Showing posts with label aerospace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aerospace. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

State seeks tamper-proof elections, students gain slightly on standardized tests, flood damage could close Iao Valley state park for six months, beef production down, fortunes grow for Omidyar, Ellison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Diebold technician tests ballot-counting equipment before 2016 primary election © 2016 All Hawaii News
With elections systems in more than 20 states now reported to have come under attack from hackers, Hawaii officials are working with federal authorities to make sure it doesn’t happen here. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public school students made slight gains over last year in English language arts and math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to test results released tonight by the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state is sponsoring a two-day Aerospace Summit at the Capitol this week.   As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the more than120 participants are trying to map Hawai’i’s future in a growing economic sector. Hawaii Public Radio.

High-tech entrepreneur Henk Rogers is proposing that a lunar base be built, tested and eventually developed on the moon from Hawaii, an extremely ambitious goal that Rogers said can be used to fuel development of a local aerospace industry. Star-Advertiser.

EBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time billionaire, saw his wealth grow over the past year, moving him up three notches on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 400 richest Americans, while Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corp. and the owner of the island of Lanai, dropped two places in the ranking even as his fortune grew.Pacific Business News

Hawaii resident Luka Mossman is among 12 individuals nationwide that President Obama’s administration plans to honor Friday as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable Seafood.” Civil Beat.

Coral reefs in Hawaii’s oceanic twilight zone, where light still penetrates and photosynthesis occurs, are abundant and host a wide variety of life, a new study shows. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association endorsed Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election bid Tuesday despite acknowledged disagreements with the incumbent. Star-Advertiser.

The over-budget Honolulu rail project has submitted an interim plan to the federal government for how it wants to cover a $1.8 billion shortfall or reduce the project’s scope to stay within the current budget. Civil Beat.

Four years after the debacle of the failed, University of Hawaii-sponsored Stevie Wonder concert, the man who said he could deliver the artist for the performance admitted he lied. Star-Advertiser.

A North Carolina concert promoter is pleading guilty to defrauding the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for a Stevie Wonder fundraiser concert that never happened. KITV4.

The number of registered motor vehicles on Oahu last year dropped to its lowest level since 2011, figures reported to the state show. Hawaii News Now.

Nothing on Gov. David Ige’s wish list for the 2016 legislative session was more costly than House Bill 2388: nearly $500 million to relocate the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the tower, Ke Kilohana, a Kakaako condominium tower developed under a state affordable-housing program, was held Tuesday by project developer Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

A Texas contractor has paid dozens of workers more than $370,000 in back wages and damages after failing to pay them for overtime performed during the renovation of a Hawaii hotel. Associated Press.

2nd elementary school worker in less than a month accused of sexually assaulting minor. KHON2.

Hawaii

If Gov. David Ige wants the Office of Mauna Kea Management to give up more than 10,000 acres, he’s going to have to talk to the agency first. That was the sentiment of the office’s board of directors during its meeting Tuesday in Hilo, which showed no interest in advancing the issue without hearing from Ige or one of his representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Customers calling the county’s emergency water line Sunday after a water main break caused an interruption in service to much of upper Hilo were met with another surprise — call center operators in South Carolina who, to some, might as well have been speaking another language. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor-elect Harry Kim addressed the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit on Tuesday, asking them to review concerns from the Puna community regarding the government response to Hurricane / Tropical Storm Iselle and the June 27 lava flow. Big Island Video News.

After more than a year of development, the upper Puna connectivity plan was presented to the Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation during its Tuesday meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Flood-ravaged Iao Valley is slowly recovering three weeks after a raging storm caused the Wailuku River to jump its banks, but the narrow canyon and its residents remain vulnerable as hundreds of tons of debris remain strewn across a newly carved and unpredictable riverbed. Star-Advertiser.

Iao Valley state park is expected to remain closed for four to six months, while Kepaniwai Park down the road is not scheduled to reopen for another six to eight months, due to damage from the raging Wailuku River on Sept. 13, state and county officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

When a slow moving thunderstorm dropped an enormous amount of rain on Maui Sept. 13-14, the Wailuku River and several of its tributaries escaped their banks and not only significantly widened the river bed, but caused hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in ʻĪao Valley State Monument. The popular and iconic Monument, part of the DLNR Division of State Parks system, has been closed since what is considered a 100-year flood event. Maui Now.

