Honolulu purchases 114 acres for preservation, Hawaii to be linked with broadband cable, Oahu solar hookups down, Delta adding Seattle-Kauai flights, living payheck to paycheck, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

North Shore beach purchased, courtesy Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell

The City and County of Honolulu announced Monday the $12 million purchase of 114 acres of the North Shore, saving a sizable chunk of oceanfront land that includes the Kahuku Golf Course from possible development. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu has purchased 114 acres of oceanfront land on Oahu’s North Shore, including the nine-hole Kahuku Golf Course, for $12.1 million, saving these lands from a planned development of luxury homes along the shoreline. Pacific Business News.

The City and County of Honolulu just beat developers to the punch, and scooped up prime beachfront land in Kahuku before houses could pop up. KITV.

A large piece of oceanfront land on Oahu’s North Shore that was at risk for development is now city property. KHON2.

================

People living in Hawaii are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck than in any other state, and may even be in the red each month after paying for basic living expenses, according to a new study by GoBankingRates. Pacific Business News.

For the second year in a row, Hawaii has been named the state where residents are "most likely" to live paycheck to paycheck. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Telcom said the Federal Communications Commission has approved the landing license for the $250 million Southeast Asia-U.S. broadband cable under construction, which will allow the cable to connect Indonesia and California, via Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Do Condo Owners Need Some Help From Hawaii’s Legislature? Potential condo-related proposals run the gamut from establishing an ombudsman to merely clarifying existing laws. Civil Beat.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s presence at Pearl Harbor will endure in the form of a small yet powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation between Japan and America. Star-Advertiser.

As many as 50 supporters from the islands will be among the one million people in attendance for the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Most Integrated State. America, it seems, has come closer to realizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, “though segregation and discrimination persist,” says WalletHub. Civil Beat.

With a high turnover rate of teachers, it can be challenging to fill open positions. The state Department of Education is trying to fix this problem by increasing recruitment efforts, providing mentoring programs for teachers and by strengthening partnerships with organizations such as Hawaii State Teachers Association. Garden Island.

Gun-Death Rates In America. Hawaii still rates very low but slips to No. 49 in report analyzing weak gun violence prevention laws and higher rates of gun ownership. Civil Beat.

Oahu
More Judge Jobs For Ige Pal. The governor’s former campaign manager is being considered for three judicial vacancies. Civil Beat.

Three Honolulu attorneys in private practice and a District Court judge are among the nominees for two vacancies on Oahu's 1st Circuit Court submitted to Gov. David Ige by the Hawaii Judicial Selection Commission. Pacific Business News.

The solar industry on Oahu continues to shrink as the number of building permits issued for rooftop solar projects by the City and County of Honolulu was down 34 percent in 2016 compared with the year prior. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers spent the holiday cleaning up Diamond Head State Monument. KHON2.

Commentary: I feel sad whenever I hear about local residents being squeezed out of their community beach parks by tour buses rumbling in day after day to drop off hundreds of tourists on so-called “recreation stops.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Puna residents were in shock Monday following a fire late Sunday night that gutted the historic Akebono Theatre and Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Although there were no reported injuries in the fire, it felt like a funeral on Monday as the community stood in disbelief over the loss of their town's cultural center. Big Island Video News.

For the second straight year, around 150 Kaiser Permanente employees and members of various nonprofits from across the island dedicated their annual day of service, which falls every year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to reforestation efforts at the Hauaina Enclosure, part of the 40,000-acre Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than 150 volunteer physicians, staff, and family members continued a 12-year tradition of giving back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in the Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi Annual Day of Service on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Delta Air Lines is adding a daily nonstop flight between the Hawaiian island of Kauai and Seattle, one of seven new flights from the Atlanta-based airline’s hub in the Pacific Northwest. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente staff members and families volunteered at Waipa ahupuaa in North Kauai Monday as part of the organization’s 12th annual Day of Service. Garden Island.

Albatross back on Kauai; 33 eggs relocated from Pacific Missile Range to Oahu. Garden Island.

Historic Pearl Harbor visit by Obama and Abe, Hawaii reaches 25% renewable energy, Green bill to raise minimum wage, Senate President Kouchi to speak at Maui inauguration, restaurateur bans Trump supporters, Waikiki hotel closed, rare crows die in the wild, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama and Abe offer flowers at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. (Pool photo)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe didn’t apologize Tuesday for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago, but his landmark visit to the USS Arizona Memorial with President Barack Obama spoke volumes about reconciliation. Star-Advertiser.

