Showing posts with label Japan Airlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan Airlines. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Japan-Hawaii flights restored, Honolulu 3rd most expensive rental market, affordable housing projects planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige, officials celebrate return of JAL PC:HTA
Hawaiian, Japan airlines restore flights to Hawaii. Japan Airlines touched down at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday with 177 passengers from Narita to mark the return of direct Japan flights to Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Here's how a new federal climate package could impact Hawaiʻi. The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a spending package that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for carbon emission reductions and clean energy infrastructure. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Is The Only State Not Seeking Federal Buyouts To Move Residents Away From Floods. The FEMA program could help as the climate crisis worsens. But the public would have to know it exists and overcome outdated building codes and high property values. Civil Beat.

Alleged Russian spies enter pleas of not guilty. The federal investigation into a married couple accused of stealing the identity of dead Texas infants and conspiring against the United States is open and ongoing as agents sift through the mysterious lives and travels of a U.S. defense contractor and his wife who were arrested in July in Ka­polei. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 100,000 Pounds Of Nets, Other Debris Removed From Hawaii National Monument. About 115,000 pounds of additional debris accumulate each year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, researchers say. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Staffing shortages, reinfections: The year of living with COVID isn’t going as planned. The COVID positivity rate in Hawaii is now hovering around 16% and public health officials are worried the islands could be grappling with another wave as the latest variant circulates and reinfections soar. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Housing projects planned from North Shore to town will create 972 affordable units in the next five years. City officials and private developers Tuesday announced six upcoming affordable housing projects designed to create 972 units from the North Shore to town within five years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

7 Oahu schools identified for poorest air quality. The state Department of Education on Tuesday identified seven Oahu schools housing 73 classrooms with the highest levels of carbon dioxide — a sign of poor ventilation, which is a risk factor for the spread of COVID-19 — and said steps to improve conditions already have begun. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

UH Task Force Detects Fuel In Navy Water After It Was Deemed Safe. The Navy and Hawaii’s Department of Health stood by their findings that the water is now safe after last year’s contamination crisis. The findings – contradicting the stance of the Navy and the Hawaii Department of Health, which have maintained since March 18 that the water is free of fuel – were published Tuesday morning with a press release and data dashboard on UH’s website. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

As housing prices soar, Honolulu becomes the third most expensive place to rent in the country. Honolulu is now the third most expensive place to rent in the country, according to new data from online rental firm Apartment List. The analysis showed the median rent for a two-bedroom unit in Honolulu is about $2,500 a month. Only Napa and the Silicon Valley in California had higher rents than Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu parks and recreation activities to launch online registration system. The city Department of Parks and Recreation says its online reservation system will begin accepting payments for all fall park activities, which vary from archery to ukulele to tai chi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric deploys two EV fast chargers in Mililani. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday it has deployed a new fast-charging station at the Town Center of Mililani as part of a pilot program aimed at encouraging greater electric vehicle adoption. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing credits in the spotlight: Council committee questions audit timing during federal investigation. The County Council agrees the county needs to take a closer look at how it dispenses credits for building affordable housing, but members of the Finance Committee who were present Tuesday were unsure the timing was right to undertake a wide-ranging audit. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Council Gets Update About EPIC Permitting System. Hawai‘i County Council members got an update about the county’s new building permit system Tuesday, Aug. 2, during a meeting of the council’s Public Works and Mass Transit Committee, and while challenges still exist, strides are being made. Big Island Now.

EV charging stations bill appears headed for easy passage. A proposal to require owners of public parking lots to install electric vehicle chargers has been recommended for passage by a Hawaii County Council committee. Tribune-Herald.

County Council District 9: Three candidates in the running for open Kohala district. County Council District 9 became an open seat this year when Kohala Councilman Tim Richards vacated after his third term in order to run for an empty Senate seat, and three candidates are vying for the position. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Inside the race for Maui County mayor. The race for Maui Mayor is heating up, as incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino seeks re-election. He's facing some tough competition in a crowded 8-person race: Cullan Bell, Richard Bissen, Kim Brown, Alana Kay, Kelly King, Jonah Lion, and Mike Molina. KITV4.

