Showing posts with label Hawaii politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii politics. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Hawaii former governors worried about future, Honolulu to increase bus fares for seniors and disabled, Kim proposes another TMT delay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copryight 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu bus stop  ©2020 All Hawaii News
Four Ex-Hawaii Governors Say They Fear For Our Future. Civil Beat interviewed four of Hawaii’s most prominent leaders. They had a lot to say about our growing social and economic problems and the lack of leadership to help resolve them. Civil Beat.

Six Feet Above: Where To Draw The Line On Sea Level Rise. Lawmakers are considering how far to set back new developments as well as specific strategies to deal with climate change. Civil Beat.

Kealoha case fuels push to change pension laws for disgraced government employees
. Ex-Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha continues to get a pension paycheck ― estimated to be upwards of $150,000 per year. Hawaii News Now.

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Some angered over state’s limited information on 2 visitors later diagnosed with coronavirus. Some Hawaii residents are upset the state did not reveal more information about two visitors who were diagnosed with coronavirus after returning to Japan from a trip to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii tourist from Japan with coronavirus is now in critical condition. Officials confirmed that the Japanese man first tested positive for the coronavirus before his wife. KHON2.

Ewa Beach couple describes ‘nightmare’ getting out of quarantined ship. About 300 Americans quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan have been transported to two US military bases. KHON2.

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Taking a phased-in approach: Proposal to strengthen coffee labeling requirements amended. House Bill 1886, as currently written, would gradually increase the minimum percentage of Hawaii-grown coffee from 10% to 51% over a three-year period, rather than an immediate implementation to the higher minimum as initially proposed. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu Proposes Increase To Senior, Disabled Bus Fares. The Honolulu Rate Commission proposed an increase in the city's bus fares for riders including those who are 65 and older, riders holding Medicare cards and passengers with disabilities. Associated Press.

Rail authority hasn’t applied for Dillingham Boulevard closure permits, city says. The Honolulu rail authority has yet to submit a firm design for Dillingham Boulevard utility construction work or formally apply for the permits it needs to restrict traffic flow there to one lane in each direction, raising new doubts about the rail authority’s timeline for some critically important construction work. Star-Advertiser.

Flock of warbirds planned for flyover on 75th anniversary of WWII’s end.
Planning for the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II has taken a major step forward with authorization for the military to transport up to 24 World War II-era aircraft and their pilots to and from Pearl Harbor for the commemoration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Mayor asks TMT to delay construction for two more months. The current truce between the Thirty Meter Telescope and its opponents might be extended by another two months at the request of Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Supporters Hold Panel Discussion. Imua TMT organized a talk story at the Crown Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel on Sunday. Big Island Video News.

TMT supporters, opponents clash over debris at Mauna Kea camp. A couple of TMT supporters have been taking videos and photos of what they call trash and debris left by the protesters. But TMT opponents say it’s an effort to discredit and undermine the kiai.  Hawaii News Now.

Rat Lungworm spreading to Coqui frogs, centipedes in Hawaii. The crippling Rat Lungworm disease is spreading in Hawaii. KHON2.

Maui

Property taxes due Thursday. Real property tax bills for the second installment of tax year 2019-20 are due Thursday, according to a notice from the county. Maui News.

Preliminary Signs for Moku ‘O Wailuku Ahupua‘a Project to be Unveiled. The Moku ʻO Wailuku Ahupuaʻa Sign project is a cultural grants program funded by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development that aims to bring awareness of Maui Nui’s ancient land division system. Maui Now.

Kauai

High bacteria counts in 2019. More than half of stream mouths and surf spots around Kaua‘i tested by the citizen science branch of the Kaua‘i chapter of Surfrider Foundation had chronically high levels of bacteria in 2019. Garden Island.

