Dan Boylan said Hannemann is the one to beat. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is seeking the Democratic nomination to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono he announced Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Contract negotiators for the state made it clear to the teachers union in late April that if it didn't accept a labor savings deal, there would be big consequences, Board of Education member Jim Williams said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Sex, drugs, and education: An inside look at Hawaii’s schools. Hawaii Independent.

The state Department of Health is again offering free flu vaccines to elementary and middle school students at more than 300 schools statewide. Associated Press.

The State Department of Transportation is looking to hire fifty people. KHON2.

In a classic Catch-22, Hawaii law requires elevators to pass an annual inspection, but the state cannot perform the safety tests fast enough to meet demand. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

By 2014 the Hawaii-based unit in charge of recovering and identifying remains of Americans listed as missing in action from the nation's wars will be working in a new facility that will increase efficiency and productivity, a military official said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Inouye Visits JPAC Groundbreaking Site. KITV4.

Several West Oahu residents testified Tuesday night against a political redistricting proposal that would no longer place Makakilo, Kapolei and Ko Olina in the same congressional district. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is being asked to approve a $1.4 million plan for Honolulu Police to use the traffic cameras to help with security during the economic summit in November. KITV4.

Proposed surveillance cameras raise privacy concerns. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure that would set aside up to $75 million for artwork that would be incorporated in the $5.3 billion elevated rail transit system. Pacific Business News.

The head of a new organization dedicated to preserving the Second Amendment has sued Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha in federal court after Kealoha denied him in September 2010 a permit to carry and conceal a semiautomatic pistol. Star-Advertiser.

A subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. is building a refinery on Oahu that will convert algae and other biomass into high-quality gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Associated Press.

Honolulu lifeguards and fire fighters helped bring 315 people back to shore as of Tuesday afternoon as a 12-15 foot swell pounded the South Shore of Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii

Approximately 50 soldiers from Hilo will deploy to Iraq on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

If you have an injury that requires magnetic resonance imaging, you now have access to the best technology on the neighbor islands, Kona Community Hospital officials say. West Hawaii Today.

The fight to launch a charter school in Laupahoehoe may not be over yet. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


Mayor Alan Arakawa said Monday that Maui County should create a new division to focus on sustainability issues, and that adding "sustainability" to the Department of Environmental Management was one of his top priorities for charter amendments. Maui News.

Two Maui legislators are meeting with state officials this week for answers on why a state affordable housing project is 40 per cent empty. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai

The Taro Security and Purity Task Force announced last week that it has been awarded a grant of $135,000 a year for two years from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island.

In light of the recent hurricane that struck the East Coast, county officials on Tuesday urged residents and businesses who have not yet signed up for Connect CTY to do so. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Former Honolulu Mayor Hannemann announces bid for congressional seat, teachers union appeals to Supreme Court, hospital infections secret, Chinatown parties irk residents, Aloha shirt stamps coming, surf's up, more Hawaii news

Hawaii marine scientist (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A University of Hawaii researcher has come up with a new explanation for how acidification of the ocean disrupts coral growth. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced Tuesday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives from the 2nd Congressional District in 2012. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann will announce today that he will run in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, describing himself as a proven and experienced leader who would focus on improving the nation's fiscal policy. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said that while it will be "much more challenging than in the past" to maintain the pipeline of federal dollars to Hawaii, he remained confident that his home state would continue to get its share. Maui News.

The teachers union turned to the state Supreme Court on Monday in its bid to seek relief from the wage reductions and higher health insurance premiums imposed July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Kept in Dark about Hospital Infections. Civil Beat.

Unanimous support was delivered today to a state Senate committee for career public defender Karen Nakasone to serve as a state Circuit Court judge. Hawaii Reporter.

The new state agency tasked with developing state lands through public-private partnerships will be a corporation of one. Civil Beat.

While the development purpose of the corporation directly conflicts with DLNR’s conservation responsibilities, the Public Land Development Corporation has been set up to act as a separate entity with influence on DLNR decisions. Hawaii Independent.