Three projects get initial approvals for federal funds. Among the projects approved for Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding is the proposed Halau of ‘Oiwi Art Center planned for Wailuku town, which is one of the largest investments earmarked in all Hawaii counties, county administration has said. Other earmarks include $1.4 million in federal funds to help renovate the former GTE Hawaiian Tel Building for the county’s Emergency Operations Center and Maui Police Department’s project to expand radio communications in West Maui. Maui News.

Community cat count survey to launch. Maui Humane Society plans to implement an island-wide “Community Cat Count” this month as an effort to better understand and manage the cat population of roughly 40,000 as humanely as possible. Maui News.

Kauai

Po afi coming to Heiva I Kaua‘i on Saturday. The Heiva I Kaua‘i is returning to an in-person format at the Kapa‘a Beach Park following a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Tahitian dance and drumming competition will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Rail work approaches Ala Moana, Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor, ethics complaint filed against Caldwell, Japan Airlines' Kona stop successful, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aerial view of construction near the North Nimitz Highway to H1 Interstate merge, April 2018. PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit
Rail construction begins between Middle Street and Ala Moana Center. Rail disruptions will be moving deeper into the city as crews start a four-year, $400-million project to relocate utility lines in the city center section. Hawaii News Now.

Middle Street-to-Ala Moana phase of rail project moving ahead. The roughly 100 people attending tonight’s Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation meeting heard the message loud and clear from rail officials and their contractors: “We’re coming.” Star-Advertiser.

Teachers’ proposal would require hefty hike in property taxes. The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers is arguing that a state tax on second homes valued at more than $1 million could bring in $200 million to $400 million in new revenue for public schools that could be used to raise teacher salaries, enhance classrooms, support special education and maybe even fund public preschools. Star-Advertiser.

Innovative New Program Plugs Some Holes In Mental Health Care System. A new network of providers and social workers is teaming up to get mental health patients the treatment they need. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness conducted its quarterly meeting today and provided updated plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state is warning consumers of a social media scheme in which the scammers are posing as Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Resigns From Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. She and her husband, former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, face their first trial on bank fraud charges in November. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor. She and her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, are fighting federal charges in what could become one of the biggest public corruption trials in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-police chief's deputy prosecutor wife resigns as corruption trial nears. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha resigned as deputy prosecutor with the City and County of Honolulu Monday. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor. KITV.

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Resident files complaint against mayor over education tax lobbying. A Makakilo resident filed a complaint with the city Ethics Commission alleging that Mayor Kirk Caldwell overstepped his authority by asking chairmen of the city’s 33 neighborhood boards to put discussion on a controversial constitutional amendment on their agendas, offering his opposition on the issue and then suggesting that they invite a political action committee to speak on it. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said a recent federal court decision could spell trouble for two bills before the Honolulu City Council that make it illegal to obstruct or “lodge” on sidewalks and other public property, as well as existing ordinances that target the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii high school students tapped to fill medical assistant shortage. Hawaii Pacific Health has teamed up with Kapiolani Community College and five public high schools to launch an innovative program to train students as medical assistants during their senior year. Star-Advertiser.

The number of luxury homes on Oahu selling for $1.5 million and above rose 15 percent last month compared to the same month last year, although the median price of those homes declined by 8 percent, according to an analysis by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island


In its first year of service between Tokyo and Kailua-Kona, Japan Airlines’ daily flights were responsible for injecting $73.49 million in visitor spending into the Big Island, generating $8.58 million in state tax revenue, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Salary Commission still irked at charter amendment oversight. How involved should the public be in determining government salaries? West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Salary Commission met in the Hilo Council Chambers on Monday to consider proposals for adjustments to future salaries of county executives and elected officials. Big Island Video News.

Closing of Pahoa lava shelter a bittersweet moment for volunteers, staff. Tribune-Herald.

