Kakaako park to close for homeless sweep as Ige touts successes, Honolulu police chief selection hearing today, Kauai doctor sues over abortion pill, Big Island council critiques hiring audit, flight disruptor saw butterfly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kakaako homeless, Hawaii News Now screen grab

Kakaako Waterfront Park will be closed to the public indefinitely — starting at 10 p.m. Sunday — because park officials say they can no longer ensure the safety of park users following a recent series of dog bites, fires and vandalism attributed to an estimated 180 homeless people living along the Kakaako shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Following a series of dog attacks, fires and vandalism blamed on homeless people lining the waterfront, state officials plan to indefinitely close Kakaako Waterfront Park and the adjacent Gateway and Kewalo Basin parks starting at 10 p.m. Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday touted the state's success housing homeless families — in a Kakaako park overrun with squatters. And a half hour before the news conference, workers plastered Kakaako Waterfront Park with signs saying that come Sunday night the area (including parking for Point Panic) will be off limits to the public — indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako Waterfront Park will be closed for clean-up and to clear out homeless campers. That is also the same park, where a state shelter was showcased for its high rate of success re-housing Hawaii's homeless residents. KITV.

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Republican lawmaker hints at run for Hawaii governor. It's a hot question in Hawaii politics: Is Representative Andria Tupola running for Governor? Well, she sure is hinting at it. Hawaii News Now.

Congressman Blasts Fishery Council For ‘Improper Lobbying’ The Northern Marianas lawmaker demands an investigation of the Hawaii-based Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, in partnership with the State Office of Planning, will hold the first-ever Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission meeting in mid-October. Maui Now.

A Turkish man pleaded guilty today to interfering with a flight crew and blamed his inflight behavior that prompted fighter jets to escort the plane to its Honolulu destination on a hallucination that he was chasing a butterfly. Associated Press.

New routes in works as Hawaiian Air beefs up fleet. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is back on Singapore’s radar for the first time in 25 years. Scoot, the low-cost, long-haul subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, said Tuesday it plans to fly to Honolulu at the end of this year to mark its first foray into the United States.  Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Dental Association launched the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation on Tuesday. The HDA said planned programs for the foundation include scholarships for individuals who wish to enroll in the oral healthcare field, free oral care events for children and community disaster relief assistance. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City Must Find $160 Million To Pay For Rail Agency’s Employees. Those costs had been covered by general excise tax revenue, but the legislative bailout requires that money to be used only for construction. Civil Beat.

The recovery plan for the embattled rail project was approved Tuesday by the Honolulu City Council’s budget and transportation committees. Hawaii News Now.

The final phase of the search for a new Honolulu police chief begins at 2 p.m. today when the Honolulu Police Commission takes public testimony on its seven finalists. Star-Advertiser.

Police commissioners are meeting Wednesday afternoon to take public testimony on the seven finalists they are considering to become the next Honolulu Police Chief. Hawaii News Now.

Generators running 24/7 to power parts of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. KHON2.

Investor Shidler’s gift could bring UH business school $7 billion over time. Jay Shidler has donated a collection of mainland commercial properties to UH, representing the largest single gift ever made to the 110-year-old university. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of condos on Oahu last month hit $425,000 — up 10 percent from a year earlier. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu's housing market is so tight, developer D.R. Horton says people have camped out overnight for a chance to buy market priced homes at Hoopili. A single family home at Hoopili starts at about $640,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Legislative auditors on Tuesday defended their report sharply criticizing county hiring practices before a County Council committee that said the audit doesn’t go far enough. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council is poised to become the third in the state to send a resolution to the Legislature, asking that body to comply with the state Sunshine Laws governing open meetings. West Hawaii Today.

Council members agreed on Tuesday that state lawmakers should be subject to the same open meeting requirements and sanctions that they are subject to at the county level. Big Island Video News.

After nearly two months of severe water restrictions, the Department of Water Supply has turned the taps back on in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The Hualalai and Palani Wells have been repaired, water officials announced Tuesday, but a 25% reduction in water use remains in effect. Big Island Video News.

A Hilo legislator who underwent surgery Sept. 27 to remove a cancerous testicle was told Tuesday the surgery was successful. Tribune-Herald.

Inaugural MoonBase Summit brings cutting edge science minds together at Mauna Lani. West Hawaii Today.

Eighteen stories of tsunami victims and survivors are the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the Pacific Tsunami Museum highlighting Hilo’s relationship with the natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

A tricky mission is underway to free an ocean predator entangled in rope near Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island. The 12-foot female tiger shark was first spotted a couple of weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A man and woman were released pending further investigation after being arrested in a police raid Monday at Temple of the Pharaohs video arcade in Maalaea, according to police records. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College is looking for ways to boost enrollment by two groups that show promise as potential students: returning adult students between the ages of 25 to 44 and high schoolers who want to enroll early. Maui News.

