Showing posts with label campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label campaign. Show all posts

Monday, August 21, 2017

Hawaii scientists prepare for sea level rise, Ige girds for gubernatorial battle, public transportation use drops, Maui school bus shortage reaching resolution, Kaui seeks landfill site, builder backs out of $734M Big Island affordable housing project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by K.t. Cannon
King tide floods Queen Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, photo: K.t. Cannon
Scientists say the sea is rising faster than first thought. At a public information meeting Thursday evening, the prognosis was mostly grim from the scientists working on a report in conjunction with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources presented a draft Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report to a room of about two dozen people. When completed, the report will be submitted in anticipation of the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Another round of king tides rolls in, setting record high sea levels. Hawaii News Now.

King tides make appearance on Oahu. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige plans to ramp up his political fundraising efforts to raise $1 million before the end of the year to prepare for what could be a bruising Democratic primary next year. Star-Advertiser.

Compared to several years ago, the number of people using public transportation is dropping. That’s according to a study that finds the pattern to be true on the mainland—and also here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

State resumes reviews of child fatalities. For a few years, Hawaii had the dubious distinction of being the only state — or possibly one of two — that did not regularly review child deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Will More Nurses in Hawaii Schools Help Keep Kids In Class? The Legislature provided $2.8 million to expand the Hawaii Keiki program, which places nurses in schools. Civil Beat.

With a new school year kicking off, some parents say they aren’t fans of state guidelines based on federal recommendations, that let kids found to have ukus, or head lice, return to school right after treatment has started. West Hawaii Today.

A major ocean cargo carrier has announced plans to expand operations to Hawaii, in a move that could significantly increase the state’s fleet of container ships. But whether new competition will reduce shipping costs – and ultimately the cost of goods for consumers – isn’t clear. Civil Beat.

Army officials have spent days sifting through chunks of Black Hawk helicopter debris in turbulent Pacific waters off Hawaii but have yet to see any signs of life in their search for five soldiers missing since the aircraft crashed during nighttime training on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Oahu

The developer of the latest Ala Moana-Kapiolani area high-rise in need of permits from the Honolulu City Council will bring along a unique feature — its own senior affordable rental building. Star-Advertiser.

The Kahala Hotel &Resort, which last week withdrew a controversial request to use the public shoreline fronting the hotel for commercial enterprises, has now said it will not resubmit the request unless all stakeholders agree. Star-Advertiser.

An 81-year-old retired librarian, who had been trapped in her Marco Polo condo on the 32nd floor during the July 14 inferno, died 20 days later. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


An Ohio company that won a state award to develop a $734 million Hawaii island affordable-housing project has pulled out of the deal, leaving the mostly unbuilt community’s future in limbo after more than $20 million invested by the state. Star-Advertiser.

A senior housing facility and veterans center at least a decade in the making is closer to coming to fruition. Tribune-Herald.

The replacement motor for the Honokohau Deepwell does not work. Back to the drawing board as five wells remain out of service in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Event draws pot patients, professionals: Many dismayed with status of marijuana dispensaries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Some Lahaina routes restored. Driver shortage down to 11 as Roberts, DOE engage in public battle over school bus woes. Maui News.

Welcome Hokulea. Famed voyaging canoe makes Maui first stop on ‘Mahalo’ sail around state. Maui News.

Reef at Olowalu now a ‘hope spot’. The goal is to bring awareness, support to places Mission Blue deems “critical to the health of the ocean” Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced that both Waihe‘e Beach Park and the driving range at Waiehu Golf Course have been closed due to hazardous trees along the park driveway and driving range. Maui Now.

Emergency Rescue: Endangered Sea Turtle Nest on Maui Relocated. Maui Now.

Kauai

Has Kauai Finally Found A Site For A New Landfill? After a decade of effort, the county has located a preferred site for a new $65 million facility. But the plan will likely face NIMBY opposition. Civil Beat.

Researchers encountered something new off the coast of Kauai during an 11-day August field project — a probable hybrid between a melon-headed whale and rough-toothed dolphin. Garden Island.

Those involved in the Lehua Island rat eradication project are meeting with members of the community one-on-one instead of holding a community meeting to answer questions. Garden Island.

The water at Hanalei Bay Landing, known as Hanalei Pier, still has a high amount of bacteria and officials recommend staying out of the water in that area until at least Tuesday. Garden Island.

Activists angered by proposed Waipouli path. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Lawmakers mull fishermen work conditions, county employees take witness stand in Kenoi trial, poll finds support for rail, Kauai beefs up security at county events, Honolulu homeless threaten children's center, Maui ethics board dismisses councilman's case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ohia lehua © 2016 All Hawaii News
The state Board of Agriculture on Tuesday approved a permanent quarantine for transport of ohia plant parts from Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers held a meeting to discuss conditions in the Hawaii longline fishing fleet and heard from an observer who described what it's like to live on the boats. Associated Press.