Shelter that housed hundreds of eruption evacuees closes after four months. KHON2.

The process of reopening Highway 137 to Pohoiki began Monday after county officials and private contractors visited the lava-covered roadway. Tribune-Herald.

Lava upsurge dies down; naming the fissure heats up. A state board has received its first application recommending a name and expects a second application soon as part of a process that will involve Hawaiian elders, competing proposals and possibly a public meeting in Puna to determine what to call the roughly 100-foot-tall cinder cone that began as one of 24 cracks in the ground emitting lava and at times spouted magma more than 200 feet high. Star-Advertiser.

Overuse of the historic Waipio Valley and an effort to sell much of the land have created an uncertain future for the hearty people who live, work and play here. Civil Beat.

Maui

Former Maui police officer gets probation for his role in bribery scheme. Walter Ahuna was sentenced Monday to three years probation with six months of home confinement. Ahuna is accused of helping two other former police officers, Anthony Maldonado and Chase Keliipaakaua, in their effort to get a victim to withdraw his complaint. KHON2.

Haleakala National Park will begin accepting applications for guided astronomy and hiking tour Commercial Use Authorizations, valid for up to two years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Andria Tupola, Republican candidate for governor of Hawaii, is on Kauai for a two-day campaign swing. Garden Island.

Kauai flush with films. “We started out this year with Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ and we’re getting ready to start with the ‘Fast and the Furious’ offshoot — ‘Hobbs and Shaw,’” said Randy Francisco, Kauai film commissioner. “So with 2018, we’ll have these two bookend blockbusters.” Garden Island.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Papahanaumokuakea spared in Trump cuts; study recommends sugary drink, 'sin' taxes to balance budget; a few leave voter rolls after Trump commission data request; $1.4M for Honolulu electric buses; Kauai protestors stop Hanalei gate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo NOAA
Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument, PC: NOAA
Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument spared from Trump cuts. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is recommending that two marine national monuments in the Pacific and four other national monuments be reduced in size. Star-Advertiser.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended that President Trump modify 10 national monuments created by his immediate predecessors, including shrinking the boundaries of at least four western sites, according to a copy of the report obtained by The Washington Post.

Higher liquor, tobacco and marijuana taxes, fees on sugary drinks among proposals. A consultant hired to study the Hawaii tax code is recommending a potentially controversial package of tax cuts and increases as a way of rebalancing the state tax system and potentially raising hundreds of millions of extra tax dollars for the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters aren’t leaving the rolls in droves over the prospect of some of their information being sent to a commission impaneled by President Donald Trump, but there have been a few. West Hawaii Today.

Helping Those Who Help Their Kupuna: State Aid Program Takes Shape. The Legislature approved a $600,000 effort to help people who give up their time, work and financial security to help relatives. Civil Beat.

The recent hurricanes in Texas, the Caribbean and Florida are a reminder of just how vulnerable Hawaii is to disaster. That includes the islands’ food supply. Last year Governor David Ige called for a doubling of food production in the Islands by 2020. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is one of the few congressional Democrats who broken from a consensus in the party to hold fire on climate change politics while hurricane victims in Florida and Texas recover. Star-Advertiser.

Another Growing Threat To Hawaii’s Coral Reefs: Invasive Algae. Several years ago, the state stopped the infestation of leather mudweed by pulling up 3 million pounds of the algae. Now it’s back. Civil Beat.

Scientists are asking the public for help tracking green sea turtles as they return to Hawaiian islands after their nesting season. Associated Press.

Shipping companies’ expansion in isles could go bust for some. A glut could result if the company, TOTE Inc., executes its plan to haul containers on four new ships while two existing carriers, Matson Inc. and Pasha Hawaii, maintain or increase their fleets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines, one of the state’s largest private employers with a workforce of about 6,500, is increasing its ranks by 300 as part of a major expansion. Star-Advertiser.

