NOAA to survey coral reefs, lawmakers mull veto overrides, Honolulu rail project leaks leaders, Maui rejects affordable housing plan, names proposed for Fissure 8, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef with wrasse ©2019 All Hawaii News

NOAA To Assess Reefs for Coral Bleaching, Map Sea Floor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will set sail on the research vessel Oscar Elton Sette Tuesday to search the waters around the Hawaiian Islands for coral bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

Spikes in bacteria at Hawaii beaches raise concern. In this summer of record heat and rain, beachgoers might want to do a water-quality check before diving in. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Counting Votes In Case They Try To Override Vetoes. There’s no solid plan for a special session Monday, but a Senate memo lists measures lawmakers may try to enact even if Gov. David Ige rejects them. Civil Beat.

Community activists urge governor to allow real estate tax bill to become law. Community activists paid Gov. David Ige a surprise visit at the State Capitol on Wednesday, urging him not veto a bill that would tax some of Hawaii’s largest landowners. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘It’s A Struggle’: Rail Project Loses More Top Deputies At A Crucial Time. Key personnel continue to leave the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation as rail construction nears its most critical crossroads. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Suspends Ex-Prosecutor's Law License. The Hawaii Supreme Court is suspending the law license of a former high-powered Honolulu prosecutor after a U.S. jury convicted her of conspiracy. Associated Press.

Katherine Kealoha mingles with fellow inmates at Federal Detention Center. Katherine Kealoha, the former deputy prosecutor- turned-convicted-felon, has been moved out of a segregated cell into the general population at the Federal Detention Center, where she has her Bible and rosary beads but still has not seen her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s Safe House For Abuse Victims To Close As Questions Swirl. The City Council cut funding for the facility, a favored project of the Honolulu prosecutor, and now it faces allegations of civil rights abuses from residents. Civil Beat.

City denies retaliating against safe house residents and workers. The city has retaliated against residents and employees of a controversial “safe house” for victims of domestic violence after they spoke to government investigators looking into public corruption, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and an attorney with knowledge of the situation. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Kawaiahao Church members try to right 27 desecrated graves. Nanette Napolean, historian and cemetery expert, guided Kawaiahao Church members and volunteers as they righted the heavy headstones toppled some time early Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Test finds E. coli bacteria in Windward Oahu drinking water source. On Wednesday, the Board of Water Supply announced that a drinking water sample from BWS Waihee Tunnel, which serves Windward Oahu from Kahana to Waimanalo, has tested positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria. Star-Advertiser.

Weather, increased enforcement may have sunk ‘Floatilla’. The Fourth of July “Floatilla” off Waikiki that caused major headaches for ocean safety officials in recent years failed to materialize Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The deadline to submit possible names for fissure 8 has passed, with a total of 20 proposed monikers submitted. The state Board of Geographic Names began soliciting proposed names for fissure 8, one of the most prominent landmarks formed from the 2018 Kilauea eruption, from the general public last year.  Tribune-Herald.

The county is moving forward with plans for a popular Kona beach park, but there’s still a long road ahead. A month after the Department of Parks and Recreation set a May 31 deadline for comments on plans to implement preservation recommendations at Laaloa Beach Park, the agency said it’s now working to compile that data for the State Historic Preservation Division. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Chair Retires After 20 Years of Service. Reeve N. “Bob” Williams, Lt. Col, US Army retired, was presented a memorial plaque from the Board of Director’s at a dinner held June 22, 2019. Big Island Now.

Maui

Affordable project fails in committee. Councilors vote against Launiupoko developments with 96-workforce units. Maui News.

Schatz Discusses Climate Change, Appropriations at Maui Town Hall. US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii held a town hall meeting on Maui on Tuesday afternoon at Kahului Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Money for maintenance. With many of Hawaii’s most popular trails seeing record numbers of hikers, Hawaii Tourism is providing $530,000 to the DLNR Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System. Garden Island.

Ige may veto vacation rental, REIT taxes, lets marijuana decriminalization bill stand, NTSB dings FAA for lax skydiving regulations, the future of Haiku Stairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces potential vetoes PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige's full veto list and rationale. Governor's Office.

Ige Set To Veto $56 Million In New Taxes On Real Estate Trusts And Vacation Rentals. But bills to decriminalize the use of pot, allow mail-in balloting, create a new state prison oversight commission and provide funds to replace aging Aloha Stadium will all become law. Civil Beat.

Tax bills for vacation rentals and REITs among items on governor’s veto list. Gov. David Ige said he will veto a measure that will allow vacation rental platforms like AirBNB to collect taxes from owners. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says he will veto Senate vacation rental collection bill. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Plans To Veto Short-Term Rental Tax Bill. Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday announced he plans to veto a bill that would require short-term rental booking platforms to collect state taxes. The measure, S.B. 1292, was passed by the state Senate last month by a single vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige unveils "intent to veto" list. Governor David Ige unveiled his intent to veto list Monday. Twenty bills already passed by state lawmakers may not become law. KITV.

Ige plans to veto bill to tax REITs in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would make Hawaii only the second state to tax real estate investment trusts, saying any gain the state might see wouldn’t be worth the “negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate.” Pacific Business News.

Ige considering vetoes for Airbnb, industrial hemp billsTwenty bills might be on the chopping block after Gov. David Ige revealed Monday which of them he is considering vetoing. Tribune-Herald.

Hemp, Airbnb, Cannabis, Asset Forfeiture Bills On Ige’s Veto List. Hawaii Governor David Ige notified state leaders and key lawmakers today of his intent to veto the 20 different measures that passed through the Legislature this year. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb Among 20 Bills on Ige’s Intent to Veto List. Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto 20 measures. Maui Now.

