Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

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After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

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Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

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Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

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City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Former House Speaker Souki denies wrongdoing in sexual harassment case, full text of his statement; Big Island official loses lawsuit over sexual harassment complaint, no taxpayer attorney for Honolulu former police chief, trespassers ousted from Coco Palms land, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Joe Souki, courtesy photo

Former House Speaker Joseph Souki said the accusations of sexual harassment against him are all three to eight years old, and he has “absolutely no memory of ever acting in inappropriately with any woman at any time, as a member of the House or in a private setting.” Star-Advertiser.

Joe Souki: I’m Sorry But I Don’t Remember Doing It. The 84-year-old longtime Maui lawmaker insisted Wednesday he’s never acted badly toward women even though he’s resigning. Civil Beat.

A former speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives will resign by next week to resolve sexual harassment allegations brought by several women, the latest case of an elected official being forced from office over misconduct. Associated Press.

Former state House Speaker Joe Souki will resign as part of a settlement over sexual harassment complaints, but maintains he didn't do anything wrong. Hawaii News Now.

Accused of sexual harassment, long-time Maui lawmaker Joe Souki announced his resignation. KITV.

Speaker Emeritus Rep. Joe Souki is stepping down as a result of sexual harassment claims made against him. KHON2.

A kiss, a hug lead to former House speaker’s downfall. Souki admits ‘inappropriate and unwelcome’ contact with several women. Maui News.

Rep. Joe Souki, D–Wailuku, who was first elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 1982, will resign from the House no later than Mar. 30, pay a $5,000 penalty, issue a public apology and not accept any public office for two years. MauiTime.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has concluded its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by former House Speaker Joseph Souki who will be forced to resign from public office next week. Pacific Business News.

Full text of Ethics Commission Souki settlement here.

Full text of Souki's statement here.

Lawmakers accused of sexual harassment remain under wraps. Rep. Joe Souki’s resignation to resolve sex harassment complaints has focused renewed attention on the behavior of state legislators, especially in light of the #MeToo movement nationally. Star-Advertiser.

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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet behind closed doors today to discuss the contract of CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Official Slapped With Ethics Fine Is Reassigned. Suzanne Mulcahy, who was an assistant superintendent on the central leadership team, was shifted to an interim principal position. Civil Beat.

The state House Finance Committee passed a bill Wednesday that includes an amendment that would prohibit the use of chlorpyrifos beginning Jan. 1, 2019, but provides an exemption for farmers for a three-year period if they provide public disclosure. Garden Island.

Airport authority bill may be catalyst for state procurement code changes. Pacific Business News.

State, Counties Weigh Options for Abandoned Vehicles. Complaints about junked cars in neighborhoods across the state hit a crescendo last year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislation to ban tobacco products on all 10 University of Hawaii campuses and raise the cigarette tax to the highest in the nation is closer to becoming law. Star-Advertiser.

Should smoking be banned at the University of Hawaii? The school already has rules against smoking at Manoa and Kapiolani Community College but lawmakers want to expand the ban across all of UH's campuses. KITV.

In the minutes after the false missile alert went to all Hawaii phones, fear and disbelief quickly turned to anger as residents learned that the warning about an inbound ballistic missile had been sent in error, newly released 911 calls show. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Department released recordings of a handful of 911 calls made after a false missile alert was sent to cell phones across the state earlier this year. KHON2.

Real estate foreclosures declined in Hawaii for a fourth consecutive year in 2017, according to statistics from the state Judiciary. Star-Advertiser.

Suddenly predatory mice are attacking nesting albatross on Midway Atoll – the largest albatross colony in the world — prompting a plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the “house mouse” population using rodenticide and trapping. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha won't get a taxpayer-funded attorney to defend him in court in a civil lawsuit over the alleged mailbox frame-up. Hawaii News Now.

The City will not be paying for an attorney to defend retired Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha in a civil suit involving his stolen mail box. KHON2.

University of Hawaii researchers are teaming up with a farm on Oahu’s west side to study how people’s connection with the land affects their health. Civil Beat.

