Super Senator(?) Schatz, OSHA turns inspections back to Hawaii, builder tapped for Coco Palms, former state senator dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono file photo

Brian Schatz, Hawaii's Super Senator? The Hawaii politician has a slick PR machine. But can he lead? Civil Beat.

A new Nissan Pathfinder, two power saws, tickets to a trendy nightclub and a full sized male mannequin. Those were some of the pricier – or more unusual items – found in the campaign expenditure reports of Hawaii lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

OSHA turns manufacturing back over to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division just as Federal funding is again in jeopardy. Hawaii Independent.

Cal Kawamoto, who served in the state Senate for a decade and was a tireless advocate for Waipahu, died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack earlier this month. He was 73. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Brewing Co.’s Longboard Island Lager bottle was recently honored by the Glass Packaging Institute for its “innovation, package design and consumer appeal” during the group’s annual Clear Choice Awards at Pack Expo. Pacific Business News

Oahu

An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday charging a former teacher's aide at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind with sexually assaulting a student at the school. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless advocates have filed the first legal challenge to the city's sidewalk nuisance law which went into effect in July. Brian Brazier, an attorney for De Occupy Honolulu which has set up camp at Thomas Square, said the confiscation of personal belongings constitutes an unreasonable seizure. Hawaii News Now.

It is no surprise that Lex Smith, a well-connected attorney, has been a key player in the contentious efforts to develop the rustic Kahuku Village on the North Shore into a multi-million dollar real estate development. Civil Beat.

The new owners of Tesoro Corp.'s Kapolei oil refinery say they are poised to take advantage of a boom in North American crude supplies that could allow the facility to ramp up its production of gasoline, jet fuel and other products. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore residents told state transportation officials that barricading the parking lot at Laniakea Beach is not the solution for traffic problems in the area. More than a hundred area residents attended a meeting Wednesday night at Haleiwa Elementary School of the Department of Transportation's Task Force on re-aligning Kamehameha Highway at Laniakea, with about two dozen airing their concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless leave Pawaa as city closes down park. Officials say the area needs cleaning for visits by South Korean groups. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Kai man is getting ready for a battle with the city in court over a pothole. Donald Fehlmann is suing the city because he says it’s refusing to pay for damage to his car. KHON2.

Kaiser High School Principal John Sosa has been placed on paid leave as the Department of Education conducts an investigation. It's unclear what the investigation entails. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Funding for the second phase of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project isn’t in any danger of lapsing, at least not on the federal end, officials assured the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

“Get a grip; we are zero ‘frightened,’” wrote jailed cannabis minister Roger Christie in an email sent to the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday in the wake of news that he and his wife, Share Christie, had accepted a plea deal with prosecutors in their federal marijuana distribution case. Tribune-Herald.

A Keaukaha man says he plans to continue to protest Hawaii Electric Light Co. online and on the street after chaining himself to the utility’s Hilo office door earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A finding of no significant environmental impact has been issued on the proposed consolidated car rental facility for Kahului Airport, and officials hope construction can begin in March. Maui News.

Famed rocker Gene Simmons from KISS and his wife Shannon Tweed were in Hawaii in January 2008 to film two episodes of their television reality show, Family Jewels. While they were in town, Simmons was the keynote speaker at the Smart Business Hawaii Annual Business and Investment Conference. Hawaii Reporter.

An activities booking business, The Maui Fun Co., has closed, leaving behind possibly more than $100,000 in debts to activity providers, from downhill bike operations to luaus. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai-based Unlimited Construction Services has been chosen as the design-build contractor for the redevelopment of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai’s Eastside, the developers said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The owners of Coco Palms Resort in Wailua announced Wednesday they have sent most of the reconstruction permits to the county and have picked their team to rebuild the hotel. Garden Island.

In an effort to take the guesswork out of what container a recyclable should be placed in, the county’s Recycling Office has developed image-based signage with a local flair for the public’s use. Garden Island.

