First Honolulu rail segment opens, HUD Secretary visits Hawaii, Kona child psychologist charged with sexually assaulting minor, Kauai ex-councilman drug ring supplier sentenced, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Governor Signs Tax Relief And Budget Bills. Not everything he originally proposed made it into the tax relief bill. He said those omissions will be revisited in the future. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Kauai Now.  KITV4.

HUD Secretary in Hawaii July 2-3 to discuss affordable housing.  The head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will visit Oahu to meet with local officials and residents who use its Housing Choice voucher program known as Section 8. Hawaii News Now.

How a lapsing birth attendant exemption affects access to care in Hawaiʻi. When the state Legislature failed to pass a bill to extend birth attendant exemptions under the state midwifery laws and add additional licensing pathways this session, it affirmed the end of a three-year exemption period. Hawaii Public Radio.

Affirmative action ruling could test admission policies at Hawaii schools.  The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week striking down affirmative action in college admissions and favoring a “colorblind Constitution” has some educators and legal experts debating whether there may be ripple effects for Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaii and other entities and programs that are focused on Hawaiian people and culture. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ed Case Honored For Work On World’s Oceans. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation lauds the Hawaii congressman's stewardship. Civil Beat.

Hawaii faces higher temperatures, drought as El Nino takes hold.  The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting higher-­than-average temperatures and below-average rainfall for the rest of the calendar year and into January.  Star-Advertiser.

Defense contractor Hawaiian Native Corp. is under investigation. The federal Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating potential financial and tax crimes by defense contractor Hawaiian Native Corp. and its 11 Dawson subsidiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rail ridership projections, revenue uncertain after Skyline opens.  Even with the first phase of the $9.8 billion rail line officially open, it’s still unclear how many passengers are needed to ride the system, how much revenue they would generate and what the real costs of maintenance will be.  Star-Advertiser. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now

Tommy Aiu Is Out As Honolulu Rail’s Private Security Chief.  As the first 10 miles of Honolulu’s rail transit line open for service, the city job to oversee private security along the system’s stations, platforms and driverless trains remains vacant. Civil Beat.

City compliance expert calls for urgent changes to embattled liquor commission. On Thursday, the city’s compliance expert Hui Chen shared her report to Honolulu Liquor Commission’s board members and gave suggestions on how they can improve the organization. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New animal control agency takes helm.  The Hawaii Police Department on Saturday relinquished responsibility over animal control services to the newly formed Animal Control and Protection Agency under the Office of the Mayor. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Expanded West Hawaiʻi Golf Subsidy Begins.  This year’s program - subsidizing golf opportunities at The Village Course at Waikoloa and Makalei Golf Club - will run from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Big Island Video News.

Kona psychologist who treats children accused of sexually assaulting minor. A 71-year-old clinical psychologist who specializes in treating children and teens who are dying or are chronically ill pleaded not guilty today in Kona Circuit Court to charges he sexually assaulted a minor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Emails Reveal A Maui Developer’s Influence Over New Water Board Member.  While the Maui County Council was publicly vetting applicants to steer the new East Maui Community Water Authority, a local developer was working behind the scenes to convince the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to change its nominee.  Civil Beat.

Lawsuit challenges a new gun ban on Hawaii beaches.  Three Maui residents are suing to block the measure, arguing that Hawaii — which has long had some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and some of the lowest rates of gun violence — is going too far with its wide-ranging ban.  Associated Press.

Maui County has highest share of ‘severely rent burdened’ households. Maui County leads the state with the highest median asking rent, the highest median condominium price and is the most “severely rent burdened” in the state with renters paying more than 50 percent of their income toward rent, according to a recent report.  Maui News.

Kauai

Supplier in ex-Kauai council member’s drug ring is sentenced. A 41-year-old Kauai woman who was a backup supplier of methamphetamine to former Kauai County Council member Arthur Brun’s drug-trafficking organization was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i refuse stations’ chronic closures due to “antiquated” equipment; upgrades coming. The construction projects for these upgrades are scheduled to go out to bid this summer. Actual construction of the refuse transfer station improvements will take place in a phased rollout.  Kauai Now.

Low rainfall keeps Kaua‘i surf spots clean despite chronically polluted streams. The dry season has been kind to Kaua‘i’s waters, as low rainfall protected much of the island’s surf spots from runoff pollution this month, according to Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

Lava nears geothermal plant, Ige closes Hanabusa's lead in poll, teachers union backs Gabbard's opponent, tight race for lieutenant governor, Big Island taxes could increase to pay for volcano response, Section 8 housing opens on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Active lava flow from Kilauea volcano PC:USGS

Workers at the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant found themselves in a race against nature Monday as they attempted to seal off a particularly troublesome, deep geothermal well while lava from Kilauea Volcano advanced from the south to a point uncomfortably close to the well pad area. Star-Advertiser.