Friday, October 25, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Poll shows voters prefer term limits, oppose legal marijuana; state prepares for medically assisted death; Honolulu seeks poll workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News All rights reserved
Hawaii's Big Island ©2018 All Hawaii News
On Tuesday, U.S. News &World Report named Hawaii’s southernmost island the 2018-19 Best Winter Vacation spot in the world, beating out 19 other locales on the list of the top 20 global destinations. Travelers and U.S. News &World Report editors alike ranked the Big Island No. 1 winter vacation destination for its “warm weather and excellent surfing conditions.” West Hawaii Today.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Want Term Limits For State Legislators. They also support an initiative process, all-mail voting and a lottery. But forget about legalizing pot. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Like The Idea Of A ConCon, They’re Just Not Going To Vote For It. There is significant support for the idea once it’s explained, but that support has decreased from previous polls. Civil Beat.

State prepares for new medically assisted death law to take effect. The state Department of Health is urging health care organizations to prepare for the new law that permits terminally ill adult residents with six months or less to live to obtain a prescription for medication to end their lives.  Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii  Department of Health is telling healthcare organizations statewide to prepare for the Jan. 1, 2019, effective date of the Our Care, Our Choice Act, which allows adult residents with a medically confirmed terminal disease and less than six months to live the choice to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige lent his political weight Monday night to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to tax investment properties to support public education, while also promising to veto any resulting bill that might raise property taxes for owner- occupied homes or increase rents on affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional District One: Republican Cam Cavasso. The Republican Candidate for the Congressional District One seat, representing urban Honolulu, is a veteran politician.  Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH employee questions medical marijuana quality, policies for checking it. Is the weed you need in Hawaii clean and safe? An employee of Hawaii's Department of Health, who wishes to remain anonymous, says no. KITV.

How OHA Trustees Spent Their Allowances. Thousands of dollars went to support athletic competitions, charitable galas and beauty pageants. Civil Beat.

A United Nations scientific panel on Climate Change released a report earlier this month that warned of a worsening crisis by 2040. Here in Hawaii scientists have been raising the red flag about global warming and sea level rise and the need to deal with protecting our natural resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nine members of a Southern California drug trafficking ring accused of disguising methamphetamine as decorative Aztec calendars and statues to ship the drug to Hawaii are behind bars, federal authorities said today. Tribune News Service.

The hotel strike on Oahu and Maui could put a damper on two high-profile group events coming to Hawaii this week, including Waikiki’s largest convention of the year. Star-Advertiser.

No negotiations planned as Marriott hotel worker strike continues. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Record number absentee ballots mailed on Oahu. The Honolulu County Clerk's office mailed 164,000 absentee ballots Tuesday. KHON2.

Office of Elections looking to fill over 300 volunteer positions for General Election. Twenty-days until the General Election, over 300 volunteers needed. KITV.

Major portions of Ala Wai Community Park and next-door Ala Wai Neighborhood Park will be closed for maintenance through Dec. 26. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has been ranked as one of the 10 greenest cities in the United States, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki’s last lei stand could be revived if an ‘experiment’ goes well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Humane Society opens community clinic for spay, neuter services. A ‘high-quality, high-volume’ sterilization clinic for pets on Oahu has been opened by the Hawaiian Humane Society. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Brenda Carreira is set to become the latest in a line of administrators to try to repair Hawaii County’s beleaguered Mass Transit Agency since Mayor Harry Kim assumed office in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

A bill regulating vacation rentals took a big step forward Tuesday, clearing a council panel on its way to two final votes. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara introduced a resolution Tuesday recognizing animals as “sentient beings” but quickly withdrew it because of lack of support from other council members. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A striking employee was put in handcuffs and banned from hotel grounds for one year after passing out leaflets to guests informing them of the strike at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, according to the union that represents the workers. Maui News.

UNITE HERE Local 5 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Sheraton Maui, alleging violations of federal labor law against three Sheraton Maui employees. Maui Now.