The revised master plan for Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks is back with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Audit slams Honolulu International Airport contracts, Abercrombie mulls bills to sign/veto, Hawaii County elections face audit, Oahu Democrats craft platform, Molokai loses electricty, Sears to leave Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport courtesy Hawaii DOT

Hawaii’s state auditor says Transportation Department officials improperly shifted buying power to a contractor managing a $1.7 billion renovation of the Honolulu airport as part of a pattern of repeat violations. Associated Press.

The state auditor released a scathing report Wednesday slamming the Department of Transportation's Airports Division for a "pattern of recurring violations and questionable practices" as it moved forward on a 12-year, $1.7 billion overhaul of Honolulu Airport. Star-Advertiser.

More than half a million dollars in office renovations. That’s just one example of questionable spending for the state’s billion dollar airport improvement project. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants the public’s input on what bills he should sign into law or veto. The Legislature passed 293 bills this past session, which ended May 2. Those measures are now on the governor’s desk and he has until June 24 to let lawmakers know which one he plans to veto. His deadline to veto bills is July 9, according to the Hawaii Public Access Room. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit executives are applauding action by the state Legislature that could generate tens of millions of dollars for local charities. Pacific Business News.

Six weeks before Hawaii’s media shield law expires, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York says he plans to revive federal legislation that would protect journalists from being forced to disclose confidential sources and information. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association said Wednesday that premiums have not kept up with rising health care costs, leaving the state's largest health insurer with a $3.6 million loss in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

A former civilian defense worker accused of passing national defense secrets to his Chinese girlfriend will have to wait a little longer for his release from custody pending trial. Star-Advertiser.

This Friday is Bike to Work Day in Hawaii. The annual event promotes bike safety and encourages more people to think about the possibility of commuting by bike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Two years after the state began charging tourists $3 to park at the Pali Lookout, Hawaii News Now found many visitors aren't paying the fee because they don't know they're supposed to pay or they can't understand English when attendants ask them to pay.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the burden to pass a balanced budget has shifted to the City Council after his proposal to increase the county fuel tax by a nickel per gallon suffered a speedy defeat back in March. KITV4.

Admissions that the Internal Revenue Service improperly targeted tea party groups in Hawaii and 17 other states for scrutiny when they filed for tax-exempt status should be troubling to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, says one member of an isle tea party group that was among those singled out. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats, at the party's annual state convention last weekend, approved resolutions calling for the decriminalization of pot, the legalization of same-sex marriage, the raising of the minimum wage and the public financing of elections. Civil Beat.

Both city officials and (de)Occupy Honolulu members are hoping a U.S. district judge will make a ruling Friday on the protest group's encampment on the sidewalks near Thomas Square and the city's efforts to remove them. Star-Advertiser.

The number of recruiters attending the largest job fair in the state Wednesday was up sharply from a similar event just four months ago, illustrating the continued strengthening of the labor market in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

What started as an attempt by Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi to find out how much overtime was paid during the 2012 election has blossomed into an audit by an outside firm comparing election expenditures for the last three election cycles. West Hawaii Today.

Queen Liliuokalani Trust officials want to protect and preserve threatened plant and animal species on their property, Vice President LeeAnn Crabbe said Wednesday. But the trust needs to find the balance between land preservation and serving Hawaiian children, Crabbe said after a public meeting on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to designate nearly 19,000 acres as critical habitat for three endangered plant species endemic to Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members urged the county’s lawyers not to file an appeal in a South Kona planning case, but Corporation Counsel has already lodged one request with the 3rd Circuit Court seeking clarification on its ruling. West Hawaii Today.


Maui
Maui County will demonstrate Thursday a "first of its kind in Hawaii" wireless remote controlled streetlighting system that can be dimmed late at night to save energy, the county announced last week. Maui News.

The county Department of Water Supply has completed a final environmental assessment and has issued a finding of no significant environmental impact for the reopening of two Hamakuapoko water wells. Maui News.