The blades, hub and nacelle of one of eight Auwahi Wind turbines in the Kanaio area separated from the tower and fell to the ground Sunday, an official with the wind-power generation company said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Different interpretations on the rules dictating conduct during Kauai County Council meetings has led to Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura silently standing in protest. Garden Island.

Where’s the beef — from? USDA reports Hawaii’s red meat production down slightly from last year. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Hawaii officials explain homeless plan, bill clarifies public's right to film police, Uber driver accused of raping 16-year-old rider, HPD officer charged with bribery, Maui water plan lauded, Honolulu council tears into Caldwell budget, solar plane ready for takeoff, raises for Kauai employees, Big Island council passes vague $10M budget amendment, Honolulu has clean air, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless tent in Waikiki © 2016 All Hawaii News
State Homeless Coordinator Scott Morishige, state Attorney General Doug Chin and Rachael Wong, director of the state Department of Human Services, spoke to the Star-Advertiser about the state’s wide-ranging approach to reduce the largest per capita homeless rate in the country through a mix of consistent social service outreach, systemic changes and ongoing sweeps by law enforcement officers.

State lawmakers are considering a bill to clarify the public’s right to photograph or film police officers. The bill would make it clear that filming or photographing police in a public space isn’t against the law as long as it doesn’t prevent police from doing their jobs. Associated Press.

Approximately 100 people gathered around Hangar 111 at Kalaeloa Airport and waved “goodbye” to Solar Impulse 2, the plane attempting to travel around the world powered only by the sun. Star-Advertiser.

Solar Impulse 2, the solar-powered plane that has been grounded in Hawaii since last summer awaiting repairs to its batteries is scheduled to take off from Hawaii on Thursday morning to complete the first-ever-round-the-world solar-powered flight, the aircraft’s officials said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A preliminary hearing will be held in Honolulu District Court today for Luke Wadahara, who was arrested Sunday and later charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault for allegedly attacking a 16-year-old girl whom he picked up Sunday while working as an Uber driver. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Councilman Brandon Elefante has introduced a bill that proposes a new regulatory framework for Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies that rely on smartphone applications to connect passengers with drivers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council members approved a draft of the city budget Wednesday that would deny Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s request to fund eight staff positions in a new housing division and cut $125 million of the $490.7 million that he is seeking for sewer improvements. Civil Beat.

An eight-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department and a former University of Hawaii volleyball player, Maulia LaBarre, was arrested Tuesday in Waikiki by the state Attorney General’s Office for investigation of attempted bribery, prostitution and illegal use of a computer. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer was arrested Tuesday night in Waikiki on suspicion of attempted bribery, prostitution and the unauthorized use of a computer, according to statements from Hawaii law enforcement agencies. Civil Beat.

Go ahead, take a deep breath. A new report from the American Lung Association says Honolulu has some of the cleanest air in the nation. Hawaii News Now.

A 32-story condominium-hotel that would replace the King’s Village shopping complex in Waikiki won approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has chosen insurance company executive Colbert Matsumoto to replace Don Horner on the board that oversees the island’s rail transit project, according to a city news release. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has picked Colbert Matsumoto to serve on the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has appointed Colbert Matsumoto to the board of directors for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Matsumoto will fill the position left vacant by former Chairman Don Horner. Pacific Business News.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii, the islands’ sole source of blood, warned that continued efforts by the rail project to use eminent domain to seize a portion of its property could lead to a reduction in the state’s blood supply. Star-Advertiser.

Historical structures that date back to before World War II have become so dangerous that the state had to take action. KHON2.

Saks Fifth Avenue is looking to fill 130 full- and part-time positions for its new store in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

With scant information to go on, the County Council on Wednesday voted to add $10 million to the county Parks and Recreation budget, doubling the repairs and improvements line item for the department. West Hawaii Today.

The Honolulu attorney for a group that sued to stop construction of the $1.4 billion observatory near the summit of Mauna Kea claims his clients’ rights to due process were again violated when the state selected retired Hilo Circuit Judge Riki May Amano to hear the next contested case hearing. Tribune-Herald.

