State audit blasts Honolulu rail authority, Board of Education to re-vote on superintendent's contract, homeless coordinator defends progress, Hawaii's space defense plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blistering audit blames political rush to construction for ballooning rail costs. The auditor documented $354 million in change orders related to Honolulu’s rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: Honolulu Rail Agency Hid True Costs From Public View. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation did not even level with its own board of directors about ballooning expenses, a new report says. Civil Beat.

Premature contracts increased rail cost by $354M. Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor: HART Increased Rail Project Costs by 79.5 Percent. State Auditor, Les Kondo, says a review of records and staff interviews revealed that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation or HART awarded contracts too early knowing the work could not be completed on time. Hawaii Public Radio.

A scathing audit of Honolulu's rail project says city officials are neglecting their responsibility on a project it says has a "fragile" financial plan and an "artificial" timeline. KHON2.

Audit of Honolulu rail says HART's lack of transparency 'undermines' ability to secure money. The audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) found that the costs went from $5.122 billion in 2012 to $9.188 billion in 2018. KITV.

Hawaii auditor says premature contracts inflated rail costs. Officials prematurely awarded contracts for Honolulu’s commuter rail line a decade ago to minimize public criticism and show the project was moving along. But this practice dramatically swelled costs as plans changed, a new audit of the vastly over-budget project said Thursday. Associated Press.

Unrealistic deadlines and the release of contradictory information due to a desire to minimize public criticism have resulted in cost overruns and delays to Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, according to an audit released by the Hawaii Office of the Auditor on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Full text: Audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation: Report 1 is available here.

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School Board To Revote On Superintendent’s Contract — This Time Publicly. Concerns were raised after the board voted in executive session to reward the state superintendent with an additional contract year. Civil Beat.

Homelessness Coordinator Touts Progress As Lawmakers Criticize Pace Of Work. Hawaii homelessness has decreased two years in a row, said Scott Morishige, but legislators contend the administration isn’t spending money fast enough. Civil Beat.

Hawaii completes modernization of state payroll system. Hawaii's state payroll system has finally moved into the 21st century, with Gov. David Ige announcing on Thursday that all state employees have successfully transitioned to a new system as part of a $17 million modernization project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s tax revenue projection adjusted for slower growth. The reduction means the state might have $55 million less to spend than expected. Associated Press.

State legislators will have to work with a smaller budget than had been anticipated just two days ago. The Council on Revenues lowered its state general fund forecast by .8 percent Wednesday, retreating from a 5 percent growth projection in September to 4.2 percent. Garden Island.

State lawmaker to reintroduce bill to ban plastic straws, Styrofoam containers. Hawaii tried to ban plastic straws and Styrofoam containers, but failed, last year. Senator Mike Gabbard, who introduced the 2018 bill, plans to reintroduce the idea when the Legislature convenes this session. KITV.

Hawaii military plans for space defense race. The United States and other nations are now acting with haste to protect their space-based assets. That priority was highlighted at a Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Military Affairs Council annual meeting Thursday at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines carried an all-time high of 11,840,178 passengers in 2018 amid a fleet expansion that helped generate a seventh straight year of record visitor arrivals to the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Elections Division is standing by its policy of accepting mail-in ballots from the U.S. Postal Service after 6 p.m. on Election Day, despite a challenge by defeated City Council candidate Tommy Waters that argues those votes should not be counted. Star-Advertiser.

Scandal that’s ensnarled police, prosecutor’s office takes another turn: Investigating a drug trafficking ring. An officer’s anticipated guilty plea Friday in connection with a widening public corruption case against former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife will also take the case in an entirely new direction — one that ties Katherine Kealoha to a prescription drug trafficking ring. Hawaii News Now.

Trump’s Border Wall Could Imperil $345M Ala Wai Canal Flood Control Project. The president is considering declaring a national emergency and taking funds from Army Corps of Engineers projects. Associated Press.