Tea Party Maui was among hundreds of groups targeted by the Internal Revenue Service for extra scrutiny when it applied for tax-exempt status in May 2010, said Bill Doyle, the group's president in 2012. Maui News.

A tea party group on Maui says it was among those targeted by the IRS for special scrutiny when it petitioned for tax-exempt status. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i legislators ended this year’s session with $51.9 million approved for capital improvement projects across the island. Garden Island.

Sears is bidding aloha to the Garden Isle, and putting more than 40 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Molokai

Power has been restored on Molokai after an islandwide outage Wednesday morning, Maui Electric Co. officials said. Maui News.

An island-wide power outage on Molokaʻi affected some 3,200 customers, according to officials at Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) proposed increased protection for the Papohaku dune system. While the changes will not likely bring enforcement of stricter development rules, officials said they hope the protection would raise awareness of the dunes’ value. Molokai Dispatch.

Temporary Hawaii hotel tax becomes permanent, minimum wage coming along, prison oversight lacking, Honolulu traffic second-worst, Maui judge charged with evidence tampering, Honolulu councilman wants congressional seat, sovereignty activists challenge DLNR, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Hawaiian hotel (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Lawmakers agreed Wednesday to make permanent a temporary increase in the hotel room tax rate that was set to expire in 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are negotiating a minimum wage increase aimed at helping residents grapple with the high cost of living in the islands. Associated Press.

State lawmakers have agreed on a bill that would enable the state to conduct historic preservation reviews of construction projects in phases, rather than all at once, but the final vote on the legislation could be difficult. Star-Advertiser.

State officials still don’t do a good job providing oversight of for-profit, mainland prisons that hold about one-third of Hawaii’s inmate population, according to a recent report from the Auditor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s plan for state-funded preschool is still in limbo despite a rapidly approaching deadline. Associated Press.

Waikiki community leaders and activists are speaking out against a legislative effort to allow the state to make money off school lands through public-private partnerships. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee plans to back Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in his bid for re-election next year amid a primary challenge from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a spokesman said Tuesday. Associated Press.

A Hawaii congressional seat has opened for the third time in just three years, and any ambitious politician has to be thinking about running for it. Civil Beat.

Pledging to run a campaign that will touch all corners of urban Honolulu, City Councilman Stanley Chang on Wednesday became the first to declare his candidacy for the congressional seat expected to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

It's not even official – but that hasn't stopped at least one candidate from announcing a bid for U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa's Congressional Seat if she decides to challenge appointed Senator Brian Schatz. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers’ $3 Billion List of Projects Available Online. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers vote to ban the parking boot. Hawaii News Now.

Common Cause Hawaii, the League of Women Voters, Hawaii's Thousand Friends and Americans for Democratic Action have dubbed these bills "Frankenstein" constructions and scores of supporters submitted a petition to the state House and Senate demanding that the Legislature reject seven gut-and-replace bills and 11 Frankenstein bills, and to ban any future use of either legislative practice. Civil Beat.

Honolulu-based ocean shipper Matson Inc. announced Wednesday it is reducing its fuel surcharge for its Hawaii service by 3.5 percentage points because of a change in bunker fuel prices.Pacific Business News.

Oahu
The good news: Honolulu no longer ranks as America's worst city for traffic congestion. The bad news: It's now the second-worst. Star-Advertiser.

The city stepped up pressure on members of (de)Occupy Honolulu on Wednesday, removing about six tents and other property from in front of the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall with just 15 minutes' warning. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to replace the city's existing fuel tax with a highway user fee got an initial approval from the City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday but could be facing a bumpy road ahead. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee advanced a bill today to establish a fee for the use of County roads and highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chinatown leaders say the shortage of public bathrooms is a problem, and maybe even a deterrent for visitors. KITV4.

