Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Hawaii legislators attendance spotty, Honolulu owes $8M in mismanaged federal funds, Honolulu Weekly suspends publication, former Hawaii County officials cleared in defamation suit, rail company losing contracts, Maui residents get electricity rebate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature
Hawaii Legislature sine die 2013 courtesy photo
Hawaii voters elect their legislators to represent them at the state capitol, but are they showing up to work? The House and Senate have just released their attendance records for the 2013 legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

Millions spent on out-of-state travel by Dept. of Education. KHON2.

Many ranking administrators at the University of Hawaii will no longer be able to routinely request and receive free tickets to football games and other athletic events under policy guidelines adopted by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission last week. Civil Beat.

Local authorities are split on whether the Supreme Court ruling on DNA sampling requires Hawaii lawmakers to amend the law that covers the genetic sampling of arrestees. In its opinion, the high court said police can obtain DNA samples for a "serious offense." KITV4.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has invited the defense ministers from the 10 countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to Hawaii for their annual meeting next year. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Republican Party Executive Director Dylan Nonaka has a notable, but certainly not relished, distinction. Nokaka, a 31-year-old former U.S. Marine and current U.S. Army reservist, believes he is one of the few individuals in the country to be named by the Internal Revenue Service in its probe of local tea parties. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation plans to resume providing translations of drivers license tests in eight languages by the end of the year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for June 5. Associated Press.

State 6/5. Associated Press.

Oahu

A scathing 15-page report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development calls on the city to return nearly $8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds it issued to a Wahiawa-area nonprofit organization. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement of federal grant funds and how the city will come up with $8 million to repay the feds is expected to be part of Honolulu City Council budget talks on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

How Civil Beat Covered a Scandal City Officials Wanted to Avoid.

The Honolulu City Council will consider today whether the top nonprofit employees overseeing the city's TheBus and TheHandi-Van services should be subject to the same ethics training, ethics policies and civil penalties as city employees. Star-Advertiser.

People can tell the city how they feel about the appeals process for the city's new sidewalk nuisance ordinance at a hearing today in Kapolei. A hearing officer will receive spoken testimony from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of Kapolei Hale, 1000 Ulu Ohia St. Star-Advertiser.

After months of dealing with technical troubles, Belgian and Dutch railway operators have canceled their contract for high-speed trains from the company hired to provide the trains for the city of Honolulu's planned rail transit system. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Weekly plans to stop publishing today and resume in the fall. The break in publication is due to "financial reasons," according to a posting on the Weekly's Facebook page. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Weekly announced Tuesday that it will go on a “hiatus” for financial reasons, likely until the fall. Wednesday’s issue will be the newspaper’s last issue for the foreseeable future. Pacific Business News.

Lifeguards made more than two dozen ocean rescues Tuesday in Waikiki as waves rose to 6 feet in seasonal South Shore high surf. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit Court has dismissed another portion of the defamation lawsuit against two former county officials. Judge Elizabeth Strance, in a ruling issued Tuesday morning, said the attorney representing Elections Division Chief Patricia Nakamoto and former elections employee Shyla Ayau failed to prove former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi acted in a “willful and wanton” way in investigating and firing four county elections workers last year. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council will consider tightening its rules on public drinking today in response to an apparent loophole in the county code. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County charter to the contrary, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Tuesday that his appointee to head the Department of Environmental Management doesn’t need an engineering or related degree to qualify for the position. West Hawaii Today.

County finance committee advances vehicle fee hikes. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island nurseries could soon receive a seal of approval from groups trying to control the spread of invasive species. As part of a pilot program, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee will provide “plant pono” certifications to nurseries that follow certain procedures to prevent the importation of unwanted plants and pests. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. residential customers will be receiving a refund of about $39 to $49 in the form of a credit on upcoming electric bills, according to a statement from the utility on Monday. Maui News.

Maui Electric Company has been ordered to refund customers due to “inefficient performance” and customer dissatisfaction, following a decision by the Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

About 400 United States military personnel have flown to Maui to provide free medical services through the "Tropic Care" program, beginning today and continuing through June 12 at locations throughout Maui County. Maui News.

Lanai Resorts' concept of developing a new resort and building large-lot and company housing at the old Club Lanai location recently was approved by the Lanai Community Plan Advisory Committee, despite some concerns by committee members. Maui News.