The public is advised to stay out of the Waimalu Stream following a spill of raw sewage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A 12-year-old chapter in Hawaii County’s political history has closed with an appellate court order and a former county official deciding not to pursue further litigation. At issue was an appeal by former County Council chairman and Hilo mayoral candidate Stacy Higa, who sued the county for legal malpractice after an employment complaint alleged he sexually harassed an aide. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim is asking for help from the state to expedite the emergency shelter aspect of the proposed Village 9 homeless site off Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

After two years of use, a program that allows Hawaii residents to text 911 in case of emergency has seen little use on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Sovereignty Protest Gets Hana Student Suspended. A high school student was disciplined for rearranging the school flagpole to fly the Hawaiian flag above the U.S. flag. Civil Beat.

A Haleakala telescope protester who asserted his right to speak in the Hawaiian language in court earlier this year was granted an interpreter Wednesday in Wailuku District Court. Maui News.

Complaint Inspection Finds No Violations at KFC Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Five people were removed from two parcels of state land Wednesday morning. No one was cited or arrested. Garden Island.

Two dozen officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the Kaua‘i Police Department and State Sheriffs removed five people from two parcels of DLNR land this morning, Wednesday, March 21. Big Island Now.

Coco Palms Battle Is A New Front In An Old War. More protesters were removed from an encampment near the iconic resort Wednesday as Kauai officials fend off esoteric legal claims. Civil Beat.

A short-term reduction on the alcohol federal excise tax has bolstered Kauai-based Koloa Rum Company’s 2017 financials and allowed for bonuses to its 33 employees. Pacific Business News.

RIMPAC brings controversy, currency, to Hawaii; Honolulu City Council shuffle; Hawaiian Electric Co.'s stock falls after Public Utilities Commission change; plastic bag ban increases shoplifting; Supreme Court: Kauai mayor can't suspend police chief; Crabbe kept at OHA; zika battle renewed; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Michael Klimek mans the rails aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay on June 28, 2016 at Pearl Harbor, courtesy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan J. Batchelder, U.S. Navy

Twenty-six nations, 45 ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial  Rim of the Pacific  exercise, which got underway Thursday and wraps up Aug. 4, mostly in and around the Hawaiian Islands but also in Southern California. Ships from participating nations are flooding into Pearl Harbor this week. Expect noise, risk to marine life, garage door glitches and $52.5M from RIMPAC. Star-Advertiser.

This summer’s Rim of the Pacific military drills in Hawaii will bring an initial $52.5 million to the Aloha State with tens of millions of more coming to the state by the end, according to a study from the state Department of Business and Economic Development. Pacific Business News.

Dozens of ships from 26 nations are arriving in Pearl Harbor this week for the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC 2016 will be held in and around the Hawaiian islands and off the coast of Southern California through Aug. 4. It officially began Thursday. Associated Press.

Starting today, the largest international maritime exercise begins in Hawai‘i. The Rim of the Pacific, also known as RIMPAC, is in its 25th year since the military training exercise begin in 1971. Parts of it involve explosives and underwater sonar -- a point of concern for environmental groups. Hawaii Public Radio.

A tale of two navies is emerging from this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercises: Chinese and U.S. cooperation in Hawaii, and Chinese and U.S. suspicion in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. saw its stock price tumble nearly 5 percent, or about $1.70 per share, on Thursday, the day after Hawaii's governor named a new member to the the state regulatory commission expected to issue on the $4.3 billion sale of HEI subsidiary Hawaiian Electric Co. to Florida's NextEra Energy Inc. Pacific Business News.

The Attorney General’s Office said Gov. David Ige had the right to make an interim appointment to the state Public Utilities Commission before Ige exercised that right Wednesday. The governor announced he had selected Tom Gorak, the commission’s chief legal counsel, to replace Commissioner Mike Champley, whose term expired Thursday. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers are firing back and threatening legal action against Gov. David Ige after he decided to replace a utility commissioner before the panel decides whether or not to allow the Hawaiian Electric-NextEra Energy merger. KHON2.

The state Thursday filed an appeal of a court decision requiring the state to sufficiently fund administrative and operating expenses for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin said the state would appeal a ruling regarding funding of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Three Native Hawaiian beneficiaries sued the state in 2007, alleging that it had inadequately funded DHHL. The department is tasked with placing qualified Hawaiians on their own land. Civil Beat.

Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, the CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, received a new three-year contract Thursday. Civil Beat.

The state and counties are ramping up efforts to prevent the mosquito-borne Zika virus from taking hold in Hawaii in spite of a congressional impasse over $1.1 billion in emergency funding to combat the virus, which can cause devastating birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. Star-Advertiser.