=====

Pot possession decriminalized with new bill. Starting next year, possession of small quantities of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii airports get $10M in federal funds for safety improvements, upgrades. Four airports in Hawaii will get over $10 million in federal funds to improve airport safety, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gets $10 Million For Airport Improvements. The funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, reconstruct taxiways and install runway lighting at four airports across the state. Civil Beat.

=====

More regulation urged in crash’s wake. The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to increase regulations for aircraft that operate parachuting serv­ices in the wake of Friday’s fatal skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of crash, investigators put FAA ‘on notice’ over safety concerns with skydiving operations. In an extraordinary news conference Monday, NTSB investigators in Hawaii following Friday’s deadly plane crash in Mokuleia publicly criticized the FAA for failing to adopt tougher oversight of skydiving operations and said the agency is “on notice." Hawaii News Now.

FAA Largely Ignored Calls For Improved Skydiving Flight Safety, NTSB Says. The NTSB called for more stringent standards for skydiving operations more than 10 years ago. On Monday, it called out the FAA for not taking sufficient action on those. Civil Beat.

NTSB calls on FAA to strengthen regulation on parachute operations. According to a National Transportation Safety board member, changes to some Federal Aviation Administration rules could save lives. KITV.

NTSB holds second press conference on Mokuleia plane crash that killed 11. KHON2.

Oahu Parachute Center owner responds for the first time following crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner releases names of 7 victims from Mokuleia plane crash. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office today released the names of seven of the victims of Friday’s skydiving plane that crashed at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Names Of 7 Oahu Plane Crash Victims Released. Eleven people total died in the Dillingham Airfield incident Friday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 7 Of 11 Victims In Plane Crash. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. During a community meeting Monday, the head of Hawaii’s public schools admitted she’s not sure if the Department of Education is fully compliant with a new law banning certain pesticides on or near campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Court expects crowd for Kealoha closings. An overflow crowd is expected today when government and defense attorneys give closing arguments in the corruption and conspiracy trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three co- defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What To Expect At Closing Arguments In The Kealoha Case. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are on trial with three Honolulu police officers for allegedly framing a family member for the theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Unsealed records: Kealoha was prosecuting cases despite ‘serious’ medical condition. Records unsealed Monday by a federal judge show Katherine Kealoha was not capable of prosecuting cases for at least eight months between 2013 and 2014. Hawaii News Now.


Judge to decide on change to Kaneshiro removal petition. A circuit judge will soon decide whether there needs to be a complete do-over of a petition campaign seeking to impeach embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Tear it down or reopen it? A new evaluation outlines options for the Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is offering hope to hikers looking for a legal way to enjoy the scenic — and currently off-limits — Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply considering the future of Haiku Stairs. An environmental impact statement was released on Sunday that shows the stairs could be removed as early as 2022. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen Powered Buses Are Happening On Hawaii Island. Hydrogen buses are on the way and the fueling station in Kona is ready to go, according to County officials. Big Island Video News.

FEMA Wants Its Money Back For Aid To Volcano Victims. FEMA says the agency is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure the money doesn’t duplicate other assistance, wasn’t inappropriately spent or was provided in error. Civil Beat.

Maui

Kahului Airport Gets $4.29 Million in Federal Funds. Maui’s Kahului Airport will receive $3.6 million to reconstruct its taxiway and $693,750 to purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, according to an announcement today from US Senator Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

Maui vets work to keep Korean War history alive. Veterans remembered through oral histories; candlelight ceremony planned for Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors must pay in Waimea Canyon state parks. Paid parking for visitors and commercial tours is soon to be a common requirement in Kauai State Parks. Garden Island.

Out-of-state visitors to pay parking fees at Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not a Hawaii resident, be prepared to pay a parking fee come Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai leaders to discuss plans that might impact traditional salt making in Hanapepe. A battle is brewing over Kauai’s famed salt ponds of Hanapepe. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai man among victims of Oahu skydiving crash. Jordan Tehero was a Kauai-raised man in love with skydiving and videography. Garden Island.

Legislature passes vacation rental tax bill, REIT tax; water rights bill dies, Maui mulls property tax hike, pilot in deadly copter crash was a newcomer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senators listen to debate PC: Hawaii Senate Majority

Vacation rental bill awaits Ige’s signature. A bill that critics say will aid the proliferation of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday following an emotional floor debate that centered on whether the state was forsaking good public policy to go after $46 million in potential revenue from unpaid transient accommodation taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Narrowly Votes To Tax Vacation Rentals. If signed by the governor, Airbnb and HomeAway could act as tax collectors on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

State Senate Revives Vacation Rental Regulation. The State Senate revoted on and passed SB 1292 imposing short term rental taxes by a margin of 13-12. The bill, already approved by the House of Representatives, now goes to Gov. David Ige for signature or veto. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. The state Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a bill that would require websites such as Airbnb to collect and pay taxes on behalf of short-term vacation rental hosts, sending the measure to the governor. Associated Press.

Hawaii Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. Hawaii News Now.

Taxing of vacation rentals could become law. KHON2.

Senate votes to allow tax collection on vacation rentals. Pacific Business News.

=====

Senate Takes No Action On Water Rights Bill. Leaders say House Bill 1326 is dead for certain in the 2019 session, which wraps Thursday. Civil Beat.

Iconic Hawaii Properties Could Soon Pay More Taxes. Hawaii legislators voted overwhelmingly to impose a new corporate tax on real estate investment trusts, but now it’s up to the governor to decide. Civil Beat.