Kauai

Dr. Graham Chelius, who estimates he has delivered 820 babies on Kauai over the last nine years, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in Honolulu against the Food and Drug Administration that he hopes will prevent unwanted pregnancies around the country by giving everyone access to the so-called abortion pill that’s currently unavailable on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit representing a Kauai doctor that challenges restrictions on the drug known as Mifeprex. KHON2.

The Kauai Fire Department is reminding the public to keep drones away from emergency situations. KHON2.

New boss at Honolulu Zoo, Pflueger dies, Big Island state rep has testicular cancer, Honolulu police commissioner resigns over chief selection process, $6M grant for UH Ebola study, 3rd director leaves Hawaii County administration, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elephants at the Honolulu Zoo © 2017 All Hawaii News

Longtime Honolulu Zoo curator Linda Santos was named the troubled facility’s new director by the city today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Zoo appoints first female director. Linda Santos has been promoted to Honolulu Zoo director from assistant zoo director. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Zoo has named its next director, who will be tasked with reclaiming the zoo's accreditation after it was stripped in March 2016. Associated Press.

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The state Department of Transportation's attempt to create its own police force is facing resistance. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is one of the worst states for teachers, new report says. Hawaii News Now.

$6M grant aids UH with Ebola vaccine. After years of studying one of the world’s deadliest viruses, the University of Hawaii is making headway on an Ebola vaccine. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Manoa has received a $6.4 million federal grant to continue development of a promising Ebola vaccine. Civil Beat.

Tourism is currently the largest employer in Hawaii but its making way for other job opportunities for residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

The head of U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor said today he has submitted a request to retire after being passed over for the position of commander of U.S. Pacific Command. Star-Advertiser.

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James “Jimmy” Pflueger, a prominent Hawaii car dealer who later served several months in jail for his role in the 2006 failure of Kauai’s Ko Loko dam that killed seven people, died Sunday night in Honolulu. He was 91. Star-Advertiser.

James “Jimmy” Pflueger, founder of Hawaii's first Honda automotive dealership, Pacific Honda in Honolulu, has died. He was 91. Pacific Business News.

James Pflueger, who was sentenced to seven months in jail for his part in the Ka Loko Dam failure on Kauai’s North Shore that killed seven people on March 14, 2006, died Sunday in Honolulu. Garden Island.

A man who established the nation’s first Honda dealership in Hawaii and later become a controversial Kauai landowner has died. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A member of the Honolulu Police Commission is resigning after raising concerns about a lack of diversity in the process of selecting the department’s next chief. Associated Press.

Just weeks before the Honolulu Police Commission is scheduled to pick a new police chief, one of its members resigned abruptly Monday, citing her opposition to the selection process. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell says dealing with Honolulu's housing crisis is one of his top priorities. But at the same time, the city just lost millions of dollars for housing programs and need-based rental assistance. Hawaii News Now.

Councilman promises solution for frustrated residents along crash-prone stretch of Windward Oahu road. KHON2.

The Board of Water Supply has completed repairs to a water main break in the Waikiki area. Hawaii News Now.

The entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park off Atkinson Drive will remain closed for at least another week due to a sinkhole. KHON2.

A nonprofit is offering free youth suicide and bullying prevention training in public and private schools across Oahu, courtesy of a grant from the City and County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Located in a volcanic crater, Punchbowl is a distinctive cemetery, and now it has a new administration office and visitor center to match that character. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

With the resignation Friday of Parks and Recreation Director Charmaine Kamaka, Mayor Harry Kim has lost his third department head in almost as many months. West Hawaii Today.

State Rep. Chris Todd, D-Hilo, a local high school football coach, said he's been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island’s First Legal Homeless Camp: Safe Zone Or Shanty Town? Mayor Harry Kim wants several encampments around the island, but critics say the focus should be on finding permanent housing. Civil Beat.

Maui

The Kula Forest Reserve, Waipoli Access Road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve – Papaanui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area will be closed for two weeks, officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife announced today. Maui Now.

Food entrepreneurs on Maui help build economic future. Hawaii is looking seriously at agriculture and value-added agricultural products as a future growth sector for our economy. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Education Superintendent Christina Kishimoto will join Board of Education members for a community meeting Friday in Pomaikai Elementary School’s library in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

The Waimea swimming pool will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 8, due to a staffing shortage. Additionally, the Kapaa swimming pool will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 8, also because of a staffing shortage. Garden Island.

Legislative panel beats on Ige budget, political neophyte named to House seat, Hirono to meet ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, Ige campaign manager steps down to be considered for judgeship, coffee berry borer reaches Maui, OHA CEO Crabbe vows to keep job, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Finance, Senate Ways and Means on Ige budget 01/05/17 courtesy House Majority

Gov. David Ige’s proposed budget came under attack Thursday during its first public vetting of the year, with House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke calling it “borderline schizophrenic.” Star-Advertiser.