Malamalama Maui launched its final campaign, “36,000 Acres. 36,000 Hearts.” to engage 36,000 people—approximately one for every acre of the previous sugarcane lands—in sharing a message, vision and/or solution from their heart for the future of the Central Valley. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Elections Shaping Up As A Free-For-All. The winners must deal with several looming issues, including combating climate change, worries over the relentless growth of tourism and maintaining the island’s rural lifestyle. Civil Beat.

While those caught using tobacco products at two county parks can now face fines, the tobacco-free status is more about changing society’s views than issuing citations. Garden Island.

Four Newell’s shearwater birds were released at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park Tuesday in the annual Releasing of the 'A'o. Garden Island.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Ten years, ten awards.

All Hawaii News' 10th SPJ award
All Hawaii News will be 10 years old this year. That's 2,517 posts featuring a digest of all the state and local government and political news from media sources all around the Hawaiian Islands.

There's no bot to do this. Every post is hand-curated in a process that takes two hours or more each day.

This is a one-woman show. I usually start before 5 a.m. so folks can read the news highlights with their morning coffee or on their smartphones during their daily commute. (Not while they're driving, of course.)

It's a labor of love, and I'm honored to be recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for keeping the state informed about the top news of the day.

But a little monetary recognition never hurts, either.

I've moved All Hawaii News' "keep the news coming" donate button near the top right of the homepage. Just click and donate using PayPal or a major credit card. You can even click a button to send an automatic monthly payment.

How to donate:

        Click the donate button at the top right of the page.
        Donate using a major credit card or PayPal account.
        Send an email to nclauer@gmail.com to get your name and/or link on the sponsor list.
       (otherwise, your gift will remain anonymous)

A donation no matter how modest would be a vote of confidence in my efforts.

Mahalo!

Nancy Cook Lauer

Monday, August 15, 2016

Hawaii Election recap: Low turnout, incumbent advantage, political commentary and more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz hears from Emily Naeole © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii set a record low for voter apathy in a primary election on Saturday, when only 34.7 percent of registered voters bothered to cast ballots. In all, 251,959 people voted. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout for Hawaii’s primary election of 34.7 percent was the lowest since statehood in 1959, prompting U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to suggest that a Saturday in August “might not be the best time to hold a primary.” Civil Beat.

From opponents to teammates, Hawaii's Democratic candidates gathered at the Dole Cannery Sunday for the party's traditional Unity breakfast, less than 24 hours after Saturday's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

A day after going up against each other, Democratic candidates in Hawaii are coming together for their next challenge: the General Election. Sunday morning displayed unity among many of Hawaii’s democrats who just got through the Primary Election. KITV.

Time to shake off the post-primary fog, savor the triumphs, lick the wounds and buckle down for the big one. At the Democratic Unity Breakfast Sunday, there was no mistaking the agenda for November. KHON2.

The Democrat who spoke most passionately at the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Unity Breakfast Sunday was a candidate who is not actually running as a Democrat this year. Civil Beat.

Though they didn’t have any major contested races, the Hawaii Republican Party says it’s happy with the outcome of the primary election. KHON2.

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2016 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Legislature will remain controlled by Democrats after a primary election where many Democratic incumbents ran unopposed. There were 16 uncontested races in the elections for the state Senate and House, and all but one of the unopposed candidates were Democrats. Associated Press.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz won his Democratic primary race Saturday, defeating four challengers in his bid for his first full term in office. Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa won the Democratic primary in Hawaii on Saturday and could return to her old U.S. House seat. Associated Press.

The 2014 storm of political controversy — and weather — wasn’t there this time for Colleen Hanabusa and Brian Schatz in Saturday’s Democratic congressional primary, with both nailing lopsided victories in U.S. House and Senate races. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative incumbents find little resistance at polls. Star-Advertiser.

The Projector: Night Of Drama After Day Of Voter Apathy. Polling places were often empty Saturday, but when the returns started rolling in, the excitement picked up. Civil Beat.

Primary Election Results. Star-Advertiser.