A Joint House and Senate Human Services Committee conducted a hearing today to hear from the community how lawmakers can help to protect children …especially runaway and homeless youth … from the many dangers they face in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

It's the last day for the public's voice to be heard on the three finalists nominated to be the next Bishop Estate trustee. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha shirts will adorn five U.S. postage stamps next year, the U.S. Postal Service revealed over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory in effect from noon Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday for rising surf along south facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

Oahu

A growing number of street closures for parties and events in and around Chinatown has the community talking about how much is too much. KHON2.

Residents and businesses in Leeward Oahu are hoping the opening of Disney's new Aulani resort will have a dramatic and positive impact on the area's economy. KITV4.

Three Honolulu men were arrested Monday on charges of trying to extort money from the owners of The Shack Waikiki, federal prosecutors said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Design changes and delays acquiring property are preventing Mayor Billy Kenoi from keeping his promise to put the Laaloa Street extension out to bid as soon as the County Council approved a bond float. West Hawaii Today.

Another vent outburst expected. Tribune-Herald.

Kona company takes fish farm far offshore. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers seeking to lease a portion of the 717 acres of county-owned Paauilo land are invited to an open house-style public meeting Thursday at the Paauilo Gym. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Federal Wildlife Inspectors Seize Birds From Maui Refuge. KITV4.

Joe Blackburn is getting an early start in launching his bid to unseat Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino, who holds the council's Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Updated plans for managing national wildlife refuges on Maui and Molokai are available for the public to review and comment on. Associated Press.

Kauai

Lush landscaping and gazeboes are about to make Kaua‘i’s only off-leash dog park even more appealing. Garden Island.






Thursday, September 2, 2010

Military ramping up on Molokai, Big Island, Abercrombie, Hannemann debate in Hilo, Supreme Court allows public intervention in land use, birther at it again, Discovery Channel shooter from Maui, more news from the islands

A Hawaiian plant species thought to be extinct has been found on the Big Island. (Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy). Associated Press.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its decision that found that the state Constitution permits private parties to seek a review by the state Land Use Commission of proposals on agricultural lands. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee has given its unanimous approval to the nomination of Mark Recktenwald to become the next Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice. Associated Press.

Wednesday morning the state senate judiciary committee gave full approval to the nomination of Mark Recktenwald to become the next Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice. KHON2.

Do you have 25 friends and 75 dollars? If so, you too could one day be a candidate for statewide or federal offices like governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator and U.S. representative. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial candidates Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie got down to business Tuesday night, debating questions provided by local industry groups as the leading Democrats race virtually neck and neck toward the Sept. 18 primary. West Hawaii Today.

The top two rivals for the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nomination clashed for the second time in as many days during a debate Tuesday night in Hilo. Tribune-Herald

James "Duke" Aiona owes the most personal debt of the three leading candidates for governor and Mufi Hannemann has the least debt, according to financial interest disclosures filed with the State Ethics Commission. KITV.

Hawaii GOP Chief Jonah Ka'auwai said Wednesday he is satisfied his letter to urge pastors and conservative Christians to shun Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann and to ban him from campaigning in their churches was successful. KITV.

In the midst of an election year, the candidate chorus of providing jobs and rebuilding the economy has relegated discussions of environmental protection to the back burner. Honolulu Weekly.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann is proposing to create a specialized court that would provide treatment and other services to veterans convicted of criminal activity. Associated Press.

Democratic candidates for the state Senate whose names were left off some absentee ballots in District 25 said they were concerned the error might hurt their chances for winning. Star-Advertiser.

A man identified as holding three people hostage at the Discovery Channel headquarters in Maryland Wednesday was a former Lahaina resident. Maui News.

 The United States military is planning yet another expansion entailing increased use of Pohakuloa Training Area. Big Island Weekly.