In a joint appearance deep with cultural and historic significance, the leaders of Japan and the United States placed flowers at the USS Arizona Memorial on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

In a historic pilgrimage, the leaders of Japan and the United States took to the hallowed waters of Pearl Harbor on Tuesday to prove that even the bitterest enemies can become allies. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not apologize, but conceded Japan “must never repeat the horrors of war again.” Associated Press.

The leaders of the United States and Japan visited the USS Arizona Memorial together for the first time since the December 7th surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Hawaii Public Radio.

In a powerful gesture of reconciliation 75 years after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined President Obama Tuesday to lay a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial and tell a gathered crowd that Japan "must never repeat the horrors of war again." Hawaii News Now.

The ceremonial visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Pearl Harbor, where he met with President Barack Obama and offered his “condolences,” comes amid rising tensions with Japan’s historic rival, China. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met at Camp Smith Tuesday morning to cement alliances as the political uncertainties in the Pacific continue to grow. KITV.

It was a historic moment Tuesday when, for the first time ever, a U.S. president and the Japanese prime minister together visited the USS Arizona Memorial. KHON2.

Abe's Pearl Harbor visit in photos. Nikkei Asian Review.

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Hawaii has made progress toward its goal of lowering its dependence on oil, cutting the number of barrels imported by 41 percent since 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii currently gets 25 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources, according to a new state report. Pacific Business News.

The Aloha State got a little greener in 2015, according to the 2016 Energy Resources Coordinator’s Annual Report released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Hawaii State Energy Office on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Under a bill drafted by state Sen. Josh Green, the minimum wage would rise to $15 an hour by 2019, from $8.50 now. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii residents eye the fresh ahi sashimi platters traditionally found on holiday dinner tables, major negotiations loom next year over how much tuna commercial fishermen should be allowed to catch. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii is urging local residents to withdraw funds and close their accounts with First Hawaiian Bank in an act of solidarity with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters, citing the bank’s connection to its majority shareholder BNP Paribas, which is backing the pipeline project. Pacific Business News.

A longtime Honolulu journalist is moving into the public-relations business. AARP Hawaii on Tuesday announced that Craig Gima is its new communications director. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott has gone to court to try to force the state to provide funding to improve what he describes as “intolerable” overcrowded conditions at Campbell High School or else immediately select a site and begin construction on a new East Kapolei high school.Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is ordering guests of the Polynesian Plaza hotel in Waikiki to be relocated out of the boutique hotel immediately because of unsafe conditions, Pacific Business News has learned.

Structural safety concerns prompted the city Department of Parks and Recreation to close the pavilion at Waimanalo Beach Park last week until further notice. Star-Advertiser.

Between the high rise buildings and industrial warehouses, a farm is the last thing you’d expect to find in urban Kaka‘ako. But one business is creating a space for growing food in an unexpected way. Hawaii Public Radio.

A longtime downtown Honolulu restaurant known for its pasta dishes and daily baked bread is now drawing attention for his poster banning Trump supporters. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has completed a bike lane from Queen Street to Ward Avenue within its 60-acre Ward Village master planned community. Pacific Business News.

A 19-year-old college student accused of killing seabirds at a Hawaii nature reserve pleaded not guilty Tuesday to animal cruelty. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Ka‘u gym and shelter has been open for more than three months, but Hawaii County officials are now seeking reassurance that the $18 million project meets state and county building codes for emergency shelters. West Hawaii Today.

Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation &Nursing Center will lose its Medicare certification in March if it does not fix problems found during recent inspections. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric’s latest energy plan calls for an additional 20 megawatts of wind power on Hawaii Island in just a few years as it shifts away from fossil fuels. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a new tenant for 10,000 acres of former sugar lands that are planted in eucalyptus along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii island after a company that had been logging those lands opted to surrender the lease. Star-Advertiser.

The plan to re-establish the Hawaiian crow in the wild suffered a blow as three of the five birds released into the East Hawaii wilderness were found dead last week of unknown causes. Star-Advertiser.

Less than two weeks after a small cohort of captive-bred ‘alala, endangered Hawaiian crows, was released into the wild, two of the five birds were returned to an outdoor aviary. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Senate President Ronald Kouchi will deliver the keynote address at the Maui County Council inauguration on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber. Maui Now.