Two OHA Seats Will Head To A Nov. 8 Runoff. Colette Machado has won her Molokai seat but the at-large seat and Hawaii Island seat will be on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Roundup of insightful quotes helps discern bull of politics. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: If there are any lessons to be taken from Saturday’s primary election, they are small and incremental. Civil Beat.

Oahu
The final battle for Honolulu Hale will play out in a general election clash on Nov. 8 between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou. Caldwell narrowly finished first in Saturday’s primary election, with 44.6 percent of the 166,002 votes cast. Djou threatened to pull the mayor into a dead heat but by the end of the night trailed with 43.7 percent of the votes and a close second-place finish. Star-Advertiser.

Just 1,500 votes -- and one major issue -- separated Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Congressman Charles Djou in Saturday's mayoral primary won by Caldwell. But a precinct-by-precinct analysis suggests it's an even tighter race for the two, who will face off each other again in a runoff election in November. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Kymberly Pine won’t have to face a challenger in November — she won re-election outright in Saturday’s primary race with a commanding 65 percent of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

An unscientific peek into how Oahu’s electorate voted in the Honolulu mayor’s race shows Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou each faring well in some regions while in need of work in other communities as they head for their Nov. 8 showdown. Star-Advertiser.

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii

Harry Kim defied the oddsmakers and the fundraisers Saturday, trouncing Wally Lau and 11 other candidates in his path to reclaim the county’s top post. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth won a second term as county prosecutor Saturday. With 42 of 43 precincts reporting islandwide, the 52-year-old Roth held an insurmountable lead over Deputy Attorney General Mike Kagami, 22,281 votes to 10,128, 68.7 percent to 31.3 percent. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele is all but guaranteed to finish the term his father started after defeating his two challengers in the Democratic primary Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Russell Ruderman will keep his district 2 senate seat after holding off his Democratic challenger, Puna councilmember Greggor Ilagan, in the primary election. Big Island Video News.

Seven-term incumbent Cindy Evans won the Democratic primary for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives by a narrow margin over opponent David Tarnas in one of the closest races across the entire state. West Hawaii Today.

The non-partisan race to fill the two vacated seats – district 4 (Puna) and district 3 (Hilo) – will go on to a run-off election in November, since no candidate in either race managed to get over half the vote. Incumbents also appear to have been defeated in two other tight council races – district 5 (Puna) and district 9 (Kohala) – where Danny Paleka and Margaret Wille fall short in their bids for re-election. Big Island Video News.

Jennifer Ruggles unseated Hawaii County Councilman Daniel Paleka in the District 5 race. With all precincts reporting, the 27-year-old Fern Acres resident won 1,794 votes, or 54 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Every vote counts, especially if it’s cast in the Hawaii County Council District 3 race. The race will continue as a runoff in November after Saturday’s election narrowed the field of three to two: Sue Lee Loy and Moana Kelii, both of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Two West Hawaii County Council candidates are powering their campaigns with small donations, while East Hawaii incumbents are relying more on larger contributions. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Election night 2016 was characterized by low turnout, little energy, no magic, and only a few surprises. The night’s most unexpected finish was in the race for the vacant Wailuku County Council seat where former council member Dane Kane, finished first with 6,443 votes, while first time candidate Alika Atay came in second with 6,354. Trailing the leaders was the presumed favorite Keith Regan, the county’s managing director, with 6,017, followed by Joe Blackburn 4,439 and Hana Steel 1,424. Kane and Atay, the top two vote getters in the county wide non-partisan race will face each other in the November. Maui Watch.

It was an emotional Saturday evening for Kaniela Ing as he embraced friends and family after a triumphant victory over challenger Deidre Tegarden for the Democratic nomination to the South Maui state House seat. Maui News.

In the race for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, voters on Molokai and Lanai proved to be one of the deciding factors for winner Dain Kane, pushing him through to the general election Saturday night in the tightest County Council primary contest this year. Maui News.