State tours possible relocation site for the encampment at Waianae boat harbor. Oahu’s biggest homeless village could be moving to a piece of state land in Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

The H3 Freeway Kaneohe-bound will be closed between the Halawa Interchange and the Kaneohe Interchange for filming of Magnum P.I. KHON2.

Despite the news of its upper grades closing at the end of the school year, Saint Francis School alumni remain hopeful they might be able to save the 94-year-old institution. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A circuit court judge ordered the county jail’s warden to court for a second time after a pretrial murder detainee who was previously erroneously released from custody wasn’t brought to court for a recent hearing. West Hawaii Today.

The probe into the mistaken release five months ago of an accused murderer is ongoing, but the Department of Public Safety says it has worked to modify and strengthen procedures to prevent a repeat of the flub. West Hawaii Today.

Officials share memories of old Hilo jailhouse. The impending demolition of the old Hilo County Jail brought together public safety officials and local dignitaries Thursday to share memories of the historic building. Tribune-Herald.

State and local officials attended an event at the Old Hilo Jail building off Waianuenue Avenue on Thursday, to share stories on the vacant structure before demolition begins in the coming weeks. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health has confirmed a new case of rat lungworm disease in an infant from Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

$600K Contract for Haiku Roadwork Begins. Road resurfacing and other work has started on Peahi and Pauwela roads in Haiku, according to the Maui County Department of Public Works. Maui Now.

The gates at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge remain locked Wednesday morning. Signs posted say the refuge is closed due to “the lapse in federal appropriations.” Maui News.

The Napili Park Playground in West Maui is closed while crews complete repairs due to vandalism reported at the facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Though the government shutdown is still ongoing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to return staff to wildlife refuges across the country to ensure access. Among them is Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Navy issues EIS for sonar testing, training; Ige reappoints three department heads; Pearl Harbor stays open amid federal shutdown; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale feeding, breeding zones. NOAA

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with training and testing in Hawaii-Southern California waters after re-evaluating potential environmental impacts of their activities. “These military readiness activities include the use of active sonar and explosives at sea off the coasts of Hawaii and Southern California,” according to the final EIS. Garden Island.

Read the Navy's Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement here.

Winter on Maui means it’s time for humpback whales. More than half of the North Pacific humpback whale population, estimated at over 20,000 strong, visit the waters of Maui Nui each year. Hawaii Magazine.

The year 2018 has been a record one for Hawaiian monk seal pups born in the main Hawaiian isles, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has reappointed leaders at three state departments, his office announced today, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Human Resources Development and Department of Taxation. Star-Advertiser.

Tatum takes over at HTA amid tourism challenges. Created by the Legislature in 1998, the tourism authority believes it’s found a power hitter in Chris Tatum. Star-Advertiser.

Court Cases Open Window Into Marshallese Adoptions. A lawsuit by a Kentucky couple alleges that an Arkansas attorney offered to fly a Marshallese birth mother to the U.S. despite a treaty that bars such travel. Civil Beat.

Japanese-Americans are more likely to accumulate fat in their liver and abdomen compared to other ethnicities. That's according to the latest research from the University of Hawaii's Cancer Center. Hawaii Public Radio.


YEAR IN REVIEW: The repercussions of Hawaii’s false missile alert are still being felt. Hawaii News Now.


YEAR IN REVIEW: Remembering this year’s record breaking hurricane season. Hawaii’s 2018 hurricane season was among the most destructive in years. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii taxpayers claim close to $86M in renewable energy tax credits in 2016. The state of Hawaii dished out $85.8 million in renewable energy tax credits in 2016, down from $98.6 million during the previous year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

As government shutdown drags on, nonprofits scramble to keep Pearl Harbor monument open. Despite the partial government shutdown, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is still open — thanks to the generosity of several nonprofits. Hawaii News Now.


Since the government's partial shutdown several Hawaii national parks have seen a shake-up in services. But places like the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, - a historic site that drew in just under 2-million visitors last year - according to park stats isn't one that's closing quietly. KITV.

