Hawaii lawmakers seek paparazzi protection with 'Steven Tyler Act,' emergency contraception bill proposed, Abercrombie stuffs campaign warchest, libraries go digital, Kauai fights coral disease, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Steven Tyler courtesy photo

More than two-thirds of Hawaii’s state senators have signed onto a bill to protect celebrities from paparazzi, giving them power to sue over unwanted beach photos and other snapshots on the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Star-struck lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 465, which would allow famous people to sue if they felt their privacy was being invaded by people taking photos or making recordings of them. Civil Beat.

Some Hawaii lawmakers believe public figures do deserve added protection. State Senator Kalani English, a Democrat from Maui, introduced the “Steven Tyler Act,” which makes it a civil tort to invade the privacy of celebrities. Hawaii Reporter.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler could be called the poster child for legislation some are calling the "paparazzi bill." KITV4.

A bill to strengthen Hawaii's lobbying law cleared a big hurdle this week, but not before the House Judiciary Committee diluted a key part. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has brought in more than $2.4 million for his re-election campaign next year, building a formidable bankroll while other Democrats consider whether he is vulnerable in a primary challenge. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Women's Legislative Caucus say this could be the year state lawmakers pass what they've dubbed the Compassionate Care Act, which would require Hawaii hospitals to carry and offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. Star-Advertiser.

With new leadership in the state House of Representatives and greater awareness of the issue, the Women's Legislative Caucus is again trying to ensure that victims of sexual assault have access to factual, unbiased information about hospital emergency care. Civil Beat.

The state House Judiciary Committee on Thursday deferred a bill that would have asked voters to decide whether only people, and not corporations, should be entitled to free speech protections. Star-Advertiser.

A law signed in 2010 requiring maintenance of public beach accesses by adjacent landowners is poised to sunset June 30, unless a bill moving steadily at the Legislature is passed. Garden Island.

The national debate over gun control has led Hawaii legislators to introduce a handful of stricter gun laws, including a proposal to buy back guns. Hawaii Public Radio.

After a rocky start, Hawaii made significant progress in meeting its school improvement pledges in the second year of the four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant, federal officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's charter school law leaped to 14th place in a national ranking, up from 35th the previous year, as reform efforts took hold in the state. Star-Advertiser.

The number of online items checked out through the Hawaii State Public Library System has more than tripled since 2009, library officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

From the outside, they appeared set for life, paid by the city for their Pearl City land an amount more than five times their initial investment. But one family says a sweet deal to move out of rail's path turned sour. KHON2.

Cuts and changes last year to Honolulu's bus service were made to trim costs as the system became more expensive to operate. But those changes fueled widespread angst among riders across the city, many of whom now wait longer hours to catch overcrowded buses. Star-Advertiser.

On any given day, thousands of visitors and residents pack the beaches of Waikiki, and along with them, are thousands of discarded cigarette butts. Volunteers from Sustainable Coastlines and students from St. Louis School were out in full force Thursday morning cleaning up the mess many have left behind. Hawaii News Now.

A redeployment ceremony was held Thursday at Wheeler Army Airfield to welcome about 2,600 aviation brigade soldiers from Af­ghani­stan duty that saw the loss of two Black Hawk helicopter crews — one to pilot disorientation in a sandstorm and the other to a rocket-propelled grenade. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
A settlement between Hawaii County and the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands over tax debt from homesteaders remains elusive. Tribune-Herald.

The Intermediate Court of Appeals has kicked Hawaii Island rancher Freddy Nobriga’s cattle theft lawsuit against the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands back to 3rd Circuit Court, saying DHHL violated Nobriga’s right of due process when it rounded up and sold at least 115 head of Nobriga’s cattle without adequate notice. West Hawaii Today.

Ford seeks $30M Kona area shelter, center. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School hopes to blaze a trail by becoming the first publicly funded school in the state to use hybrid buses. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation broke ground Thursday for a more than $7 million project that will increase cargo space at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, as well as improve operational safety and efficiency for users. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council Water Resources Committee advanced a bill that authorizes the mayor and the director of the Department of Water Supply to declare "water shortages" and to impose higher rates for Maui County residents. Maui News.