In a move that Gov. David Ige described as unprecedented, the mayors of four islands and other key staff flanked the state’s top executive on Thursday at a news conference in Honolulu, pledging to take mosquito control to the community with a relaunch of education efforts as Hawaii Island’s dengue outbreak disappears in the rear view mirror but the state faces the possibility of new diseases and outbreaks. West Hawaii Today.

Despite rising homelessness in Hawaii, a bill that’s on track to become law may force emergency homeless shelters to cut more than 200 beds and turn away people who want to get off the streets. Civil Beat.

KHON2 found out the state lawmakers who had the most full-day absences during the session of 60 days: Rep. Sam Kong, D, Aiea, with 12 days; Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R, Kailua, Kaneohe Bay with 11; and Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village with nine. We asked all of them about their absences.

The state Department of Education is expected to spend nearly $1 billion on electricity by 2035, but can save hundreds of millions through progress toward clean energy goals established by House Bill 2569, signed by Governor David Ige today. Maui Now.

Oahu

Ikaika Anderson will be leaving his post as vice chair of the Honolulu City Council. Council members are scheduled to vote next week on a resolution that would replace him with Councilman Joey Manahan from Kalihi. Civil Beat.

A senior couple filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Thursday seeking to invalidate state laws that prevent them from living together in the same licensed care home. State licensing laws and related administrative rules prohibit community care foster family homes from having more than one private-pay client, like the Kawamotos. Spouses on Medicaid, however, may live in the same home. Star-Advertiser.

A year after Oahu’s single-use plastic bag ban took effect July 1, 2015, prices have increased, and shoplifting is on the rise as thieves find more ways to walk out of stores without paying for their goods. Star-Advertiser.

A major real estate deal in Windward Oahu could have ramifications for Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Jen Ruggles, a candidate for Hawaii County Council, says she paid a delinquent $379.44 property tax bill Thursday after a reporter inquired about missed payments during the past two years. Tribune-Herald.

Lava Spectacle Filmed From Above. Incredible views of lava rushing down the Pulama pali in bright orange channels were recorded during an overflight on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The State Attorney General Doug Chin and the United Public Workers union today announced that the parties are discussing settlement of the union’s appeal regarding the transfer of Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and the Lānaʻi Community Hospital to a new Kaiser Permanente entity. Maui Now.

Water development and sewer fees and water rates will be going up Friday, the first day of the new Maui County fiscal year, two county departments said. Maui News.

A professor who was one of 20 people arrested during a protest over the construction of a solar telescope on Maui last year has been ordered to pay a $200 fine for disorderly conduct. Associated Press.

A University of Hawaii Maui College assistant professor would not apologize Wednesday to a Wailuku District Court judge for protesting last July against the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope being built at the Haleakala summit. Maui News.

County-manager idea shelved, for now. On a slim 5-4 vote, council members believed proposal not ready for voters. Maui News.

Kauai

Only the Kauai Police Commission and not the mayor can suspend that county’s police chief, according to a long-awaited ruling from the Hawaii Supreme Court. The case stems from a bitter 2012 dispute in which Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho suspended Police Chief Darryl Perry for his handling of a hostile workplace complaint. Civil Beat.

Human activities can impact reef health, making it less resilient, according to a recent study conducted by researchers with The Nature Conservancy, and Kauai-based marine biologist Katie Muzik thinks that’s the case on the island. Garden Island.

Hanauma Bay supporters seek funds, Kauai looks to body cameras for police, whales distressed by RIMPAC, Oahu land reclassified in flood zone, Maui mulls plan for Patsy Mink's school, election fallout and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay © 2014 All Hawaii News

Frustrated members of Friends of Hanauma Bay said that they've tried repeatedly to determine whether a portion of the money from the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Fund is being siphoned off for other city parks. Now the City Council will consider asking the city administration to remove itself from the picture entirely. Star-Advertiser.

Whales beware. Naval exercises like RIMPAC cause clear harm and distress to marine life including dolphins, fish and especially whales. Hawaii Independent.

The state Elections Commission on Friday appointed three subcommittees to examine issues surrounding the 2014 primary election and the actions of the chief election officer, who faced heavy criticism over the decision to carry out two elections in a tropical-storm ravaged district on Hawaii island and the late discovery of about 800 mail-in ballots on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers and concerned citizens took turns Friday accusing Hawaii Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago of disenfranchising voters as Elections Commission members nodded and prodded him for answers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago tried to explain a host of problems that occurred during the recent primary election held in the wake of a tropical storm — from why a makeup election was held after initially telling voters of closed Big Island precincts they would be mailed ballots to why 800 ballots went uncounted on Maui. Associated Press.