The battle over the authenticity of emails that form part of a lawsuit against the Hawaii Island Humane Society will likely be resolved only by a forensic examination of the society’s servers. West Hawaii Today.

Legislators in the state House are advancing a bill that could boost the Big Island’s aerospace capabilities. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island-based Mokulele Airlines is spreading its wings to service a new market — on the mainland. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alexander & Baldwin has pledged to fully and permanently restore water to seven streams in East Maui that it’s been diverting to irrigate its sugar cane fields, the company’s CEO, Chris Benjamin, announced Wednesday while flanked by powerful members of the state House and Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday’s announcement by Alexander & Baldwin that it will permanently restore some streams for taro farms in East Maui was hailed by some legislative leaders — in particular, ones from Maui — as a critical first step in healing a wound inflicted over a century ago. But environmental groups and Native Hawaiian interests say A&B and the Hawaii Legislature are merely “throwing the farmers a bone” by making a “piecemeal return” of waters that does not fundamentally resolve A&B’s continued illegal diversion of waters for its agricultural needs. Civil Beat.

In a landmark announcement today, Alexander & Baldwin announced the release of water to several East Maui streams. Maui Now.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced today that it is "fully and permanently" restoring water to priority taro streams in East Maui. Maui News.

Alexander & Baldwin announced today that it will stop diverting water from priority streams in East Maui as soon as possible.  The company announced its plans at a news conference with key state lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

A proposed bill aimed to get tighter control over homestay operations was referred to committee Wednesday. Garden Island.

Some county employees will be receiving salary increases in July. Garden Island.

Karen Baldwin has resigned this week from her position on the board of directors at the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Lihue-based utility cooperative said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

About 30 people joined the Community Advisory Committee’s meeting on agriculture Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Thirty Meter Telescope construction to resume Wednesday, Maui to study police body cameras, Kauai Council approves their purchase, new museum for Kona, new group home on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Artist's concept of Thirty Meter Telescope, Courtesy TMT International Observatory
Artist's concept of Thirty Meter Telescope, Courtesy TMT International Observatory
With construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope scheduled to resume Wednesday and the Mauna Kea "protectors" refusing to back down, the possibility looms of a replay of the drama that saw the arrest of 31 protesters in April. Star-Advertiser.

Construction is set to resume Wednesday on a controversial telescope on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Ho‘omakaukau, the Hawaiian word for prepare or make ready. That was the message sent out by opponents of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope following an announcement that the observatory plans to resume construction Wednesday morning of the $1.4 billion project near Mauna Kea’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

Both sides are gearing up for the next skirmish in the Thirty Meter Telescope conflict. On Saturday, TMT partners agreed to restart construction of the $1.4 billion observatory planned for the summit area of Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Construction is about to resume on Mauna Kea. TMT partners announced they plan to resume building the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope starting Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Construction on the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project will resume on Wednesday, according to a statement released by the TMT International Observatory Board on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is now set to restart on the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea amidst continued protest. KITV4.

The non-profit company that oversees the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project gave the go-ahead to restart construction atop Mauna Kea on Wednesday, June 24. KHON2.

A bill to extend a program that awards high school diplomas to veterans whose educations were interrupted because they were drafted during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War was signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

As the Hawaii Health Connector winds down operations to move to the federal government's online platform, four of nine voting members of its board are leaving and a vendor has suspended its operations and continues to await payment. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
Honolulu is about to become the last county in Hawaii to ban the plastic checkout bag. Starting July 1, businesses will be prohibited from giving out plastic bags and nonrecyclable paper bags to their customers at the point of sale for carrying groceries or other merchandise. Star-Advertiser.

The Death of Aaron Torres: ‘What’s the Big Secret?’ Three Honolulu police officers were exonerated by their supervisors but then the city paid $1.4 million to settle the family’s lawsuit. So what really happened? Heavily redacted police reports obtained by Civil Beat are raising suspicions in a city that still lacks an independent oversight board. Civil Beat.

A bill awaiting Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s signature would exempt thousands of homeowners from a controversial law that subjects homes built more than 50 years ago to a historic preservation review whenever a homeowner applies for a building permit. Pacific Business News.