Travelers will now have more options when heading to New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines is expanding its weekly service to Auckland in response to high demand for the 5-year-old route. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu will receive more than $1.4 million in federal funds for electric buses in an effort to reduce carbon pollution, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation spokesman Bill Brennan said that the local rail agency sent its complete “recovery plan” to the FTA’s Washington, D.C., and San Francisco offices late in the afternoon on Friday, the latest deadline to submit that report. Star-Advertiser.

Final approval for a major expansion of the city’s Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa now rests with the state Land Use Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal advancing to form dedicated group to oversee traffic, ease congestion in Waikiki. KHON2.

Water wagons set up for east Oahu residents as BWS works to fix leak. A transmission line leak in east Oahu is causing low water pressure in Kalama Valley and Queen's Gate. Hawaii News Now.

Low water pressure for some East Honolulu communities due to leaking transmission line. KHON2.

Permanent shutdown of Waialua kitchen foils farmers. Waialua Community Kitchen was forced to shut down in June over what some thought was a correctable permit problem. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Green Holdings Inc. is changing its name to Aloha Green Apothecary. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Wait For Drug Treatment On Big Island Can Stretch Months. For those coming out of prison, there are only a handful of residential treatment centers. Civil Beat.

Japan Airlines returns, daily flights resume between Kona, Narita. The airline suspended service to Kona in 2010 as part of a corporate reorganization. West Hawaii Today.

Six NASA-backed research subjects who have been cooped up in a Mars-like habitat on Mauna Loa since January emerged from isolation Sunday. They devoured fresh-picked tropical fruit and fluffy egg strata after eating mostly freeze-dried food while in isolation and some vegetables that they grew during their mission. Associated Press.

Return to Earth: Mars simulation participants leave dome after 8 months. West Hawaii Today.

After eight months sequestered away in a geodesic dome on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the six HI-SEAS crew members “felt the sun and wind on their faces and ate fresh tropical papaya, pineapple and bananas with friends and family,” University of Hawai‘i officials report. Big Island Video News.

Several hula halau are scrambling to find alternate accommodations for Hilo’s Merrie Monarch Festival, now that Hawaii County has ruled out overnight stays in county-owned gyms, citing fire code violations. Star-Advertiser.

Jim Channon, corporate shaman and basis for Hollywood character, dies at 77. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New documents reveal state system that failed abused boy. Star-Advertiser.

Having affordable rentals, hot showers, a place to do laundry and a resource center are some ideas that around 35 people, some homeless, came up with Saturday as ways to help the homeless population in South Maui. Maui News.

Maui Disposal reported that six tons of materials were collected from Lahaina streets, harbors and beaches from Puamana to the Māla Boat Ramp by over 300 volunteers, including residents and visitors and members of school groups, civic clubs and local businesses. Maui Now.

Four years after Puu Kukui Elementary School opened its doors, its students finally have a playground to play on. Maui News.

Kauai

Residents stop county from erecting gate in Hanalei. Community members stop gate installation at Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei. Garden Island.

Bacteria levels in Hanalei Bay have spiked again and the state Department of Health has issued another advisory for the bay. Garden Island.

The executive director of Animal Balance is on Kauai for the next week with a team of 16 people — including five veterinarians — to do 600 spay and neuter surgeries in six days. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Hotel resort fees targeted, University of Hawaii gains 10 points in college rankings, Marco Polo disaster declared, opposition to Coco Palms rebuilding plans, Maui liquor rules changed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilton Waikoloa © 2-17 All Hawaii News
The state Office of Consumer Protection is investigating resort fees charged by local hotel operators. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Weigh in On New Banking Solution. Maui Now.

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.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has gained 10 spots on the annual list of the nation's top universities and is now No. 159, according to U.S. News & World Report. Pacific Business News.

Showering Hawaii Officials With Manapua. Gifts to elected and appointed leaders include sticky notes valued at $1, PB&Js at up to $5, and trip to Taiwan worth $5,750. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Starting next month, the city plans to enforce new rules intended to clamp down on vendors who operate as religious groups in city parks to sell everything from T-shirts to potato chips. Star-Advertiser.