Lawmakers, officials from the fishing industry, advocacy groups and state officials convened at the Hawaii state Capitol on Wednesday for more than three hours to come up with solutions to address allegations of poor working conditions aboard Hawaii longline fishing vessels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers endeavored Wednesday to find ways to improve the working conditions of foreign crew members on U.S. commercial fishing boats and address allegations of human trafficking. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers delved into ways to improve work and pay conditions for the mostly foreign workers on longline fishing boats. KHON2.
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Hawaiian Electric Co. is now offering customers the option of enrolling in a program that will charge residential customers less for power used during the day — when solar energy production is highest — and more at night. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation says its Highways Maintenance staff removed more than 200 signs from DOT jurisdiction in the last month alone. KITV.

So many political campaign signs have been cropping up along state right of ways that the Hawaii Department of Transportation has issued a reminder that it’s a no-no. Civil Beat.

Hawaii International Film Festival executive director Robert Lambeth confirmed Wednesday that he will leave his post in 2017 to move to California and care for his ailing mother. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters Don’t Love Rail, But They Still Want The Job Done. Supporters of building the train’s route all the way to Ala Moana Center far outnumber people who want to cut the rail line short. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu charter amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot aims to give the Honolulu Police Commission more authority to rein in problem officers, providing it with subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify and force the disclosure of sensitive information. Civil Beat.

The chairwoman of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, located in the heart of the enduring Kakaako homeless encampment, suggested in January that the center close in the face of a 30 percent drop in revenue over the past two years, according to an email that Loretta Yajima sent to her state landlord and some lawmakers last month. Star-Advertiser.

Diamond Head Road is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu. But if you look away from the ocean, you can spot tents or hanging clothing deep in the brush. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Wright Reconstruction Will Displace 1,500 Anxious Tenants. Plans call for the public housing project to be rebuilt. Current residents have been promised interim housing and a chance to return. Civil Beat.

A judge has ruled in favor of a group of Honolulu property owners who challenged the city's residential tax on homes valued at $1 million or more. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health has confirmed hepatitis A has sickened another food service worker on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu police Sgt. Anson Kimura is going to jail for two months for accidentally shooting a woman in a bar while off duty. Star-Advertiser.

A firearm missing from the Oahu Community Correctional Center has been recovered and a person of interest in the incident has been arrested. KITV.

A Marine Corps helicopter struck a power line and made an emergency landing on the North Shore on Tuesday night. There were no injuries to the flight crew or civilians. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Current and former aides to Mayor Billy Kenoi testified at his criminal trial Wednesday as the state sought to build a theft case against the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

All county purchasing cards are supposed to have codes preventing the user from buying alcohol, Hawaii County Finance Director Deanna Sako said Wednesday during Mayor Billy Kenoi’s theft trial. Tribune-Herald.

Day two of the felony theft trial against Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi consisted of four witnesses, mainly Hawaii County employees, testifying against their boss. Hawaii News Now.

More county workers took the stand on day two of the criminal trial for Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi in Hilo. KHON2.
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Trial has been set for early 2017 for a former Hawaii Police Department officer alleged to have fatally struck a cyclist in March 2015. West Hawaii Today.

A $1.4 billion project to build one of the world's largest telescopes is up against intense protests by Native Hawaiians and others who say building it on the Big Island's Mauna Kea mountain will desecrate sacred land. Associated Press.

Maui

The county Ethics Board has declined to investigate a complaint against Council Member Don Couch over his purchase of an affordable-priced home because the allegations were “vague,” exceeded the statute of limitations and did not cite a specific Code of Ethics violation that the board could act on. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will be implementing its plan to restrict overnight vehicle access to Kanahā Park starting Nov. 1, 2016. Maui Now.

Maui County will be holding a free, drive-thru hard drive and backup tape destruction and disposal service from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the county building. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council voted 5-to-1 to pass a bill that sought to appropriate funds from the general fund to pay for extra security at county-hosted events. Garden Island.

On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council voted 6 to 1 to pass Resolution No. 2016-57, which proposed making changes to projects funded by a $13.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Grant. Garden Island.

The Garden Island is asking the same five questions of all 13 Kauai County Council candidates, to help residents decide who to vote for on Nov. 8.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Sunscreen killing coral reefs, Ige signs gun control database bills, lawmaker seeks criminal probe of school AC bids, vandals damage Hawaiian king's summer palace site, Health Department crackdown on HI-5 recycling programs, Maui restaurant to be on 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,' more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Beach-goers in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News
Personal care products like shampoo, soap, lotion and especially sunscreen are decimating coral reefs and weakening their ability to mitigate the effects of climate change, scientists said Thursday at the International Coral Reef Symposium. Oxybenzone and about 10 other chemicals are the real culprits, which is why groups have started ramping up campaigns to educate the public, service industries and government officials about the problem and what they can do about it. Civil Beat.

The bigger picture surrounding the state of our reefs just became a bit clearer. New technology and imaging data are helping scientists quickly survey coral reefs from around the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the case of global climate change, convincing the world that time is of the essence has been no easy task for the scientific community. Coral reefs, however, which have been devastated by the “longest and most widespread“ bleaching event on record, are telling a story that may shine a global spotlight on the the seriousness of the threat. HuffPost Hawaii.