=====

Investment firm offers to help Hawaii teachers buy homes. A company that helps educators buy homes in high-cost communities has “landed” in Hawaii with a $25 million bankroll envisioned to help improve chronically poor public school teacher retention. Star-Advertiser.

Partnership Aims To Help Hawaii Teachers Buy Homes. A San Francisco company unveiled a new partnership with state education and business leaders to help school teachers afford to buy homes here. Civil Beat.

A new program announced today aims to help K-12 teachers in the state purchase a home. It's the result of a partnership with local leaders and a mainland firm with a connection to Mark Zuckerberg. Hawaii Public Radio.

New program is aimed at helping teachers buy in Hawaii, but union urges caution. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige, schools Superintendent Kristina Kishimoto and leaders with the Hawaii Community Foundation and Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with San Francisco-based company, Landed, which helps a buyer get a shared home. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ballard addresses abuse allegations against 4 officers. The Honolulu Police Department is stepping up counseling and training in the wake of recent arrests of four officers linked to separate misdemeanor domestic violence charges. Star-Advertiser.

Why Is It So Hard To Fire Honolulu Police Sgt. Darren Cachola? Every year, a number of Honolulu police officers are investigated and even charged with domestic abuse. Civil Beat.

HPD officers accused in federal corruption case still getting pay checks. Lieutenant Derek Hahn, Officer Bobby Nguyen and Sergeant Danny Sellers are still paid Honolulu Police Officers, more than two years after the Department of Justice sent target letters and about 18 months after they were indicted by a federal grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

HPD Sergeant Convicted In Corruption Scheme Will Stay On The Job. There’s a limit to the number of days a police officer can go on leave without pay so the chief wants him to perform administrative duties. Civil Beat.
=====

Pilot in deadly chopper crash had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Family members said the 28-year-old pilot killed Monday when a tour helicopter slammed into a busy Kailua street had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses plead guilty to more than 50 tax violations. Nine Oahu businesses pleaded guilty to dozens of counts of tax violations this week, according to the state’s Department of Taxation. Hawaii News Now.

Bulky-item pickup by appointment only debuts from Hawaii Kai to Foster Village. Starting May 15 residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai — including busy Waikiki — will have to go online to schedule appointments for bulky-item pickup service. Star-Advertiser.

High bacteria counts were found at various beaches in the Waikiki area including Kuhio Beach, Lanikai Beach shoreline, Kahanamoku Beach and Kuhio Beach. KITV.

Developer Irongate has set its sights on a lofty new expansion: The company is converting the penthouse floors in the Diamond Head Tower of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, into an exclusive fractional-­ownership club. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

If department heads had their way, there would be 51 new positions added to the county workforce on top of the 72 already proposed by Mayor Harry Kim. But the final budget Kim will send to the County Council on Friday will contain just a fraction of that. West Hawaii Today.

Tentative deal reached in brewery lawsuit. The parent company of Kona Brewing Co. has agreed on a tentative settlement with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed two years ago over allegations that the company’s packaging and advertising misleads customers. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island inmate to receive large settlement in case over a stolen lunch box. The state will pay a Big Island inmate more than $100,000 in a settlement after he claimed guards beat him up over a lunch box. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council budget committee OKs across the board tax hike that nets $17.7M more than mayor’s budget. Public hearing on proposed property tax rates May 10. Maui News.

Maui Court Voids Final EIS Approval for Kahului Sludge Farm. The waste-to-energy project is proposed for development by the County of Maui with Anaergia Services and its subsidiary MANA at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility near Kanaha. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pine reports $1.1 million 1st-quarter loss. Legal costs from lawsuits dating back 10 years contributed to loss. Maui News.

Kauai

BLNR lawsuit moves forward. A Fifth Circuit judge on Tuesday ruled that a lawsuit brought against the state Board of Land and Natural Resources by a Kauai concrete company over $1 million worth of sand can move forward. Garden Island.

County Council to consider audits. The Kauai County Council this morning will discuss authorizing the audits of several departments based on concerns about potentially illegal mismanagement of federal government funds, overtime abuse, pension spiking, low morale and managerial incompetence. Garden Island.

Legal TVRs can resume operations. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami has signed an eighth supplementary emergency proclamation for the County of Kauai, and has amended the emergency rule and order as it applies to legal Transient Vacation Rentals in the Lumahai, Wainiha, and Haena area. Garden Island.

=====

Kuhio Highway won’t reopen until late May. he reopening date for Kuhio Highway on the North Shore set for today has been postponed until the week of May 20. Garden Island.

Officials Postpone Kuhio Highway Reopening In Wake Of Community Concerns. State transportation officials plan to delay the full reopening of Kauai's Kuhio Highway until the week of May 20 following concerns raised by residents in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Controversial reopening of Kuhio Highway on Kauai is delayed. The state’s reopening of a 2-mile-stretch of Kuhio Highway, which has been closed to non-local traffic for more than a year, is now anticipated to take place May 20 — weather permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Full opening of Kuhio Highway is delayed by work on Waikoko bridge. KHON2.

Legislature kills water permit plan, flavored vape bill dies, Public Safety director confirmation delayed, Maui jail riot evidence missing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flume brings water from the mountain to valley farmland ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate panel shelves bill on access to public water. A Senate committee Thursday killed a bill that would have allowed an assortment of utilities, landowners, ranchers and farmers to continue accessing public water under revocable permits while they worked to satisfy stringent state requirements for obtaining long-term leases. Star-Advertiser.

Water Rights Bill Goes Down The Drain In ‘Historic Vote’. The land company Alexander & Baldwin is among the big losers after senators can’t agree on a proposal to allow stream diversion to continue. Civil Beat.