In 2003, Campbell High School — which sits in the heart of Ewa Beach — was the state’s 11th largest public school, enrolling roughly 1,850 students. In less than 10 years, however, enrollment has skyrocketed by more than 50 percent, accounting for some of the most pronounced student population growth in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A Dean & DeLuca luxury food market where items include $1,000 tins of caviar and $35 cuts of filet mignon is to open its first store in Hawaii as part of the planned Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach condominium-hotel where penthouses are priced at about $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers and workers gathered in Waianae Wednesday to plant up to 20 very rare native Hawaiian nanu (Gardenia brighamii) plants that they cultivated from the last remaining nanu growing wild on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Judiciary is getting 90 percent less funding for the Kona Judiciary Complex than it asked for this Legislative session. West Hawaii Today.

One of the items that did not get funded – despite an intensive lobbying effort on its behalf – was a building for the University of Hawaii at Hilo pharmacy school, which currently operates out of temporary facilities. Big Island Now.

The presence of endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots is delaying a $12 million upgrade to the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island received a failing grade for particulate pollution in the air, according to an American Lung Association report card released Wednesday. Associated Press.

Sovereignty activists plan to return Saturday to the site of their “Kanaka Garden” in front of the King Kamehameha the Great statue in Hilo to continue their protest of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and what they view as an illegal occupation by the United States. Tribune-Herald.

Paauilo Elementary and Intermediate School Principal Brian Paul Simon has been placed on leave mere weeks before the end of the school year. The change in leadership at the school came six days after Simon was ordered to serve out a sentence on a DUI charge dating back to 2009. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui District Family Court judge has reportedly stepped down after being charged Tuesday with tampering with a government record. Star-Advertiser.

Second Circuit Family Court Judge Mimi DesJardins resigned Tuesday, the same day a complaint was filed in Wailuku District Court charging her with tampering with a government record, according to the state Judiciary. Maui News.

They take an oath of office, swearing to uphold the law. But one Maui judge is accused of breaking the law. KHON2.

Hawaii legislators charged with negotiating the state budget have agreed to a $23.8 billion biennium budget proposal - including $130 million for the Kihei high school. Maui News.

Full funding for a new Kīhei High School, in the amount of $130 million, is included in a draft version of the legislative budget that is now headed to the full House and Senate for final votes. Maui Now.

Kauai
The Kaua‘i Humane Society is asking for nearly $1 million in its new budget proposal. Garden Island.

Green mokihana berries intertwined with maile vines are the main components of Kaua‘i’s trademark lei. While neither of these endemic plants are endangered, thoughtless harvesting at accessible locations could affect available supplies for future generations, according to cultural practitioners. Garden Island.

The bench warrant for an off-island celebrity witness who missed a court hearing last week was lifted Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. Randolph Trey Parker, co-creator of the animated television series “South Park,” missed an April 17 appearance as a prosecution witness in a 2009 case involving the burglary of his residence along with terroristic threats using firearms and weapons. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s people gave 1,100 pounds of food Saturday during the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch 24th annual food drive. Garden Island.

Hawaii military buildup delayed, new contract for Hawaii teachers, audit raps Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii mayor mulls waste-to-energy incinerator, Pfleuger manslaughter trial date to be set in dam failure, Ellison not only billionaire with an island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Marines at Pohakuloa Training Area Hawaii (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Marine Corps’ top brass has told Congress that sequestration could slow the Marines movement from Okinawa to Guam, a move that is expected to also bring as many as 2,700 additional Marines to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Public school teachers voted Wednesday to approve a $330 million, four-year contract that will tie their pay raises in part to student performance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public school teachers overwhelmingly approved a new labor agreement on Wednesday night, their first in nearly two years since their last contract expired. Associated Press.

A year after teachers rejected their last tentative labor contract, the moment has finally arrived: pay raises and improved healthcare benefits are on their horizon. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's public school teachers have overwhelmingly approved a new contract. Hawaii News Now.

The failure of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to adequately address a growing loan delinquency problem among its Native Hawaiian beneficiaries poses a solvency risk to the agency, according to the state auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Lax management, millions of dollars in delinquent loans and a reluctance to terminate lessees who are chronically behind in payments. That's the picture painted by an audit released Wednesday of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and the commission charged with overseeing a program that is supposed to help thousands of Native Hawaiians. KITV4.