Maui firefighters were working through a "slow process" Monday afternoon to extinguish a compost fire that started Sunday afternoon, closed the Central Maui Landfill and recycling operations there and delayed collections of residential trash on most of the Valley Isle. Maui News.

Kauai

EBT concerns cloud skies over farmers markets. Program ends, worries some shoppers. Garden Island.

An exhibit opened its doors Monday afternoon in the Kauai Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Hawaii seniors healthy; Defense secretary rallies troops, Caldwell, council spar over $2B Honolulu budget; improvements coming to Kona International Airport; new cop cars for Kauai; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii kupuna hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Elderly people in Hawaii are among the nation's healthiest, with low rates of obesity, hip fractures and preventable hospitalization, according to a ranking of states released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is in the midst of his first visit to Hawaii since taking office in February, defense officials say, as part of a round-the-globe trip that includes stops in Singapore and Brussels. Star-Advertiser.

United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will address 200 service members from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Thursday, according to the Department of Defense. Hawaii News Now.

A public university on Chicago's South Side is vying to become the home of President Barack Obama's presidential library after he leaves office, a prize also sought by the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

About $570,000 in federal funding is heading to Hawaii to help veterans who are struggling with homelessness. Associated Press.

More than half of Hawaii schools don't have reliable Internet access, and the Hawaii Department of Education can't afford to give every student a digital device. Civil Beat.

August 5 is normally a payday for educational assistants in Hawaii's public schools. However, some 200 of them in Leeward Oahu schools won't be getting a paycheck this coming August 5. And according to the state, it's because they got that paycheck nearly a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers say a new Hawaii law could help the state develop commercial harbors faster and more efficiently. Associated Press.

The American Center for Law and Justice filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in Washington, D.C., on behalf of The Honolulu Tea Party, Hawaii Tea Party and nearly two-dozen conservative groups across the country. Hawaii Reporter.

Federal regulators are pressing ahead with their decision to slash government subsidies used by Sandwich Isles Communications to provide telephone and high-speed Internet service to customers living on Hawaiian Home Lands, saying the Honolulu-based company was not able to justify “significant and wasteful expenses totaling many millions of dollars.” Star-Advertiser.

When Hawaii residents purchase groceries and other goods in the islands, they typically encounter prices 30 percent above what U.S. mainland shoppers will pay in their stores. Hawaii Reporter.

The Huffington Post and subscription-based news website Honolulu Civil Beat announced Wednesday that they plan to partner in a new site dedicated to Hawaii news. Associated Press.

Huffington Post Partnership Takes Hawaii Global. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s political leaders are praising the latest state revenue forecast which shows growing revenue over the next two years and say Hawaii residents and businesses should be optimistic about the improving economy. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Airlines Inc. said Wednesday that it has closed on $444.5 million in Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates to finance the acquisition of six new Airbus A330-200 aircraft over the next 18 months. Pacific Business News.

The electric utilities on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are seeking public comment on five-year energy plans. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 29. Associated Press.

State 5/29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council's proposed $2 billion city operating budget, which includes $14 million for nonprofit groups, is "fiscally irresponsible" and is balanced through a combination of debt and money grabs that could risk the city's high bond rating, Mayor Kirk Caldwell charged Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has put some of Oahu’s nonprofits on notice. Don’t expect a handout from the city. Civil Beat.

It’s a fight to the finish as Honolulu’s mayor and City Council battle over the budget. KHON2.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. paid $25.9 million to purchase the 80,000-square-foot former Macy’s department store and parking garage in Downtown Honolulu, according to City and County of Honolulu property tax records. Pacific Business News.

The Coast Guard is proposing voluntary tsunami evacuation zones on either side of Honolulu Harbor. KITV4.

With well wishes from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and others, the double-hulled sailing canoe Hokule‘a on Wednesday began a nearly yearlong shakedown cruise through the Hawaiian Islands before embarking next May on a deep-sea global journey, "Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage." Star-Advertiser.

