Honolulu seeks to borrow another $210.5M for rail construction, Interior Secretary Haaland to visit Hawaii, court cuts water diversion from Maui streams, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

City seeks $210.5M in bonds to fund rail construction. During a Honolulu City Council Committee on Budget meeting Tuesday, the city advanced three related resolutions — 122, 124 and 125 — requesting the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services to issue and sell a series of general obligation bonds toward finishing the nearly $10 billion, 18.9-mile rail line, which runs from East Kapolei to the Kakaako area, where HART says the last of 19 stations is planned to be completed by 2031. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of the Interior to visit Hawaii as part of Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ tour.  Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland will visit Hawaii as part of the Biden administration’s “Investing in America” tour. The tour is part of a larger agenda to generate $470 billion in clean energy and private sector manufacturing investments. Hawaii News Now.

Rigging The System: The Martin Kao Case Offers An Inside View Of Pay-To-Play Politics. The former Hawaii defense contractor has pleaded guilty to a series of federal crimes related to PPP fraud and illegal campaign donations. Court records detail how he tried to get away with it. Civil Beat.

Final Budget Leaves UH Treading Water On Key Programs And Improvements. The final legislative budget will likely leave the University of Hawaii several hundred million dollars short of its request for fiscal years 2024-2025. The end result will have very clear consequences for the UH community.  Civil Beat.

Visitors paid more, stayed less at Hawaii hotels in May.  Hawaii’s hotel industry had pretty stable business in May compared with a year earlier, according to a survey report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Fecal bacteria found at a number of Hawaii beaches. Hawaii's beaches not only have hazards like rough surf conditions or aggressive water life, some may have a hidden danger: fecal bacteria. KITV4.

Firearm Permit Applications Down For 2nd Straight Year In Hawaii. The most common permit denial reason listed was due to being a current or former medical marijuana patient. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Inflation adds $16M and a year to UH student center development.  A new student center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will cost $16 million more than expected and open about a year later than first scheduled, and officials say inflation and pandemic-related delays are to blame.  Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mililani athletic director pleads no contest to theft charges. The trial for the former athletic director accused of stealing more than $360,000 from the Mili­lani High School athletic booster club that he and his immediately family managed pleaded no contest to all charges Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

City and state to pay $130K to settle gun owner’s lawsuit. The lawsuit by Michael Santucci alleged that the HPD seized his guns and that it held up his permit application in 2021 because he wrote down on his firearms questionnaire that he had recently received mental health counseling. Hawaii News Now.

Riding Skyline may be a 'learning curve' for some. Here's what officials want you to know. The public opening of the Honolulu rail, Skyline, is just 10 days away and according to those who've spent years on the project, it's one of a kind. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Ransomware attack strikes Hawaii Community College. Hawaii Community College has been struck with a ransomware attack, and security measures are being increased to protect digital assets, University of Hawaii officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Bill regarding Kalanianaole Street pushed to future council meeting.  A proposed speed limit reduction along Kalanianaole Street is on hold as Hawaii County officials determine how best to protect nene in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui's $1.07B budget invests in affordable housing for residents.  The budget invests 8% of real property tax revenues to the county's Affordable Housing Fund, up from 3% in years prior.   The budget features a decrease in tax rates for resident-occupied homes assessed at $3 million or less. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court cuts East Maui water diversions again. The state’s Environmental Court has lowered the amount of water that Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation can take from East Maui streams by about 9 million gallons per day, the latest decision in a longstanding battle over diverted water for farming and other uses. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Council to appoint East Maui Regional Community Board members Friday. The Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee, chaired by Sinenci, recruited and vetted East Maui Regional Community Board applicants following approval of a charter amendment by 64% of the voters at the Nov. 8 election.  Maui Now.

It’s Still Unclear Who Will Fill The DHHL Seat On The New East Maui Water Board. As the council moves to vote later this week, the member recommended by DHHL may have to wait for Hawaiian Homes Commission approval. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor highlights budget for fiscal year. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami  has done a bit of traveling recently – to the Philippines, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Hawai‘i on Hill.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i: last week to apply for Kupu ‘Āina Corps. Kupu is actively seeking host sites and participants to work in sustainability-focused sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation on Kaua‘i. Kauai Now.

 

Super PAC influences lieutenant governor's race, Ige criticized over rail stance, pro-white candidate ousted, services set for fallen police officer, alleged accomplices charged, lots of politics plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lieutenant governor candidates at forum ©2018 All Hawaii News

Super PAC spending in lieutenant governor’s race a ‘mystery’. Why is a union-backed super PAC spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising to back a candidate for a political office that has little power and that historically has not played a role in the union’s bread-and-butter issue, rail?
 Star-Advertiser.

Lawyer Vs. Engineer: Governor’s Race A Battle Of Leadership Styles. Personalities, not ideologies, are at the heart of the contest between incumbent David Ige and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

The primary will decide many Democrat-heavy races. As the Hawaii Republican Party has weakened over the years, Hawaii’s primary election has become more important than ever.  Star-Advertiser.