State lawmakers are discussing whether to fold a proposed school readiness program into the state Department of Human Services until voters can decide whether the state should use public money for private preschool. Star-Advertiser.

Nine state lawmakers were tapped this week to resolve significant differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill to make Hawaii’s shield law permanent. Civil Beat.

State legislators are moving toward creating a task force to consider the implications of privatizing some of the state’s public hospitals. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation this week pushed for more support of a measure that would provide funds to train health care providers in rural areas. West Hawaii Today.

New Immigration Proposal Is Mixed Bag For Hawaii Families. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is looking at consulting more closely with the UH administration on salaries for new hires. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii is looking to sue the state because it doesn't like the way primary elections are run. Civil Beat.

Taxpayers have until Monday, April 22 to file their Hawaii state taxes this year. Maui Now.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu is moving ahead with its new $68.9 million Joint Traffic Management Center building at the corner of South King Street and Alapai Street near the recently completed $20 million, 411-stall parking structure. Pacific Business News.

The city likely won't be able to begin enforcement of a new "sidewalk nuisance" law until the summer, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday after the City Council unanimously approved the bill. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill yesterday aimed at clearing public sidewalks.  The unanimous vote by the 9-member Council advances the measure to the Mayor who is expected to sign it into law. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Honolulu City Council approved George Atta as the new director of the department of Permitting and Planning Wednesday. But as recently as two months ago, George Atta's name was on a preliminary draft environmental review for the New Hope Leeward Church project  planned for Kunia farmland. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council today adopted Bill 3 Relating to the Disposal of Weeds, Garbage, Trash and Waste from Property. The bill raises the maximum fine for property owners who don't maintain their properties which include the non-removal of trash and overgrown weeds. Hawaii Reporter.

#noonecares. That harsh tweet from University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay has sparked a lot of chatter about the poor state of facilities on campus. KHON2.

Hawaii

A waste-to-energy incinerator has moved up as the best solution to Hawaii County’s mounting garbage problem. West Hawaii Today.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs could be getting into the geothermal business. OHA’s Board of Trustees today will discuss whether to partner with Honolulu-based Innovations Development Group as it seeks to win a contract for providing up to 50 megawatts of geothermal electricity to island residents. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers on Wednesday cleared the financial hurdles out of the way for Kulani Correctional Facility to reopen on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Highway 137, AKA the "Red Road," is red no more. Tribune-Herald.

Proponents of making the trail leading to Papaikou Mill beach public urged Hawaii County Council members on Tuesday to get the process rolling by adding funding for an appraisal to the county budget. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The budget for the staff and operation of the Mayor’s Office is proposed to rise 15 percent next fiscal year — including two new administrative assistant positions — according to presentations made before the County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee on Monday. Civil Beat.

Two of the three sets of moving walkways in the Kahului Airport terminal will be fully operational again by the end of May, a state Department of Transportation official said. Maui News.

Despite only light winds passing through Maui’s Central Valley last Thursday, the wind turbines at Kaheawa Wind Power were turning and cranking out electricity. Maui News.

Kauai

A state judge is scheduled Thursday to set the date for retired auto dealer James Pflueger’s trial on seven counts of manslaughter for each of the seven people swept to their deaths when the Ka Loko dam breached on Kauai seven years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers’ money thrown into trash studies just keeps accumulating. A $1.8 million contract with off-island consultant AECOM to produce an environmental impact study for the island’s next landfill includes two updates to the Kaua‘i County Council — one was held in January, and the next is scheduled for later this year. Garden Island.

Kauai Activist Finds A Way To Make The Streets Safer. Civil Beat.