Stephanie Dunbar-Co of Molokai, Ian Robin Kaye of Lanai and Robert Parsons of Maui have been appointed by Gov. David Ige to the 15-member state Environmental Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kauai residents were named to the 15-member Hawaii State Environmental Council, which provides a bridge between the public and the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. Garden Island.

Obama and Abe to visit Pearl Harbor today, $112M for renewable energy, Honolulu to tax part-time homeowners higher, Kim institutes hiring freeze, 12% raises for Maui officials, lawmaker publishes Hawaii Kai homeless map, new civil defense chief, Kenoi's legacy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe places a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at the Punchbowl in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 26, 2016. (AFP PHOTO/JAPAN POOL VIA JIJI PRESS /STR)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid wreaths at various cemeteries and memorials Monday ahead of a visit to the site of the 1941 bombing that plunged the United States into World War II. Associated Press.

Putting 75 years of resentment behind them, the leaders of the United States and Japan are coming together at Pearl Harbor for a historic pilgrimage to the site where a devastating surprise attack sent America marching into World War II. Associated Press.

In a solemn, silent tribute, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe presented a white chrysanthemum wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Monday, bowing his head slightly as a gentle rain fell. Star-Advertiser.

In a gesture that highlights the strength of U.S-Japan relations and how far the two nations have come since World War II, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will join President Obama at the USS Arizona Memorial on Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

The historic visit to Honolulu of Japan’s top leader began Monday morning at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Civil Beat.

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo paid tribute to fallen warriors at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl shortly after arriving in Honolulu Monday. KITV.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michele Obama thanked hundreds of service members and their families on Christmas Day in his final holiday visit as commander-in-chief to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Commentary: We in Hawaii know Obama’s historic presidency was all the richer because of his Hawaii roots. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation introduced a year ago by two Hawaii lawmakers is now law. “Talia’s Law,” as it is called, seeks to at better protect children from abuse on military bases. Civil Beat.

More than half a million Hawaii residents in commercial health plans will see an average 6.2 percent rate hike Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Electric companies that power Oahu, Maui County and the Big Island have submitted a plan to state energy regulators that lays out how they will achieve 100 percent of their electricity generation from renewable sources by 2040 — five years sooner than the state-mandated goal. Civil Beat.

Eight organizations have banded together on a mission to create more electric options in ground transportation in Hawaii, including the state’s Department of Transportation and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The state paid out $112 million in tax credits for renewable energy investment in 2014, the largest state tax credit for the year. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii residents eye the fresh ahi sashimi platters traditionally found on holiday dinner tables, major negotiations loom next year over how much tuna commercial fishermen should be allowed to catch. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii researchers say severe birth defects related to the Zika virus occurred in the islands several years before this year’s outbreaks in Brazil and Puerto Rico. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Honolulu ordinance that taxes homeowners at higher rates for million-dollar homes that they don’t live in full time will remain in effect after a state judge Friday reversed his October decision that found that the tax classification was unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser.

A state legislator has published a map of suspected homeless people in his district in an effort to raise public awareness of the problem, but some attorneys say the effort could be unconstitutional.Star-Advertiser.

City Councilman Joey Manahan has met with officials at the Honolulu Country Club in an effort to address concerns by Salt Lake residents about foul odors emanating from the waters around the club. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Department said it has been fined $15,400 and told to control workplace hazards as a result of an investigation into the accidental death of firefighter Clifford Rigsbee during a training exercise. Star-Advertiser.

A Waipahu homeless shelter is preparing to close its doors for good. Shelter officials at Lighthouse Outreach Center say new regulations adopted by the state are to blame. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim has instituted a hiring freeze while county departments revamp their procedures for selecting job candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim tapped a former chief ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to be Hawaii County’s next Civil Defense administrator. Tribune-Herald.

Two Former Big Island Mayors Weigh In on Billy Kenoi's Political Future. Hawaii Public Radio.

A room set aside for welcoming cruise ship passengers at Hilo Harbor will be turned into a security office, frustrating greeters who have waited four years to return to the space. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island tourism numbers are approaching a record high thanks to an ongoing shift in arrivals from cruise ships to airlines. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii House Majority Leader Scott Saiki is calling on the state Supreme Court to speed up the contested-case hearings for the permit to build a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Honokaa anxiously awaits gym's re-opening -- a year from now. Hawaii News Now.