A loophole in city law is allowing Waikiki businesses to use wheeled kiosks to promote their merchandise and services rent-free on public sidewalks along Kalakaua Avenue, where traditional retailers pay premium rents. Star-Advertiser.

The sons of two of Honolulu’s most prominent business leaders are being accused of plotting to secretly take over prime Waikiki real estate to make way for a $200-million, 32-story luxury high rise. Civil Beat.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration and Honolulu officials have issued disaster declarations for the fire at the Marco Polo condominium project, opening up low-interest federal loans to Marco Polo owners and tenants in need, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office said today. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the Marco Polo Apartments, making low-interest federal loans available to residents two months after a fire killed four people and damaged or destroyed dozens of units at the Honolulu condominium. Pacific Business News.

The mayor and U.S. Small Business Administration have issued formal disaster declarations for the Marco Polo highrise fire. Hawaii News Now.

Sept. 14 will be two months since the Marco Polo fire killed three residents and displaced dozens of others still until this day. KHON2.

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The Honolulu City Council is advancing a bill to ban smoking in motor vehicles when a child is present. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gas won approval Wednesday from the state Public Utilities Commission to develop renewable natural gas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators have approved Hawaii Gas' plan to capture and process biogas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The state should have offered an autistic child services better tailored to his needs when it proposed moving him to public school rather than continuing to pay his private-school tuition, an appeals court ruled Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The new day pass kicks in on Oct. 1. The thing is you can only buy them from the bus driver. KITV.

Police closed the Koko Head entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park today because of a sink hole. Star-Advertiser.

Target is planning to hire 800 seasonal employees for its locations on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Water Board announced Wednesday the first six members of its Permitted Action Group, an ad hoc committee the board is spearheading to investigate the widespread failure of deep well equipment across North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim said it probably will be January before the county is ready to take the next step in its efforts to safely house Hilo’s homeless — while at the same time cleaning up areas frequented by homeless individuals and families. Tribune-Herald.

New sensors will help monitor activity as scientists say Mauna Loa ‘will erupt again’ KHON2.

Japan Airlines will celebrate a new service launch between Kona International Airport and Tokyo on September 15. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii island, the mother of “Peter Boy” Kema is heading back to court Thursday. KHON2.

On Sunday, the latest six-member crew to help show how a journey to Mars might work will step into Mauna Loa’s cool, fresh air after spending eight months confined in a dome-like tent there. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission approved streamlined changes proposed by County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura for single-event liquor license applications for nonprofits Wednesday after months of protests and dozens of testifiers at the David K. Trask Jr. Building in Wailuku. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department has launched a sexual assault investigation into one of its own. The high-ranking officer is accused of assaulting one of his female sergeants. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

High levels of bacteria have been found in the water at Anahola Bay, according to a state Department of Health Wednesday beach advisory. Garden Island.

There are big plans afoot for famous Coco Palms resort — but not everyone's on board. In its heyday, Coco Palms resort on Kauai was a favorite spot for stars and other big names. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Japan Airlines returns to Kona, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell unpopular in poll, Kauai cuts auditor funds to balance $202M budget, murderers among work-release inmates, Portlock owner wants $2M for surf spot access, Big Island testifiers oppose gas tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Ige, state and Japan Airlines officials, courtesy photo
Japan Airlines will resume daily nonstop service between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Kona International Airport at Keahole this fall — a move that is expected to add millions of dollars to the state’s economy and shore up Kona’s status as an international port of entry. Star-Advertiser.

Japan Airlines will resume nonstop flights between Tokyo and the Kona airport on Hawaii Island this fall after a seven-year absence, providing $84.2 million in annual visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Direct flights from Japan to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will be re-established after a seven-year absence. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Aviation Administration is providing more than $10 million in federal funding to two of Hawaii's airports to enhance operations and runway safety. The two airports that will receive the money are Kahului Airport on Maui and Hilo International Airport on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency released video footage today of the successful intercept of an intercontinental ballistic missile target during a test over the Pacific Tuesday, the agency said. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing set for Navy officer formerly stationed in Hawaii who shared military secrets. Associated Press.