As the sun rises over Honolulu, commercial fishermen have already unloaded their catches and docked their boats for the day. The fish are lined up on pallets, packed in ice and displayed for buyers to inspect. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Did voters know what they were doing when they passed a charter amendment requiring the chief of the Department of Environmental Management to have an engineering degree or a degree in a related field? That question is at the heart of a motion filed by the attorney for former South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford, who is asking 3rd Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra to reconsider his May 26 ruling that Mayor Billy Kenoi and the County Council had discretion to put Bobby Jean Leithead Todd in that position without the engineering or similar degree seemingly required by the county charter. West Hawaii Today.


For years now, people who wanted to delve into the history of Kona likely paid a visit to a small archive housed in the basement of the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum in Kealakekua. All of that could change with a new plan by the society to build a museum that will offer better access and provide an area where rotations of current works of art can mix with historical displays. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui police hope to do more testing and investigation into body-worn cameras before any move to implement a program to have officers wear the devices in the field, Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department has received approval by the County Council to purchase 105 body cameras for police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s first space launch — aimed at testing a low-cost launch system for small satellites — will blast off from Kauai’s military base on Oct. 29. Garden Island.

An erosion control project geared at preventing landfill waste from dropping into the ocean behind Lihue Airport is nearing completion following a 17-month stall due to the discovery of a shearwater bird nesting colony on the worksite. Garden Island.

After several days of testing, it has been determined that the pump and motor at the Kapaa swimming pool have to be replaced. Garden Island.

Molokai

Hale Maunaloa, a state-of-the-art residence on Molokai for individuals with developmental disabilities, is accepting applications for three available bedrooms. Maui News.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Furloughed federal workers back on the job, Hawaii-Alaska space partnership announced, judge mulls open primary law, contract dispute stalls beach cleaners, second hospital coming to Maui, Kauai tackles GMO bill, Honolulu roads repaved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii bird-feeding ban copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki pigeons (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
There are some ruffled feathers over a new ban on the excessive feeding of feral birds. Some families believe the state isn't doing enough to enforce the law, but health officials said their hands are tied. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge indicated Monday that the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s lawsuit challenging the state’s open primary election will rise and fall on whether allowing all voters to choose the party’s candidates places a “severe burden” on the party’s right to free association. Judge J. Michael Seabright said he will likely rule in favor of the party if he finds that the open primary is a “severe burden” on the First Amendment right to free association. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of furloughed civilian defense workers in Hawaii filed back to work Monday after the Pentagon recalled them during the weekend. That included almost all of the roughly 970 federal technicians working for the Hawaii National Guard who were sent home Oct. 1. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Agriculture has only one employee assigned to review pesticide inspection reports and follow up on possible violations. And she says she hasn't gotten around to reviewing most reports in several years so there's been little if any action against pesticide misuse. Civil Beat.

Representatives from NASA, the defense and technology industries, and state government are gathering in Honolulu today in hopes of lighting a booster rocket under Hawaii’s small but growing aerospace industry. There was futuristic talk of helping to colonize Mars and launching private spaceships during a news conference kicking off the Hawaii Aerospace Summit on Monday, but officials insisted it wasn’t just pie-in-the-sky dreaming or the unrealistic fantasy of sci-fi geeks and space nerds. Star-Advertiser.

Alaska and Hawaii on Monday agreed to work together to develop satellites, rockets and other aspects of space launches. The two Pacific states will also share designs for rockets and satellites, cross-train personnel and share business and market development opportunities. Associated Press.

Hawaii hotels brought in a record $1.4 billion in total revenue during the three months of summer, up 8.5 percent from last year’s previous record of $1.3 billion. Occupancy averaged 80.2 percent statewide in August, down from 81.2 percent a year ago but enough for hotels to charge more per room and post a room revenue record. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization on Monday released the Hawaii Jobs Explorer, an interactive snapshot of occupations and salaries in the state that shows the 588,210 jobs in the state have a median salary of $36,350. Pacific Business News.

Cabanilla
Hawaii state Rep. Rida Cabanilla is replacing Rep. Karen Awana as Majority Floor Leader in the House. Associated Press.