As the U.S. Marine Corps prepares to draft an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the use of new aircraft during training exercises, officials say Molokai could see a slight increase in military activity. Molokai Dispatch.


The last three F-15 jets in the state are gone...making way for Hawaii's newest military aircraft to take to the skies. KHON2.

Depleted uranium found at Pohakuloa Training Area on Saddle Road poses "no likely adverse impacts" to people working at, visiting or living near the training area, Army officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today

An Army doctor charged with disobeying a deployment order because he doubts President Barack Obama's credentials as commander in chief is asking a military judge for access to the president's school and college records. Associated Press

Acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday the city next month will begin a $37 million project to dig a tunnel for a new permanent sewer main pipe in the Waikiki area. KITV.

It's a sight many have never quite gotten used to. KHON2.

Kauai plans to limit lighting at public facilities as much as possible to protect endangered seabirds. Associated Press.

City Council members took the first steps to providing immediate help for a "gap group" of 247 residents who saw sizable increases in property tax bills due to a reclassification of their property from residential to commercial/industrial. Star-Advertiser.

Now that the ownership of Makena resort has been formally transferred, the new owners are refining the details of development proposals that will include work force housing within the resort, which would be a first for Maui. Maui News.

About 60 people attended a forum on controversial red mangrove eradication Tuesday night at Pahoa Community Center. Tribune-Herald.

The first new fire station built on Kaua‘i in 66 years received its blessing and dedication four months ahead of schedule, Wednesday. Garden Island.

A survey conducted to help the University of Hawaii at Hilo develop a new strategic plan identifies marine science, Hawaiian studies and pharmacy as the school's academic strengths. Associated Press.

It's a game measured by dollars and cents and USC football fans are running up a tally. Hawaii News Now.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The great debate: Hannemann v Abercrombie, and other news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Aber- crombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Han- nemann clashed last night in the last televised debate before the Democratic primary for governor, a substantive and mostly positive encounter that forced both candidates to defend their records. Star-Advertiser.

Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann threw zingers at each other for 90 minutes at the final debate to be televised statewide before the Sept. 18 Democratic gubernatorial primary. Associated Press.

The race for governor kicks up a notch.  With just 19 days before the primary election the two leading candidates traded ideas and insults tonight. Hawaii News Now



With less than three weeks before the primary election, the two leading Democratic candidates for governor faced off in a live, televised debate Monday night. KITV.

Monday's televised debate between Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie showed both candidates in top form, scoring points with factual (and sometimes not-so-factual) statements. Civil Beat.

All jabs aside, how did gubernatorial candidates Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie do in their bid to win over voters? Hawaii News Now.

Some quick impressions of the Mufi Hannemann/Neil Abercrombie debate. Volcanic Ash.

Thousands of absentee ballots were mailed out starting last Friday, but some voters in some districts say they’re having a difficult time understanding their ballots. KITV.

Students and parents at state middle, intermediate and high schools have until Sept. 15 to remove their names from a national list given annually to military recruiters by the Department of Education under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is seeking out alternative ways to get people to and from West Maui. Maui News.

Boosting Chinese tourism to Hawaii is the focus of an event getting underway in Waikiki. KHON2.

In an effort to reduce crime and eliminate homelessness lawmakers are looking at several proposals to tackle the situation including the creation of Safe Zones. KHON2.

State workers who process applications for government benefits say layoffs and furloughs have spurred bigger caseloads and growing backlogs, lengthening the amount of time it takes for low-income residents to get needed services. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that a $9,044,880 grant has been awarded to support Native Hawaiian health centers on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Island of Hawaii, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Molokai Dispatch.

Federal officials say a rare deep diving whale rescued from Maui earlier this month has died. Associated Press.

There is probably no one who will dispute that a good tax system is one that treats everyone fairly. At least that is what many taxpayers would like to believe. Unfortunately, it is the definition that sometimes gets in the way of truly achieving a "fair" tax system. West Hawaii Today.