Three real estate investment firms, including one formed by the co-founder of a company that created Hot Pockets, competed to buy a former Ritz-Carlton condominium and time-share resort on Maui at a Thursday foreclosure auction that resulted in a $100 million sale. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

After a whole morning ironing out details on the Kaua‘i Multimodal Land Transportation Plan, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the plan as a policy guideline for the island. Garden Island.

It is no secret that pinpointing the stressors which have lead to the recent coral disease outbreak along Kaua‘i’s shores is going to require additional bodies, more funding and further study. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i teachers took to the streets Thursday afternoon, joining a statewide sign waving campaign. Garden Island.

Counties face loss of HI-5 grants, Hawaii state auditor Higa retiring, shipping fees jump, UH biosafety lab scrutinized, charter school employees must follow state ethics, Kauai coral study continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii recycling center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite bringing in an extra $4.5 million annually from a hike in the beverage container fee, the state Department of Health has put the counties on notice that they won’t be getting money back for their HI-5 programs next year. West Hawaii Today.

After 21 years, Marion Higa will retire as state auditor at the end of December. Hawaii News Now.

On Jan. 1, the cost to ship goods to and from Hawaii on the state's largest ocean cargo transportation firm will rise. Matson Inc. announced Wednesday that rates will increase by $175 for each westbound container and $85 for each eastbound container. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tax Review Commission will recommend that Hawaii create its own version of the Simpson-Bowles fiscal responsibility and reform commission to address a projected multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that is anticipated in the next decade. Civil Beat.

Public school teacher protests over contracts are mounting as the Department of Education nears another important milestone in school reform. KHON2.

The state of Hawai‘i continues to move steadily toward its goal of aligning with the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010 to provide cheaper and simpler health insurance choices to residents, after beating by two weeks the deadline to submit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services a blueprint application for a state-based health insurance exchange. Garden Island.

It took four months, but a predicted surge in new Hawaii foreclosure cases emerged in October as more law firms and mortgage lenders adjusted to the latest overhaul of a state foreclosure law enacted in June. Star-Advertiser.

State briefs 11/29. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilmembers were provided a financial update on the 5.2 billion dollar rail transit project today.    As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … although the construction was suspended three months ago … millions are still being spent on the project due to contractor delay claims. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents are skeptical about whether the $2.2 million operating costs of a biosafety lab planned for Kalaeloa will benefit the state. Star-Advertiser.

A plot of land the University of Hawaii thought it was leasing for a dollar a year will now cost more than $200,000 a year. Hawaii News Now.

A key prosecution witness in the federal extortion case against former Honolulu police Maj. Carlton Nishimura will remain in custody after her arrest Friday at Honolulu Airport on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved on Wednesday a $32 million sale of land next to UH-West Oahu to the Roman Catholic Church, which plans to build a church and a private school that one regent called "Maryknoll West." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
The outgoing members of the Hawaii County Council will sit together for one final time Monday morning in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Carbon LLC, which spent some $50 million to build a biomass plant to turn Hawaii-grown macadamia nut shells into granulated activated carbon, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The state Ethics Commission ruled in Hilo this week that Hawaii charter school employees are subject to the same ethics rules as any other state employee. Tribune-Herald.

If there was ever any doubt about whether a charter school employee works for the state, that issue was put to rest this week. Civil Beat.

Big Island police and federal agents on Wednesday arrested eight people in connection with an alleged illegal gambling and sports betting operation in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The planned Olowalu Town development continues to be a hot-button issue as the Maui County Council works toward adopting the Maui Island Plan to guide future growth over the next two decades. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission accepted a final environmental assessment Tuesday for CMBY Investment's proposed 86-acre, $20 million heavy industrial subdivision in Puunene. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has signed off on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a long-awaited high school in Kihei. Maui Now.

Starting Jan. 1, the Maui Bus will extend its Upcountry route from Pukalani to Rice Park. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s outgoing prosecuting attorney says she will move to reinstate criminal charges against county official Janine Rapozo. Hawaii Reporter.