Convicted murderers are among the inmates who are out in the community working while finishing their sentence. KHON2.

The state has received a $2.5 million payment from Volkswagen as part of a national settlement with the automaker. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive a direct payment of $2.5 million from Volkswagen as part of a multi-state settlement, state Attorney General Doug Chin and state Office of Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins said on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The 2017 Central Pacific hurricane season gets underway today. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s largest carrier of interisland ocean cargo extended a more than four-year stretch of fairly level delivery volumes with roughly flat first-quarter results. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers, Ltd.’s intrastate cargo volumes between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports were flat for the first quarter of 2017, up only 0.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016, according to the company’s quarterly cargo volume report. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Bankers Association elected its officers for the new fiscal year, beginning Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In Hawaii, an island oasis for Democrats, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is about as popular as Republican President Donald Trump. And it looks like Caldwell might have the rail project to blame for it. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Takai was remembered Wednesday as a “true Pacific warrior, a true patriot and a true statesman” at a ceremony renaming the Pacific Warfighting Center on Ford Island in his name. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a gate blocking access to a lane that leads to a popular Portlock beach estimates the city would need to pay more than $2 million to condemn the lane to keep it open. Star-Advertiser.

Corals Are Dying At Hawaii’s Most Popular Snorkeling Spot. Climate change is heating the ocean and causing stronger and longer coral bleaching events at Hanauma Bay. Civil Beat.

A state board overseeing real estate development rules in Kakaako decided Wednesday to take more time to analyze proposed changes to a long list of affordable-housing production requirements. Star-Advertiser.

The decades-long erosion of the shoreline just outside the city’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant leaves the facility’s outfall pipeline in a precarious situation where “failure or damage to the outfall could have catastrophic health, environmental and economic consequences,” according to an environmental report made public by the city last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health's Clean Water Branch is advising the public to avoid waters near a Punaluu stream due to a contamination alert. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to accommodate the growth of Waianae High School’s Searider Productions, the state Department of Education plans to expand the program’s facilities into a full-fledged complex. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Almost every one of the more than dozen residents addressing the County Council at a public hearing Wednesday on a gas tax increase was opposed to the idea. West Hawaii Today.

Roughly twenty Hawaii Island residents testified Wednesday at a public hearing on a possible series of fuel tax increases on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Smuggled into US as a teen, respected Kona farmer now faces deportation to Mexico. Hawaii News Now.

Several years ago, Hawai'i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth started a program on the east side of the Big Island aimed at working with young offenders. It links actions and consequences – and it’s been so successful he wants to start a similar program on the west side. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of 25 conservation managers, cultural practictioners and government representatives in the Kulani tract of the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve for a ceremony to offer the Hawaii creeper a boost: its traditional name, rediscovered after decades. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Commission may hear public comments this month about how the Department of Liquor Control processes permits for one-day fundraising events, while commission action on repealing controversial rules changes has been put off until July at the earliest. Maui News.

Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport will receive over $10 million in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance airport operations and runway safety on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Maui’s Kapalua Bay Beach in West Maui earned the number 2 spot on Dr. Stephen P Leatherman’s 27th Annual Top 10 Beach List. Maui Now.

South Maui rescue tubes ready. Maui News.

Hawksbill and green (honu) sea turtles begin their 2017 nesting season along Maui beaches in June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Auditor’s office, overtime cut from spending plan. The Kauai County Council unanimously approved a $201.5 million budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 Wednesday. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge has ruled in favor of a Southside resident after a decade’s long tussle over a new subdivision. Judge Kathleen Watanabe recently ruled that the state, County of Kauai and the Eric A. Knudsen Trust violated laws preserving and protecting Hawaiian rights and cultural resources when the developer’s Village at Poipu Phase One subdivision was approved in 2009, according to a release from the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. Garden Island.

Two of Kauai’s endangered seabird species are in peril, according to a study released Wednesday by the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project. Garden Island.