Showing posts with label Lingle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lingle. Show all posts

Friday, November 18, 2011

Army tests hypersonic weapon from Kauai, Hawaii economy limping along, state looks at regulating reef fish collecting, suicide rates up, APEC hosts' data stolen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hypersonic weapon, military courtesy photo
The Army on Thursday conducted its first flight test of a new weapon capable of traveling five times the speed of sound. Associated Press.

Hawaii's economy is expected to limp along with slow growth through 2012, economist Leroy Laney said Thursday in a forecast dampened by global economic woes. Star-Advertiser.

Suicide Rates in Hawaii Climb. Hawaii Public Radio.

Politico: Hawaii Senate Race Not Toss-Up. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers didn’t support a statewide ban on the sale of aquarium fish this session but the issue isn’t going away. KITV4.

The collection and sale of reef fish for aquariums is an industry that averages about $395,000 a year on Oahu... And provides jobs for about 40 commercial fishers - 15 are full-time. KHON2.

The breakthrough ceded land settlement announced by the Abercrombie administration on Wednesday is the brainchild of two Honolulu attorneys with extensive experience in commercial litigation. Civil Beat.

In another rejection of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s position on the secrecy of judicial nominations, the state Judicial Selection Commission has decided to make public the names of all candidates for judicial appointment submitted to the governor and the Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Honolulu's ban on keeping personal possessions on sidewalks is one step closer to becoming law, but in many ways the fight has just begun. Civil Beat.

Members of Honolulu's APEC Host Committee who represent some of Hawaii's biggest companies and institutions have been told their personal information may have been stolen after security clearances were requested for them to meet with President Barack Obama Saturday night during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Star-Advertiser.

The family of a Kailua man shot to death in a Waikiki fast-food restaurant filed a lawsuit Thursday against a State Department special agent charged with murder in the case. Star-Advertiser.

Defense attorney: federal agent charged with murder acted in self-defense. Hawaii News Now.

City Plans To Open Access To Popular North Shore Beach. KITV4.

A City Council committee advanced permit requests for the $760 million expansion of the Hilton Hawaiian Village but asked property owners to try to work out differences before the measure comes up for a final vote next month. Star-Advertiser.

A city employee and a driving instructor conspired to create at least three fraudulent driver's licenses that were sold to foreign nationals who were in the United States illegally, according to an indictment returned Wednesday by a federal grand jury. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission will continue its hearings today on D.R. Horton‘s proposed “Ho‘opili” development in Honouliuli. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Leeward Planning Commission signed off on proposed changes to the special management area rules Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, students at Waiakea Intermediate School gathered on the covered courts at the rear of the campus during their recess period to sign pledges to remain tobacco free, play games aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, and to learn more about the dangers associated with smoking. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Security officials at Kahului Airport have a new body scanner that doesn't project invasive body images but is sensitive enough to detect a plastic bag in a jean pocket. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee voted 6-2 Wednesday evening to recommend approval of the Kahoma Residential Subdivision, a fast-track, all-affordable housing project in West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai


A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty in the vehicle maintenance shop of the Hanapepe Armory. Garden Island.

The disappearance of the corn maze from the Kaua‘i Halloween scene gave birth to an idea which blossomed into a community success. Garden Island.

Molokai

Castle & Cooke's Rumbaoa to Head Molokai Ranch. Molokai Dispatch.

Friday, October 14, 2011

U.S. Senate race a 'tossup,' Hawaii tax collections up, military strong, Honolulu rapid transit advances, DOE wants more money, term limits for Maui, foreign cars for Kauai, more

Honolulu's Ala Wai (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Earlier this year, the paddling community was warned that their regular practice venues like the Ala Wai canal might be off- limits for the entire month of November. KITV4.

The Cook Political Report on Thursday rated the Hawaii U.S. Senate race as a "tossup," one of the nine most competitive campaigns next year that could determine political control of the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle described her veto of Hawaii civil unions as perhaps the most difficult decision she made in eight years as governor. Civil Beat.

As U.S. military leaders continue to sound the alarm about how deep Defense Department spending cuts would decimate military operations, Sen. Daniel Inouye and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa say they will work to keep Hawaii programs off the chopping block. Civil Beat.

The Army is continuing high-altitude helicopter training flights over Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa with no glitches so far. Tribune-Herald.

State tax collections increased nearly 10-percent last month. KHON2.