A pair of scientists spent more than six hours in the waters off of ‘Anini Beach Wednesday as part of an ongoing coral disease study along Kauai‘i’s North Shore. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council landed a right hook against one of Hawai‘i’s most lethal and undetected killers, the hepatitis B virus. Garden Island.

Race to the Top focus of federal visit today, teacher pay analyzed, Honolulu Police Department loses records, rail transit foes respond, invasive ogo seaweed overtakes Waikiki, Molokai couple get $3.9M in condo dispute, new manager for Volcano House, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new report by an education policy think-tank echoes the U.S. Department of Education’s concern about progress by Hawaii schools on promised Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

A four-person review team from the U.S. Department of Education is in Hawaii to meet with state education officials about progress island schools are making under the Race to the Top program. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Education spends a wide range on salaries per pupil, depending on which school they attend, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The last two years at Hawaii's Department of Education were marked by leadership turnover and pay cuts, even as the overall budget and student enrollment grew. Civil Beat.

Bill would require paid leave for domestic violence victims. Star-Advertiser.

March 27 — At the Ledge. Civil Beat.

The state terminated three Medicaid physicians who were prescribing relatively high amounts of potent psychiatric and pain drugs, while two other providers are under investigation by federal agencies, according to information provided to a U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser.

The Missile Defense Agency's big Sea-Based X-Band Radar tracking ship sailed out of Pearl Harbor on Friday — about three weeks ahead of North Korea's planned space launch. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Tens of thousands of Honolulu Police Department reports are missing from HPD's computerized records system and the department has launched an investigation to figure out the scope of the problem. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is one of the 10 markets identified as a “hot spot” when it comes for foreign investment in residential real estate. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki Beach is under siege by a silent enemy. Invasive algae is taking over in the waters causing negative impacts to the environment. Hawaii News Now.

It's a battle for survival on the beach in Waikiki. The delicate ecosystem there is being destroyed by invasive algae. Which is why Monday's cleanup was more than just a good deed. It's a critical effort to save a dying species. KITV4.

Despite Sewer Work, Storms Still Cause Spills. Civil Beat.

Grading and other groundwork for a future subdivision in Nuuanu has generated three notices of violation this month that some neighbors say have come far too late. Star-Advertiser.

Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit aiming to stop construction of the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail system have a new secret weapon in the fight against the project - energetic and enthusiastic law students. Hawaii Reporter.

Ben Cayetano responds to the Star-Advertiser’s criticism of his release of rail-related emails. Hawaii Independent.

First Wounded Warrior Conference Held in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A professor at UH Manoa was part of movie director James Cameron's deep sea submarine dive.  KHON2.

Hawaii

After many false starts, the National Park Service has awarded a contract to operate the historic Volcano House hotel, with a full renovation by early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Two Hawaii Island robotics teams will be part of the state’s delegation to an international robotics competition next month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

14 recruits earn Maui Police Department badges. Maui News.

MauiGrown Coffee is reporting a record harvest this year of their Arabica coffee varieties grown at their 500-acre Kaanapali Estate, which includes portions of Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms. Maui Now.

HC&S Responds to ‘Cane Burning Dangerous?’ Article. Maui Now.

Kauai
Throughout the past week, festivities honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi have centered around Po‘ipu and Koloa, coordinated by Stella Burgess of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday is expected to consider a bill first introduced in January that would significantly increase real property tax exemptions for resident homeowners. Garden Island.

Molokai

A jury awarded Molokai residents Jim and Nancy Bevill last week $3.87 million in general and punitive damages against a condominium association, according to an attorney representing the Bevills. KITV4.

Hawaii libraries doing more with less, geothermal energy coming to Maui, Case renews Hirono debate challenge, state DOE prepares for federal Race to the Top visit, officials eye Kakaako development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state public library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The budget for Hawaii's State Public Library System has been steadily shrinking over the past five years, while demand for an array of library services has gone up. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, in his Hilo hometown Thursday for a fundraiser, renewed his call for U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to debate him prior to the August primary for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Ed Case

The contest to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka is on, as former Hawaii congressman Ed Case became the first candidate to file nomination papers at the Office of Elections on Thursday. Associated Press.