State Rep. Karen Awana is out as Democrat House majority leader. But her political career isn’t over and her pocketbook may be significantly lighter. Awana stepped down Friday, just five days before the Hawaii State Campaign Spending Commission will decide whether to levy as much as $8,590 in fines for dozens of violations of the state’s campaign spending law, including “filing false or inaccurate reports.” Hawaii Reporter.

Fee hikes for annual vehicle safety checks are a balancing act between covering the administrative and inspection costs while not overburdening a public that often resists increases in state fees and taxes, a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman said Monday. Statewide public hearings are set for 11 a.m. Thursday to take public comment on the proposed fee increases. West Hawaii Today.

A study of drug abuse nationwide says overdose deaths in Hawaii increased 68 percent between 1999 and 2010, to 10.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. Associated Press.

Next year will be a year of consolidation for Hawaii’s solar photovoltaic industry, one of the fastest growing sectors in the state, with a number of major players disappearing or at least becoming substantially diminished, according to Marco Mangelsdorf, president of Hilo-based ProVision Solar. Pacific Business News.

Living Hawaii: Big Island Beer Can Cost More Here Than in Manhattan. Civil Beat.

The balmy tropical isles here seem worlds apart from the expansive cornfields of the Midwest, but Hawaii has become the latest battleground in the fight over genetically modified crops. New York Times.

Hawaii Island and the rest of the state was built mainly by extrusion — lava traveling up and spilling out onto the island’s surface, each level stacking itself atop the last like layers on a cake — according to new research performed by scientists with the University of Hawaii and University of Rhode Island. Tribune-Herald.

One out of four Hawai’i residents claims a multi-ethnic heritage, the highest proportion in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In his first installment in HPR’s “Neighbors: An Island Story” series, HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka visited with one local family for a baby luau, a celebration of diversity and the melting pot Hawai’i has become. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for October 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Road crews have repaved 317 lane miles of crumbling city roads on Oahu so far in 2013, already more work done than in any previous year on the books, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

People under 16 years old would need to wear helmets if they want to ride skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates or similar devices on Oahu under a bill introduced at the City Council. Bill 62 will get its first airing before the Council at its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

In 2009, two veteran Honolulu police officers were arrested in Las Vegas on drug charges. Officers Shayne Souza and Kevin Fujioka were eventually convicted on charges stemming from the incident but only Souza lost his job. Fujioka was initially fired by the Honolulu Police Department. But he was recently reinstated after Hawaii’s police union pushed back against his termination. Souza wasn’t so lucky. Civil Beat.

Oahu's beaches are considered among the best in the world. But, what many do not know is they haven't been cleaned in several months after a dispute between the city and company contracted to clean the beaches began in July. KHON2.

Tomorrow at 6pm the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee will hear testimony on Bill 47, the Ko‘olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan (KLSCP) at the Kahuku High School cafeteria. We take a look at some of the key elements of the plan. Hawaii Independent.

A developer whose plan for a condominium tower called 803 Waimanu in Kakaako received an unfavorable response from a state agency in July has returned with a new plan for a smaller residential building on the site. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors call it the haunted house. The Department of Hawaiian Homelands boarded up this Nanakuli home two decades ago and it's remained vacant ever since. It's one of about 40 DHHL homes around the state that sits empty just as tens of thousands of Hawaiians wait years for a homestead lease. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A federal bankruptcy judge in Honolulu has approved a preliminary plan to bring the 1,500-acre Hokulia resort development on the Big Island of Hawaii out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy under the control of a group that includes Rob Walton, chairman of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Pacific Business News.

The state will release $100,000 today for studying the establishment of an aeronautics program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College. The money will be spent on hiring a program coordinator and technical support staff to complete studies and plans for the proposed international flight training center. Tribune-Herald.

Security will be a little tighter at this year’s Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Legalizing camping at Keawaiki Bay may not be a good idea, a handful of community members told planners working on the Kiholo State Park master plan and environmental assessment. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A California developer is moving forward with plans to build a second hospital on Maui after securing financing from an undisclosed lender. Star-Advertiser.

Financing has been secured for the long-awaited West Maui Hospital and Medical Center, clearing the way for California-based developer Brian Hoyle to seek land entitlements and government permits for the project. Maui News.