=====

Decision on reappointment of public safety director is delayed. The Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday delayed making a decision on whether to advise the full Senate to reconfirm Nolan Espinda as Gov. David Ige’s pick to lead the department after hearing two hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ Scrutiny Of Public Safety Chief Will Stretch Into Next Week. Nolan Espinda faces two more days of committee hearings before his reconfirmation will be considered by the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Defers Decision On Public Safety Chief’s Confirmation. A state Senate committee deferred a decision Thursday on Governor David Ige’s nominee to head the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public Safety Director fights to keep his job, faces opposition. Senate committee to decide if they'll recommend Espinda for the director position to the full Senate next week. KITV.

Embattled Public Safety director testifies at confirmation hearing. Embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda addressed senators at his confirmation hearing Thursday, saying he’s proud of the progress he’s made at the head of a department that oversees the state’s correctional facilities and sheriff’s division. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii legislative committee kills ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Hawaii lawmakers today killed a proposal that would have banned flavored electronic smoking devices and e-liquids, saying they suspected teenagers would continue to get the products online even if sales were prohibited. Star-Advertiser.

Surprising Support For New Tax On Hawaii’s Powerful Real Estate Interests. Past efforts to tax REITs, which own $18 billion of property locally, have gone nowhere. This session, the proposal has already passed the full Senate and House committees. Civil Beat.

In wake of critical audit, OHA board approves internal reboot. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved a new governance framework for the agency Thursday in a push to address the results of a critical audit. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesians In Hawaii Still Struggle To Get Health Care. Low-income patients are afraid of going to the doctor and being saddled with co-payments. Unlike U.S. citizens or many green card holders, they aren’t eligible for Medicaid. Civil Beat.

Legislators Seek Ways To Improve Healthcare for Micronesians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meth, weed use up, cocaine down. Marijuana and amphetamine use is on the rise in Hawaii, according to an analysis of drug test results. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines begins service to Boston. Hawaiian Airlines on Thursday celebrated a milestone in its 90-year history by becoming the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waters Leads Ozawa In Money Raised And Spent In City Council Race. The service workers union AiKea Unite Here raised $170,000 in three months to support Waters. Civil Beat.

Waters out-raising and out-spending Ozawa. Tommy Waters raised more and spent more than Trevor Ozawa through March 29 in their winner-take-all, third-round election duel for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat. Star-Advertiser.

The Special Election for the District 4 seat in the Honolulu City Council is eight days away. Tommy Waters has raised about $97,000 more in campaign contributions than Trevor Ozawa. KITV.

=====

Unsealed court documents released Thursday show Katherine Kealoha is mentally fit to stand trial. A forensic psychiatrist evaluated Kealoha last November for about two and a half hours. KITV.

Caldwell plan for garbage fee could be trashed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to impose a $5 monthly curbside trash pickup fee on Oahu households may be tossed into the rubbish heap, Honolulu City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan said. Star-Advertiser.

Solvent contamination delays rail work. The discovery of contamination from an industrial solvent in a monitoring well near the Honolulu airport halted drilling for columns on a segment of the Honolulu rail project for more than three months, according to the rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

One year after major flood, repairs to Aina Haina Library finally complete. A year after floodwaters rushed through Aina Haina Library, leaving behind a big mess, the popular community gathering place is set to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Hippo Louise moves into her newly renovated home at Honolulu Zoo. After the completion of a $3.5 million capital improvement project, the hippo habitat now features an upgraded barn and a filtration system that cycles the 40,000-gallon hippo pond every 20 minutes. KHON2.

Oahu home prices continue to rise despite lower sales. Single-family home prices on Oahu rose over the past 12 months even as overall sales dropped and condominium prices remained flat. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Fish in marine reserve off North Kona coast are recovering, surveys find. Signs that fish populations are beginning to recover at the Ka‘upulehu Marine Reserve off the North Kona coast are giving scientists and community members hope after two years of restrictions on fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Fish Recovering At Kaupulehu Two Years Into Moratorium. Based on surveys conducted in 2018, the Nature Conservancy reported an increase in fish populations at the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. Big Island Video News.

Open space fund draws most opinion at charter meeting. The Charter Commission afforded West Hawaii residents a platform Wednesday to make their voices heard on potential amendments to the county’s foundational document. West Hawaii Today.

Possible relocation of HVO to Oahu raises concerns. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno is among those concerned about a potential move of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Farmers Market Permit Revoked, New Permits Sought. A plan to construct a 3-story commercial building at the current Hilo Farmers Market site has been abandoned in favor of a “scaled-down, open-air building concept” that requires different permits. Big Island Video News.

Farmers market’s SMA permit revoked. Long-abandoned plans to build a three-story building at the Hilo Farmers Market have been formally scrapped. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

DOE will build underpass or overpass to Kihei high school. This follows LUC vote reaffirming project condition. The state Department of Education said Wednesday that it will comply with the requirement to build an overpass or underpass across Piilani Highway to Kihei high school — but not until after the school opens. Maui News.

Infrastructure Exploratory Work Begins in Wailuku. The first phase of the Wailuku Civic Complex project includes the full upgrade of roads and utilities on the block of Church Street between Main and Vineyard streets as well as the two blocks of Vineyard between High and Market streets. Maui Now.

Video Evidence from Maui Jail Riot is Missing. The incident remains under investigation but, department officials have pointed toward “extreme overcrowded conditions” as the motivation behind the riot. Maui Now.

Vital piece of evidence in investigation into Maui jail riot is missing. Hawaii News Now.