US Senate candidate and former Congressman Ed Case officially files his nomination papers for election at 10 a.m. today. Maui Now.

State House lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that would temporarily give the governor the power to exempt specific types of state construction projects from environmental review if the potential impact is minimal. Star-Advertiser.

A bill with the potential to scuttle the state’s pending $200 million land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs was reluctantly approved today by the state House Judiciary Committee. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Auditor's office will be zeroing in on potential problems in the way the Hawaii Department of Education contracts with school bus companies and how the agency monitors the service once it's in place. Civil Beat.

The city of Honolulu says its bus system might be unable to accommodate the big influx in ridership expected if the Department of Education eliminates school bus service on Oahu next school year, as is being discussed in a worst-case scenario. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Education will attempt to highlight various accomplishments when federal officials visit to examine the state's Race to the Top progress. Associated Press.

The Hawaii State Department of Education is preparing for a visit from the U.S. Department of Education next week to examine the state's Race To The Top progress. KITV4.

Feeling it got shorted out of a lucrative government contract with Hawaii, four years ago Election Systems & Software challenged the state's decision to award a contract for e-voting machines to another company. Civil Beat.

A Hawaiian monk seal removed from the wild because he was attacking fellow monk seals pups is moving to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Stephen Schatz, the public schools’ assistant superintendent of strategic reform says Hawaii is making progress. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell

Six labor unions announced Thursday their endorsement of former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell for Hono­lulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency that administers 660 acres in Kakaako, 3,770 acres in Kalaeloa and 400 acres in Heeia, is pursuing the construction of the tallest building in the state — the 650-foot 690 Pohukaina. Civil Beat.

The future of the 600-acre Kakaako district was the focus of a panel discussion sponsored by the Hawaii Venture Capital Association and Think-Tech. Hawaii Public Radio.

The shakers and movers of Kakaako, past, present and future, gathered at a power lunch at the Plaza Club Thursday. KITV4.

The University of Hawaii System has narrowed the search for chancellor of its Manoa campus to four candidates, each of whom will visit the campus next month and make presentations to students, faculty, staff and the community. Pacific Business News.

Cancer radiation treatment specialist Dr. John Lederer will be able to continue using oncology radiation facilities at the Queen's Medical Center, but the other five doctors at Pacific Radiation Oncology will not, under a preliminary injunction issued this week by a federal judge. Star-Advertiser.

More than 1200 people are expected to show up at Magic Island Saturday. KHON2.

Hawaii

Some Hawaii County Council members are questioning why Mayor Billy Kenoi hasn’t acted on eviction orders a judge granted more than three months ago to clear almost $6 million worth of county-owned Kawa Bay property of people living there. West Hawaii Today.

A former County Council apparently hired a special attorney without legal authority to do so. West Hawaii Today.

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline reached a record high of $4.669 in Hilo on Thursday, according to AAA Hawaii's daily fuel gauge report. Star-Advertiser.

The community is invited to attend The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s annual focus luncheon with this year’s speaker Governor Neil Abercrombie on March 29 at Keauhou Beach Resort. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Drilling could begin next year on test wells for a geothermal energy project on Haleakala. Maui News.

The public will have a chance to provide input on the County’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget during a series of district meetings planned over the next several weeks. Maui Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed another disaster proclamation that expands his earlier proclamations to include Maui County. Associated Press.

Members of the Maui Canoe Club collaborated with a nurse at the Maui Memorial Medical Center to develop a CPR method that could be used within the confines of a canoe. Maui Now.

Kauai

Karen Ikemoto being Kaua‘i’s first Librarian of the Year was reason for Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to declare Thursday as Karen Ikemoto Day on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Retired police officers on Kaua‘i have found support from within as an organization of people that worked together to make the island safe. Garden Island.

Molokai

Lynn DeCoite, owner of two Molokai businesses, has been appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to the state Board of Agriculture's Maui County seat. Maui News.