In a tight race with no candidate taking a majority of the votes Saturday, former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane and "aloha aina" advocate Alika Atay prevailed in the primary contest for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Yuki Lei Sugimura held on to an early lead for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, and Napua Greig-Nakasone secured the second spot Saturday night as they advanced from a four-candidate field to the Nov. 8 general race. Maui News.

All of the precincts in Maui County were accounted for in the Third and Fourth election printout from the State Office of Elections on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. The Fourth printout, produced at 11:47 p.m. was considered the Final Summary Report for Maui County races, where all precincts are accounted for. Maui Now.

A four-way race for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council turned into a two-way contest Saturday night, with incumbent Council Member Don Couch and challenger Kelly King getting the most votes and advancing to the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Upcountry Rep. Kyle Yamashita was able to fend off a challenge from political newcomer Tiare Lawrence Saturday night, taking a winner-take-all contest to return to 12th District House of Representatives seat he has held since 2004. Maui News.

Elections for federal and state legislative offices were primary elections with parties choosing their candidates for the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii State Sen. Ron Kouchi garnered more than half of the votes in the primary election. Garden Island.

District 15 incumbent James “Jimmy” Tokioka will return to the state House after winning the seat convincingly, beating his opponent and first-time political candidate Thomas Oi of Lihue. Garden Island.

With 12 of 16 precincts reported, Derek Kawakami led the race for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Cheers rang through Brick Oven Pizza in Wailua Saturday night when Nadine Nakamura and her supporters received the first printout of election results from the 2016 primary election. Garden Island.

The race for the Kauai prosecutor’s office hit a milestone Saturday when the incumbent took a significant lead against his challenger. Garden Island.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Hawaii farmland dwindling, dairy seeks state bailout, Honolulu Police sued for racial discrimination, cocaine possession mars Maui legislator's medical marijuana dispensary application, bad year for coffee, Legislature pares bill list, Kauai lobbying bill advances, Humane Society in Big Island group's cross-hairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii Island farmland © 2016 All Hawaii News
There's a drop in the number of acres devoted to agriculture between 1980 and 2015: a decline of 200,000 acres of cropland and 340,000 acres of pastureland, representing drops of 57 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

A state Department of Agriculture study of agricultural land use aimed at helping industry, government and the community in decision-making also tells the story of the accelerated decline of farming in Hawaii, punctuated by this year's announcement of the end of sugar cultivation on Maui. Maui News.

A baseline study of agricultural land use created by a team of Big Island researchers and planners is intended to help inform future decisions as Hawaii’s agriculture continues to evolve. Tribune-Herald.

Bad weather and a lingering pest problem delivered major blows to Hawaii coffee farmers this past season, according to a new report that estimates production of one of the biggest crops in the state fell 16 percent. Star-Advertiser.

And Then There Were 2,633 — Hawaii Legislature Pares List Of Bills. A look at some of the measures that survived the first major deadline of the session, and some of what has fallen by the wayside. Civil Beat.

Owning a car could soon become more expensive as lawmakers consider increases to the state’s fuel tax and vehicle registration fees. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island state Sen. Lorraine Inouye expressed confidence Friday that a bill requiring a feasibility study for an interisland ferry would at least advance from the Senate to the House this legislative session. Maui News.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and surgeon Ben Carson have qualified for Hawaii’s March 8 presidential caucus. They join Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, businessman Donald Trump and Ohio Governor John Kasich on the ballot. Civil Beat.

Under a bill making its way through the Legislature this year, an independent review board administratively attached to the attorney general’s office would conduct a separate investigation in police cases. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would give the state's counties the power to acquire electric utility property through eminent domain has passed second reading in the state House of Representatives, but it doesn't appear headed out of the House. Maui News.

State Sen. Josh Green has more than a half-million dollars in his campaign coffers, far more than any of his 24 colleagues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bicycling advocates are worried that a push by Honolulu City Council members to gain more control over planned bikeways and other Complete Streets projects could stymie efforts to make streets more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Star-Advertiser.