A workday Saturday at the Kalakupua Playground at the 4th Marine Division Park in Haiku will literally help lay the groundwork for the rebirth of the community-built play structure that had deteriorated to the point where it was no longer safe for children. Maui News.

A cruise ship headed for an anchorage off Lahaina today received a U.S. Coast Guard airdrop of blood and medical supplies Sunday to treat an ailing passenger. Maui News.

Kauai

Bill 2491, dealing with genetically modified organisms and pesticide disclosure, enters its final phase today, likely attracting both sides of the issue — red shirts for the bill and blue shirts against it — to the Kauai County Council chambers. The full council will pick up last month’s recommendation (4-1) of the council’s Economic Development (Agriculture) Committee to pass a watered-down version of the bill. Garden Island.

Members of the Kauai County Council know that when it comes to genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, passions on both sides of the issue tend to run high. KITV4.

A developer behind a 357-acre beachfront property in Waipake on Kauai’s North Shore wants to give the county public beach access as part of a trade off for a proposed residential project. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Hawaiian Island of Lanai could be sold quickly, recycling audits secret, rail transit funds slashed, pension funds go unfunded, FBI increases Hilo presence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lanai for sale
Hawaiian Island of Lanai
Los Angeles billionaire David Murdock is trying to sell the island of Lanai. The price is about $500 million. Pacific Business News.

Billionaire David Murdock and his company, Castle & Cooke Inc., are in discussions to sell Lanai in a deal that could alter the future of the former Pineapple Island and dramatically reduce Murdock's land ownership in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Auditor's Office is not releasing several audits of the state's so-called bottle-bill program, reports that are key to tracking where millions of dollars in state money is going. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has funded just 61 percent of its $18.5 billion pension obligation for public sector workers — the 10th worst in the nation. Hawaii also has a $14 billion retiree health care liability that is unfunded. Star-Advertiser.

While independent candidates have had little electoral success in the islands, a handful have been elected to office. They are also part of a larger trend nationally away from traditional left and right divisions. Civil Beat.

A settlement will ensure the continued cleanup of lead-based paint that has killed thousands of Laysan albatross chicks at Midway Atoll, the Center for Biological Diversity said. Associated Press.

Hawaii's governor has signed a bill banning the sale of products containing bear bile or gallbladders. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday signed into law a measure to help Hawai‘i fight pests that have been impacting the state’s bee populations. Garden Island.

There are fewer than 55 days remaining until Hawai’i’s Primary Election Day showdown … in which all 76 state legislative seats are up for consideration by voters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

U.S. House Subcommittee Slices Money for Rail. Civil Beat.

A federal judge sentenced a former Honolulu city driver's licensing clerk Monday to four months in jail for fraudulently producing a Hawaii license for an illegal immigrant. Star-Advertiser.

As the city of Honolulu plans to start building a $200 million, 3.2-mile wastewater tunnel between Kaneohe and Kailua this year, some residents living near the project are worried about the potential impact on their properties. Star-Advertiser.

Much controversy has surfaced over UH Manoa Chancellor-Designate, Tom Apple's large salary and the flagship campus' top executive, Virginia Hinshaw's sabbatical pay, and it all came to a head during our interview with the executives today. Hawaii News Now.

Doctor Tom Apple comes from the University of Delaware where he was provost. KHON2.

Can a White Federal Agent Who Killed a Hawaii Local Get a Fair Trial? Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Politicians and officials from around Hawaii, Western states and even some national-level representatives are coming to Hawaii at the end of this week for an annual state government conference. West Hawaii Today.

The FBI could soon have its own digs at the Hilo police station. Tribune-Herald.

Funding has been approved for permanent facilities to house the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES).KPUA.

A study of vog and wind patterns shows communities most impacted by the volcanic emissions can predict when the air is likely to be cleaner, a researcher told a County Council committee Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui's boating community has mixed reactions to a proposed state rule that would require recreational boaters operating motorized vessels to complete a one-time safety course, or face fines of up to $1,000. Maui News.

The bankrupt Days Inn Maui Oceanfront Inn in Kihei has been sold to a Chinese investor for $7.5 million, according to court documents. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a brush fire mitigation meeting Friday morning, reminding large landowners, lessees and other stakeholders of their responsibility in maintaining firebreaks for open fields adjacent to structure. Garden Island.

