New $60M tax system has problems, Kauai assistant police chief put on leave, Maui mayor seeks to fire water chief, money for Hawaii in defense bill, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Medical marijuana sign © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Marijuana Business: Room for Growth. It’s been two and a half years since Hawaii’s legislature approved a dispensary program for medical marijuana, and about four months since the first dispensary opened its doors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Employees warn of problems with new tax system. The state’s largest union and workers in the state Department of Taxation are warning that the $60 million project to modernize the tax department’s computer systems has gotten seriously off track, and have written to Gov. David Ige to warn that the project could be “severely compromised” unless changes are made. Star-Advertiser.

The $700 billion defense policy bill just passed by Congress states that North Korea nuclear and missile tests “constitute a grave and imminent threat” to Asia-Pacific security and calls for expansion of radar systems and a “sequenced approach” to the defense of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Russian surveillance plane flies unchallenged over isles. The Russian overflight conducted Oct. 4-6 was sanctioned by the United States as part of the Treaty on Open Skies, which has been in effect since 2002 to verify arms control agreements and promote stability through transparency of military forces and activities. Star-Advertiser.

Disabled Job Seekers Left In Limbo By Agency’s Cash Crunch. Hawaii’s vocational rehabilitation program insists the problem is temporary, but some clients fear they’ll lose their support. Civil Beat.

Study on state ferry awaited. A study looking at the viability of a state-owned ferry system will be presented to the state Legislature next month, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Analysts, competitors cast doubt on prospects for third shipper to isles. Star-Advertiser.

Some State Hospital staffers regularly break rules, worker alleges. A social worker on disciplinary leave from the Hawaii State Hospital since October said employees regularly help patients leave the hospital out of sympathy, pick on patients they don’t like — and even turn on one another while security guards look the other way. Star-Advertiser.

Little Fire Ants Are On The March In Hawaii. They’re already established on every island except Molokai, and experts say a concerted effort is required to stop their spread. Civil Beat.

Oahu residents will see their electrical bills dip slightly this month while customers in Maui County and on Hawaii island are facing continued sharp increases due to higher fuel costs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former rail CEO gets $32,000 bonus pay. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board voted Friday to reward its former interim executive director and CEO, Krishniah Murthy, with a $32,000 bonus. Star-Advertiser.

Paying The Rent Just Keeps Getting Tougher In Honolulu. Nearly 60 percent of Honolulu renters spend at least 30 percent of their incomes on housing, a study shows. Civil Beat.

New proposal to alleviate DMV lines with weekend hours pilot already on chopping block. KHON2.

Community group wants rescue tubes across Oahu. The tube, a flotation device, can and has been used to help save lives when people get in trouble in the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu solar permits declined 16 percent in October. Star-Advertiser.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear loud noises, such as gunfire, in Central Oahu this week. The U.S. Marines will conduct demolition training at Schofield Barracks on Monday and Tuesday. KHON2.

Commentary: State’s new role over city’s bloated rail project amounts to huge hill of bean(counter)s. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Feds to end subsidy for service to Waimea airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation in January will end a subsidy for air service at the Waimea-Kohala Airport following unsuccessful efforts to negotiate sharing the subsidy’s cost. West Hawaii Today.

Retiring local police leave vacancies tough to fill. Upcoming retirements add to the increasing number of vacancies impacting the Hawaii Police Department, officials reported to the Hawaii County Police Commission Friday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Police Department prepares for 20-plus retirements. Associated Press.

A mainland applicant has accepted an offer to become the county’s mass transit administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Final Waiaha Transmission Waterline EA Published. The 16-inch transmission water line will provide "critical redundancy in case there are problems with another part of the system", water officials say. Big Island Video News.

Big Island resort to include crossfit studio following $46M renovation. he Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will convert to the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort following a $46 million renovation in March. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Mayor Seeks Removal of Water Director, Dave Taylor. Maui Director of Water Supply Dave Taylor has been placed on paid administrative leave while Mayor Alan Arakawa seeks his removal as head of the department. Maui Now.

Iao Valley State Monument to Re-Open Nov. 22, Ahead of Schedule. Maui Now.

Threat assessment of eruption at Haleakala crater is moderate. The 10,000-foot East Maui mountain erupts every 200 to 500 years. Maui News.