As lava breached the southern boundary of Puna Geothermal Venture on Monday, the head of a task force created to mitigate potential hazards at the power plant said efforts were underway to neutralize the last “active” well on the property. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Lava Flows Reach Site Of Geothermal Plant. A naturally occurring berm has so far halted the flow’s advance, but officials warn if the lava does hit the plant’s underground wells it could trigger the release of poisonous gases. Civil Beat.

As active lava begins to encroach on the Puna Geothermal Venture property, officials are working to finish quenching, and hopefully plugging, wells on the site. Big Island Video News.

Lava flow enters Puna Geothermal Venture power plant on Hawaii's Big Island as authorities attempt to kill active wells (Video). Pacific Business News.

Vigorous lava flows continue to cascade into the ocean in lower Puna, creating large plumes of "laze" — clouds of toxic gas, steam and tiny glass particles — that could force nearby residents to evacuate at a moment's notice, authorities warned Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Explosions continue at the summit of Kilauea, prompting authorities to warn area residents about the threat of ashfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that a new explosive eruption at Kilauea summit at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

=====

Civil Beat Poll: Hanabusa Leads Ige By 6 As Primary Draws Closer. The congresswoman had a narrower gap than earlier polls showed but the governor is still in trouble. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Carvalho Ahead In Lieutenant Governor Race. It’s a close contest in a crowded field, with many voters still undecided. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Teachers Union Backs Gabbard Opponent For Congress. In its endorsement of challenger Sherry Campagna, the union sharply criticized Gabbard’s human rights record because of her stance on Syria. Civil Beat.

State Supreme Court upholds use tax. CompUSA had challenged the state’s use tax as unconstitutional since it applies only to out-of-state sellers. Star-Advertiser.

A key Domestic Violence bill failed to pass in the State Legislature this session and supporters want to know why. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii has a shortfall of nearly 30,000 licensed child care slots, according to a study by Child Care Aware of America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

State reopens section 8 housing waitlist for the first time in 4 years. The voucher program waitlist for section 8 housing on Oahu will be opened next month for the first time in more than 4 years. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu is opening the wait list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. KHON2.

A company trying to build what would be the third wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore has obtained its last discretionary state approval after a contentious proceeding and almost five years of work. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of trees in Manoa to get the ax as part of stream dredging project. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii leadership is resurrecting efforts to recombine the University of Hawaii Travel Industry Management School with the Shidler College of Business Administration, a move that has been heavily debated over the last decade. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists are waiting for lab results to help determine what caused the recent death of three Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Property tax hikes could be back on the table, as county expenses increase even as property values erode, thanks to lava inundation in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

Lava prompts election officials to mail absentee voting applications. Tribune-Herald.

Cruise ship Pride of America cancels Hawaii Island visits for second week. West Hawaii Today.

Puna farmers affected by the volcanic activity on Hawaii Island were set to meet Monday night to learn about the assistance programs that are being available to them lava damages their crops – and their bottom line. Hawaii News Now.

Poverty, illness compound problems for Puna community. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic emissions drive up ER visits on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

As the Kilauea eruption continues to make national headlines, organizers of the Ironman are urging triathletes not to cancel their travel plans. Hawaii News Now.

Prosecutor talks challenges law enforcement faces. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County’s jobless rate dropped to 2 percent in April, the same as the state’s overall rate, a record low, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui News.

Kauai

Medical marijuana is now available for the first time on Kauai. The new dispensary in Kapaa opened Monday and is called Have a Heart, operated by Green Aloha Ltd. Garden Island.

Flood, volcano ‘postpone’ popular Taste of Hawaii. Garden Island.

Obama may address World Conservation Congress, Ige resists Thirty Meter Telescope testimony, DEA won't approve medical marijuana use, state's Section 8 housing wait list opened, hepatitis spreads, early voting down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Seabird at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Jerker Tamelander, courtesy World Conservation Congress

The World Conservation Congress, a major international event next month in Waikiki, may attract President Barack Obama as the opening-day speaker, but local organizers expect far fewer attendees than original estimates, and say they might be up to $1 million short on funding to host the 10-day summit. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill eight primary seats and one alternate seat on its advisory council. Maui News.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is set to announce today that it will not approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes. KITV.

The state’s public housing office is opening up the waiting list for federally subsidized Section 8 housing vouchers for the first time in a decade as Hawaii struggles to reduce its rate of homelessness, which is the highest per capita in the nation. The program serves primarily Oahu, with the neighbor island counties administering their own voucher programs. However, the vouchers administered by the housing authority can be used on any island and in any state. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority plans to open its wait list for Section 8 rental housing vouchers for the first time in 10 years. Applications will be accepted online in 11 languages between Tuesday August 16 and Thursday August 18. Civil Beat.

People struggling to find housing in high-cost Hawaii will be able to apply for Section 8 housing assistance for the first time in a decade. But Oahu residents can no longer apply to get into public housing, because the waiting list for those coveted housing slots was closed last week. Associated Press.

Two more food service workers are among the 33 new cases of hepatitis A confirmed by the state Department of Health on Wednesday, bringing the number of Hawaii cases to 168. Star-Advertiser.