This time of year brings a rainbow of events to Honolulu highlighting Hawai’i’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.  The Gay Pride parade runs through Waikiki this Saturday, and the Rainbow Film Festival begins at the Doris Duke tomorrow. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Property tax scofflaws got a reprieve Wednesday, when a County Council committee declined to shorten the time the county has to wait before foreclosing on property. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members will have another month to digest a bill that would restrict the use of genetically modified crops on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

DOT breaks ground for new fire station, dedicates air tower at Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center alone will account for nearly $2 million of the state hospital system’s $7.2 million shortfall forecast for the coming fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Kealakekua Bay is now open to the public — as long as the public applies for a special use permit and promises not to land at Kaawaloa. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has two new field representatives, George “Robby” Robertson and Michael Zola. They will join Marlena Castro Dixon as regional liaisons for Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

The USDA announced last week that nearly a dozen small watersheds on Hawaii Island will benefit from an influx of a little more than $433,000 to make assistance available this year to farmers, ranchers and forest owners to keep water sources on their property free of foreign matter, like sediment or bacteria. The funding comes through the agency’s National Water Quality Initiative. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Maui County Council gave initial approval of a $559 million county budget Tuesday, with the spending plan including water and property tax rate increases along with more funding for most nonprofit organizations and a new reduced monthly bus pass rate for people with disabilities. Maui News.

A controversial lottery for admission into the Hawaiian Immersion kindergarten at Pāʻia Elementary School was officially canceled during a stakeholders meeting at the campus on Tuesday morning.Maui Now.

The state Department of Agriculture's Animal Industry Division has ordered all beef and dairy bulls to be tested for bovine trichomoniasis prior to entry into and before movement between herds within the state, the department said. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai Police Department expects to spend nearly $2 million to replace an aging fleet over two years. Garden Island.

Changing out windows at the Lihue Public Library is one of the milestones of the renovation project. Garden Island.

Chinese fast food giant Panda Express, Inc. has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed last year by three former employees who worked at the restaurant chain’s Kapaa franchise. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Hawaii GOP seeks probe of Senate president, Stryker Brigade to stay in Hawaii, Maui raises property taxes, clams coming to Kauai, Honolulu's Ala Wai studied, quiet hurricane season predicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ala Wai (c) 2013 All Hawaii News


Ala Wai Canal: A $100 Million Problem. Complete series on the history and future of the Ala Wai. Civil Beat.

The Central Pacific, which includes the Hawaiian Islands, probably will experience another season of below-average tropical cyclone activity, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hurricane forecasters are calling for a relatively quiet tropical cyclone season for the Central Pacific Ocean Basin. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s wet season, which runs from October through April, was the driest wet season in 30 years, the National Weather Service in Honolulu said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the U.S. Army in the Pacific said Hawaii is expected to keep its 22,500 active-duty soldiers as the Army downsizes, but it makes sense to re-evaluate whether the Stryker Brigade should keep its 320 armored vehicles or revert to a light infantry unit without Strykers. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Republican Party on Wednesday urged the state Ethics Commission to investigate whether state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim violated the ethics code when she called the University of Hawaii president last spring about her son's law school application. Star-Advertiser.

Even if the Senate president did not exert pressure on the university president, Kim may have violated the State Ethics Code and the Senate's own rules with just the phone call itself. Civil Beat.

As the University of Hawaii searches for a new president, critics are revisiting concerns about the relatively few local hires in top positions at the university. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office announced Wednesday that $48.3 million will be spent to improve public housing throughout Hawaii, including $25.8 million for non-routine repairs, maintenance and renovations statewide. Pacific Business News.

Two years after tests first indicated the presence of a sexually transmitted disease in a handful of Hawaii Island cattle, state officials imposed a statewide quarantine order requiring testing of new dairy and beef bulls brought to the state and moved from one herd to another. West Hawaii Today.

KHON-TV is advising viewers of the Fox network affiliate or its CW network affiliate via Oceanic Time Warner Cable that the stations may be blacked out for most of Hawaii on May 31 if negotiations for a new retransmission contract are not successful. Star-Advertiser.

State 5/22. Associated Press.

State roundup for May 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

A federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the city of Honolulu by members of a protest group that has been camping on the sidewalks around Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

In the last three years, the University of Hawaii has spent $1.3 million on repairs and upgrades to College Hill, the presidents' home that UH President MRC Greenwood has chosen not to live in. Hawaii News Now.

The James Campbell Co. is looking to sell 516 acres of mostly undeveloped land in West Oahu known as Kapolei West, a potential mixed-use residential and commercial master-planned community that would connect the City of Kapolei with Ko Olina Resort. Pacific Business News.