A racial discrimination lawsuit involving three Honolulu police officers who say their lives were put at risk because of the color of their skin appears to be about to come to an end. Civil Beat.

SunEdison Inc. is urging Hawaii regulators to not approve Hawaiian Electric Co.’s termination of the power purchase agreement between the two companies regarding the Missouri company’s three proposed Oahu solar farms, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A $5.5 million federal grant will aid the University of Hawaii Cancer Center’s research into why cervical cancer rates are so high among certain Pacific Island populations. Civil Beat.

Christian leader Franklin Graham is scheduled to be in Honolulu Wednesday to hold a prayer rally, preach the Gospel and challenge believers “to take a stand and take action.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s largest dairy is seeking state help to develop a $10 million milk processing plant after the only local processor dramatically cut what it pays Hawaii’s last two dairy farms for their milk last year. Three bills at the Legislature backed by the administration of Gov. David Ige seek to allow Big Island Dairy LLC to finance a milk processing plant by selling bonds under the state’s authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Cuts To Pest Control Have Allowed Dengue To Thrive. The state aggressively attacked previous outbreaks of dengue fever that were quickly stopped but response efforts have been gutted. Civil Beat.

Fewer county police officers were fired or suspended last year compared to the year before, according to an annual report submitted to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii is pulling out of geothermal research projects on Hualalai. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators of East Hawaii’s hospital system began last week to publicly build a case for the possibility of shutting down the Extended Care Facility at Hilo Medical Center. Tribune-Herald.

How to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanized on the island? That’s the question some animal advocate groups want to answer, and they attended a town hall meeting to tackle just that. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal judge denied United Public Workers' request to prevent the privatization of the Maui state hospitals. Pacific Business News.

U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected Friday an attempt by the United Public Workers union to derail the privatization of Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula and Lanai Community hospitals, according to an announcement from the state Department of the Attorney General. Maui News.

A legislator involved in a cocaine possession case in 1988 is part of a medical marijuana dispensary application.  Sen. J. Kalani English’s guilty plea on a charge of promoting a dangerous drug was deferred and the case later dismissed after he completed court requirements. Associated Press.

After two decades of steadily processing the island's green waste into compost, Maui EKO Compost recently diverted its millionth ton of waste. Maui News.

The state will pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation for failing to offer the driver’s license test in Chuukese and Marshallese. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai


The eight-member citizen fact-finding group on pesticide use by Kauai’s major agricultural operators will release the draft of its final report on March 10. Garden Island.

A bill that would regulate lobbying on Kauai evolved in committee last week, and is expected to go before the County Council Wednesday. Garden Island.

The state is renewing its efforts to tackle a decades-long problem of accumulated trash and damage to heiau in Kauai’s Kalalau Valley — the result, for the most part, of illegal camping. Star-Advertiser.

Better bus system one solution to congestion. But an all-or-nothing approach difficult with tight budget. Garden Island.

Carol Bain says she is running for another term on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors because she wants to see certain projects come to fruition. Garden Island.

Invasive species are still successfully staking their claim on Kauai. Garden Island.

Friday, July 31, 2015

The greatest challenge to running a one-person news aggregate blog is this:

How do I take a vacation?

Because All Hawaii News collects and highlights the day's top government and political news, it's simply not possible to prewrite and schedule posts.

I usually find some time on vacation days to skim through my long list of media sites and post the best of them for the day. I need to keep on top of the biggest news of the day anyway, even if I am on vacation.

Sometimes, I'll write a few articles in advance and substitute them for the daily aggregate. However, with a short two-day vacation looming and articles not prewritten, this doesn't appear to be one of those times.

I'll be back Tuesday!

By the way, this would be a perfect time to help keep the news alive.

All Hawaii News is a labor of love. I've been doing this day in and day out for more than five years now. Advertising is kept to a minimum.

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