Phone threat prompts lockdown at Maui hospital. A spokesman from the Maui Police Department says Maui Memorial Medical Center was placed on lockdown Thursday night. KHON2.

Kauai

Recycling facility moves to Ahukini. The certified redemption center accepts all Hi5 products and also will have a buy-back program for aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel scrap metals. Garden Island.

Water rights at issue in Legislature, taxing REITs, lava-locked residents finally go home, more seniors seek medical marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Freshwater stream enters the ocean at Kawa Bay ©2019 All Hawaii News

Battle over water rights once again comes to a head at state Legislature. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear a bill that would extend temporary permits for seven years to big water users like Alexander and Baldwin, giving them more time to get water leases. Hawaii News Now.

Water bill appears to give A&B a financial break. A state measure that would give an assortment of large landowners, agricultural concerns and electrical utilities seven more years to meet stricter requirements for access to public water appears to give one particular company a huge break. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents Want Accountability As Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Extension of Water Diversions. State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow a dozen private users statewide, including Alexander and Baldwin, to continue to divert fresh stream water temporarily. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Hawaii Legislature to consider bills on asset forfeiture and water leases. State lawmakers have scheduled hearings on bills that would reform Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program, allow developers to build solar farms on prime agricultural land and extend the period of time that companies and farming interests have to comply with a deadline for obtaining water leases as a Friday deadline approaches for moving bills out of their final committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s fastest-growing set of medical cannabis users are over 66. The average age of Hawaii’s pot patients is 51, and those between the ages of 56 and 65 are the largest population of medical marijuana users statewide, Health Department statistics show. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Revive Bail Reform Efforts To Reduce Overcrowding. Several criminal justice measures are still alive and will likely be hashed out in Senate-House conference committees. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to consider PSD Director's future. A Senate committee will discuss the future of Director Nolan Espinda later this week. Senator Clarence Nishihara has been collecting evidence and reports for Espinda's confirmation hearing, scheduled for this Thursday. KHON2.

Rifles bought for deputy sheriffs never distributed because they violate state’s own policy. Taxpayers have built an arsenal of long guns for the Public Safety Department in recent years, but dozens of those firearms are just collecting dust in the armory because the state’s own policy doesn’t allow them to be used. Hawaii News Now.

Gun owners in federal suit: Hawaii’s open carry law amounts to a ban. Gun owners are taking aim at Hawaii’s open carry law, saying it’s unconstitutional. Hawaii News Now.

Programs that depend on state money to serve Hawaii's homeless rallied Monday. Nonprofits say it can be difficult to work with homeless long term if they're constantly worried about not being able to sustain themselves the next year. KITV.

Bill to tax Hawaii REITs clears final committee. A bill that would eliminate the corporate income tax deduction on dividends paid by real estate investment trusts in Hawaii cleared its final committee and is headed for passage by the state House of Representatives. Pacific Business News.

Charter School Clampdown Has Educators Worried About Their Independence. Versions of a measure giving the state some financial oversight of the schools have cleared both chambers. Opponents say it takes away their autonomy. Civil Beat.

Lofty hopes and dreams in Legislature coming down to reality as session progresses. Star-Advertiser.

Governor encourages residents to ‘invest the time’ to participate in 2020 census. The Census won’t happen for another year, but Hawaii leaders are already putting in the work to ensure every Hawaii resident is counted. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Announces 2020 Census Count Committee. The committee is charged with increasing awareness about the importance of being counted; organizing state resources effectively and cost-efficiently to promote the count; and improving the response rate for the 2020 Census questionnaire. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police chief is pressed on handgun carry permits. The Honolulu Police Commission was mostly effusive in its praise of Police Chief Susan Ballard in the first-year review that was released recently, but key members are clearly troubled by the answers she’s given them on the Police Department’s policy regarding handgun carry permits. Star-Advertiser.

Duo curbs helping Kakaako’s homeless. Under the threat of state Health Department fines of up to $1,000 per violation, a Kaimuki couple who used to provide meals and hot showers to homeless people around Kakaako Waterfront Park is backing down and looking for a different spot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kipuka residents rejoice as PGV opens graded route over lava channel. More than 30 residents of a lava-locked kipuka in lower Puna drove across the lava channel from last year’s Kilauea eruption Monday to return to their homes. Tribune-Herald.

Joyous Moment As Lava-Locked Residents Regain Access. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials say they were unaware that federal officials are considering moving the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory off the island where there are erupting volcanos. The possibility of the relocation came to light last week during a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing for David Bernhardt, the nominee for secretary of the Department of  Interior. Hawaii Public Radio.

Volcano Observatory Future Discussed With Scientist-In-Charge. Big Island Video News.

Time is ticking down for a handful of bills that would impact the Big Island to secure their final committee hearings in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Sold. Big Island Now.

Maui

Public Works, Environmental Management Director Appointees Announced. Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday afternoon that Rowena Dagdag-Andaya and Eric Nakagawa are his nominees as directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management, respectively. Maui Now.

Four promoted to fire captain. Four Maui Fire Department firefighters have been promoted to captain and six have been promoted to firefighter III. Maui News.

Volunteers count on whales showing up. Volunteers look for whales off Maui on Saturday during Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count. A total of 219 whales were seen off Maui from 12 sites. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Kahului to Sacramento Non-Stop Flights. Hawaiian Airlines today launched daily, nonstop service between Kahului, Maui and Sacramento, giving West Coast travelers enhanced access to the Valley Isle. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, distributed $38,000 in grants to seven nonprofits on Kauai during a ceremony Monday at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Developer faces more litigation. A real estate developer, whose long-delayed timeshare proposal on Kauai faces mounting financial trouble, is struggling to cover debts on projects on the mainland as well. Garden Island.