Scientists using facial recognition technology and 360-degree underwater photos said Wednesday they have developed new software to quickly assess coral bleaching and other damage to the world’s imperiled reefs. Associated Press.


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Gov. David Ige is signing a bill that makes the state the first to enter gun owners into an FBI database that will automatically notify police if an island resident is arrested anywhere else in the country. Star-Advertiser.

As the U.S. Congress failed to agree on meaningful gun-control measure this week, the governor of Hawaii quietly signed three bills regarding local firearms ownership. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige signed SB 2954 (ACT 108) which authorizes county police departments in Hawai‘i to enroll firearms applicants and individuals registering their firearms, in a criminal record monitoring service. The system, also known as the “Rap Back” system, is a service of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that provides continuous criminal record monitoring for authorized government agencies such as law enforcement agencies. Maui Watch.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is signing a bill that makes the state the first to enter gun owners into an FBI database that will automatically notify police if an island resident is arrested anywhere else in the country. Associated Press.

Scores of people headed for Hawaii Kai for the two-day Shooting Sports Fair and a chance to try out firearms ranging from tactical shotguns to high-powered rifles. Civil Beat.

With construction bids coming in significantly over budget for the state’s plan to cool 1,000 public school classrooms, one state lawmaker is calling for a criminal investigation into possible collusion among contractors. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Matthew LoPresti, a Democrat who represents the Ewa area on Oahu, wants Hawaii’s attorney general to investigate “if there is a conspiracy to defraud taxpayers by artificially inflating bids for profit at the expense of school children — who will suffer through yet another unbearably hot summer in stifling classrooms.” Civil Beat.

The term “Asian American” is too general to describe ethnicity in Hawaii, said Jonathan Okamura, an ethnic studies professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Garden Island.

One more sure sign that election season has come to Hawaii is on Civil Beat’s website, where we’ve begun publishing candidates’ answers to Civil Beat questionnaires. Nearly 200 surveys have been emailed to candidates for every Hawaii office in the Aug. 13 primary ballot.

Oahu

A relatively rare vacancy in the state House in urban Honolulu has attracted a crowded field of five candidates to the Democratic primary to compete for the chance to represent Chinatown, Iwilei and parts of Kalihi. State Rep. Karl Rhoads, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is abandoning his House seat in an effort to move up to the state Senate this year. Star-Advertiser.

Soaring construction costs have caused Outrigger Enterprises Group to abort plans to build a new 32-story hotel tower at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Instead, Outrigger plans to spend its $100 million budget on a new plan that adds a few hotel rooms to the property and creates about a half-acre of open space that runs from curb to ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Vandals etched crosses on the crumbling remains of the 180-year-old palace of a former Hawaiian king, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Thursday. Associated Press.

The National Park Service announced $1.19 million in grants Thursday to preserve American battlefields — including $63,000 to help place Ewa Field’s World War II aircraft revetments on the National Register of Historic Places. Star-Advertiser.

A plan by two nonprofits to buy a long-vacant residential estate in East Honolulu and preserve a rare freshwater spring is still in jeopardy. Star-Advertiser.

An August deadline for a rail recovery plan is unlikely to be met as the feds’ own numbers now raise the question: Could the project hit $11 billion? KHON2.

The Hawaii State Department of Health made an example of a Costco store while cracking down on beverage distributors to make sure they meet state reporting requirements for the state's HI-5 recyclable beverage container fees. Pacific Business News.

The Haleiwa Beach House has a temporary liquor license that will expire at the end of this month. But the Honolulu Liquor Commission won't hold a hearing on renewing that license until August. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Plans to remove Hoku Kea, the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s teaching telescope, from Mauna Kea are being delayed after a group of Native Hawaiians who support astronomy on the mountain and others urged officials to consider the impact to students. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council is so concerned about the island’s trees it added $120,000 to the budget to hire and equip a professional arborist. But a committee charged with protecting trees has languished for eight years without ever having members appointed. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County officials plan to reopen a lava-viewing and parking area if a lava flow that began last month reaches the Pulama pali and becomes visible from Kalapana — something that could happen soon or not at all. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s population is growing — and graying. Hawaii County has the highest percentage of residents older than 65 (18.3 percent) and the highest median age (41.3 years old). Tribune-Herald.

Making Hawaii Island the breadbasket it was in antiquity — but also increasing modern jobs and shifting county employees into areas where they will be most useful. Those themes, along with reducing pollution and keeping a cautious hand on the purse strings dominated center stage as West Hawaii heard from eight mayoral candidates Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Eight candidates for Hawaii County Mayor – Eric Drake Weinert Jr., Timothy Waugh, Shannon McCandless, Wally Lau, Harry Kim, Pete Hoffmann, Marlene Hapai, and Paul Bryant – are asked about how they would handle the Big Island’s budget, including personnel and capital improvement projects. The candidates spoke at a mayoral forum held on Wednesday night at Kealakehe High School. Big Island Video News.