Hokulea says a hui hou to Hana as they head to next neighbor island stop. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor trampoline park to open on Maui after leasing space. Ultimate Air LLC, an Arkansas-based company that operates indoor trampoline parks, recently signed a lease for a 25,000-square-foot space on Maui for its first Hawaii trampoline park. Pacific Business News.

Food preservatives might throw off the balance of “good” bacteria in the human gut, which could have implications for health, according to a new study by faculty and students at University of Hawaii Maui College. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

KPD's assistant chief placed on leave after complaint. An internal investigation has led to Kauai's Assistant Police Chief being placed on leave. Hawaii News Now.

Report cites ‘loss of control’ in fatal Kauai plane crash. The National Transportation Safety Board says the defining event in a crash that killed five people aboard a skydiving flight on Kauai was “loss of control in flight.”  Garden Island.

NTSB releases cause of 2016 plane crash on Kauai that killed 5. Dramatic video recently released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the skydiving plane crash on Kauai that killed all five people on board last May. Hawaii News Now.

New video released by the National Transportation Safety Board gives a better view of what happened when a Skydive Kauai plane crashed while leaving Port Allen Airport in Hanapepe. KITV.

NTSB investigators use GoPro videos to assist in investigation of deadly plane crash on Kauai. KHON2.

Real estate prices continue climbing. The median sales price of a home on Kauai was $713,000, up nearly 9 percent from last month and more than 14 percent since October 2016. Garden Island.

Medical marijuana dispensaries to be cashless, lawsuit over state law requiring abortion counseling, DLNR drops final poison pellets on Lehua, hundreds of new species discovered off Kaneohe Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discount medical marijuana, courtesy photo

State officials announced Tuesday that Hawaii will be the first state to require marijuana sales to be handled without cash, saying they want to avoid robberies and other crimes targeting dispensaries. Associated Press.

State officials are urging Hawaii dispensaries to use a cashless system for medical marijuana sales to prevent crimes targeting cannabis retailers and their customers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the first state in the nation that plans to implement a cashless payment system for medical cannabis or marijuana. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii will be the first state in the nation to have a cashless medical marijuana dispensary system. Big Island Video News.

The two operating medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii — including one on Maui — and their patients have been operating on a cash-only basis, but a “banking solution” has been forged with a Colorado-based credit union, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Governor David Ige held a press conference today during which he announced a banking breakthrough for Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensaries.  Gov. Ige announced the nation’s first and only cash-free payment system for medical cannabis. Maui Now.

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The Fight Over Abortion In Hawaii. State attorneys are headed to court to defend a new state law that requires pregnancy clinics to tell women about abortion services. Civil Beat.

Affordable-housing advocates are decrying a state agency’s move to lease its portfolio of six low-cost rental projects, including three high-rises in Kakaako, to a private investor at a time when housing is in extremely short supply for low-income families. Star-Advertiser.

Preschool In Hawaii: Expensive And ‘Ridiculously Hard to Find’. Hawaii lags much of the nation in spending on state-funded preschool. But it is taking new steps to expand access, including opening five new classrooms next year. Civil Beat.

How much does Hawaii’s con air cost? The price of shuttling inmates to and from the mainland. As the debate continues here in Hawaii in regards to if and where to build a new prison, hundreds of Hawaii inmates remain at a facility in Arizona. KHON2.

Longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson has returned to his old job after being temporarily reassigned for nearly six months during an internal investigation by the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly half of Hawaii could be affected by data breach. The state is currently investigating the massive Equifax data breach that could impact many island residents for months, or even years to come. KITV.

Oahu

More than 100 scientists joined a two-week marine life survey of Kaneohe Bay and discovered hundreds of new species and what appears to be the beginnings of an aggressive algae invasion. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education did not discriminate against an autistic preschool student who was placed in a specialized chair and fastened with a seat belt during school hours, a federal jury decided Monday. Civil Beat.

This Saturday members of the Honolulu City Council are holding a meeting to hear from you and what you think of a proposal requiring older high-rises to install fire sprinkler systems. KHON2.

Kamaile Academy, a public charter school located on Oahu's Waianae Coast, is expected to save an estimated $1.2 million over the next 20 years after installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu is using heavy equipment to remove the sand plug at the mouth of Kaelepulu Stream at Kailua Beach Park from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed 41-story mixed-use residential building at Makaloa and Keeaumoku streets is the latest Ala Moana-area project to seek approval from the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

DOT says contractor will fix problems after reports of steel plates damaging cars. KHON2.