A rail transit workshop is planned for Tuesday, targeting a group of people that are big consumers of public transport: seniors and the disabled. Hawaii News Now.

Alae Cemetery would grow by more than 50 percent under a county proposal aimed at meeting demand for burial plots. Tribune-Herald.

The container looks the same as the automated trash-pickup container, except it has a blue lid. Garden Island.

Sometimes it’s a stinky job, but somebody still has to do it. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Mufi "Hannemanns it up" with a medley of hits during Hilo campaign HQ opening



Gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann at the opening of his Hilo campaign headquarters on Tuesday.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Waikiki beach makes top 10 list, Hannemann's gubernatorial bid sets dominoes falling, economic upturn noted, Pierce Brosnan illegally renting his Kauai home? More news from around the islands

The Oahu beach named after Olympic swimming legend Duke Kahanamoku has been listed among the top 10 beaches in the nation in an annual survey for 2010.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said his campaign in the Democratic primary for governor will stress issues such as education, economic recovery and sustainability, but he also said his personal values and roots growing up in Kalihi would shape his vision.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's political aspirations and management of the city's $5.5 billion rail project are parting ways.

The race is officially on.

Just moments after Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann officially announced he is running for governor, a war of words is was being waged between the candidates. Democrats Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie, along with Republican Duke Aiona were all exchanging strong words.


The battle between Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie - a sparring match between Hawaii political heavyweights is deja vu. It's a rematch 24 years in the making.

The wait is over. The race has begun.

After months of waiting and wondering, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann made his anticipated next political move official this afternoon.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's announced bid for Hawaii governor Thursday is creating a domino effect with politicians now lining up for a special election to fill the remainder of his term.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's desire to be the state's next governor is one of the worst-kept secrets in recent politics.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii will come together for three days of meetings and speeches at the Hilton Hawaiian Village beginning today.

The state's top economists on the Council of Revenues on Thursday said Hawaii's economy is seeing a faster and bigger turnaround than expected.


Hawai'i's economy continues on the upswing with the state Council on Revenues' latest forecast showing an increase in general fund tax revenue for the remainder of this fiscal year and next.

Hawaii's economic recovery is well under way, and revenues for this fiscal year are expected to be 0.5 percent more than last year, said the state Council on Revenues.


Nearly 400 people losing their jobs in the next two weeks when The Honolulu Star-Bulletin merges with The Honolulu Advertiser may have to wait months for millions of dollars in severance pay.

Near Waipahu High School crews began closing off a portion of Farrington Highway to begin the task of testing where Honolulu's rail route might go.

  How cool would it be to stay at James Bond’s house, maybe not even legally?

Earthquakes. Termites. Brush fires. Torrential downpours. The heat of the tropical sun. Hurricanes. Soaring utility bills.

Just days before bids were due, Hawaii County has canceled a request for proposals to privatize the county's green waste collection.

The day after the state Commission on Water Resource Management made another precedent-setting decision to restore millions of gallons of water a day to East Maui streams, Hawaii's last sugar producer issued a statement of thanks with a plea for mercy in the next rounds of decision-making for disputed access to stream water.

A refurbished Japanese cruise ship made its inaugural Hawai‘i appearance Thursday following the dedication of its refurbishing project in late March.





Friday, January 22, 2010

GOP seeks more school days, Mufi honored, big spenders could influence state congressional race, garbage still piling up, more top Hawaii news


Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Thursday received the 2010 National Award for Local Arts Leadership from the Americans for the Arts and U.S. Conference of Mayors.


A U.S. Supreme Court decision yesterday opened a new path for corporations and unions to influence federal elections in Hawaii.

Public school bus routes, which were cut back in November, will be reduced further next school year and the fare may climb to $1 from 75 cents.

The war of words is escalating over private bus service for public school students. Caught in the middle are parents, students and school administrators. 


Mandating a minimum number of instructional days for public school students would take furloughs off the table in contract negotiations and get students back in school, Republican House members contend.