Hawaii tax revenues for the first three months of the fiscal year that started July 1 were $1.2 billion, the state Department of Taxation said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii state government’s financial situation is dire, mainly because of unfunded obligations that total in the billions of dollars. Hawaii Reporter.

Governor Neil Abercrombie’s new chief of staff maintains an active private business life in real estate sales and investments but he says those side interests won’t interfere with his duties on the fifth floor of the Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Reapportionment Commission gave final approval Thursday to its plan for new political boundary maps and now waits to see whether the Hawaii Supreme Court orders changes. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education plans to ask for an additional $58 million in the 2012 legislative session to keep school buses running, save adult education and cope with a growing student population. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rail's next stop: a signed $1.4 billion core systems contract with Ansaldo. Civil Beat.

Once again concerns are raised with Ansaldo Honolulu, the company picked to build the rail transit's core system, and once again the city says it's not a problem. Hawaii News Now.

The Army is returning to its mounted heritage with a polo match Saturday at Fort Shafter's historic Palm Circle, and the public is invited. Star-Advertiser.

A San Jose, Calif.-based company is preparing to build a large solar panel farm in West Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii

Even as the Hawaii County Council plans a final vote Wednesday on a tough new building code, one councilor wants to exempt rural dwellings from some of the provisions. West Hawaii Today.

America's southern-most district is getting its first federally certified evacuation shelter, which will double as the community's new recreational facility.  Tribune-Herald.

A long-sought-after public shooting range for the Big Island is a step closer to reality after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service committed to giving the state $305,000 for range development. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County Council members could get four-year terms - and a "drop-dead" three-term limit - under a proposal moved forward by the Charter Commission. Maui News.

Maui’s real estate market has been sluggish to flat, according to figures released yesterday by the Realtors Association of Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

At a time when Americans struggle to find jobs and national debt approaches crisis levels, some taxpayers may be interested to learn stimulus funds are supporting foreign auto manufacturers. Garden Island.

Employers who are hiring had no shortage of takers Thursday when hundreds of people flocked to the Lihu‘e Civic Center’s Pi‘ikoi Building for a job fair coordinated by the county’s Office of Economic Development and the state’s WorkWise program. Garden Island.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Tax relief for cash businesses, NRC chides Army for depleted uranium, Lingle in Democrats' crosshairs, Hawaii farm trafficker case tossed out of court, Kona, Kauai airports under fire, more Hawaii news

Aloun Farms courtesy photo
In a courtroom disaster for the federal government, prosecutors this morning dismissed all criminal charges against brothers Alec and Mike Sou, accused in 2009 of illegally importing and exploiting farm laborers from Thailand. Hawaii Reporter.

Cleared of human trafficking charges, farmers Alec and Mike Sou want to get back to growing crops instead of defending themselves against allegations they forced 44 workers from Thailand to harvest melons, lettuce and pumpkins. Associated Press.

Jurors in the Aloun Farms human trafficking case were stunned by the mid-trial dismissal of all charges Thursday, but said it made sense given that the prosecution had put up a weak case. Civil Beat.

The abrupt collapse of the federal government's prosecution of the Aloun Farms brothers likely will affect how the court handles the related case against Global Horizons Manpower, several attorneys associated with the cases said. Star-Advertiser.

Mike and Alec Sou were just boys when their family arrived as refugees from Laos and began farming a small plot of land in Waianae in 1977, pulling out thorny kiawe bushes and rocks to clear the land. Star-Advertiser.

“What a relief!” Kapolei farmer Alex Sou said to the press after the federal government dropped its long-running criminal case against him and his brother, Mike. Hawaii Reporter.

After three days of trial in the human trafficking case against the owners of Aloun Farms, federal prosecutors on Thursday made a startling move of asking the presiding judge to throw out the charges "in the interest of justice." Hawaii News Now.

Federal prosecutors on Thursday morning dropped charges against two Hawaii businessman on trial in a human trafficking case. KITV4.

It was a stunning turn of events. KHON2.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has wrapped up its investigation of depleted uranium at Pohakuloa Training Area and Schofield Barracks by issuing a "Notice of Violation." West Hawaii Today.

The manager of the Kona Airport has been disciplined for mismanagement, while the manager of Lihue Airport was fired, after numerous complaints about mismanagement on Kauai. KITV4.

National Democrats are setting traps for former Gov. Linda Lingle as she considers a campaign for the U.S. Senate, depicting the Republican as a "partisan bomb-thrower" whose poor judgment led to teacher furloughs that closed public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Tax collectors are taking a gentler approach in going after cash business that bend state tax rules. Hawaii News Now.