Molokai

“Solar is the strongest renewable energy resource for Molokai,” concludes the just-released Life of the Land report, “Wayfinding: Navigating Hawaii’s Energy Future,” by Henry Curtis. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

New contract vote set for Hawaii teachers union, Honolulu mayoral candidates hold first debate, space tourism bills, $11.2B state budget up for vote in Legislature, more geothermal coming to Big Island, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Hawaii schoolchildren at play (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii teachers will vote again on the contract settlement offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January, union leaders announced Wednesday night. Civil Beat.

The teachers union announced Wednesday it will take another vote on a proposed contract overwhelmingly rejected in January, a decision a union leader said is "driven by the urgency to preserve" the state's $75 million Race to the Top grant. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii's public school teachers union will be holding a number of "informational meetings" statewide for HSTA members in May. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Legislature will vote on the $11.2 billion state budget Thursday, the final day of the legislative session. KHON2.

The state Office of Information Practices hopes a bill that would grant government agencies a new right to appeal open records decisions in court would give its orders more legal clout, yet open government advocates warn that it would delay public access to information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are expected to pass two bills on Thursday that would bring the state closer to space tourism and even developing the moon. Hawaii News Now.

Voters across Hawaii support the construction of underwater cables between some of the islands to transmit electricity from wind, geothermal or solar, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

A strong majority of Hawaii voters want the government to preserve more land and develop less of it. Civil Beat.

Hawaii may once again look to its four-legged friends to help prevent the introduction of invasive species. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's four county mayors reminded residents Wednesday to always be prepared for natural disasters because they can strike unexpectedly any time of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The film commissions of all four Hawai'i counties, the Hawai'i Film Office, and the Creative Industries Division of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism were recently honored with a collaborative award from the American Marketing Association. Hawaii Reporter.

Ten million dollars is headed to the islands to improve community health care. The grants are part of the federal Affordable Care Act and the money will be used to reach more patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii gained a little ground this year in Chief Executive magazine’s annual survey of the best and worst states in which to do business. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The three candidates vying for Honolulu mayor engaged in the first debate of the campaign season Wednesday night, touching on a variety of subjects but ultimately trying to score points against one another on the singularly contentious issue of rail transit. Star-Advertiser.

In their first time on a stage together as mayoral candidates, Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano quickly established their roles. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s three mayoral candidates met Wednesday evening in their first debate of the election season, with the city’s $5.3 billion rapid transit project most of their attention. Hawaii Reporter.

In their first Mayoral debate, Ben Cayetano, Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell wasted no time getting to Oahu's most talked about issue - rail. KHON2.

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: Carlisle Raised Property Tax Rates. Civil Beat.

The governor's wife voiced her opposition, but the state Wednesday gave developers of a planned $380 million luxury condominium tower in Kakaako an exemption from a rule intended to preserve mauka-makai views. Star-Advertiser.

Leeward Coast residents hoping to rid themselves of Waimanalo Gulch Landfill will have to wait awhile. KITV4.

Sen. Daniel Akaka
The University of Hawaii will award honorary degrees to Sen. Daniel Akaka and Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami at commencement ceremonies next week. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has confirmed a possible computer security threat that was found on campus. KITV4.

Hawaii

The state Public Utilities Commission has taken the first step toward approving a second geothermal plant on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Two groups opposed to floating fish farms are considering an appeal of a ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway that a federal agency was within its authority to grant an ocean aquaculture permit to a private research venture. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined three Big Island businesses. Tribune-Herald.

A push to make corporation counsel an elected position took another step forward Wednesday, as County Council members made several amendments to the proposal and scheduled a public hearing. West Hawaii Today.

Kona International Airport will get some much-needed TLC with $10.4 million slated by the state Legislature to re-roof the open-airport’s main terminal early next year. West Hawaii Today.

A popular performing arts center in Kalapana Seaview Estates is facing a possible shutdown today by the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County has purchased 64 acres of undeveloped property fronting Kaehu Bay, preserving the wetland and fishponds in a $996,000 deal brokered with the Trust for Public Land and other groups. Maui News.