Trying To Build ‘Generation One’ Of Micronesian Voters. Could younger Micronesian-Americans, many of whom will eventually have the right to vote unlike their parents, be Hawaii’s next big voting bloc? Civil Beat.

Several women in leadership roles held a news conference Sunday at the state Capitol to blast Gov. David Ige for a campaign commercial that they say presents a double standard against women. Star-Advertiser.

On the steps of the State Capitol on Sunday morning, a group of women led by House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti voiced their concerns over what they call "misleading tactics" by Gov. David Ige's campaign. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric receives 12 applications for community solar projects. Concerns that Hawaii's new community solar program may not attract sufficient interest, especially during the initial program phase, seem to have been unfounded after Hawaiian Electric received 12 applications within the first 10 days of its launch. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

House Speaker Scott Saiki is publicly criticizing Gov. David Ige for saying earlier this month he is “open” to another extension of the half-percent state excise tax to help finance extending the city’s rail project to Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Zoning Committee last week moved forward two more bills that would slap tougher penalties on homebuilders who sidestep zoning laws. Star-Advertiser.

Newcomers Challenge A Career Politician In Honolulu City Council Race. Can Carol Fukunaga’s hyperlocal approach overcome the islandwide perspective of three challengers, including one with union backing? Civil Beat.

USS Arizona: Memorial set to reopen in months. Star-Advertiser.

The two Democratic candidates for governor said they favor a public-private partnership to build a new, smaller replacement for aging Aloha Stadium but differ on where the facility should be built. Star-Advertiser.

Aina Haina residents still cleaning up; urged to re-visit FEMA centers before closing. It's been three-and-a-half months since torrential rain devastated parts of East Oahu, and some Aina Haina residents are still cleaning up the mess. KHON2.

Family of Honolulu officer killed in the line of duty reflects on anniversary of his death. It had been 15 years since the last fatal shooting of a Hawaii police officer. KITV.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki’s renovation aims to attract millennials. A picture is worth $4 million to Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, a boutique hotel that recently underwent a redesign to make itself more Instagram-worthy to attract millennials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Candidates For Governor Hone Their Messages At Hilo Forum. At a time of upheaval on the Big Island, two Democrats and two Republicans talked about how to build a better future. Civil Beat.

Four gubernatorial candidates sounded off Friday evening on Big Island issues before a crowd of more than 150 at a forum sponsored by local business groups. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island residents had the chance to see the candidates running for Governor at a candidate forum Friday evening at the Event Center at the Arc of Hilo. Big Island Video News.

‘Pro white’ candidate expelled by state GOP. The Hawaii Republican Party says it expelled a candidate for state House District 2 after it became aware of his racist views. Tribune-Herald.

Four candidates for Hawaii County Council – two each running for Puna districts 4 and 5 – participated in a political forum Thursday night at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, or HAAS. Big Island Video News.

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3 accused of helping suspected Big Island cop killer to appear in court. Charges have been filed Sunday against three people in connection to the manhunt for wanted felon Justin Waiki. Hawaii News Now.

Accomplice to murder charges filed in South Point shootout. Three individuals arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting fugitive Justin Waiki, who was killed by police Friday in a shootout on South Point Road, are facing charges that could put them behind bars for the rest of their lives, if convicted. Tribune-Herald.

On Sunday, three people were charged with accomplice to first-degree murder for allegedly helping Justin Waiki hide from police. KITV.

With the manhunt over for suspected cop killer Justin Waiki, tributes are being planned to honor the slain Big Island officer. Hawaii News Now.

Services for Big Island officer killed in line of duty to be held at Afook-Chinen auditorium. Hawaii News Now.

Sgt. Bryan Tina in good condition according to Hawaii County mayor. The three-day manhunt for Justin Waiki is over. It culminated in a violent shootout that left Waiki dead and Sgt. Bryan Tina with a non-fatal gunshot wound. KHON2.

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The flow of tourists to the lava ocean entry slowed but did not stop last week after a tour boat was hit by a “lava bomb,” injuring 23 passengers. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists get rare chance to collect data on impact of lava on marine life, sea water. Tribune-Herald.

New testing underway to discern unknown ailment killing wild horses in Waipio Valley. No one knows how many wild horses in Waipio Valley have perished, or what is killing them. West Hawaii Today.

State terminates grant for $2.7M open space purchase. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case has notified Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim of the state’s termination of a grant agreement with the County that would have provided $1.33 million in matching funds for the acquisition of over 300 acres of private property that formerly reached the Waiopae coastline in Puna.  West Hawaii Today.

The State Legacy Land Conservation has agreed to terminate the agreement that would have helped Hawaii County purchase 300 acres of private property that reached what was once the Waiopae coastline, after lava inundated all of Kapoho. Big Island Video News.

Maui

After 130 years, kalo is harvested in Kahoma Valley. With the stream flowing again from mauka to makai, residents are able now to plant kalo. Maui News.