After more than a decade of dreaming, Kauai Community College is composting. It’s a grassroots effort started by a few professors and Emily Broderick’s biology class, combining movement toward a more sustainable campus with lessons on the scientific method. Garden Island.

State budget surplus shrinks, Honolulu wants to fast-track building permits, new skyscraper to be the tallest, raucous hearing over new bioenergy plant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii capitol ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s budget surplus shrinks to $750M. The state general treasury ended the last fiscal year with a $750 million surplus, meaning the state government has a respectable budget cushion but not as large as it was in the previous three years. Star-Advertiser.

Some of Hawaii’s biggest commercial real estate owners have established a new charitable campaign to bolster affordable housing in the state. A group of 13 real estate investment trusts, all based outside the state, have committed giving a combined $455,000 in the first year of a minimum 3-year campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Schools, other departments rewriting continuity plans after year of disasters. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu council passes bill to expedite residential building permits. The Honolulu City Council passed a bill Wednesday to require the city to issue building permits for one- and two-family homes with 60 days of filing an application, despite a warning from the head of the city's permitting department that the bill could exacerbate construction delays. Pacific Business News.

Council OKs expedited building permit approval process. A plan to speed up the processing of building permits for one- and two-family houses won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday despite continuing objections from the head of the agency tasked with reviewing the applications. Star-Advertiser.

Over Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s objection the Honolulu council approved a new law that fast-tracks some building permits. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council passes housing measures. Honolulu City Council hammered out several housing measures Wednesday, speeding up the permitting process and cracking down on illegal monster homes. KITV.

=====

The twin-tower Sky Ala Moana, a condo-hotel project on Kapiolani Boulevard, won approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. The Council decision will let the developer build the towers higher than current rules allow. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council today approved a conceptual plan for the tallest high-rise project in the urban core. The Skyline Ala Moana will have two 400 foot tall towers on the Mauka side of Kapiolani Boulevard. Hawaii Public Radio.

Striking Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers head back to the bargaining table today with added momentum from taking their picket to Marriott’s Hawaii headquarters.Wednesday morning about 1,000 strikers and supporters attired in red formed a line through Waikiki as they marched from the Westin Moana Surfrider, where workers now have been striking for 39 days, to Marriott’s offices at 2155 Kalakaua Ave. Star-Advertiser.

Portlock Road beach access resolution passes. It’s been a 21-year-long fight for Ann Marie Kirk and many other community members and beachgoers to secure public access to a small, sandy beach at the end of a lane off Portlock Road and a surf break known as “Seconds.” Star-Advertiser.

Kailua neighbors vent concerns over Tutu Bert’s respite for ill homeless. Neighbors fear safety could be compromised. Hawaii News Now.

10 Family Members, 4 Bedrooms And ‘A Dream To Have Your Own Place’. Living with multiple generations is a way of life in Hawaii that Jowenna Ellazar embraces. But like many others, she has few options in a city where the medium home price hovers around $800,000. Civil Beat.

Living On $70,000 In Kaneohe. In HI-Priced, a new email newsletter that’s part of our ongoing “Living Hawaii” series, we’re asking local people how they make ends meet in the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Endangered Birds Get Their Home Back...From the Dogs. A de facto dog beach Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam is right up against a coastal marsh that is home to endangered native Hawaiian birds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu-based Ulupono Initiative is losing one of its founding stewards after General Partner Kyle Datta announced he is retiring from his position at the impact investment firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Foes, supporters turn out for contentious meeting about Hu Honua project. Citing concerns over air and water pollution, opponents of the Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant being built along the coast near Pepeekeo asked during a hearing Wednesday that an environmental impact statement be done before the project is complete. Tribune-Herald.

Tough questions and passionate outbursts punctuated a public presentation held in Hilo Wednesday about the Hu Honua Bioenergy project planned for Pepeekeo. Big Island Video News.

The Department of Health held a public meeting on the nearly completed Hu Honua Bioenergy Plant in Pepeekeo, on the Big Island Wednesday. KITV.

Community talks concerns over new Waikoloa Village solar project. Representatives of AES Distributed Energy convened the first public meeting Tuesday night on a proposed solar-plus-storage project planned for an area roughly two miles southeast of Waikoloa Village. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics pondered its role on Tuesday in Hilo, part of an ongoing exercise to revamp its rules of practice and procedure. Big Island Video News.

3rd chancellor finalist visits UH-Hilo. Terisa Riley, one of four finalists vying to be the school’s top administrator, met with community members and university employees during a public forum. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council Committee deferred action Tuesday on outgoing Mayor Alan Arakawa’s proposal to acquire Wailuku Water Co.’s ditch system and 8,764 acres of its West Maui Mountains watershed lands for $9.5 million. Maui News.

Wailea hotel project advances. Hotel Ike, with four stories and 110 rooms, would be on 3-acre lot. Maui News.

Applications are now being accepted through the end of this year for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees in Maui County due to expiring terms and vacancies. Applications are also accepted year-round to fill vacancies due to resignations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Although students are improving scholastically in many areas and teenage drug and alcohol abuse continues to decline, a number of mental and physical health concerns plague Kauai’s youth, according to a report issued Tuesday by the Kauai Planning &Action Alliance. Garden Island.

Seafood found safe after Fukushima disaster, Hanabusa political aspirations questioned, audit blasts Big Island hiring practices, entire island of Kauai loses electricity, hurricane shelters lacking, new rules for boat harbors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Slicing ahi at Hilo fish market © 2017 All Hawaii News

It’s OK to keep salivating over seafood. A new study from an international research team has found that migratory marine predators in coastal waters near Japan and Hawaii had negligible contamination from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused a Fukushima power plant to release large quantities of radioactive material. Star-Advertiser.