The chair of the House Finance Committee is so disappointed with the governor’s budget that she suggested the administration withdraw it and start over. Civil Beat.

During a Thursday briefing to the Legislature, the Council on Revenues said that despite a 3.3 percent increase in visitor arrivals, visitor spending in Hawaii is up only 1.3 percent, which could be a factor in the slower growth in tax revenue. Pacific Business News.

State lawmaker pushes for taxing online sales. KITV.

House Finance Chairwoman Sylvia Luke says someone in the leadership of the public employees pension fund should resign after the fund posted what she called a “pathetic” investment return of negative 1 percent during the fiscal year that ended June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has still not found a chief labor negotiator even though he is involved in sensitive talks with six public-sector unions. Civil Beat.

Dean Nishina is officially serving as the state consumer advocate. Star-Advertiser.

Dean Nishina, a former auditor and financial consultant for Arthur Andersen & Co. LLP, has been tapped as the executive director for the Hawaii state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy, the state said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

One state agency is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to beef up security. These changes will be made ahead of the opening of medical marijuana dispensaries across the state. KHON2.

Attorney Keith Hiraoka has stepped down from his post as campaign manager for Gov. David Ige in an attempt to mitigate any conflicts of interest as he seeks a judgeship on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

The Judicial Selection Commission on Wednesday released a list of nominees for a vacancy on Hawaii’s Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat.

What Would ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis Mean For Military-Heavy Hawaii? Former Marine Gen. James Mattis is likely headed for confirmation as defense secretary. He meets Friday with Sen. Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Crime Victims Compensation Fund — which helps pay for funeral, medical and other crime victims’ costs — has received its largest single payment of $150,000 as the result of a settlement in a corporate tax case. Star-Advertiser.

As traditional commercial fishing is threatening fish populations worldwide, U.S. officials are working on a plan to expand fish farming into federal waters around the Pacific Ocean. Associated Press.

Teachers association leader questions strategic plan. HSTA says three-year outline doesn’t address ways to fix education. Garden Island.

The man who thwarted an effort to hold an election for Native Hawaiians is the newest trustee of the public agency that provided $2.6 million for the failed self-governance vote. Kelii Akina was elected in November as an at-large Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee, unseating Haunani Apoliona, who was a trustee since 1996. Associated Press.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, aligned under new leadership, has decided to enter into negotiations to buy out the contract of CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii regulators have rejected a plan by Hawaiian Electric Co. and AES Hawaii to expand the state’s only coal-run electricity generation plant. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is looking for developers to build wind projects on Oahu before a federal tax credit for wind power expires in 2019. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s land-use law that spells out how much affordable housing developers must provide if they want to be eligible for a special temporary permit that provides height and density advantages for building near planned rail stations. Civil Beat.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has closed on two construction loans totaling more than $372 million for the development of its Aeo and Ke Kilohana mixed-use condominium high-rise tower projects currently underway at its 60-acre Ward Village master-planned community in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako. Pacific Business News.

City officials say they believe about 137,400 gallons of untreated sewage spilled out of a broken force main pipe and onto vacant land near the Ko Olina Golf Course Monday and Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s chief of police will get the chance to address members of the Honolulu Police Commission when it meets Friday. KHON2.

The Honolulu Police Commission will hold a closed-door executive session on Friday to determine the future of police chief Louis Kealoha with the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Chris Todd will become the newest — and one of the youngest — members of the state Legislature after being appointed Thursday to replace Rep. Clift Tsuji, who died Nov. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige has appointed Chris Todd to fill late Rep. Clift Tsuji’s seat at the State House. He was chosen from a list of three Democratic Party candidates. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige has tapped Chris Todd to replace the late Rep. Clift Tsuji in the state House of Representatives representing Hilo, following a party selection process that raised questions about potential improprieties. Star-Advertiser.

With the unanimous confirmation Thursday of seven department heads, the County Council gave its stamp of approval to the majority of Mayor Harry Kim’s new Cabinet. West Hawaii Today.

Work is underway on the final phases of the Komohana Street reconstruction project, which now will extend through mid-January. Tribune-Herald.

Kona coffee growers say this year’s harvest is mostly in, and it’s smaller than usual, but with more high-quality beans that fetch higher prices. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Maui County Council may have ironed out its main leadership issues Monday, but with a public hearing on standing committees still to come, the important work of vetting new bills cannot begin yet. Maui News.

The coffee berry borer was detected in December 2016 on a coffee farm in Kīpahulu on Maui. Maui Now.

State agriculture officials reported Thursday that they had confirmed the presence of the coffee berry borer at two locations on the Hana side of Maui, in Kipahulu, directly across the channel from Hawi. Hawaii News Now.

Twenty-eight lots across 86 acres near the Maui Motorsports Park in Pulehunui in Maui’s only heavy industrial zoned subdivision hit the market Tuesday, island real estate officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

State considering plan to build a $500K crossing for Hanakapiai Stream. Garden Island.