The first of two defendants accused of killing a goat was sentenced to felony probation in 5th Circuit Court Wednesday. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corp. and majority owner of Lanai, isn’t the only billionaire to own an island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii gay marriage ban upheld, early voting ends today, Occupy Honolulu occupies police station, Kauai park smoking ban fails, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu civil unions protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A challenge of state laws banning same-sex marriage will now move to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, after a federal judge's ruling Wednesday upholding the prohibition and throwing out a lawsuit contending the ban violates the U.S. Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

A U.S. District Court judge in Honolulu has rejected arguments from two lesbians who said that Hawaii's 1998 ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie said today he is willing to appeal a Hawaii federal court’s decision that upholds the constitutionality of state law barring marriage between same-sex couples. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal judge ruled Wednesday against two Hawaii women who want to get married instead of enter into a civil union, handing a victory to opponents of gay marriage in a state that’s been at the forefront of the issue. Associated Press.

U.S. District Court Judge Alan Kay upheld the state's current laws banning same-sex marriage in Honolulu federal court Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge has ruled against two local women who want to get married. Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Alan Kay upheld Hawaii's law banning same-sex marriages. KHON2.

It's the last day for Hawaii voters to participate in early walk-in voting for this weekend's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

In Hawaii, it’s best not to let your politics get in the way of your aloha. That’s the message of some candidates heading into Saturday's primary. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono has raised over four times as much cash as her nearest opponent ahead of Saturday’s primary election, and is surpassed only by the presumptive Republican nominee, former Gov. Linda Lingle. Tribune-Herald.

The 2nd Congressional District race will most likely be decided in the Primary Election Saturday… with the Democratic Party winner going on to win in the General Election, November 6th. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the second time in two elections, Mufi Hannemann is pulling out the big guns to show his large group of powerful backers in the final week of the election. Civil Beat.

Ed Case says he'll fix Washington. Mazie Hirono's strength is a collaborative style. Linda Lingle is bipartisan. Civil Beat.

Three bills dealing with cybercrimes were passed by the Legislature in the spring and signed into law by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii drivers registered 22,110 new vehicles in the first six months of this year, up nearly 20 percent from the 18,510 registered in the first half of 2011, according to a Hawaii Auto Outlook report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Occupy Honolulu protesters set up a new encampment at the Honolulu Police Department's headquarters on South Beretania Street, asserting that city workers improperly seized their items. Star-Advertiser.

The Oahu Burial Council Chair says the council is back in business, for their second meeting, after a five month hiatus. KITV4.

Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) says it will resume its ads targeting Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano now that he has been released from the hospital after suffering from a bleeding ulcer.  KHON2.

With three days before the primary election, Honolulu mayoral candidates are making a final fundraising push. Hawaii News Now.

A new exhibit at the Arizona Memorial museum will feature the Hiroshima atom bomb attack. Associated Press.

Officials at the Hawaii State Hospital are trying to balance public safety and patient privacy with a high-profile patient being allowed to take college classes unsupervised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is proud of all of his administration’s accomplishments during his first four years, but he really wishes he’d done more about the trash. West Hawaii Today.

Saying “poor performance” is not addressed in the ethics code, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday dismissed a complaint against Hilo Councilmen Donald Ikeda and Dennis Onishi. West Hawaii Today.

A new concessionaire is set take the reins Monday at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Volcano House. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ 2012 conference will start as planned on Monday, with some 600 people from the federal circuits in nine western states gathering on Maui for the four-day event. Pacific Business News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will offer opening remarks at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, taking place on Maui on August 13 to 16, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Maui Now.

Longtime state Sen. J. Kalani English represents the Senate's largest geographical district, which stretches across four islands - a distinction he says requires a special understanding that sets him apart from his opponents in Saturday's primary election. Maui News.

Kauai

Residential electricity rates fell in August on all islands except for Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will be mailing every properly registered voter a signature card on August 8, 2012. Signatures on the cards will be captured electronically and used to verify (authenticate) the signatures on absentee ballots and other official voting and election documents. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill banning tobacco products in county parks, introduced 21⁄2 months ago by Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang, at first appeared to be a slam dunk. Garden Island.

Molokai
The state plans to build a $1.3 million hydroelectric power plant on Molokai to help defray the energy costs tied to pumping water from Waikolu Valley for its irrigation system. Maui News.