The decision of some Big Island pharmacists to stop filling a doctor’s prescriptions after his arrest made its way to the state pharmacy board in Honolulu on Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hana Steel is one of five individuals running for the Maui County Council seat representing Wailuku, Waihee and Waikapu, which is currently held by Mike Victorino (who can’t run again because of term limits). She is/was the County’s Recycling Coordinator, but has been on paid leave for the last two years. MauiTime.

An upcoming episode of the Food Network show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" will feature Maui restaurant Da Kitchen, co-owner Mariah Brown confirmed to Pacific Business News on Wednesday.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has embarked on an at least $13 million renovation of its Kaanapali property, including work on its ballroom, meeting rooms and event lawn. Maui News.

A 5-megawatt capacity limit was reached this week for rooftop solar systems connected with the islandwide power grid, Maui Electric Co. reported Wednesday. Maui News.

Representatives from Maui, along with Florida residents with Hawaii ties, place a milelong ti leaf lei Wednesday afternoon at a memorial for victims of the Orlando shooting. Nearly 200 volunteers spent four days creating the lei on Maui, which contains shells inscribed with the names of the 49 victims killed at the Pulse nightclub on June 12. Maui News.

A mile long Lei of Aloha from Maui was placed at three memorial sites in Orlando on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, as a demonstration of good will and a reflection on the 49 people who lost their lives in last week’s night club shooting. Maui Now.

Kauai

Growth, climate change, taxes and affordable housing were just some of the survey topics recently sent out by County Councilman Gary Hooser to 21,000 Kauai households. Garden Island.

A Kauai legislator said the majority of the Hawaii Senate identified three major areas affecting the state in the recent legislative session. The next step was finding funds for homelessness and housing, education, and health service. They managed to do it. Garden Island.

Three Kauai companies were cited by the Hawaii Department of Health for HI-5 violations, ranging from failing to inspect deposit containers for redemption labels and not turning in their semi-annual report to missing payments. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Offshore windmills could power Oahu, Honolulu rail may pass $10B mark, Osprey coming for RIMPAC, Maui hits solar electric buyback limit, public meets 8 of 13 Hawaii County mayoral candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Offshore windmill, courtesy U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Massive windmills floating miles off the coast of Oahu may power tens of thousands of homes and businesses within the next decade if projects go forward as planned. Civil Beat.

The Obama administration took the first step Wednesday toward leasing two offshore Oahu areas to the wind industry for renewable energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced the first step to support wind energy development in federal waters offshore Hawaii, by issuing a call for information and nominations to gauge the wind industry’s interest in commercial wind leases in two areas offshore Oahu. Press release.

The first Marine Corps tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft to be based in Hawaii will be arriving by the end of the month to take part in Rim of the Pacific exercises, the Marines said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom experienced a technical issue that intermittently impacted voice calls statewide Wednesday, including calls to 911. Tribune-Herald.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Hawaiian Telcom says they have resolved the issue that caused intermittent phone service issues across the state. The problem stemmed from a glitch in the call routing equipment, which allowed only some voice calls to complete. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some of the most powerful people in Hollywood are working in or have projects set in Hawaii, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s new list of the 100 most powerful people in entertainment, including the executive at the top of the list, Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co. Pacific Business News.

Scientists using facial recognition technology and 360-degree underwater photos said Wednesday they have developed new software to quickly assess coral bleaching and other damage to the world’s imperiled reefs. Associated Press.

Oahu
Statistical models done by the firm tasked with management oversight of Honolulu’s rail project show that a 20-mile line from East Kapolei to Ala Moana could cost as much as $10.79 billion, significantly more than the $8 billion figure that federal and city officials have been using in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The FTA has asked HART to submit by Aug. 7 a recovery plan outlining how much of the 20-mile rail route HART expects it can complete with its current amount of funding. Pacific Business News.

The Waikiki War Memorial was recently designated as a national treasure even though it has been closed for almost 50 years. Its last major face-lift was 16 years ago. Next week, the natatorium becomes the focus of a week-long series of meetings in an effort to decide what to do with it. KITV4.

The Honolulu Police Department’s newest batch of police officers is much smaller than usual, in part due to a cheating scandal at the police academy. KHON2.

Hawaii

Eight of the thirteen candidates for Hawaii County mayor introduced themselves to Kona on Wednesday evening. Big Island Video News.

The lengthy process of revitalizing one of Hilo’s most recognizable locations took another step forward Wednesday as members of the newly formed Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency board met to review a draft conceptual plan for the area. Tribune-Herald.