Historic Ewa Airfield proposed site for renewable energy park. KHON2.

The ever-changing, ever-growing  market on Oahu is about to get even tighter. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii regulatory agency hears testimony on proposed energy project. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services announced today it has lifted a moratorium on new sewer connections in the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant service area. Hawaii Independent.

Kilauea Volcano hadn't yet started its current eruption when Hawaii Volcanoes National Park last updated its management plan. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Conservation Conference on O’ahu ended today. The focus during one session was on non-native animals and what to do about them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Improved imaging quality and new software technologies have scientists aiming to map, locate and eliminate invasive plant species before they have a chance to threaten Hawai‘i’s delicate watersheds. Garden Island.

For years, Ocean View scofflaws have used a lava tube near Paradise Parkway and Ohia Drive as their own illegal landfill. West Hawaii Today.

Police arrested and charged three people suspected of operating three separate marijuana farms this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. reported a net loss of $2.5 million for the second quarter on Wednesday. Maui News.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Wednesday morning edition

The skipper of the $1 billion guided-missile cruiser that ran aground near Honolulu Airport's reef runway Feb. 5 has avoided a military court-martial.

The captain of the Navy guided-missile cruiser that ran aground off the Honolulu International Airport Feb. 5 was cited for dereliction of duty and received an undisclosed punishment yesterday, the Navy announced.

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday signed a bill into law that reduces pay for the governor, lieutenant governor, department directors, judges and state lawmakers by 5 percent and freezes their salaries through June 2011.

Labor attorneys and public officials are questioning whether Gov. Linda Lingle has the authority to furlough state employees without first negotiating the cuts with their unions.

A state senator is worried that the governor's furlough plan may put people in danger.

While Maui County's leaders said they understood the need for Gov. Linda Lingle to take action because of falling state revenue projections, they questioned Monday her decision to order three-days-per-month furloughs for state workers and reductions of free health insurance benefits for low-income adults.

A turf war between a county councilman and Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration could cost taxpayers thousands at a time when every dollar counts

A proposal authorizing Hawaii County to negotiate buying the Pahoa steam vents sailed through the County Council's Finance Committee with unanimous support Monday.

Of the 197 adults ages 21 and older who have been arrested for 291 marijuana-related offenses in Hawaii County, 106 are Caucasian, while Hawaiians were the second-most arrested ethnicity, with 45.

A Nevada-based developer is asking the state Land Use Commission for another chance to comply with reclassification requirements.

As summertime descends upon Kauai, road repairs will begin to flourish.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Gimme Shelter


Gov. Linda Lingle, along with State Comptroller Russ Saito, who also serves as the state’s homeless solutions team leader, beginning at noon today will dedicate two new homeless transitional shelters on Oahu’s Leeward Coast.

The two facilities -- Kumuhonua (formerly Building 36), a former military building at Kalaeloa, and Ulu Ke Kukui (formerly Villages of Ma‘ili) in Ma‘ili -- are the final shelters to be developed under an emergency proclamation Lingle declared to address health and safety issues due to so many people living in parks and beaches along Oahu’s Leeward Coast.

The two shelters to be dedicated have the capacity for about 450 people, in addition to the more than 1,500 people Lingle says have been served in other transitional shelters since 2006.

The University of Hawaii last month released its “Homeless Service Utilization Report,” a study that attempts to get a handle on the breadth of the homelessness problem on the islands and how best to address it.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Affordable Housing on the Agenda


The House Committee on Housing was scheduled today to hear from a range of experts on the state’s housing problems. Hawaii is known as one of the most expensive states to live in, with its cost of living currently 8 percent higher than Los Angeles and 30.9 percent higher than Chicago, according to Move Inc.

That’s one reason the U.S. Census shows that only 56.5 percent of Hawaii residents own their own homes, compared to 66.2 percent nationwide. The 2000 median home value in Hawaii of $272,700 was more than twice the U.S. average of $119,600.

Among the experts invited to present housing data to the committee:
  • Kathleen Hasegawa and Sherrilee Dadson, directors, Habitat for Humanity
  • Karen Seddon, executive director, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
  • Jo-Ann Ridao, deputy director, Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Maui County
  • Nani Medeiros, executive director, Housing Hawaii
  • Chad Tanaguchi, director, Hawaii Housing Authority