The city's aging Neal S. Blaisdell Center could be a site of one of three proposed 700-foot residential towers under a draft plan proposed by a state agency regulating development in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

For the more than 20,000 people who live there, there’s only one way in and out of Mililani Mauka. After years of traffic headaches, there are some options on the table to ease the frustration. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hikes in property taxes, park fees, bus fares and vehicle registration and weight taxes will balance Mayor Billy Kenoi’s proposed $394.3 million 2013-14 budget, a 7.9 percent increase over this year. But there’s still a wild card in the mix: Two major public worker unions have yet to complete collective bargaining agreements. West Hawaii Today.

All the right factors need to be in place for Hawaii County to successfully convert Alii Drive to one-way traffic in the downtown area, community members and business stakeholders told officials Wednesday in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Last June, the Department of Education launched a small pilot program in Kona on the Big Island, testing just how well GPS tracking systems, with real-time data, would streamline bus service. And it worked beautifully. KITV4.

The Hilo Brewfest, scheduled for June 1 from 2-6 p.m., will take place on the grounds of the Wainaku Executive Center and will feature sample beers from 20 different breweries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A resolution that would increase property tax rates for majority of island residents and businesses was approved by the Maui County Council Wednesday morning. Maui News.

Maui Tea Partier In D.C.: IRS Scrutiny 'Chilling' Civil Beat.

Updated tsunami evacuation maps have been released by the Maui County Civil Defense Agency. Maui Now.

While developers of the 670-acre Honua'ula golf community have made efforts to meet a number of the 30 conditions set by the Maui County Council when the project's zoning was approved in 2008, some community groups said on Tuesday that many critical conditions have still not been met. Maui News.

Kauai
Community voices opposition to ‘danger zone’ Corps seeks larger safety area during live target practice. Garden Island.

For the first time in decades, the state Department of Health has approved the growing waters and sale of shellfish by a local grower. Health officials approved the permit for Sunrise Capital, doing business under the name Kauai Clams. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Friday the opening of archery, muzzleloading rifle and high-powered rifle hunting seasons for feral goats on the island of Kauai. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Audit slams Honolulu International Airport contracts, Abercrombie mulls bills to sign/veto, Hawaii County elections face audit, Oahu Democrats craft platform, Molokai loses electricty, Sears to leave Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Transportation
Honolulu International Airport courtesy Hawaii DOT
Hawaii’s state auditor says Transportation Department officials improperly shifted buying power to a contractor managing a $1.7 billion renovation of the Honolulu airport as part of a pattern of repeat violations. Associated Press.

The state auditor released a scathing report Wednesday slamming the Department of Transportation's Airports Division for a "pattern of recurring violations and questionable practices" as it moved forward on a 12-year, $1.7 billion overhaul of Honolulu Airport. Star-Advertiser.

More than half a million dollars in office renovations. That’s just one example of questionable spending for the state’s billion dollar airport improvement project. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants the public’s input on what bills he should sign into law or veto. The Legislature passed 293 bills this past session, which ended May 2. Those measures are now on the governor’s desk and he has until June 24 to let lawmakers know which one he plans to veto. His deadline to veto bills is July 9, according to the Hawaii Public Access Room. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit executives are applauding action by the state Legislature that could generate tens of millions of dollars for local charities. Pacific Business News.

Six weeks before Hawaii’s media shield law expires, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York says he plans to revive federal legislation that would protect journalists from being forced to disclose confidential sources and information. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association said Wednesday that premiums have not kept up with rising health care costs, leaving the state's largest health insurer with a $3.6 million loss in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

A former civilian defense worker accused of passing national defense secrets to his Chinese girlfriend will have to wait a little longer for his release from custody pending trial. Star-Advertiser.

This Friday is Bike to Work Day in Hawaii. The annual event promotes bike safety and encourages more people to think about the possibility of commuting by bike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Two years after the state began charging tourists $3 to park at the Pali Lookout, Hawaii News Now found many visitors aren't paying the fee because they don't know they're supposed to pay or they can't understand English when attendants ask them to pay.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the burden to pass a balanced budget has shifted to the City Council after his proposal to increase the county fuel tax by a nickel per gallon suffered a speedy defeat back in March. KITV4.