Lawyers representing Gary Galiher’s estate and former employees and associates of Galiher DeRobertis Waxman have reached a settlement in their dispute over the Galiher law corporation’s client files, trade secrets and intellectual property. Star-Advertiser.

What started two years ago as an offshoot at the Cheeseburger Waikiki restaurant to brew and serve beer is about to become a major producer and distributor of local canned craft brews. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island DACA recipients worry about future after Trump ends program. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless land deal nearly secure. Hawaii County is closing in on a deal with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation that would secure 15-20 acres of state-owned land to serve as a permanent relocation site for Kona’s homeless overflow, which worsened after nearly 70 individuals were told to vacate Old Airport Park early last month. West Hawaii Today.

The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, announced the appointment of Kristin Frost Albrecht as interim executive director, succeeding Executive Director En Young, who recently resigned. Tribune-Herald.

The latest participants in a Mars simulation study on Mauna Loa will end eight months of isolation Sunday as they venture out of their small dome for the first time without donning spacesuits. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


The Maui County Liquor Control Commission is poised to address several hot-button issues today, including streamlining single-event liquor license applications for nonprofits and conducting its first review and evaluation of Liquor Director Glenn Mukai. Maui News.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the historic flood at Iao Valley.  Officials say it cost Maui County $2 million to clean out the debris basin and to make repairs to the flood control area last year. Maui Now.

It’s been exactly one year since major flooding ravaged Iao Valley State Monument on Maui, and crews are still working on completing repairs. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources hopes to restore restrooms — which have been closed for nearly a decade — at Iao Valley State Monument, officials said Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

The state has completed its final round of rat-killing pellet bombing at Lehua Island as it awaits test results on what caused the recent deaths of dozens of fish and two birds. Star-Advertiser.

The last aerial drop of rodenticide-laced bait pellets onto Lehua Island was completed Tuesday, and with it the state is hailing a successfully completed operation. Garden Island.

The state is planning upgrades to the drainage system and roadways at Nawiliwili Harbor, and the draft plan is available for public comment. Garden Island.

Molokai

Beginning Sept. 15th, Hawaiian Airlines will temporarily suspend its direct flight from Molokai to Maui while its aircraft undergoes maintenance. The news is leaving some residents on the Friendly Isle on edge. Hawaii News Now.

Jobs, not multimillion-dollar homes — that’s what state Rep. Lynn DeCoite of Molokai wants to see from whomever plans to buy the 55,575 acres up for sale on her home island. Maui News.

Seafood found safe after Fukushima disaster, Hanabusa political aspirations questioned, audit blasts Big Island hiring practices, entire island of Kauai loses electricity, hurricane shelters lacking, new rules for boat harbors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Slicing ahi at Hilo fish market © 2017 All Hawaii News

It’s OK to keep salivating over seafood. A new study from an international research team has found that migratory marine predators in coastal waters near Japan and Hawaii had negligible contamination from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused a Fukushima power plant to release large quantities of radioactive material. Star-Advertiser.

Saving Coral: Researchers in Hawaii are involved in cutting-edge science aimed at countering the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans. Civil Beat.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday approved amendments to a wide range of state boating rules intended to improve management of state small boat harbors and ocean recreation-related activities in state waters. Associated Press.

Reversal by Hanabusa prompts criticism. Colleen Hanabusa said she will soon file papers to form a new campaign committee to run for governor, confirming long-standing speculation in Hawaii political circles that she would challenge fellow Democrat and incumbent Gov. David Ige in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Immigration and Island Dreamers: The cancellation of DACA could cost Hawaii more than half a billion dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Prison Warden’s Case Shows Firing A Public Worker Isn’t Easy. Despite dozens of sexual harassment and discrimination concerns, appeals board says her prior clean record counts for a lot. Civil Beat.