The nonprofit group Friends of the Future is hoping to change the conversation, or at least make it more civil and productive, with a new initiative — EnVision Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

At 85, Ed Olson says he’s ready to step down and hand the reins of the Edmund C. Olson Trust, which owns 16,500 acres of land in Hawaii, to someone else. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. said Wednesday that the county has hit the limit of rooftop solar systems that can send power to its grid. After this week, the Maui utility will not approve any new rooftop solar systems on Maui, Lanai or Molokai that send power to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic South Maui House candidate Deidre Tegarden will hold a talk-story event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at her campaign headquarters in the Azeka Makai shopping center, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Work has finally begun on rebuilding the storied resort where Elvis Presley's character got married in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii," decades after a major hurricane heavily damaged its buildings and forced its closure. The company redeveloping the Coco Palms Resort began demolishing structures this week. It hopes to reopen the hotel in mid-2018. Associated Press.

Feral cats are the culprits in the deaths of a half-dozen endangered seabirds that nest on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle has been on the endangered species list since 1978, but with populations rebounding, some experts are calling for their removal from that list. Garden Island.

Avoiding beach driving for the nesting season, which runs from May through July, and the July through September hatching season, is only one of the tips for helping the honu, or green sea turtleGarden Island.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Confidential patient records in Health Exchange limbo, construction booming, crystal meth still plagues state, three counties pass budgets, Oahu windmills killing endangered bats, Duke Aiona mulls 3 races, coral graveyard found in Pacific, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Construction crane looms over Honolulu © 2016 All Hawaii News
Honolulu was the nation’s third-fastest-growing construction job market during the past 12 months as employment in the local industry hit an April high, according to new analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. Star-Advertiser.

A former Hawaii Health Connector contractor claims to be holding on to Hawaii state residents' personal health information in what appears to be a favor to the state government, which has failed for months to give the company direction on what to do with the sensitive data. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to financial health, Hawaii ranks 45th. Civil Beat.

Crystal Meth in Hawaii: Demand, Supply and Local Culture. Hawaii Public Radio.

On July 9, the Hawaii Education Summit will be held to discuss the benefits of the new Every Student Succeeds Act, according to a statement released by Gov. David Ige’s office. Civil Beat.

More than 300 people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, primarily on Oahu, received assistance from a portion of the $900,000 in state funds that Aloha United Way distributed to 18 social service agencies in April in an effort to reduce the highest per capita homeless rate in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Under the state’s policy, the Hawaii Department of Public Safety cannot decide where to place transgender inmates based only on their anatomy; it must make an individualized assessment that takes into account each inmate’s gender identity and personal concerns about safety. Civil Beat.

Former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona Jr. pulled papers Wednesday for three different seats. KHON2.

Lei Ahu Isa is running to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. A former state legislator and current trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Isa said she filed her papers Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The NFL said Wednesday its decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Florida, for the next three seasons is unrelated to funding, Aloha Stadium or Hawaii's ability to host the game. Associated Press.

Federal scientists reported what they’ve dubbed a “coral graveyard” off the coast of Jarvis Island in the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument on Wednesday, saying an emergency undersea expedition found 95 percent of the coral dead. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.33 billion operating budget and $940 million capital improvements package for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a $2.3 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2017 Wednesday that includes millions of dollars for nonprofits and homelessness initiatives, and a separate rail budget that caps spending at a figure $1.3 billion short of what the federal government estimates the project may cost. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved operating and capital improvements budgets for the city’s troubled rail project, but in doing so slashed funding for the project’s staff and office space, and tightened the screws on construction money. Star-Advertiser.

Rail and disputed Kakaako roads on collision course. KITV4.

The number of endangered Hawaiian hoary bats killed by spinning wind turbines on an Oahu wind farm is on pace to far exceed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service projections. Star-Advertiser.

A group of Kailua neighbors is up in arms after volunteers from two canoe clubs hacked away vegetation from a vacant lot on state land Monday, clearing the way for a canoe launch site along the Kawainui Canal, or Oneawa Channel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. paid about $2.3 million for the historic Honolulu Advertiser building on Kapiolani Boulevard, which it plans to renovate and use as its headquarters. Pacific Business News.

Water problems at Lahainaluna High School have not been ignored. The Department of Education told KHON2 Wednesday that it wasn’t aware of them.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is adding 14 new positions to the county's $462.9 budget. But even that wasn’t enough for most County Council members, who on Wednesday added one more. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council voted on Wednesday to approve a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Big Island Video News.

Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez in a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Contaminated soil has halted redevelopment of a Hilo public housing complex. The housing site has been empty for over 10 years. Associated Press.

The County Council’s Finance Committee will get a chance to weigh in on the future of Hakalau Point today as it considers a resolution authorizing the purchase of the nearly 9-acre property, a former home to the Hakalau Plantation Co. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could soon have its first tenant at the Kapulena Agricultural Park since seeking farming leases in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Eighteen months later, there is still no answer from the state Office of Information Practices on whether the Commission on Water Resource Management violated the Sunshine Law during Kona site visits in 2014. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposal that would restrict certain county employees' participation in political campaigns. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association today announced the receipt of a $50,000 contract from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to expand their Sustainable Tour Certification Program. Maui Now.