Late February to early March, that is the new deadline for shipping thousands of tons of Hawaii's trash to the mainland. But that also means the stacks of bales of rubbish will sit in Campbell Industrial Park more than month before the trash sets sail.

More than 400 East Hawaii medical workers may be affected by a series of workday furloughs OK'd by a state arbitration panel last week.

Despite the sour economy, commercial garbage haulers are chipping away at their past-due bills to Hawaii County government.

The state Campaign Spending Commission has fined Don Couch $375 for exceeding the cap on nonresident campaign contributions in his 2008 Maui County Council campaign

State Senate Democrats have the votes to pass a civil-unions bill as soon as today, but are not certain they have the two-thirds' majority necessary to override a potential veto or whether they should amend the bill to correct a technical flaw.

Kevin Rebelo and Frank Miholer own a wedding company, and they say they've married more than 4,000 heterosexual couples since 1994

Civilian contractors assigned to U.S. Navy vessels at Port Allen sprung into action recently when they observed a 30-foot fishing boat sunk at its moorings at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Tuesday morning edition

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, in his first jab at his potential rival for governor in 2010, said yesterday that Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann should put politics aside and concentrate on the city's multibillion-dollar rail project.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann formed a campaign committee to run for governor yesterday, but his potential opponent, Neil Abercrombie, says the mayor should stay put and finish work on the city's rail transit project.

Honolulu has burned up records for eight days with sizzling temperatures.

Ask anyone living on the Big Island about vog and they'll have a story to share.

Hawaii's biggest public workers union on Monday said Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to furlough state workers is illegal and it plans to block it.

When environmental activist Carroll Cox charged last week that Honolulu city crews had been illegally dumping tons of concrete rubble in Ma'ili'ili Stream and threatening the habitat of endangered wildlife, he called the unpermitted activity an outrage.

The Hawaii Public Defender's Office has tentative plans to furlough its employees three Fridays a month, meaning defense attorneys for indigent clients won't be available for criminal court hearings scheduled on those days.

Local telecommunications company Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. said it wants to purchase Hawaiian Telcom Inc. for $400 million.

John W. Goemans achieved a success few attorneys reach when the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed his stand against discrimination in the precedent-setting Rice v. Cayetano case.

A contractor doing work on Haleakala Ranch land damaged fiber-optic lines Monday morning, disrupting emergency 911 calls, phone and Internet service for Maui residents, county offices, major resort hotels and businesses.

Even when he's not here, BJ Penn's name is a big draw in Hilo.

Ever wonder what good could possibly come of plastic, or how the waste clogging Kekaha’s landfill might be put to better use?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Wednesday morning edition

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann told his Cabinet and staff yesterday afternoon that he has authorized a committee to explore a potential run for governor in 2010, setting up a possible challenge to U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary.

At an after-work meeting with Cabinet members and supporters last night, Mayor Mufi Hannemann authorized supporters to form an exploratory committee for a run for governor in 2010.

Another ominous sign for the state budget: Revenue collections are coming in even lower than the state Council on Revenues predicted.

Honolulu City Council members meet today to take up the city's operating budget along with a host of fee increases and tax hike proposals, all aimed at making up a $50 million shortfall in the coming fiscal year.

A 22-year-old woman was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for illegally accessing another woman's medical records and posting on a MySpace page that she had HIV

Expert: Hawaii drivers will pay more for gas this summer

Gov. Linda Lingle signed a new law on Tuesday that makes it illegal to electronically harass or stalk someone using text messages or social networking Web sites.

A discovery of skeletal human remains in the proposed midlevel road corridor likely won't stop the project from proceeding, a Hawaii County official says.

One of Hawaii County Councilwoman Emily Naeole's Keaau constituents didn't like it when she called him "whacky" in a West Hawaii Today article last year and he's filed an ethics complaint.

Three Maui artists and a father-son slack key duo from Waiehu captured the coveted Na Hoku Hanohano award, Hawaii's version of the Grammy, for their recording artistry Tuesday night.