Twenty-five years after Hurricane Iniki pummeled Kauai, Hawaii has made substantial progress in some ways to prepare for the next major hurricane. But the state remains significantly ill-prepared in other areas, including not having adequate facilities to house everyone who would likely seek public shelter from an Iniki-like storm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s students are making strides in their ACT college exam scores, though their performance as a whole still trails behind some of their counterparts nationally, according to test score data for the class of 2017 released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc. is about to join a special group of companies — mostly mainland firms — that funnel almost all their profits to stockholders and qualify for a unique tax break known as Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The typical household electrical bill for Oahu residents in September declined 40 cents from the previous month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Push For $200 Million Ala Wai Canal Makeover. Devastating storms on the mainland are prompting a renewed effort to finally fix the Ala Wai’s potential for flooding that could wipe out Waikiki. Civil Beat.

As the search for Honolulu's next police chief continues, two more names have emerged as candidates. Sources confirmed for Hawaii News Now that Gary Yamashiroya and Paul Putzulu are in the running for the position. Hawaii News Now.

The redevelopment of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s Mayor Wright Homes into a mixed-income, mixed-use project would add more than 2,000 new residential rental units to what is currently a 15-acre public housing project near Downtown Honolulu, according to a draft environmental impact statement filed with the state. Pacific Business News.

A $100 million public housing project has been further delayed after Hawaii officials voted to end a partnership with a private developer. Associated Press.

Some investors question claims over partially submersible vessel. Curtiss Jackson, owner and CEO of Semisub Inc., says he expects his partially submersible vessel to start commercial tours in Hawaii’s waters next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s hiring practices, long a source of complaints of unfairness and favoritism, are sharply criticized in a report released last week by the county’s legislative auditor. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation might need to keep its options open for how it spends $40 million added to the state’s capital budget for improving Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

A community forum on Puna roads was held at the Hawaiian Paradise Park Activity Center on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

The Kailua Village Design Commission this week signaled its approval for Kona Brewing Co.’s proposed brewery, recommending only some minor changes to the proposed plan. West Hawaii Today.

One year after its inception, Kona’s bikeshare program is rolling right along. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim recently sat down with Sherry Bracken to discuss his decision to bar a handful of visiting hula halau from staying overnight in county gyms during the Merrie Monarch Festival. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona has been named one of the top foodie towns in the United States, according to a new rankings. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Meeting set to discuss Iao Valley State Monument closure, stabilization. Maui News.

Almost a year has passed since one of the largest floods in Maui County’s history destroyed homes, properties and swept up entire landmasses in Iao Valley. Maui News.

For the first time in four years, Newell’s shearwaters have started laying eggs in an artificially created seabird colony in West Maui. Maui News.

Central Maui, consistently the busiest housing market in Maui County, hit a 12-month-high median housing price at $650,000 in August as median prices countywide held steady at $700,000. Maui News.

Maui’s residential real estate market was mixed in August as the median price and sales of single-family houses rose during the month but condominiums saw decreases in both categories. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium sales dropped 11.3 percent to 110 in August, while the median price decreased 4.8 percent to $400,000, from $420,000 last year, according to statistics by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina Beach have just been named as two of America’s favorite beaches in 2017. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai residents were without power for some time Sunday as Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials worked to restore an island-wide blackout. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai is suffering. A 2017 suicide epidemic is increasingly worrying police and service organizations with the death toll so far this year already nearly double the number reported in all of 2016 and far higher than any year since at least 2012. Garden Island.

Reflections on the past decade of Hawaiian monk seal conservation will be offered Wednesday at the Princeville Library in a program that will focus on the research and conservation efforts to help the species. Garden Island.

Monday marks 25 years since Iniki pummeled Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Iniki made landfall on Kauai on Sept. 11, 1992. Garden Island.

Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have sold a Kauai compound above Secret Beach that was once owned by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for $12 million, according to a report in Variety. Pacific Business News.

Economy beats expectations, appeals court agrees with Hawaii on Trump travel ban, flu program curtailed, foam food container ban advances, Ige confident against Hanabusa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers © 2017 All Hawaii News

Economic experts tasked with forecasting Hawaii’s tax collections say the state’s revenue will grow at a slightly higher rate over the next two years, bringing in roughly $40 million more than previously expected. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s attorney general cheered a federal appeals court decision Thursday rejecting the Trump administration’s limited view of who is allowed into the United States under the president’s travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected the Trump administration's limited view of who is allowed into the United States under the president's travel ban, saying grandparents, cousins and similarly close relations of people in the U.S. should not be prevented from coming to the country. Associated Press.

Governor Ige: I Have More Experience Running the State Than Congresswoman Hanabusa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Multiple federal agencies and state regulators have built cases around investment adviser and former head of the Hawaii Republican Party, David Chang, sources tell Hawaii News Now.