Saving Coral: Researchers in Hawaii are involved in cutting-edge science aimed at countering the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans. Civil Beat.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday approved amendments to a wide range of state boating rules intended to improve management of state small boat harbors and ocean recreation-related activities in state waters. Associated Press.

Reversal by Hanabusa prompts criticism. Colleen Hanabusa said she will soon file papers to form a new campaign committee to run for governor, confirming long-standing speculation in Hawaii political circles that she would challenge fellow Democrat and incumbent Gov. David Ige in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Immigration and Island Dreamers: The cancellation of DACA could cost Hawaii more than half a billion dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Prison Warden’s Case Shows Firing A Public Worker Isn’t Easy. Despite dozens of sexual harassment and discrimination concerns, appeals board says her prior clean record counts for a lot. Civil Beat.

Twenty-five years after Hurricane Iniki pummeled Kauai, Hawaii has made substantial progress in some ways to prepare for the next major hurricane. But the state remains significantly ill-prepared in other areas, including not having adequate facilities to house everyone who would likely seek public shelter from an Iniki-like storm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s students are making strides in their ACT college exam scores, though their performance as a whole still trails behind some of their counterparts nationally, according to test score data for the class of 2017 released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc. is about to join a special group of companies — mostly mainland firms — that funnel almost all their profits to stockholders and qualify for a unique tax break known as Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The typical household electrical bill for Oahu residents in September declined 40 cents from the previous month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Push For $200 Million Ala Wai Canal Makeover. Devastating storms on the mainland are prompting a renewed effort to finally fix the Ala Wai’s potential for flooding that could wipe out Waikiki. Civil Beat.

As the search for Honolulu's next police chief continues, two more names have emerged as candidates. Sources confirmed for Hawaii News Now that Gary Yamashiroya and Paul Putzulu are in the running for the position. Hawaii News Now.

The redevelopment of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s Mayor Wright Homes into a mixed-income, mixed-use project would add more than 2,000 new residential rental units to what is currently a 15-acre public housing project near Downtown Honolulu, according to a draft environmental impact statement filed with the state. Pacific Business News.

A $100 million public housing project has been further delayed after Hawaii officials voted to end a partnership with a private developer. Associated Press.

Some investors question claims over partially submersible vessel. Curtiss Jackson, owner and CEO of Semisub Inc., says he expects his partially submersible vessel to start commercial tours in Hawaii’s waters next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s hiring practices, long a source of complaints of unfairness and favoritism, are sharply criticized in a report released last week by the county’s legislative auditor. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation might need to keep its options open for how it spends $40 million added to the state’s capital budget for improving Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

A community forum on Puna roads was held at the Hawaiian Paradise Park Activity Center on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

The Kailua Village Design Commission this week signaled its approval for Kona Brewing Co.’s proposed brewery, recommending only some minor changes to the proposed plan. West Hawaii Today.

One year after its inception, Kona’s bikeshare program is rolling right along. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim recently sat down with Sherry Bracken to discuss his decision to bar a handful of visiting hula halau from staying overnight in county gyms during the Merrie Monarch Festival. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona has been named one of the top foodie towns in the United States, according to a new rankings. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Meeting set to discuss Iao Valley State Monument closure, stabilization. Maui News.

Almost a year has passed since one of the largest floods in Maui County’s history destroyed homes, properties and swept up entire landmasses in Iao Valley. Maui News.

For the first time in four years, Newell’s shearwaters have started laying eggs in an artificially created seabird colony in West Maui. Maui News.

Central Maui, consistently the busiest housing market in Maui County, hit a 12-month-high median housing price at $650,000 in August as median prices countywide held steady at $700,000. Maui News.

Maui’s residential real estate market was mixed in August as the median price and sales of single-family houses rose during the month but condominiums saw decreases in both categories. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium sales dropped 11.3 percent to 110 in August, while the median price decreased 4.8 percent to $400,000, from $420,000 last year, according to statistics by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina Beach have just been named as two of America’s favorite beaches in 2017. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai residents were without power for some time Sunday as Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials worked to restore an island-wide blackout. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai is suffering. A 2017 suicide epidemic is increasingly worrying police and service organizations with the death toll so far this year already nearly double the number reported in all of 2016 and far higher than any year since at least 2012. Garden Island.

Reflections on the past decade of Hawaiian monk seal conservation will be offered Wednesday at the Princeville Library in a program that will focus on the research and conservation efforts to help the species. Garden Island.

Monday marks 25 years since Iniki pummeled Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Iniki made landfall on Kauai on Sept. 11, 1992. Garden Island.

Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have sold a Kauai compound above Secret Beach that was once owned by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for $12 million, according to a report in Variety. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii growth slows, Hanabusa mulls gubernatorial bid, lab bottleneck closes marijuana dispensaries, battle over Kawananakoa's $200M estate, monk seal moved from Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Undersea cable, Hawaiian Telcom

Testing for the $250 million Southeast Asia–United States undersea fiber cable system is complete, according to Hawaiian Telcom, one of seven investors in the 9,300-mile long cable connecting Indonesia to California, via Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The state’s top economists are a little less bullish on Hawaii’s economy. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism cut its growth forecast for Hawaii this year by a half-percentage point and projected the economy will continue to grow at a slower pace for the rest of 2017 and the three subsequent years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s economy is experiencing positive growth, but at a slower pace than during previous years, according to report by the Department of Business and Economic Development. Pacific Business News.