Not Everyone’s Thrilled To Have A Film Crew In The Neighborhood. “Magnum P.I.” is generating complaints from businesses and residents about the way it commandeers streets and parking places. Civil Beat.

Fraud alleged in local trash company bankruptcy. A commercial refuse hauler that stiffed the city on $3 million in garbage disposal fees may not have actually dumped that debt obligation through bankruptcy two years ago. Star-Advertiser.


The trains may one day run on time, but the construction of the track certainly hasn't. At $8.3 billion, not including finance charges, the Honolulu rail project is the largest public works project in Hawaii history and, according to a policy analyst at the conservative think tank Cato Institute, "the most expensive per capita of any publicly funded rail project in the modern age." U.S. News & World Report.


Twelve parcels of land for sale, including the Willows, could change Moiliili neighborhood. KHON2.


Back in business: Ala Wai Community and Neighborhood parks re-open. Since October, the parks have been closed for crews to revamp the public areas. KITV.


With students out of school for winter break, families hoping to check out certain libraries are out of luck. Three Oahu branches are temporarily closed because of emergency work or other issues. Hawaii News Now.

State orders brothers to fix decrepit Kakaako roads or stop charging for parking. A state agency is ordering two brothers to either fix up the streets they claim they own in Kakaako or stop charging parking fees. Hawaii News Now.


A former U.S. Housing and Urban Development employee accused of collecting Section 8 rental assistance on properties she and her husband managed and controlled pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday to five counts of wire fraud. Star-Advertiser.


The new year means changes for some fishermen. Starting January 1, 2019, the Waikiki-Diamond Head shoreline will be off-limits for fishing. The ban will last for all of 2019. KHON2.


Firecracker permit sales drop in Honolulu for New Year’s. Firecracker permit sales are down this year with 3,000 fewer sold compared to last year, the Honolulu Fire Department reported. Star-Advertiser.


A couple of Nevada residents are suing to evict the people living in Duane “Dog” Chapman’s Portlock home because Chapman and his wife have allegedly defaulted on their house payments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim thanked Puna Geothermal Venture executives for a six-figure donation, a short time before the company was granted permission to cut an access road over the inactive lava channel that isolated the company’s power plant during the summer eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.


Ookala residents frustrated by latest dairy discharge. On Monday, Big Island Dairy, which is set to cease operations next year, discharged nearly 600,000 gallons of wastewater into Kaohaoha Gulch. Tribune-Herald.


Report examines benefits, feasibility of basalt facility. A new study commissioned by the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems suggests the island could make a name for itself in this small but growing industry. Tribune-Herald.

Alii Drive culvert replacement project delayed. A county project to replace a deteriorating culvert on Alii Drive will get started a little later than previously estimated. West Hawaii Today.


Making Food More Affordable For The Hungry. Nearly 13 percent of Hawaii Island residents are “food insecure,” according to the USDA — well above the statewide average. Civil Beat.

21st Annual Mochi Pounding Set For Dec. 29 At Akiko’s. Traditional mochi pounding will return to the small village of Wailea this weekend, and the public is invited. Big Island Video News.


Maui

The South Maui Parking Lots Improvements Project will continue construction with the closure of Keawakapu Beach parking lot, at the corner of Kilohana Drive and South Kihei Road, on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Maui Now.

The comment period for the Kalaupapa National Historical Park General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment has been extended to Feb. 1. Maui News.


Maui’s law banning foam takeout containers goes into effect at the end of the year. The county law bans polystyrene foam food containers, which popular local plate lunches are typically served in. Associated Press.


Hale Kau Kau: 1.5 Million Meals and Counting. Today, South Maui’s only daily soup kitchen, Hale Kau Kau, served its 10,000th consecutive day of meal service. Maui Now.


Kauai

Kauai officials have agreed to pay $1 million to the family of a man who died after being hit by a police cruiser. Associated Press.