Mazie Hirono is happy, healthy and feeling great, ready to take on the Trump Administration and re-election. KITV.

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A lack of funding is forcing the state to scale back its annual school vaccination program. Hawaii News Now.

Stop Flu at School, the state’s free annual vaccination program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, will be offered at only about 90 public schools on Oahu this year, according to the Department of Health. In addition, the free flu shots will no longer be offered in private schools. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health will not provide free vaccinations against influenza at private schools this year. Tribune-Herald.

‘Stop Flu at School’ Annual vaccination program limited to selected public schools. Garden Island.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States could be short more than 100,000 doctors by 2030. But Hawaii may have a solution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A more than $100 million public-private partnership to add new low-income rental homes to the state’s largest public housing project has unraveled, and a state agency and a private developer are blaming each other for it. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission whittled its list of 34 police chief candidates to nine Wednesday after ranking their scores from a written exam that was administered by an independent contractor helping evaluate the applicants. Civil Beat.

Earlier this month, the Honolulu Police Department told us it was finally ready to begin testing body cameras. Now, we’ve learned that’s no longer the case. KHON2.

A contract dispute between the state and Queen's Medical Center forced some young patients with mental illnesses to scramble for new services last week. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council granted special permits Wednesday for a 400-foot-tall, 444-unit condo-hotel near Ala Moana Center, waiving some zoning restrictions because of its location along the future rail line. Civil Beat.

Family demands answers for child’s second-degree burns from spilled hot school lunch. KHON2.

Three years after the city removed a filthy water fountain from Chinatown’s Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park and promised other improvements, a nearby business owner hopes to call out city officials Saturday by painting a community mural over a massive and useless 11-by-10-foot pump house that remains in the park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A polystyrene food container ban took a big leap forward Thursday, when the County Council moved a bill to its final reading. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council voted to pass Bill 13, the polystyrene foam reduction bill, on first reading during Thursday’s meeting in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaii tour operator has been fined for repeatedly dropping swimmers in front of dolphins and encircling the animals with his tour boat, officials said. Associated Press.

County Finance Director Collins Tomei has turned in his resignation. He’s the second department head to resign since Mayor Harry Kim took office in December. West Hawaii Today.

The final touches are being made to a new Hawaii Fire Department station on Haihai Street in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Two Big Island school bus drivers have been placed on leave, after two school buses filled with children crashed into one another on Wednesday. KITV

A federal judge in California ruled at the beginning of this month that a lawsuit alleging violations of consumer protection laws and misrepresentation by the owner of Kona Brewing Co. could move forward. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Knowing that 1 million to 2 million gallons of drinking water every day irrigates Wailea and Makena landscapes, Maui County administrators and County Council members have begun exploring ways to find alternatives. Maui News.

The Department of Land Natural Resources plans to close Iao Valley State Monument again, this time for two months beginning on Monday, Oct. 16. Maui Now.

Anna Foust has resigned as head of the Maui County Emergency Management Agency to move with her family to Dayton, Ohio. Maui News.

Kauai

The Real Property Tax Assessment office announces that property owners who were previously denied the 3 percent Assessment Cap for Home Exemption due to a transfer of title may now retroactively adjust their 2017 assessments pursuant to Kauai County Ordinance 1015. Garden Island.


Molokai

Nearly 10 years after shutting down operations at Hawaii’s Molokai Ranch, the property’s Singapore-based owner has put the 55,575 acres, or 35 percent of the island of Molokai, on the market for sale with an asking price of $260 million. Pacific Business News.

Reef fish population ebbs; Legislature to vote on pesticide buffer, university smoking/vaping ban, Oahu homeless, concussion education, more bills; DLNR officer convicted of rape fired; Honolulu looks at distracted pedestrians; Maui's Iao Valley slowly recovering; Kauai monk seal apparently killed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian net fisherman © 2017 All Hawaii News

A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says nearly a dozen Hawaiian reef fish species are being overfished. KHON2.

U.S. officials say the first-ever assessment of Hawaii’s reef fish shows that 11 of 27 species are experiencing some level of overfishing. Associated Press.

NOAA: 11 species overfished in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Link to full NOAA report here.