Poll shows Cayetano on top for Honolulu mayor, Hawaii GOP now relevant, economy on upswing, electric rates rise, Legislature ponders official microbe and civil union bills, Abercrombie releases money for schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

former Hawaii Gov. and mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano, courtesy photo

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is riding strong anti-rail sentiment to a dominating lead in the Honolulu mayor's race, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Voters in Hawaii's upcoming Republican presidential caucus have found themselves in an unusual position: They're relevant. Associated Press.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $236,625 to run television ads last month supporting Linda Lingle's run for the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

The Council on Revenues has upgraded its forecast for the current fiscal year, citing an improving economy led by Hawaii's rebounding visitor industry. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues has increased its revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 by 0.5 percent to 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues raised its State general fund projection today … increasing the total amount of tax revenues the state can expect this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is Hawaii "in the money"? The Hawaii Council on Revenues, the 7-member politically appointed body officially charged with forecasting the state's economic future, today increased the state's revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 from 11.5 percent to 12 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Rowdy objections at the state Capitol could land critics in jail if a proposal moving through the Legislature becomes law. Associated Press.

A bill that would recognize an “official microbe” of the state of Hawaii was passed by the House of Representatives today. Hawaii Reporter.

Two bills making their way through the Legislature aim to clear up confusion surrounding the state’s civil union law. Tribune-Herald.

Nine of the 64 video surveillance cameras at the state Capitol don't work and the computers that run the system no longer allow sheriff's deputies to monitor all of the functioning cameras at once, state officials acknowledged Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rising fuel prices pushed residential electricity bills higher in March on all islands, utility officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been in serious talks with more airlines to jump into the Hawaii market as a way to help offset rising costs and bring more visitors in. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Wednesday that $7.48 million is being released by the state for public schools capital improvement projects. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Education estimates that ramping up instructional time in public schools as required by a new law passed last year will cost $206 million over the next seven years. Civil Beat.

Oahu
A Honolulu District Court judge denied motions Wednesday by six Occupy Honolulu members to dismiss charges stemming from remaining in Thomas Square beyond park hours in November. Star-Advertiser.

Pictures of tourists straddling and touching Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, which are a threatened species, have prompted a reminder that disturbing them in any way is a violation of both state and federal law. Hawaii News Now.

Guests at a hotel near Honolulu's airport found a suckling pig in the lobby, but it wasn't on the menu of the luau. KITV4.

Hawaii

Commissioners who create County Council districts would be barred from running in those districts for at least one election cycle after the lines are drawn, under a charter amendment the council Governmental Relations Committee is scheduled to hear today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island hospitals and doctors are finally seeing the pieces of a $16 million federal stimulus award come together. West Hawaii Today.

Banana bunchy virus found in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Businesses are back in Kailua-Kona after last year's tsunami. KHON2.

Maui

Voters will get a chance to decide whether to make the county Department of Environmental Management responsible for "sustainability" in addition to its other duties. Maui News.

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on list of Lehman holdings for sale. Associated Press.

Beaches in West Maui and Honolulu were ranked among the top in the US and World according to the annual awards issued by the international travel site, TripAdvisor. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tropic Care Kaua‘i ends Friday. Garden Island.

A bill recently introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council by request of the administration intends to promote the “effective and efficient use of solar energy facilities.” But not at the expense of Kaua‘i’s “best agricultural lands,” according to an amendment unanimously approved by the council’s Planning Committee Wednesday. Garden Island.

Now that the emergency shelters are closed, American Red Cross volunteers on Kaua‘i are helping assess damage from this week’s heavy rains on Kaua‘i, spokeswoman Maria Lutz said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The close connection between land and sea is nothing new for Molokai locals. But researchers have taken that connection a step farther and made a groundbreaking discovery along the coast of Molokai: they found that in two submarine canyons off the north shore of the island, ocean animals are relying heavily on resources from the land. Molokai Dispatch.