A coalition of social service agencies, Maui County, the Governor's Office and the Realtors Association of Maui is launching a program to encourage property owners and managers to make more housing available to those most in need of shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously finalized the $189 million fiscal year 2016-2017 operating budget Wednesday. Garden Island.

A 20-year-old boardwalk at Kauai’s Kokee State Park is getting replaced with recycled plastic as state officials aim to protect the area’s rare species and improve safety for the thousands of people who visit each year. Associated Press.

A flight plan for a Cessna 182H that crashed and burned last week, killing five people, was never filed, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Garden Island.

Leona Perez, Kauai Independent Food Bank’s programs manager, said school hasn’t been out for a week and they’ve already seen an increase in the number of families coming in for emergency food. Garden Island.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Reprieve for ride-sharing companies, Kauai's Ka Loko Dam to be rebuilt 10 years after fatal collapse, Mayor Kenoi pleads not guilty, Hawaii County Civil Defense chief retiring, Maui's Makena Beach & Golf Resort to idle 385 workers in closure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Campaign signs, public domain photo
Do Election Signs Generate Votes? A new study suggests that they may not make much of a difference in voter preference. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Wahiawa General Hospital is in deep financial trouble and is requesting help from state lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The next four weeks are shaping up to be critical for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft as state and city lawmakers grapple with how to regulate the growing industry in which customers order up rides with a smart phone app. Civil Beat.

The City Council Budget Committee voted Wednesday to defer a bill that would require Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing drivers to abide by the same rules as taxicab drivers. Star-Advertiser.

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft got a major victory at the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that targets illegal dumping of bulky items has secured preliminary approval from the City Council’s Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee. Star-Advertiser.

A woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for stealing nearly $150,000 while working at Sea Life Park. KHON2.

They aren’t cheap, but moderately priced condominiums in Kakaako coming up for sale in three weeks are expected to be in high demand — so much so that sales will be by lottery. Prices for Ke Kilohana units that range from 461 to 988 square feet of living space run from $323,475 to $442,246 for one-bedroom units, from $473,789 to $538,612 for two-bedroom units and from $521,774 to $560,774 for three-bedroom units. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kenoi ‘will go to trial’; Hawaii County mayor pleads not guilty to charges in pCard probe. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi faces eight charges — including several counts of theft — for his use of a Hawaii County credit card. But for some charges, it’s not yet clear what expenses are tied to the alleged crimes. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi pleaded not guilty to theft charges in connection with misuse of his Hawaii County-issued purchasing card and is scheduled to go on trial in July. Star-Advertiser.

The soothing voice of Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira is leaving the airwaves. Oliveira, 54, announced his retirement effective May 1. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands of motorists on Queen Kaahumanu Highway who watched rapid progression of the highway’s widening project are likely wondering why they’ve seen lines of earthmovers parked over the past couple of weeks. West Hawaii Today.

A dispute over views of the Pacific Ocean in the Alii Heights subdivision has reached an end, after a judge ruled Wednesday in favor of the neighbors who grew tall greenery in their yard. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua Springs Country Farms on the Big Island of Hawaii is shutting down on Thursday after being in business for more than three decades. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Island man serving a 20-year sentence will have his prison time cut in half, thanks to President Obama. KHON2.

Maui

The 310-room Makena Beach & Golf Resort will close July 1, leaving 385 employees jobless, the resort owner, ATC Makena Holdings LLC, announced early Tuesday evening. Maui News.

State Sens. Roz Baker and Gil Keith-Agaran, Democrats from Maui, held campaign fundraisers Tuesday night at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Ala Moana Center. The suggested donation was $200. Civil Beat.

Visitor arrivals by air were up 4.1 percent to 205,055 for Maui island in February while they were down 28.8 percent to 5,056 on Molokai and 32.1 percent to 4,225 on Lanai, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Ten years after the deadly collapse of the Ka Loko Dam, Hawaii News Now has learned that efforts are underway to rebuild the dam.

There are high levels of a bacteria in the Mahaulepu Valley’s Waiopili Stream, but there’s no proof it’s coming from human sources. That’s according to findings released Wednesday from part one of the Hawaii Department of Health’s sanitary survey of Waiopili Ditch, commonly known as Waiopili Stream, at Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

The release of the long-awaited state survey of Kauai's south shore points to animal waste and the decay of naturally occurring vegetation as the main source of pollution. KITV4.

Coral spawning is close at hand, but reef experts are anticipating a slow season for the little critters. Garden Island.

Kauai’s population is growing an average three people every day. Between 2014 and 2015, Kauai County saw an average increase in population, which rose from 70,672 residents to 71,735 residents, and added 1,063 more people — a 1.5 percent increase, according to recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

First Hanabusa-Schatz Senate debate of the season, Monsanto warns of job loss if GMO banned, 1st Congressional debate features five candidates, mom allowed to breastfeed in homeless shelter after outcry, Abercrombie opens Kulani prison, Kauai worker sues over ADA rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii U.S. Senate candidates 2014
Brian Schatz, Colleen Hanabusa
For Democratic rivals Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa, politics is all about relationships. Schatz says he’s been surprised at how many friends he’s made as a freshman U.S. senator. Hanabusa says her time in state government before getting to the U.S. House shows how she’s earned respect and confidence of peers. And Hawaii needs those relationships, both candidates said during their first debate Tuesday night on Kauai. Schatz and Hanabusa are vying to fill the final two years of deceased U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye’s term through 2016. Associated Press.