Pesticide bill will be put to a vote. Bill would require farms to implement buffer zones around schools, watersheds, shorelines and hospitals when spraying pesticides. Garden Island.

Hawaii School Board Member Wants Top State Education Job. Darrel Galera is seen as a favorite for the superintendent position because of his relationship with Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Former public school principal Darrel Galera resigned from the state Board of Education on Monday and said he will apply for the superintendent job the board is seeking to fill. Star-Advertiser.

A 1978 amendment to the state constitution mandated that Hawaii’s public schools teach Hawaiian education. Thirty-nine years later, the state’s Department of Education still struggles to offer Hawaiian education programs to the vast majority of public school students. Civil Beat.

A bill to ban vaping and smoking on all University of Hawaii campuses statewide crossed over from the state Senate to the House. Tribune-Herald.

There's a growing call underway to scrap safety checks for Hawaii cars. Hawaii News Now.

Legislature helps fund concussion education. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian activist Mililani Trask is suing Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Peter Apo, accusing him of violating his responsibilities stemming from alleged incidents of sexual harassment.Civil Beat.

Video blog: Interview With Former Hawaii Governor John D. Waihee III. Civil Beat.

Two rallies last week demonstrated the great divide here over the Presidency of the United States. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A bill before the Honolulu City Council would prohibit pedestrians from using mobile electronic devices, including cellphones, while crossing a street or highway. Star-Advertiser.

The City's "Department of Planning and Permitting", is presenting the "Oahu General Plan" Tuesday night, addressing the impacts of sea level rise, and climate change. KITV.

A Waikiki group is proposing sweeping changes to parking in the state’s No. 1 tourist district, including raising the hourly rate for metered parking to $3 from $1.50, extending the metered parking hours to 10 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., converting about 300 free parking spaces to metered and issuing reduced-rate permits to Waikiki residents. Star-Advertiser.

State ends lease with Moiliili tow company, eyes rentals for Native Hawaiians.KHON2.

On Friday, the House passed 137 bills, including two measures relating to supporting Oahu’s homeless population. Pacific Business News.

The median sales price for a single-family house on Oahu climbed in February to the second-highest level ever at $755,000, according to data released Monday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu company that makes Hula Brand noodles, shrimp flakes and other dry edibles has violated food safety standards with unsanitary equipment and insect droppings at its plant, the Food and Drug Administration says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two close associates of Mayor Harry Kim have joined the administration as contract hires after turning down full-time jobs. West Hawaii Today.

Mokulele Air and Makani Kai Air are two contenders for a new Essential Air Service contract that will cover all commercial flights in and out of Waimea-Kohala Airport beginning later this year. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a tersely worded written statement Monday it has terminated the employment of Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer Ethan Ferguson. Tribune-Herald.

Big on ideas, but short on funding, the staff at a small Hilo-based aerospace agency are hoping a bill moving through the state Legislature will make the difference. Tribune-Herald.

The contested case hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope project at Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island concluded on Thursday after 44 days of witness testimony, but a decision on whether TMT officials can proceed with the $1.4 billion project could still be months away. Pacific Business News.

Home prices on Hawaii’s Big Island rose by double digits last month, even as the number of single-family homes sold fell, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Flood-ravaged Iao Valley is slowly coming back to life six months after powerful stormwater forced evacuations, swept cars and massive boulders downstream and shut down the two parks that help make this spectacular canyon one of Maui’s most popular visitor destinations. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources allowed media access into Iao Valley park March 6 to provide an update on the current restoration process.  Maui Now.

Hazardous conditions following a major flood in September haven’t deterred tourists from trying to visit Kepaniwai Park and Iao Valley State Monument. Maui News.

Kauai

State authorities are investigating what they’ve described as the suspicious death of a 15-year-old endangered monk seal on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A 15-year-old endangered Hawaiian monk seal known to many Kauai locals was found dead on a beach near Eleele on Feb. 23. Civil Beat.

An oft-spotted, 15-year-old endangered Hawaiian monk seal, known as R4DP, was found dead on a beach near Eleele on Feb. 23. Garden Island.

The Honolulu-based company in the process of redeveloping the iconic Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai is also building an affordable housing project as a component of the Coco Palms project, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Kauai’s real estate market sizzled last month as the median price for single-family houses soared above $700,000 and the median cost for condos rose nearly 50 percent. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Foodbank has promoted a new branch manager to take care of its Kauai location. Garden Island.