Kauai Medical Clinic recently broke ground on its new 7,900-square-foot facility at the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

The comment period for the Kalaupapa National Historical Park General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment has been extended to Feb. 1. Maui News.

Tax hikes for schools, audit sought in $60M state contract failure, Caldwell's State of the City address, Pohakuloa Training Area under fire for pollution, former Kauai mayor running again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Public school, courtesy Hawaii Department of Education

Constitutional amendment seeks increased taxes for public schools. A plan to ask voters whether the state should create a dedicated funding stream for public schools by taxing investment homes and visitor accommodations is back in play after nearly a month of inaction in the House. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee advanced a measure Tuesday to dramatically cut funding to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for marketing Hawaii to the world. Star-Advertiser.

State senators are demanding an audit of the state Tax Department's $60 million computer modernization project. Hawaii News Now.

A project manager who oversaw the $60 million Tax System Modernization project for the state was identified Tuesday as the person who coached an outside consultant on what issues to address and what to say in public reports on the progress of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory or unconstitutional?: House debates bill that would tax online sales. The House amended a bill Tuesday whose topic of taxing online sales continues to be a big issue at the Capitol — and may even lead to lawsuits from internet companies. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Waters Down Bill To Set Minimum Police Officer Standards. Every state except Hawaii already does so, but a measure that passed the House has been gutted in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Panel supports bill to help Hawaiians keep ancestral land. The bill was introduced after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in late 2016 filed lawsuits to identify owners of 14 parcels interspersed within a 700-acre oceanfront estate he owns on Kauai Island. Associated Press.

New push underway to test all students for mental health disorders. Mental health advocates are pushing schools to screen every student for mental health issues. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would prohibit certain types of restraints and tethers used on animals is moving forward. HB2072 HD2 SD1 just passed the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and will now head to conference committee. KHON2.

Schatz For President In 2020? Don’t Count On It, He Says. Told his name is being “bandied about” as a possible candidate, the Hawaii senator dismissed any notion that he might run. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen civil defense preparedness in Hawaii and across the country. Garden Island.

Little Agreement Over Toxoplasmosis Solution. The debate largely boils down to one question: should feral cats be eradicated? Hawaii Public Radio.

A $15 Billion Price Tag To Protect Hawaii Highways from Climate Change. As the state braces for sea level rise, vulnerable roads could be moved inland — and tunneled through mountains. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is sponsoring a peace rally today on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Star-Advertiser.

Home prices in Hawaii rose by a smaller percentage than the national average over the past year and Oahu and Maui are among the markets that are considered overvalued, according to the monthly CoreLogic Home Price Index for February. Pacific Business News.

Are there downsides to a low unemployment rate? In Hawaii, which has the United States' lowest jobless rate at a minuscule 2.1 percent, the answer is yes. Associated Press.

Hawaii bankruptcies up 10.5 percent in March. Statewide bankruptcies rose for the second time in three months in March despite continuing signs that the economy remains on strong footing. Star-Advertiser.

A&B finishes mainland real estate sell-off. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced Tuesday that it sold its last commercial property on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to legalize more vacation rentals but under stricter regulations got mostly lukewarm feedback from a housing advocate and key City Council member, as well as both a supporter and opponent of short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor discusses affordable housing, rail budget in sixth State of the City address. Hawaii News Now.

State of the City: Mayor talks affordable housing, rail funding and short-term vacation rentals. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell gave his State of the City address on Tuesday night on the grounds of the Neal Blaisdell Center. KHON2.

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Settlement reached after city worker is accused of misusing resources. According to the city's Ethics Commission, the employee did not take appropriate vacation leave when working at a non-city job. KHON2.

Rents in Honolulu steady, or down, two reports say. Renters are paying the same or less for one- and two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu, compared to a year ago, according to reports from Apartment List and Zumper that agree on one thing — rents are not rising in Hawaii’s largest city. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu is looking for a better way to deal with feral chickens after its first attempt at getting a handle on the birds resulted in a cost of $108 per chicken caught and killed. Associated Press.