Admissions that the Internal Revenue Service improperly targeted tea party groups in Hawaii and 17 other states for scrutiny when they filed for tax-exempt status should be troubling to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, says one member of an isle tea party group that was among those singled out. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats, at the party's annual state convention last weekend, approved resolutions calling for the decriminalization of pot, the legalization of same-sex marriage, the raising of the minimum wage and the public financing of elections. Civil Beat.

Both city officials and (de)Occupy Honolulu members are hoping a U.S. district judge will make a ruling Friday on the protest group's encampment on the sidewalks near Thomas Square and the city's efforts to remove them. Star-Advertiser.

The number of recruiters attending the largest job fair in the state Wednesday was up sharply from a similar event just four months ago, illustrating the continued strengthening of the labor market in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

What started as an attempt by Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi to find out how much overtime was paid during the 2012 election has blossomed into an audit by an outside firm comparing election expenditures for the last three election cycles. West Hawaii Today.

Queen Liliuokalani Trust officials want to protect and preserve threatened plant and animal species on their property, Vice President LeeAnn Crabbe said Wednesday. But the trust needs to find the balance between land preservation and serving Hawaiian children, Crabbe said after a public meeting on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to designate nearly 19,000 acres as critical habitat for three endangered plant species endemic to Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members urged the county’s lawyers not to file an appeal in a South Kona planning case, but Corporation Counsel has already lodged one request with the 3rd Circuit Court seeking clarification on its ruling. West Hawaii Today.


Maui
Maui County will demonstrate Thursday a "first of its kind in Hawaii" wireless remote controlled streetlighting system that can be dimmed late at night to save energy, the county announced last week. Maui News.

The county Department of Water Supply has completed a final environmental assessment and has issued a finding of no significant environmental impact for the reopening of two Hamakuapoko water wells. Maui News.

Tea Party Maui was among hundreds of groups targeted by the Internal Revenue Service for extra scrutiny when it applied for tax-exempt status in May 2010, said Bill Doyle, the group's president in 2012. Maui News.

A tea party group on Maui says it was among those targeted by the IRS for special scrutiny when it petitioned for tax-exempt status. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i legislators ended this year’s session with $51.9 million approved for capital improvement projects across the island. Garden Island.

Sears is bidding aloha to the Garden Isle, and putting more than 40 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Molokai

Power has been restored on Molokai after an islandwide outage Wednesday morning, Maui Electric Co. officials said. Maui News.

An island-wide power outage on Molokaʻi affected some 3,200 customers, according to officials at Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) proposed increased protection for the Papohaku dune system. While the changes will not likely bring enforcement of stricter development rules, officials said they hope the protection would raise awareness of the dunes’ value. Molokai Dispatch.


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Hawaii lawmakers seek higher automobile fees, Waikiki restaurant foreign language fee draws debate, landfill managers under fire, Haleiwa development opposed, Stock Exchange scrutinizes Maui Land, basil fungus feared, more news

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann
Sidestepping a question about her political aspirations in 2012, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann said her mission in visiting early primary states in the coming months is to keep a focus on the Republican Party's message of restoring limited government and repealing the president's health-care reform law. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers can expect details of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposed budget in the next few weeks, about a month earlier than previously expected, the state's acting budget director told a Senate committee considering his nomination yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposed tax increases will take a bite ranging from barely more than $100 for a welfare recipient to thousands for a state government retiree, a Civil Beat investigation has determined. Civil Beat.

The cost of operating a motor vehicle in Hawaii could go up if lawmakers and the administration have their way. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii drivers would have to pay higher registration and weight fees under legislation designed to raise money for repairs on the state's well-worn roads. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House Judiciary Committee is taking up same-sex civil unions next week after the legislation already passed the state Senate. Associated Press.

Glenn Okimoto and Alapaki Nahale-a sailed through their initial confirmation hearings to become the respective directors of the state Departments of Transportation and Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Reporter.

Friction between surfers and stand-up paddle boarders is escalating, and a group of surfers is asking the state to regulate the paddle boarding in certain areas. Tribune-Herald.

Police want lawmakers to close what it calls a potentially deadly loophole in Hawaii's domestic violence law. Associated Press.

Frustrated with all the runaround they get from banks, homeowners are asking lawmakers to help them out especially when dealing with bankers thousands of miles away. Hawaii News Now.