The Hawai‘i Elections Commission is investigating the state’s primary. Nearly 70 people packed into the commission meeting on Friday, with several calling for chief elections officer Scott Nago to be fired. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator paid a controversial political scientist $25,000 to write a memo that calls into question the validity of OHA's nation-building effort, even raising the question of whether the office's trustees are committing war crimes by pursuing it. But the board apparently has not been swayed by his arguments. Star-Advertiser.

Three out of four candidates for Hawaii governor say they agree Hawaii’s health exchange is a mess, taxes are burdensome and leadership style in the state’s top office needs to change. The fourth — and most formidable opponent to each of the other candidates — was absent Friday during the first debate of the General Election after a disagreement with organizers. Associated Press.

PACs aim to build congressional rivals' name recognition. The race between Djou and Takai garners interest from the VoteVets organization. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: I’ve seen this parade before. Dozens of hopeful candidates from diverse walks of life, hopeful, excited, sporting banners and signs and buttons and T-shirts and stickers and websites, all believing this will be the election year that Hawaii elects more than a token representation of Republicans. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hundreds of property owners on Oahu have been told their land has been reclassified and is now in a "high-risk" flood zone as the result of remapping by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

Lately the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s finances have garnered a lot of attention as faculty members, students and the public speculate about the mysterious firing of Chancellor Tom Apple and its connection with his directive to freeze all hiring in an effort to stop the budget bleeding. Civil Beat.

With evacuated residents allowed back to their homes, Honolulu firefighters shifted their focus Sunday to stopping a massive brush fire from reaching the Honouliuli Forest Reserve — home to dozens of threatened and endangered species. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: City transit officials are tiresome in their dishonest attempts to blame citizen lawsuits for massive cost overruns that are shredding their promise to build Oahu's $5.26 billion rail line on time and on budget. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based solar energy firms RevoluSun and Distributed Energy Partners, which together have designed and built solar energy systems totaling more than 50-megawatts of energy in Hawaii since 2009, are restructuring to divide work for the residential and commercial markets. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The state of Hawaii depleted its Major Disaster Fund in response to Tropical Storm Iselle, according to a Thursday letter sent by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to President Barack Obama seeking federal assistance. Tribune-Herald.

A day after completing its two-week effort to restore power to upper Puna, Hawaii Electric Light Co. personnel continued to work with county crews and other agencies Sunday to clear debris left by Tropical Storm Iselle. Star-Advertiser.

He was a hotelier, a police commissioner, a County Council member, a state senator, a state representative and, more recently, a member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. But most of all, Robert “Bob” Herkes was a dogged fighter for the people. West Hawaii Today.

Tawn Keeney is determined that the Honokaa People’s Theater will not follow so many others of its kind into the twilight. West Hawaii Today.

There will be an increase in nighttime aircraft traffic over Hilo throughout this week due to runway repairs at the Hilo International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui officials are looking for ideas on how to repurpose a high school campus that was once home to Congresswoman Patsy Mink, its class valedictorian for 1944. Associated Press.

Pulama Lana'i continues to move ahead with development of a facility to convert salty groundwater to drinking water and for irrigation use. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department may become the first law enforcement agency in the state with all officers wearing body cameras. Garden Island.

County of Kauai officials say they would like to give nonresidential landowners more time to construct additional dwelling units on their property as the economy continues to recover. Garden Island.

Hanabusa fires up debate, board members quit over disclosure law, Hawaii sustainability advances, Hilo to get fireworks redo, Diamond Head souvenir kiosk opens, Coco Palms developers vow to rebuild, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abercrombie, county mayors, OHA CEO, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, joined by the four county mayors and Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe, on Monday launched the Aloha+ Challenge, a series of targets for the state to reach in various sectors of sustainability, renewable energy and natural resource management. Star-Advertiser.

Top Hawaii state and county leaders, with the support of leading businesses and nonprofit groups, launched what’s called the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability – He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia. Civil Beat.