Peaman cited: Race goes on but organizer says he has court date in February. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The 12 percent pay raise approved earlier this month for Mayor Alan Arakawa and his department appointees stands after the Maui County Salary Commission took no new action Friday, despite calling a special meeting after questions arose about the nondescriptive agenda item posted for its last meeting. Maui News.

The proposed new Maui County Service Center in Alexander & Baldwin’s Maui Business Park II in Puunene/Kahului has an estimated price tag of $27 million and would include a number of new occupants. Maui News.

The Dorvin and Betty Leis Charitable Trust announced it is donating a total of $1.25 million to 17 nonprofits on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Leis family is the model for philanthropic giving. Maui News.

The Kihei Community Association has provided about a quarter of the cost for a follow-up study to look into the water quality off South Maui in the context of human health. Maui News.

Kauai

Fire Chief Robert Westerman talks growth, future needs. Garden Island.

There’s another set of hands working in Katherine Muzik’s underwater coral garden named Mala Moana, or “Ocean Garden,” in Hawaiian. Garden Island.

Obama and Abe to visit Pearl Harbor Tuesday, drone recovered from South China Sea, Japan-Kona flights resume, Hawaii has small population bump, lawmaker sponsors albatross cruelty bill, Kauai mayor to veto alcohol golf course bill, sewer rate increase for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Drone recovered from China, courtesy U.S. Pacific Fleet

U.S. Pacific Fleet released photos today of a Navy “ocean glider” unmanned underwater vehicle taken Dec. 15 by China — leading to U.S. accusations that the sovereign vessel had been unlawfully seized. Star-Advertiser.

The USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will be closed Tuesday due to a visit by President Barack Obama and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the National Park Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Newly found Hawaiian fish is named after the president who expanded its sanctuary. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have named a fish after President Obama. Hawaii Public Radio.

The population of Hawaii grew by about 3,400 people between July 2015 and this July. The current estimate for the daily population, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, is 1,428,557. Civil Beat.

Federal figures show more people are leaving Hawaii for the mainland than coming to live in the state. Associated Press.

Maui and Kauai were in the top 10 least affordable counties according to a new report by ATTOM Data Solutions. Pacific Business News.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the state Environmental Council’s 15 seats are full thanks to a slew of appointments by Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to consider doubling funds to state-funded drug rehab centers. Hawaii News Now.

Do Hawaii Prisons Overuse Solitary Confinement? Most of the islands’ maximum-custody inmates live in special holding cells for up to 23 hours per day. The policy bucks a national trend. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Amid leadership crisis, Honolulu Police Department spent $74K to improve image. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu taxpayers are still paying Police Chief Louis Kealoha's salary even though he temporarily stepped down from his position. KITV.

The Honolulu Police Department’s reputation has taken a hit with the chief and four officers being targeted in a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

The day after Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha took leave amid a growing public corruption case, his wife remains on the job as a deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Court cases dealing with evictions on Oahu are down by 25 percent since April with the help of $4.7 million in state funds used to help families stay in their homes. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu has been designated as a “High Performer” by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section Eight Management Assessment Program for the sixth year in a row, recognizing the city’s ability to provide rent subsidies for low-income households. Pacific Business News.

An attempt by the Friends of Makakilo to stop the 11,750-home Hoopili project planned for Leeward Oahu and to limit the Honolulu rail line failed Wednesday after the Honolulu Ethics Commission ruled that key City Council votes enabling the projects should not be overturned. Star-Advertiser.

Houston’s NRG Energy Inc., which recently took over ownership of the bankrupt SunEdison Inc.’s large solar farm projects in Hawaii, including some that have been stalled, is making moves to restart these stalled projects, Pacific Business News has learned.

Honolulu officials have released a “Blaisdell Center Master Plan Feasibility Study and Conceptual Land Use Plan,” which they say calls for the Arena and Concert Hall “to be retained and renovated.” Civil Beat.

Lawmaker will introduce 2 bills in response to albatross cruelty case. KITV.

A 19-year-old college student has been charged with animal cruelty, nearly a year after seabirds were found dead at a Hawaii nature reserve. Associated Press.

Hawaii

At around noon Wednesday, the first international flight in half a dozen years arrived at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, bringing with it 280 passengers — a full flight — to the Big Island from Japan. West Hawaii Today.

A white-tented temporary customs inspection station at Kona International Airport processed incoming visitors Wednesday after Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural nonstop flight from Haneda International Airport in Tokyo touched down shortly after noon. Star-Advertiser.