Leadership from both the state House of Representatives and Senate have been meeting over the last several months to discuss the over-time and over-budget Honolulu rail project, but lawmakers now want to hear from the public as they work toward an agreement on financing. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Friday she may mount an election challenge to Hawaii Gov. David Ige in 2018. Civil Beat.

A years-long effort to begin taxing dividends paid out to investors by some of the largest commercial property owners in Hawaii was blocked this year by state Sen. Rosalyn Baker, a lawmaker who has received substantial campaign donations from lobbyists and executives who represent some of those same investors. Star-Advertiser.

New Hawaii Salary Database: How Much Do We Pay Our Public Servants? Here’s the first installment of our new Hawaii public employee salary database for fiscal year 2018. Civil Beat.

Growing up in low-income public housing in the Bronx and attending New York City public schools, Christina Kishimoto experienced firsthand the effects of learning in an uneven school system, where resources vary greatly between neighborhoods. Star-Advertiser.

With two medical cannabis dispensaries now selling products, the Hawaii Department of Health is bracing for a surge of patients signing up for the state's medical cannabis registry. Hawaii News Now.

After a one-day delay because of bad weather, a NASA rocket containing experimental payloads from 15 collegiate institutions — including four University of Hawaii community colleges — launched Sunday from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kaimana the monk seal was swept off to her new home Saturday morning with only a few barks of protest. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian monk seal pup born on a Waikiki beach has been moved so that it can remain a wild animal and won't become accustomed to interacting with people. Associated Press.

Video from Civil Beat's live camera, of Kaimana being removed from the beach at around 8am Saturday morning by NOAA officials. KITV.

First rail land trial ends in condemnation. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation is proposing to make several safety improvements along Farrington Highway, including eliminating and relocating some bus stops and crosswalks. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Green Holdings Inc., one of Oahu’s three licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, said it has sold out its initial stock after just three days in business. Pacific Business News.

If a bill requiring older residential towers to install sprinklers becomes law, the city could offer no-interest loans to condominium owners who might need help to pay their share, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said last week. Star-Advertiser.

Marco Polo get-together like ‘big hug’ after tragedy. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department is finally ready to begin testing body cameras. The pilot project will be rolled out in mid-September. KHON2.

Ex-Cop Sues Honolulu For Not Paying To Defend Him In Assault Lawsuit. The Police Commission rejected Nelson Tamayori’s request for legal aid, but approved it for another officer facing the same allegations. Civil Beat.

With Hawaii’s unemployment rate so low, finding workers can be hard to come by, but the struggle isn’t just felt by employers. KHON2.

An increasingly bitter legal battle over the $200 million estate of Abigail Kawananakoa intensified over the weekend as the 91-year-old Campbell Estate heiress, in a letter transmitted by her longtime partner, accused her former attorney of ignoring her wishes and mismanaging her financial affairs. Star-Advertiser.

The $200 million estate of a 91-year-old descendant of Hawaiian royalty has become the topic of a legal dispute between her lawyer and her longtime partner. Associated Press.

In an explosive letter sent to Hawaii News Now, Abigail Kawananakoa says her longtime attorney is improperly trying to take control of her fortune. Hawaii News Now.

A new tribute to iconic island musician Don Ho was unveiled at the International Market Place Sunday.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply has lost yet another water source in North Kona, prompting a revised water usage restriction with the most stringent mandates the department has issued since the saga began in January. West Hawaii Today.

Once again, a fifth water well is down in West Hawaii, leading to a new Emergency Water Restriction notice for North Kona. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials say they could be a year away from relaunching an online building permit tracking system. Tribune-Herald.

The County of Hawaii is on the hook for improvements at a Kailua-Kona housing project years after discovering that sidewalks and showers aren’t compliant with federal accessibility guidelines. West Hawaii Today.

David Tarnas, who last year suffered a whisker-thin primary loss in his campaign to unseat state Rep. Cindy Evans, is ready for a rematch. West Hawaii Today.

About a dozen food and bike vendors have set up shop each night at the county-maintained parking lot at the end of Chain of Craters Road, located near the start of the more than 4-mile-long gravel emergency road that leads to the lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

Additional pavilions are in the works for Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Tribune-Herald.

Daughter of deported coffee farmer trying to keep operating afloat while waiting for dad’s return. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Anti-tobacco activists are hoping Maui County will follow Hawaii and Kauai counties in outlawing smoking in vehicles when children are present. Maui News.

Maui’s first state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary to open for business will be closed Monday and Tuesday and will change its operating hours. Associated Press.

Representatives with Hawaiʻi’s first medical cannabis dispensary say lab delays are forcing the business to suspend sales. Maui Now.

‘Bottleneck’ temporarily closes pot dispensary. ‘High demand’ leads to sold-out first batch of certified product. Maui News.

Maui school bus driver Cheryl Kuanoni was recently forced to leave five children behind because of a shortage of buses. KITV.

Traffic congestion and parking in Paia still generate headaches for residents and visitors of the bustling former plantation town hugging Maui’s north shore, but now property crime — especially vehicle break-ins — are a rising concern. Maui News.

Kauai

If Pierre Omidyar gets his way, 699 dairy cows will soon enjoy a glorious view of the Pacific Ocean, framed by a pristine beach. Omidyar, the founder of eBay, wants to build a dairy farm on Kauai. New York Times.

There are 106 vacant positions at the County of Kauai. However, 12 of them are dollar- funded, meaning 94 are vacant funded positions. Almost 30 of them are posted on the county’s website. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council voted Wednesday to approve an access easement in Koloa. Garden Island.

The Kapaa Public Library will be reopening on Tuesday and resuming its normal public service hours. Garden Island.