Iconic Magnum PI house to be demolished. The owner of the 8,900 square-foot Waimanalo mansion, Marty Nesbitt, was purchased for $8.7 million in 2015, but is said to be in disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

Demolition begins for Magnum P.I. home in Waimanalo. KITV.

Hawaii Island

A Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources failed to “malama aina,” or care for the land, under a lease it has with the U.S. Army at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii judge ruled Tuesday that the state has failed to enforce a lease requiring the U.S. military to clean up debris on the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Circuit Court judge has ruled the state breached its duties to “malama aina” with respect to lands it is leasing to the U.S. Army as part of the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Four years after two Hawaiians filed suit against the state for its alleged breach of trust regarding its lease of Pohakuloa lands to the U.S. Army, a circuit court judge has ruled in their favor. Big Island Video News.

Judge orders more oversight at Pohakuloa Training Area. KHON2.

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EnVision Maunakea, a community-based initiative designed to gather a wide range of Hawaii Island perspectives about Maunakea’s future, has released its long-awaited report. Big Island Now.

Senate bill calling for new Mauna Kea management stalls in the House. KITV.

County watching Maui wastewater discharge case. The Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission last week resolved that the county should exceed goals and policies of the federal Clean Water Act regarding wastewater discharge rather than merely comply with the letter of the law. West Hawaii Today.

Kim names Simeon DPW director. Mayor Harry Kim has completed his Cabinet rebuild, following a spate of resignations last fall. West Hawaii Today.

A measure to fund full-time lifeguards at Kua Bay needs to pass its final Senate committee by the end of this week to stay afloat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will hold a public informational meeting for the proposed Paia Relief Route project to address existing traffic congestion along Hana Highway in Paia. Maui Now.

Utility-scale solar projects near the ‘finish line’ but need more time. Lahaina, Kihei projects focused on connection with MECO, Maui grid. Maui News.

Maui Tacos announced plans to expand nationwide, with six new store openings scheduled for 2018 and 12 new stores slated for 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

Yukimura announces mayoral bid. Councilwoman and former mayor JoAnn Yukimura announced Tuesday she is seeking Kauai’s top elected post. Garden Island.

Former mayor and city council member JoAnn Yukimura has joined the race to become Kauai's next mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Project expected to help meet housing need. The 235 lots planned for Kealia Mauka Homesites are aimed at local families, according to project representatives working on a draft environmental impact statement. Garden Island.

Gov. David Ige issued today an emergency proclamation for Kauai after heavy rains caused a series of landslides onto Kuhio Highway, isolating the communities of Haena and Wainiha near Hanalei. Star-Advertiser.

The governor on Tuesday declared the District of Hanalei a disaster area. Garden Island.

Kauai's Russian Fort Might Be Less Russian Than Believed. Paulaula o Hipo, the site of Fort Elizabeth, the fort built by Russian trading interests in the early 19th century, is best remembered as the setting for the brief alliance between the Russian-American Company and Kauai's High Chief Kaumualii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige withdraws Ching DLNR nomination, House passes $25.7B budget, NextEra wants Hawaiian Electric sale fast-tracked, De-Occupy Honolulu awarded $80k in police raids, Obama friend buys Magnum P.I. home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red shirts in Senate gallery against Ching nomination, courtesy Hawaii Senate Majority

After nearly two months of "grueling" scrutiny and relentless vocal opposition, Carleton Ching's high-profile and ill-fated nomination to head one of the most important state agencies in Hawaii was pulled Wednesday just moments before the Senate was to vote on it. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ 11th-Hour Decisions Doomed Ching Nomination. UPDATE: Gov. David Ige withdrew his controversial nomination for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources when it became clear the votes weren't there for confirmation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has withdrawn his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The governor informed the Senate of his decision Wednesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of Castle & Cooke Hawaii executive Carleton Ching to be the next head of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Pacific Business News.