Several homeowners told lawmakers on Wednesday of their frustration dealing with mortgage companies while trying to stave off foreclosure.KITV4.

A Waikiki restaurant has attracted the attention of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission with a notice that it will add a 15 percent gratuity to the checks of patrons who don't speak English. Associated Press.

The chairman of the state Land Use Commission blasted the company that manages the city's Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Wednesday. KITV4.

The Land Use Commission called a meeting Wednesday to get an update on the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill and where the City stands as far as finding a replacement or supplemental site. KHON2.

The Blame Game: A merry-go-round of non-accountability. Honolulu Weekly.

Young Brothers Ltd., which has enjoyed a monopoly on interisland shipping in Hawaii for years, will face a new competitor this month. Tribune-Herald.

Island batteries: EIS scoping meetings to hear testimony on Hawaii wind power plans. Hawaii Independent.

The first vehicles belonging to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade have arrived on the Big Island and will be used at Pohakuloa Training Area during predeployment training for an Afghanistan tour, said Ozzie Smith, brigade captain. West Hawaii Today.

The first-ever fungus infestation of Hawaii's $6.8 million sweet basil crop discovered late last week has started affecting some businesses while farmers scramble to save their fields. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii and the state Department of Agriculture are helping farmers combat a fast-spreading mildew that's attacking basil plants at several Waianae farms. Associated Press.

Molokai’s community college has cleared a major milestone in expanding its campus. Molokai Dispatch.

The Hawaii Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law for the first time next week. Associated Press.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co.’s stock gained 19.8 percent Wednesday, prompting the New York Stock Exchange to contact the company regarding the unusual market activity. Pacific Business News

Council Member Riki Hokama reopened the issue of moving the Central Maui sewage treatment plant inland at a meeting of the Water Resources Committee on Tuesday. Maui News.

County Department of Water officials on Wednesday announced the start of two pipeline replacement projects, one in Lihu‘e and the other in Wailua. Garden Island.

State and city officials say an illegal roadside park in Waimanalo poses a danger and must be demolished. KHON2.

A capacity crowd filled the Waialua Community Association building in Haleiwa to discuss developer Andy Anderson's proposal to build a 80-room hotel on unused park land that the city wants to sell. Hawaii News Now.

The debate over what to do with unused city land is heard again in Haleiwa. KITV4.

County taxpayers shouldn't have to pay the commuting and personal transportation costs of high-ranking police officers, County Council members decided Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Volcanic cloud hampers U.S.-Europe flights, Tea party rally draws 1k+, Hanabusa leading cash race, new scope heading to Mauna Kea, more top Hawaii news

The bottom fell out of travel plans for thousands of U.S. airline passengers Thursday as dozens of flights between the U.S. and Europe were canceled, part of a global disruption in air travel as clouds of ash from a volcano in Iceland forced widespread closures of European airports.

Dissatisfied with the government and brandishing messages such as "Taxed Enough Already" and "Enough Is Enough," hundreds of protesters rallied at the state Capitol yesterday to deliver a message to lawmakers: "No more taxes."

It's not necessarily paying taxes that ticks off the Tea Party supporters.

State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa has opened a fundraising advantage on her rivals in the May special election for Congress and can count on additional resources from U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and the state's powerful labor unions in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Mauna Kea's newest, smallest telescope should reach the summit today.

About $46 million in federal funding for child welfare services is ensnared in a disagreement between legislators and the state Department of Human Services.

Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri says he desires more openness and transparency between his department and the public, but doesn't want his own performance review made public.

Tsunamis have the potential to flatten whole towns as demonstrated in Chile recently, but Hawai'i engineers are helping to create new building standards intended to prevent sweeping destruction here and elsewhere.

There are 3,000 stories on the Hawaii Literacy's Bookmobile, but right now, no one can read them.

A mainland developer's project continues to progress, as mandated by the state Land Use Commission, a county official said.

Saying there wasn't a legal basis allowing him to vacate an arbitrator's award, 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza on Wednesday confirmed the award reinstating two fired Maui Police Department officers.

In 1926, Kaua‘i’s 11 sugar plantations — Kilauea, Make‘e, Lihu‘e Plantation, Grove Farm, Kipu, Koloa, McBryde, Hawaiian Sugar at Makaweli, Gay & Robinson, Waimea and Kekaha — employed most of the island’s workforce.