The County of Maui completed the $996,000 purchase of 64 acres of undeveloped coastal wetlands at Ka‘ehu Bay in Paukukalo. Maui Now.

A community meeting to provide public input on the development of the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines has added three new boarding gates to its Kahului Airport operations, with all flights using gates 11 to 21 in the center of the terminal. Maui News.

Kauai

State workers have removed 300 nene geese from the area around Kauai's airport in the last few months to reduce the risk they will get in the way of airplanes taking off and landing. Associated Press.

The North Shore Path, a project to connect North Shore communities through a path similar to Kapa‘a’s Ke Ala Hele Makalae path, is gaining momentum. Garden Island.

Molokai

An old guy from Molokai is flying to Oahu and helping to lead a charge for labeling. Molokai Dispatch.



Monday, April 16, 2012

Hawaii government conflicted over same-sex marriage, state short 600 doctors, Dalai Lama brings message of peace through aloha, bridge fixed for stranded Maui residents, aerospace district coming to Hilo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie opposes participation by a Christian group in a court case to defend state marriage laws that restrict marriage to a man and a woman. But Loretta Fuddy, his director of the Department of Health, says the Hawaii Family Forum should be included in one of the nation's most important cases. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye
A spokesman for Sen. Daniel Inouye said there’s no truth to an anonymously-sourced KHON report that the senator was hospitalized in Hawaii this weekend. Civil Beat.

Senator Daniel Inouye's office says he returns to Washington, D.C. today and is perfectly healthy. KHON2.

Hawaii's doctor shortage has long been a problem. But there is now hard data that show just how severe the shortfall is.  According to the report findings from the 2012 Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment project, the shortage is predicted to only get worse. KITV4.


The Dalai Lama offered his self-deprecating humor and infectious laughter to 9,000 people at the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday and revealed that, in fact, he does not smile all the time. Star-Advertiser.


The Dalai Lama received the gift of a koa paddle not once but twice on Sunday, but in very different arenas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents will have a chance to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medications at locations statewide. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Pacific Command and anyone worried about North Korean missiles pointed at Hawaii were no doubt breathing a sigh of relief Friday after that country’s latest attempt to fire off a rocket or test a missile fizzled. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii was ranked 46th best - or 4th worst - state in a report entitled Rich States, Poor States, released this week by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for April 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi
If Oahu's larger credit unions are unwilling to share compensation data, they could lose all or a portion of their property tax exemption, according to Ann Koba­ya­shi, budget chairwoman of the City Council, which next month will consider whether to overhaul the city's exemption system. Star-Advertiser.

190 Kea‘au houseless residents are petitioning Governor Abercrombie to grant an extension on tonight’s planned ‘sweep.’ Hawaii Independent.

Consultants hired by the state warned that there are more boulders above Kalihi Valley homes that could come crashing down. Meanwhile, residents in about 9 homes are being told to stay away or enter at their own risk. Hawaii News Now.

Loans from OHA help Hawaiian firms thrive. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The state Senate last week unanimously passed a bill that would establish a special district in the city for companies wanting to advance space exploration and even settlement of other planets. Tribune-Herald.

The community is getting its first glimpse at three possible alignments for the Saddle Road extension. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County workers have completed rebuilding the Hanawana Land Bridge, enabling vehicular travel for some 40 stranded residents. Star-Advertiser.

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Adrianne N. Heely as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit for the County of Maui. Maui Now.


Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is offering new options for Maui residents to learn - in advance - where and when sugar cane harvesting will happen. Maui News.


The state Department of Health Clean Air Branch has officially extended its ban on backyard burning of yard and household trash from Oahu only to all the islands. Maui News.


Kauai
Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
A series of Kaua‘i County Council budget review briefings is generally in line with what Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. wants in his proposed $161.2 million operational budget for fiscal year 2013, the mayor said. Garden Island.

More than 650 people crowded into a fundraiser and dinner Saturday night to benefit a plan 35 years in the making to build a Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort has announced the completion of its 15-month revitalization project totaling more than $16 million in additions and renovations. A grand opening is scheduled in June. Garden Island.

Molokai

This fall, Molokai High and Middle School students who ride the bus daily may need to figure out another way to get to school. Molokai Dispatch.