The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing a proposed radiation monitoring plan for Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s first Cabinet appointee was easily confirmed Wednesday by the County Council, but at least one future nominee might find the going a little more difficult. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii Water Service Co. is seeking sewer rate increases phased in over five years that would more than double its revenues from nearly 880 residential, business and government customers in Pukalani. Maui News.

Maui County is slowly on its way to having an electricity-generating facility that will power the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility as well as produce fertilizer that the county could sell. Maui News.

A complaint against Maui County Council Chairman Mike White was filed with the Board of Ethics on Tuesday questioning White’s declaration to continue to serve as council chair for the next two-year term before formal public hearings or votes on leadership by the full council, according to a news release sent by the complainant. Maui News.

Maui Ocean Center has a special permit to collect coral, which is otherwise strictly prohibited.  The team got to be part of a coral recovery operation at multiple harbors across the state, after damage from the 2011 tsunami. Maui Now.

Kauai

In the days following Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s announcement he plans to veto the bill allowing alcohol to be served at Wailua Golf Course, some Kauai County Councilmembers say his reasons are unclear. Garden Island.

The only way for Alakai O Kauai Public Charter School to open next fall is for the school to move into an already existing structure. Garden Island.

County announces holiday closures. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court knocks down Mauna Kea lawsuit, Visitors Bureau loses $1M check, Abe won't apologize for Pearl Harbor, predetermined outcome in Tsuji replacement vote, Kim returns as Big Island mayor, Cochran to run for Maui mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow-capped Mauna Kea seen from Hilo © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by opponents of a giant telescope project on Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Tulsi Gabbard Faced Tough Questions In Dakota About Hawaiian Issues. The congresswoman was challenged when she said the Thirty Meter Telescope issue was resolved. She later said she personally opposes the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Harry Kim signaled his intent to shape the future of Mauna Kea during his first inauguration in 12 years. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau was the victim of fraud while trying to pay for an expensive mainland marketing campaign. Sources say the Honolulu Police Department is investigating after a check, written for more than $1 million, was stolen late last month. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won't apologize for Japan's attack when he visits the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor later this month, the government spokesman said Tuesday. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make history on Dec. 27 when they meet at Pearl Harbor 75 years after the Japanese attack that launched America into war. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 30 Pearl Harbor survivors took an emotional boat cruise into history Monday, returning to the scene where they witnessed death and carnage 75 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Sixty-six World War II veterans of Japanese ancestry were honored Monday for “fighting two wars” — at home and overseas. Star-Advertiser.

The December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago resulted in 54 civilian casualties on O’ahu mostly caused by friendly fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

A revised federal law will transfer some power to individual states to determine how their schools should be reformed – and Hawaii principals want a piece of the action. Civil Beat.

There will be a new security point man at the Hawaii state House come January. Rod Tanonaka will assume the job of sergeant-at-arms Jan. 3, replacing Kevin Kuroda who held the position since 2003. Civil Beat.

Embattled Hawaii telecommunications company Sandwich Isles Communications now faces more than $49 million in fines that are being proposed by the Federal Communications Commission for allegedly misusing federal funds, according to the agency. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tuna Commission Gets To Work On Fishing Policies. Civil Beat.

More than 1,000 electric customers across the state have signed up for Hawaiian Electric Companies’ new Time-of-Use rates program. Maui Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council may be getting a new boss. Councilman Ron Menor has proposed a reorganization plan that’s expected to have the support of at least four of the nine Council members. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the financial plan for rail has changed dramatically. KHON2.

Interest in Hawaiian Electric Co.’s time-of-use pilot program is growing. Star-Advertiser.

The 15th annual Waikiki Spam Jam Festival to take place next year is expected to bring in 25,000 guests and local residents to Kalakaua Avenue. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s New Mayor Passes Gavel To New Council Chair. Big Island Video News.

For the third time in his career as a public servant, Harry Kim has pledged to again serve the people of Hawaii County as their mayor. Hawaii News Now.

The slate of finalists sent to the governor to pick a replacement for the late state Rep. Clift Tsuji was already decided before the public interviews and votes, according to a screen-shot of a text message obtained by the newspaper prior to Saturday’s voting. West Hawaii Today.

A feasibility study on a non-commercial marine fishing registry, permit or license system that was released Friday has laid the most stable groundwork to date for moving forward with an RPL system in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Councilmember Elle Cochran (West Maui) revealed in public statements made at an event on Oahu that she intends on running for Mayor of Maui County in 2018. Maui Watch.