Governor David Ige withdrew his controversial nomination for chair of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige and Ching

Moments before the Hawaii State Senate was set to begin voting Wednesday on Governor David Ige's controversial nomination to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ige withdrew his nomination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has withdrawn his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. KITV4.

It’s back to the drawing board for Gov. David Ige as he decides who will lead the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Ige withdrew his nomination for Carleton Ching Wednesday, just days after he said he was standing by his controversial pick. KHON2.

Eight lessons from the Carleton Ching nomination. Governor Ige instigated a political crisis by nominating a developer's lobbyist to watch over Hawaii's natural resources. Hawaii Independent.

Opinions from local representatives and conservation groups were split after Gov. David Ige on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

The state House of Representatives on Wednesday forwarded to the Senate a $13.3 billion general fund budget for the next two fiscal years. The spending plan calls for a $6.5 billion budget in fiscal 2016, which begins July 1, and $6.8 billion in fiscal 2017. Star-Advertiser.

The House voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of its draft of the overall state budget, a $25.7 billion spending plan for the next two years. The Senate Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Jill Tokuda, will take up House Bill 500 and make whatever changes it sees fit before sending it to the full Senate for its approval. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature in Session? Time to Raise Campaign Money! Reps. Luke, Johanson, Nakashima and Nishimoto will be at Mandalay Wednesday night passing the hat for re-election. Civil Beat.

The public may get to see the financial disclosures statements of certain state board members a year earlier than expected. The Hawaii State Ethics Commission agreed Wednesday to send a memo out to board members later this week letting them know that their financial disclosure statements for 2014 will be released if they file a short-form report this year. Civil Beat.

A bill to restore $6 million in funding for Hawaii's state preschool subsidy program is still moving through the state Legislature. Senate Bill 64, which has crossed over to the state House of Representatives, would restore funding for the Preschool Open Doors program for the next two fiscal years. Pacific Business News.

Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. wants the state to move fast on approval of its proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries and has objected to a suggestion the decision be delayed until June 3, 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

De-Occupy Honolulu Lawyers Awarded $80,000 in Fees, Expenses. The court ruling stems from HPD raids in Thomas Square in 2012, where protestors and property was seized. Civil Beat.

A company with ties to a close friend of President Barack Obama has bought a historic oceanfront mansion in Waimanalo used as a setting for the 1980s TV detective show "Magnum, P.I." Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua Gardens will start charging entrance fees to help offset maintenance and operational costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

More than 100 shoppers lined the outside of Malama Market on Wednesday in Pahoa in anticipation of the grocery store’s grand reopening. It’s been an inconvenient three months since the market closed its doors in response to the approach of the June 27 lava flow, they said, and the reopening is an important sign that life in Pahoa could be returning to normal. Tribune-Herald.

Attorney Brian DeLima is requesting funds for private legal counsel to represent Jody Buddemeyer, the Hawaii Police Department officer who authorities say struck and killed a Michigan man riding his bicycle in South Kohala. Tribune-Herald.

Kailua-Kona keiki will soon have new digs in which to practice their flips, pops and slides. Two Hawaii County Council members dipped into their district contingency funds Wednesday to give a planned skate park a $50,000 boost. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Now has learned that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui terminated a worker with the Makawao branch after discovering that she had posted unauthorized video of children sending messages to convicted murderer Jodi Arias on social media.

A Maui County Council committee has recommended changing the name of Iao Stream to Wailuku River. Maui News.

A bill making its way through the state Legislature would overturn a long-standing law that prohibits all commercial activity on or around Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Kauai

State Department of Transportation officials say commuters traveling through Wailua and Kapaa may have to wait a little longer before larger projects to improve congestion along Kuhio Highway come to fruition. Garden Island.

That grumbling isn’t from an empty stomach. Some local parents say they aren’t happy that the price of Hawaii school lunches could increase in the fall semester. Garden Island.