Two more food service workers have been diagnosed with hepatitis A as the Hawaii outbreak continues to grow. The state Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed 33 additional cases, bringing the total number of peopled sickened to 168. Associated Press.

Depressing and frustrating. That’s how health officials are describing the state’s hepatitis A outbreak as they struggle to find the source. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Rising Fortunes Didn’t Prevent A Feisty Challenge. Shay Chan Hodges says the congresswoman doesn’t truly represent her district, so she decided to give voters a choice. Civil Beat.

Authorities intercepted a package mailed from California to Hawaii containing more than 4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and four children’s coloring books. The package led to arrests of three men and the seizure of more than $500,000. Associated Press.

Oahu

The number of Oahu voters choosing to enter ballot booths at the city’s two absentee voting walk-in locations appears to be dropping this primary election year compared with the 2014 and 2012 primaries, although the number of absentee mail-in ballots apparently is on the upswing. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha wants the city to hire private attorneys to defend him in a series of lawsuits alleging police misconduct. Hawaii News Now.

Motorists gave mixed reviews to the state's latest effort to ease traffic heading into the Waianae coast. While it seemed to improve traffic for people headed westbound toward Waianae, the new contraflow lane on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli caused a huge backup heading to town. Hawaii News Now.

Some 30 homeless teenagers per day now get to use a new bathroom, new washers and dryers, refrigerators, freezers and brightly painted lockers after Oahu builders pitched in to refurbish Waikiki’s Youth Outreach drop-in center. Star-Advertiser.

When it comes to the unfinished rail line, Kirk Caldwell and Peter Carlisle agree on many things, including how much it will cost to complete the route to Ala Moana Center: $1.5 billion. Civil Beat.

The developer of Ward Village plans to open its latest shopping and dining concept — known as South Shore Market — with 17 merchants in November. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. (NYSE: HHC) has released the names of most of the tenants that will occupy its 25,125-square-foot South Shore Market in Honolulu’s Ward Village beneath T.J. Maxx. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Executive privilege could keep Gov. David Ige from testifying during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope supporters and opponents attended a “community connection” Tuesday evening at University of Hawaii at Hilo to question Gov. David Ige about his positions on the controversial project and Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Councilman Danny Paleka has been fined for campaign finance violations. The Campaign Spending Commission says that Councilman Danny Paleka's spending reports show several discrepancies amounting in tens of thousands of dollars. KITV.

The Democratic primary in the race for state House District 7 features two seasoned politicians. Long-time incumbent Cindy Evans is seeking her eighth consecutive term. Opposing her is David Tarnas, who previously served in the state House of representatives and is a former Hawaii County chairman for the Democratic Party. West Hawaii Today.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be in Kona today hosting a “Tulsi in Your Town” meeting to engage in discussions with constituents, assist with federal agency casework and talk over her priorities for the rest of the 2016. West Hawaii Today.

An outdated and overpriced tariff scheme. An entrepreneur who exploited loopholes in a law intended to benefit small farms. And a residential community that is seething over the prospect of more than two dozen photovoltaic arrays, intended to generate more than six megawatts, scattered across a rugged landscape that ranges from near desert conditions to dense ohia forest. These are just a few of the elements that have combined to create a controversy over a renewable energy project in the remote subdivision of Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos in the Kau district of the Big Island. Civil Beat.

There’s a new figure in the black robe at the combined District/Family Court in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

A 57-year-old Hilo man is suing the state Department of Public Safety, alleging he was kept in jail more than two months longer than his court-imposed sentence. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A $40,000 generator to operate a water well was stolen from Maui Economic Opportunity's Waiehu farm over the weekend, the latest in recent thefts and vandalism on the 11-acre property designed to help people transition from being incarcerated to living in the community. Maui News.

A Kahului chiropractor agreed to pay $100,000 in a settlement with Maui County over multiple fraud counts involving a county employee's back injury. Maui News.

The state Employees' Retirement System filed a lawsuit Tuesday to stop a law that the ERS said is unconstitutional and will affect its tax-exempt status and retirement benefits for its 120,000 members. Maui News.

With no candidates from another party seeking the Upcountry 12th House seat, the Democratic primary will be a winner-take-all contest Saturday between incumbent Rep. Kyle Yamashita and challenger Tiare Lawrence. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife will close the Kula Forest Reserve, Walpoli Access Road, Kahananui Forest Reserve – Papa‘anui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area from Monday, September 12, 2016, through Friday, September 23, 2016, to allow scheduled road repairs, road safety improvements, and fuel mitigation work (such as removing underbrush) and to be completed for both the unpaved and paved sections of the road. Maui Watch.

Kauai

Bike lanes will not be constructed on Malae and Puaole streets, Planning Department officials said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Members of the Kauai County Council Planning Committee unanimously voted to defer a bill that would allow residents in the Lihue Planning District to apply for permits to build additional rental units on their property. Garden Island.

Some 25 people from state, federal and county agencies kicked off emergency scenario exercises with the Hawaii National Guard at Kauai Community College on Wednesday. Garden Island.