Marine Corps veteran Alan DeCoite was searching for a downed World War II-era plane when he stumbled upon a different set of military artifacts, the likes of which he’d seen nowhere else. Maui News.

Kauai

For Nadine Nakamura, finding solutions to the Kapaa crawl and affordable housing, preserving cultural lands and supporting education are priorities for the House of Representatives this term. Garden Island.

Those who knew Charles Kawakami say he was a consummate businessman who had a deep connection to the Garden Isle.Garden Island.

Obama and Abe to visit Pearl Harbor, Native Hawaiian constitution gains supporters, Menor to lead Honolulu City Council, Big Island inauguration today for mayor, council, three candidates chosen to replace Tsuji, Maui has highest crime rate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama and Abe May 2016 Facebook photo

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Pearl Harbor with U.S. President Barack Obama at the end of this month, becoming the first leader of his country to go to the site of the Japanese attack that propelled the United States into World War II. Associated Press.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Pearl Harbor later this month, becoming the first Japanese head of state to ever visit the site of the surprise attack. President Obama will accompany Abe on the visit, which is scheduled for Dec. 27. Hawaii Public Radio.

World War II veterans and Navy brass gathered Sunday to celebrate the restoration of a weather forecasting center on Ford Island that was used as a flight control tower during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack. Star-Advertiser.

The December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago resulted in 54 civilian casualties on O’ahu mostly caused by friendly fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

A campaign to bring about a ratification vote for the draft Native Hawaiian constitution has received a boost with a pledge of support from an association of more than 100 Native Hawaiian organizations. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate leadership has reshuffled some of the key committee assignments as it readies for the start of the 2017 legislative session in January. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin is expected to lose his leadership gavel to Councilman Ron Menor in the new year under a reorganization plan expected to garner the support of a majority of the nine-member panel. Star-Advertiser.

A new bill aimed at treating Uber and Lyft drivers more like traditional cabbies was approved 9-0 by the Hono­lulu City Council on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The costs of Honolulu’s rail project could go as high as $9.5 billion under one scenario in an updated financial plan for the project released by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Friday. Civil Beat.

One of Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licensees announced this week that it raised $10.9 million in equity financing and has completed construction of its offices and design of its Honolulu dispensary on Young Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three candidates — Moana Kelii, Stacy Higa and Christopher Todd — were chosen by party members during a Saturday morning voting session as candidates for the House seat vacated by the death of Rep. Clift Tsuji. Tribune-Herald.

Moana Hokoana Keli`i, Stacy Higa and Chris Todd have been chosen from a list of seven Democrats. Governor David Ige will now choose one of them to fill the late Rep. Clift Tsuji's seat. Big Island Video News.

Fellow lawmakers, friends and family gathered to honor the life of the late state Rep. Clift Tsuji on Friday, remembering his booming voice, fairness as a committee chairman tackling divisive topics and deep love for his family and district. Associated Press.

Not everything old is new again, but the inauguration set Monday for a mayor who’s returning to office after eight years, a majority of returning County Council members and a re-elected county prosecutor means there will be a lot of familiar faces around county government. West Hawaii Today.

The developer of a $225 million biomass plant on the Big Island of Hawaii that is about 50 percent complete filed a civil complaint this week against Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., NextEra Energy Inc. and Hamakua Energy Partners LP for alleged anticompetitive and illegal conduct related to the termination of the developer’s power purchase agreement. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is mulling ways to boost a low 49 percent occupancy in its newest residence hall, a problem that has forced the school to dip into reserve funds in order to pay back debt from the building’s construction. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County reported the highest statewide rates for total, violent, and property Index Crimes, as well as rape, aggravated assault, and larceny-theft, according to a the State of Hawaiʻi’s Annual Uniform Crime Report for 2015. Maui Now.

A little-known lavender farm more than 4,000 feet up the slopes of Haleakala is quickly becoming the most productive olive farm on the island and possibly the only commercial tea farm early next year. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Resource Center will be closed temporarily starting Dec. 14 as the county transitions to a new vendor and the permitting, contracting and mobilization processes for the new contract are completed. Garden Island.

The owner of The St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s North Shore is selling its Starwood Hotels and Resorts-managed property, the master developer of the Princeville at Hanalei confirmed to Pacific Business News.