Caldwell stresses affordable housing in State of the City speech, minimum wage hike advances in Legislature, state attorney general persists in travel ban opposition, foam food container ban back on table, Kauai seeks control of historic trail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell State of the City address, courtesy photo

Mayor Kirk Caldwell made his pitch for more affordable housing and finishing the city’s troubled rail project at his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell called Thursday for cooperation from other governments, the private sector, unions and nonprofits to help the city “turn the corner” on its affordable housing shortage. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled a his plan to re-invigorate affordable housing construction on Oahu in his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. Hawaii News Now.

Emphasizing the need for more affordable housing, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell delivered his fifth State of the City Address. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell delivered his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. KHON2.

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A state Senate committee has passed a bill to increase the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2019, but three other bills to incrementally raise the state minimum wage have been deferred in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Town Square: Sit-Down With Governor David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

State department delays mail-out of tax booklets. The state advised Hawaii businesses seeking to fill out their general excise tax returns to head online or to district offices before Monday’s deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Stands Ready To Challenge Trump’s Promised New Order. The president said he would rescind his earlier travel ban — now stalled in court — and instead issue another one. Civil Beat.

The world's oldest known seabird has a new chick. Associated Press.

Oahu

Local rail officials and Hawaiian Electric Co. say they’ve agreed to a cheaper fix for many of the utility-line clearance problems that have plagued Oahu’s elevated transit project, saving about $140 million. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has allowed a bill limiting the operation of tour buses, limousines and related commercial vehicles in most Waimanalo beach parks to become law without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

A local lawmaker is calling for the consolidation of administrative positions at the University of Hawaii at Manoa after a nationwide search for a new Chancellor came up empty. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation launched after Waikiki hotel diverts storm water into ocean. KHON2.

The Hawaii Convention Center today is unveiling $1.1 million in new flooring that can convert its 204,000-square-foot exhibition hall into courts for amateur and professional sporting events in an effort to diversify group business. Star-Advertiser.

A stingray smuggling bust turned into a new display at the Waikiki aquarium. KITV.

Kmart continues to pay American Assets Trust Inc. yearly base rents of $4.5 million for one of its shuttered Hawaii locations, the highest amount of any lease in its retail portfolio, according to public documents filed Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A ban on polystyrene foam food containers is back before a County Council committee, following its close loss last year on a deadlocked vote. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would have given control of Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawaii medical facilities to Hawaii County appears to have died. Tribune-Herald.

The completion date for the long-delayed Komohana Street reconstruction project has again been pushed back. Initially estimated to be finished by February 2016, the work is now set for a mid-April timeline, according to the county Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island’s efforts toward renewable energy and off-grid living took a giant leap with the inception of Ainamalu, a new Waikoloa community that began construction this week. West Hawaii Today.

Salvador Luquin, who owned a popular Mexican restaurant destroyed by last month’s fire, said he has purchased a lunch wagon and hopes to be cooking again in the next few weeks. Tribune-Herald.

A magnitude-4.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Big Island on Friday morning, but it was not strong enough to generate a tsunami threat. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A bill for about a $900,000 appropriation to offset costs for emergency repairs related to the September flooding in Iao Valley failed to garner enough votes Wednesday from a Maui County Council committee. Maui News.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved dredging of the Lahaina Harbor channel to clear a buildup of material that poses a danger to harbor traffic, West Maui state Rep. Angus McKelvey announced last week. Maui News.

Kauai

State lawmakers are weighing a bill that requires the state to identify the path of the ancient Ala Loa trail on Kauai and recognize it as a public trail. The trail, which generally follows the coast around the island, apparently includes a section that crosses the property of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as well as other oceanfront property owners reluctant to open their land. Star-Advertiser.

For the people of Kauai, the Lihue post office is more than just a swinging door for mail. Garden Island.

It’s going to take days and a crew of more than three people to dig out a net that’s implanted in the sand by the river mouth at South ‘Aliomanu Beach. Garden Island.

State seeks tamper-proof elections, students gain slightly on standardized tests, flood damage could close Iao Valley state park for six months, beef production down, fortunes grow for Omidyar, Ellison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diebold technician tests ballot-counting equipment before 2016 primary election © 2016 All Hawaii News

With elections systems in more than 20 states now reported to have come under attack from hackers, Hawaii officials are working with federal authorities to make sure it doesn’t happen here. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public school students made slight gains over last year in English language arts and math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to test results released tonight by the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state is sponsoring a two-day Aerospace Summit at the Capitol this week.   As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the more than120 participants are trying to map Hawai’i’s future in a growing economic sector. Hawaii Public Radio.