Joint effort formed to clean up Ukumehame site. Government and private landowner work to remove cars, homeless camp. Maui News.

The unemployment rate on Maui Island was at 2.6% in June, up from the 1.9% rate in May and down from the 2.8% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Westside sea level rise is meeting topic. Anyone who lives or works on the Westside is invited to participate in the West Kauai Community Vulnerability Assessment that will assess the area’s vulnerability to hazards like sea level rise and explore solutions. Garden Island.

Guardsmen deploy to Saudi Arabia. The 45-minute deployment ceremony for about 30 members of Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard, marked what will be a year-long tour. Garden Island.

Mosquito birth control could save endangered birds; Hawaii No. 1 in state tax withholding; DLNR officer found guilty in rape of 16-year-old; lawmakers mull election recount, tax hikes, commercial fishing; no opposition to HECO rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaua‘i Amakihi, courtesy Lucas Behnke USGS

State wildlife officials will investigate a “birth control method” they hope can be unleashed on the mosquito population that threatens Hawaii’s endangered forest birds. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists are testing what they’re calling “mosquito birth control” to stop a major threat to Hawaii’s most rare endangered birds. Garden Island.

Two Hawaii beaches ranked in Trip Advisor’s 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards for U.S. beaches, including Kaanapali Beach on Maui and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is ranked No. 1 when it comes to states that take the most in taxes out of your paycheck, based on a $50,000 salary, according to a new study by GOBankingRates. Pacific Business News.

Bill Would Require Recounts In Close Hawaii Elections. The proposal would make recounts automatic if a race’s victory margin is less than 250 votes or less than 1 percent of votes cast. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal with the potential to cripple the state’s commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found foreign fishermen confined to boats and living in subpar conditions.

State lawmakers are considering pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into research and prevention efforts aimed at combating rat lungworm disease, a condition in which parasitic worm larvae infect people’s brains.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

No one spoke in opposition to Hawaiian Electric Co.’s proposed 6.9 percent rate increase Wednesday night at the only scheduled public hearing on the request. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council advances three bills that could make your commute much more costly. The measures raise vehicle and fuel taxes, plus double metered parking rates. KITV.

A new bill is moving through the state Legislature that would increase the general excise tax on Oahu from 4.7 percent to 5.2 percent. KHON2.

Homeless people in Iwilei and Kalihi may need to pack up their tents if the Honolulu City Council passes two new bills aimed at expanding the city’s sit-lie ban. Civil Beat.

There are no requirements to serve on the board charged with civilian oversight of a scandal-ridden police department. Civil Beat.

Council OKs bill on defibrillators in buildings. Star-Advertiser.

A wave of high-rise development plans on or near Kapiolani Boulevard close to one end of the city’s envisioned rail line just got bigger with a local developer’s purchase Wednesday of three two-story commercial buildings in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Farrington High School’s 2,396 students have been asked to wear Governors maroon today when Farrington dedicates its first football stadium — a facility that Principal Al Carganilla hopes will spur new traditions for his students and the Kalihi community at large. Star-Advertiser.

HPD investigating 'sextortion' crime in which UH student wired hundreds of dollars overseas. Hawaii News Now.

The Army’s 25th Infantry Division says the death of a Hawaii soldier’s infant is under investigation. Associated Press.

The Army did not notify state Child Protective Services, as required by law, after learning that an infant was taken to the hospital recently with suspicious injuries, Hawaii News Now has learned.

Hilton Grand Vacations is looking to fill scores of positions at its new Grand Islander hotel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A state conservation officer, who once worked for the Honolulu Police Department, was found guilty Wednesday of raping a 16-year-old girl at a beach park on the Big Island in 2016. Civil Beat.

A Hilo Circuit Court jury of seven men and five women took less than three hours to convict 40-year-old Ethan Ferguson of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault for the Jan. 1, 2016, assault at Lalakea Beach Park in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald.

A state law enforcement officer was found guilty of rape on Wednesday, following a jury trial in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Recent tests of the sewer main along Alii Drive are showing highly elevated levels of chloride, indicating seawater is getting into the line. West Hawaii Today.

Meeting for the first time since November, the Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency took stock of ongoing changes to the local political landscape. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s housing department is proposing a 36 percent rent hike at its Kula‘imano Elderly Housing Project in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Demands for Alexander & Baldwin to be more transparent and to disclose the impacts of its proposed 30-year lease for water from East Maui streams were heard Wednesday evening at a crowded Maui Electric Co. community meeting room. Maui News.

The Department of Management has announced the formation of a Cost Reduction Unit aimed at reducing costs for all county operations. Maui Watch.

The House Committee on Health has amended and recommended passage of a bill to provide a state subsidy that would allow Hale Makua Health Services to admit more wait-listed patients who are no longer in need of acute care but are taking up valuable beds at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui News.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday on a Maui man who breached security Saturday at Honolulu International Airport and died after being apprehended. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County councilmembers want to be able to order investigations if they believe they are not getting sufficient answers from the county administration. Garden Island.