The State and Counties’ Chief Executives and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs signed a joint declaration today to launch a sustainability effort that will take place over the next 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new state law that makes public the financial interests of members serving on more than a dozen state boards and commissions has prompted the resignations of at least 14 volunteer members, including four regents from the University of Hawaii's governing board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers gave the resource-strapped Ethics Commission what it wanted last legislative session — the public’s help in sifting through hundreds of records to weed out financial conflicts of interest among dozens of powerful state board members. But with all that promise has come controversy — and a growing number of resignations. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa may be changing gears in her Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate against incumbent Brian Schatz, shifting to a more aggressive approach as the final month of the campaign approaches. Hanabusa repeatedly confronted Schatz on several issues during a televised debate on Monday night, slamming her rival on his experience, appointment and ability to read bills. Associated Press.

In a taut and punchy performance, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Monday night sought to depict U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz as unprepared for the legislative rigor of the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa still doesn’t have anything nice to say about U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Hanabusa, who’s trailing in the polls and in fundraising, took several swipes at the sitting senator during their first televised debate Monday on KITV. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa may be changing gears in her Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate against incumbent Brian Schatz, shifting to a more aggressive approach. Hawaii News Now.

In the first ever televised debate between Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, the candidates had plenty of chances to show the public who would be the better candidate in 2014. KITV4.

CD1 Speed Date. Progressive Democrats of Hawaii and Americans for Democratic Action, Hawaii will hold a speed dating forum with democratic candidates running in the first congressional district primary election. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Saturday enacted into law a bill that opens farm dwellings to child care programs. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Department of Education has listed three University of Hawaii community colleges in its index of the 95 public two-year institutions with the lowest net prices in the country. The net price factors in the average cost of attending college — including tuition, fees and other expenses — as well as the average amount of institutional and federal financial aid provided by the campus. Civil Beat.

Oahu
Officially licensed T-shirts, souvenirs and other items went on sale to hikers coming from the Diamond Head crater trail Monday following the opening of a new kiosk at the Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Aerial Banners North insists a federal waiver allows it to fly commercial banners over Hawaii, but a new statement by the Federal Aviation Administration suggests otherwise. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is trying to give the public a better statistical understanding of Kaka­ako as the area undergoes accelerated residential development. The agency released a report Monday filled with characteristics of Kakaako's population largely drawn from U.S. Census data. Star-Advertiser.

It's a hazardous stretch of Honolulu road where many kupuna often cross the street or look to catch buses in the early morning hours. Now, with the recent deaths of three older pedestrians hit by vehicles along North King Street in Kalihi, city leaders say they'll install some brighter streetlights there in the coming days to help better illuminate that area. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County property owners who want to claim the homeowner’s exemption to reduce their property taxes may soon be required to file a Hawaii state income tax return annually in order to qualify. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo will get another fireworks show to make up for the mishap on Independence Day, Hawaii County confirmed Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Fears that the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s accreditation might be lost, jeopardizing the future of the school, as well as its graduates’ ability to find work, were largely laid to rest this week. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Agriculture is providing $200,000 and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council has awarded a grant of $175,000 that will allow the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a little fire ant control program at county parks and facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

All but one of the more than 100 people who spoke before a federal panel Monday night rejected the idea of possible federal recognition of a future Native Hawaiian government, arguing the U.S. has no jurisdiction over Hawaii. U.S. Department of the Interior officials held the 14th of 15 public meetings statewide at Kame­ha­meha III Elementary on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Water Supply customers on Maui and Molokai soon will receive the 16th annual Water Quality Report in the mail. Maui News.

Kauai

Come learn about your candidates. All 27 of them. The Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce is hosting a political forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall to give voters an opportunity to understand more about those seeking office. Garden Island.

The signature drive to increase thresholds has come up short. The Kauai Chamber of Commerce’s petition, aimed at quadrupling the number of signatures required to put a proposed amendment to the Kauai County Charter to a public vote, died when it failed to earn enough signatures before the July 2 deadline. Garden Island.

By year’s end, the county is slated to begin work on approximately $22 million worth of capital improvement projects around the island. Garden Island.

Numerous projects - ranging from bridge repairs to park improvements to road reconstruction - will be put out to bid during the first quarter of the new fiscal year, according to Keith Suga, the county’s CIP program manager. Hawaii Reporter.

As fire investigators continue to sift through what remains of the Coco Palms Resort in Wailua, the Honolulu-based developers who are seeking to reopen the shuttered hotel say they intend pick up the pieces and move forward with their vision for the iconic Kauai landmark. Garden Island.