High-tech entrepreneur Henk Rogers is proposing that a lunar base be built, tested and eventually developed on the moon from Hawaii, an extremely ambitious goal that Rogers said can be used to fuel development of a local aerospace industry. Star-Advertiser.

EBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time billionaire, saw his wealth grow over the past year, moving him up three notches on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 400 richest Americans, while Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corp. and the owner of the island of Lanai, dropped two places in the ranking even as his fortune grew.Pacific Business News

Hawaii resident Luka Mossman is among 12 individuals nationwide that President Obama’s administration plans to honor Friday as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable Seafood.” Civil Beat.

Coral reefs in Hawaii’s oceanic twilight zone, where light still penetrates and photosynthesis occurs, are abundant and host a wide variety of life, a new study shows. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association endorsed Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election bid Tuesday despite acknowledged disagreements with the incumbent. Star-Advertiser.

The over-budget Honolulu rail project has submitted an interim plan to the federal government for how it wants to cover a $1.8 billion shortfall or reduce the project’s scope to stay within the current budget. Civil Beat.

Four years after the debacle of the failed, University of Hawaii-sponsored Stevie Wonder concert, the man who said he could deliver the artist for the performance admitted he lied. Star-Advertiser.

A North Carolina concert promoter is pleading guilty to defrauding the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for a Stevie Wonder fundraiser concert that never happened. KITV4.

The number of registered motor vehicles on Oahu last year dropped to its lowest level since 2011, figures reported to the state show. Hawaii News Now.

Nothing on Gov. David Ige’s wish list for the 2016 legislative session was more costly than House Bill 2388: nearly $500 million to relocate the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the tower, Ke Kilohana, a Kakaako condominium tower developed under a state affordable-housing program, was held Tuesday by project developer Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

A Texas contractor has paid dozens of workers more than $370,000 in back wages and damages after failing to pay them for overtime performed during the renovation of a Hawaii hotel. Associated Press.

2nd elementary school worker in less than a month accused of sexually assaulting minor. KHON2.

Hawaii

If Gov. David Ige wants the Office of Mauna Kea Management to give up more than 10,000 acres, he’s going to have to talk to the agency first. That was the sentiment of the office’s board of directors during its meeting Tuesday in Hilo, which showed no interest in advancing the issue without hearing from Ige or one of his representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Customers calling the county’s emergency water line Sunday after a water main break caused an interruption in service to much of upper Hilo were met with another surprise — call center operators in South Carolina who, to some, might as well have been speaking another language. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor-elect Harry Kim addressed the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit on Tuesday, asking them to review concerns from the Puna community regarding the government response to Hurricane / Tropical Storm Iselle and the June 27 lava flow. Big Island Video News.

After more than a year of development, the upper Puna connectivity plan was presented to the Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation during its Tuesday meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Flood-ravaged Iao Valley is slowly recovering three weeks after a raging storm caused the Wailuku River to jump its banks, but the narrow canyon and its residents remain vulnerable as hundreds of tons of debris remain strewn across a newly carved and unpredictable riverbed. Star-Advertiser.

Iao Valley state park is expected to remain closed for four to six months, while Kepaniwai Park down the road is not scheduled to reopen for another six to eight months, due to damage from the raging Wailuku River on Sept. 13, state and county officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

When a slow moving thunderstorm dropped an enormous amount of rain on Maui Sept. 13-14, the Wailuku River and several of its tributaries escaped their banks and not only significantly widened the river bed, but caused hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in ʻĪao Valley State Monument. The popular and iconic Monument, part of the DLNR Division of State Parks system, has been closed since what is considered a 100-year flood event. Maui Now.

The blades, hub and nacelle of one of eight Auwahi Wind turbines in the Kanaio area separated from the tower and fell to the ground Sunday, an official with the wind-power generation company said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Different interpretations on the rules dictating conduct during Kauai County Council meetings has led to Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura silently standing in protest. Garden Island.

Where’s the beef — from? USDA reports Hawaii’s red meat production down slightly from last year. Garden Island.