After circling each other for more than a year, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hana­busa met Tuesday evening in their first debate in the Demo­­cratic primary, a detailed dialogue on federal policy that revealed fissures between the Democrats on veterans affairs, early childhood education and genetically modified organisms. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidates Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa went toe-to-toe here Tuesday night in the first of five scheduled joint appearances. For all the talk of the intensity of the race, the Kauai forum was rather relaxed and less an exchange of differences than it was a contrast in styles and philosophies. Civil Beat.

Two Democrats walked into the Lihue Convention Hall on Tuesday and made their way to the front of the room, where a table on an elevated stage waited for them. By all accounts, both candidates, Senate Incumbent Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, came from humble family backgrounds and had distinguished track records in state and federal offices — accomplishments that either contender could attest to. But the difference between them, Hanabusa contended, "is in our values and our perspectives, and our perspectives are shaped by a lifetime of experience and hard work."Garden Island.

Five candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat tried to distinguish themselves from each other on support for the tourism, military and construction industries at a forum at the Japa­nese Cultural Center of Hawaii on Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates hoping to represent Hawaii in the U.S. House are sharing their positions on military intervention, veterans care and improving Hawaii's economy. Five candidates running for the seat said in a Tuesday forum that they would not support military intervention in Iraq. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is holding meetings around Hawai’i, asking how the federal government should be involved in creating a Hawaiian nation. Should the interior secretary propose establishing a government to government relationship with Hawaiians and help set it up? Or should the DOI leave it to the state, with possible federal requirements?  Some who have been studying the issue say, neither. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Department of Education is looking to adopt a new model for social studies classes that goes beyond tests and textbooks and aims to teach students how to be problem solvers and active citizens in their communities. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Honolulu homeless shelter won't take action against a mother who is refusing to cover up while breast-feeding or use a private room, its executive director said Tuesday. Associated Press.

The maze of Hawaii’s homeless services is such a mess that a state initiative to provide housing for 100 chronically homeless individuals stalled at 16. Homeless czar Colin Kippen, aided by members of Hawaii’s Interagency Council on Homelessness, essentially started from scratch last year to develop a new system for driving down the state’s homeless rate, which ranks second in the nation. Civil Beat.

Hawai'i has the second highest rate of homelessness in the nation, but the state has a plan to end what officials are calling an epidemic in a quick, strategic way by identifying what people’s needs are and matching them to resources that can help. Hawaii News Now.

Absentee ballot applications will be sent out to Windward Oahu voters who used to cast early walk-in ballots at Pali Golf Course. Citing money and manpower issues, the city decided not to operate an early walk-in voting site in Windward Oahu – a site that was used by nearly 5,000 voters. KITV4.

The Waikiki Landing, a controversial public-private partnership to develop a commercial and boating-services complex at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, has lost its major funder, leaving developers scrambling to find 11th-hour financing to meet contract obligations. Star-Advertiser.

Waipahu Public Library will temporarily close to replace its air-conditioning system, Hawaii State Public Library officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Halau Lokahi Public Charter School has a new lease on life after its governing board and director Laara Allbrett agreed to resign as required by a new contract with the state Charter School Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday morning he hopes to see Hawaii Island residents end the debate and embrace geothermal energy as an important resource for the state’s future energy needs. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie called the reopening of Kulani Correctional Facility “an opportunity to reclaim lives.” The 280-acre facility about 20 miles southeast of Hilo was closed in 2009 as a cost-cutting measure by former Gov. Linda Lingle. Until recently, the facility was used by the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Tribune-Herald.

Before Tuesday’s grand reopening of the Kulani Correctional Facility, Big Island legislators and community members gathered at the Hilo Yacht Club to witness Gov. Neil Abercrombie sign five new bills approved by legislators this session. Tribune-Herald.

An irritated Mayor Billy Kenoi took Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille to the mat Tuesday, publicly chastising her for questioning his bid solicitation for a waste reduction facility. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s Intermediate Court of Appeals has upheld a 3rd Circuit Court judge’s ruling that a Heeia Bay church property project was not exempt from some permitting regulations. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than 600 jobs and millions of tax dollars could be lost if a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered organisms passes, two Maui County seed companies say. Associated Press.

Upward of 500 jobs and millions of tax dollars could be lost if a ballot initiative to place a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered organisms either passes the Maui County Council or is ratified by voters in the Nov. 4 general election, officials of two Maui County seed companies said. Maui News.

Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told members of a Maui County Council committee reviewing a voter-initiated anti-genetically modified organism measure Tuesday that they have not heard of any health issues related to eating genetically engineered rainbow papaya, developed on the Big Island to combat a commercially devastating virus. Maui News.

During election years, the Kihei Community Association (KCA) serves as a forum where voters have the opportunity to meet candidates up close. At the Tuesday, June 17, meeting, state Sen. Roz Baker, state Rep. Kaniela Ing and Maui County Councilmember Don Couch spoke about their track records. Maui Weekly.

The Maui Department of Water Supply has updated its Water Meter Priority List for Upcountry Maui. The list, dated June 30, 2014, is 35 pages long and includes 1,852 requests dating back to Jan. 4, 1999. Maui Now.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has filed a Draft Environmental Assessment for site improvements at their Kāʻanapali property in West Maui. Maui Now.

Saedene Ota, who officially becomes a University of Hawaii regent emeritus today, said Monday that her decision to resign a year early from her Maui County seat last week was to prevent disclosure of her latest financial statements currently on file with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Defiant and emotional testimony dominated yet another Department of Interior meeting Tuesday night as federal officials continued to gather opinions about whether the United States should pursue a formal relationship with a potential Native Hawaiian government. As it did the night before in Waimea, the meeting featured passionate testimony connected to the grievances that have festered in the Hawaiian community since the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday brought to a close a pair of public meetings on Kauai to discuss whether the U.S. Department of the Interior should re-establish a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Much like the meeting Monday in Waimea, the majority of those who spoke before press time at Kapaa Elementary School voiced similar opposition to the idea. Garden Island.

A former County of Kauai employee is suing the county for wrongful termination, claiming she lost her job for following state and federal rules. Christina Pilkington worked as Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for the county from 1999 until June 30, 2012.  The suit, filed June 25, says she lost her job and was berated by Office of Mayor administration because she adhered to ADA guidelines that cost money to comply with. Garden Island.

An electric utility in Hawaii is experimenting with using lasers to protect migrating seabirds. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Tuesday it's attaching 30 lasers to transmission poles. The lasers will shine beams across six spans next to coffee fields. Hawaii News Now.

A mysterious substance is appearing at beaches across Hawaii.  It even caught state health officials by surprise. They say the brown substance seen on the shoreline on Kauai is a Trichodesmium algae bloom. KHON2.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

'Politics is personal,' says U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz at campaign HQ grand opening - Watch the video



U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, talks about the tight primary contest against U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

"Politics is personal," Schatz said, noting the contest is splitting family and friends, as well as those who previously stood side-by-side working on the same campaign.

He urges his supporters to be "Happy Warriors" during the April 27, 2014 grand opening of his Hilo campaign headquarters.


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Wide open race for Congress, back pay coming to substitute teachers, mayors fight for TAT, Caldwell's state of the city today, Deedy transcripts unsealed, new auditor for Hawaii County, Ellison plans Lanai hydroponics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News
Matson container ship at Hilo Harbor (c) 2014 All Hawaii News
Two sticky messes cut into Matson Inc. profits by more than half in the fourth quarter, though Hawaii's largest ocean cargo transportation firm still increased full-year earnings. Star-Advertiser.

Mayors and county council members pleaded with state lawmakers Tuesday to give them millions of dollars in extra hotel tax money Hawaii collects each year. The House Finance Committee passed a bill that would lift the cap on the counties’ share of the Transient Accommodations Tax, which the Legislature imposed in 2011. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa told the state House on Tuesday that counties will be under increased pressure to raise taxes and fees unless the state lifts the cap on the counties' share of hotel room taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want the chance to research police misconduct without being told an officer’s disciplinary file has already been destroyed. On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that seeks to increase transparency about bad behavior inside Hawaii’s county police departments by forcing agencies to include more information in annual misconduct reports to the Legislature. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Richard Fale said Tuesday that he intends to challenge state Sen. Clayton Hee in an election that could serve as a referendum on gay marriage. Fale, a Mormon, was one of the most vocal opponents of gay marriage during the special session last fall. The Republican believes lawmakers should have let voters decide the issue through a state constitutional amendment. Hee, chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, helped craft the gay marriage bill. Star-Advertiser.

A simple test that can save babies lives isn't mandatory in Hawaii. Last year, a measure that would have required newborns to be screened for congenital heart defects before leaving the hospital didn't make it through the House's health committee. More than 30 states have already enacted similar measures. Hoping to resuscitate the issue, a constituent approached Sen. Mike Gabbard about writing and sponsoring a bill, Senate Bill 2194, with more precise language than last year's bill, which some lawmakers believe was so broad that it resulted in its demise. Civil Beat.

More than 7-thousand children enter the state’s Juvenile Justice System each year and many require treatment and services that are currently nonexistent.  As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, lawmakers are considering funding these services before it’s too late.

Checks are on the horizon for an estimated 10,000 Hawaii substitute teachers who are owed a share of a $14 million settlement for back-pay claims from more than a decade ago. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Green thought he was helping farmers, such as himself, sell more of their products directly to customers. Instead, the bill he offered to lawmakers raised concerns the state Legislature might again be trying to undermine county regulations on genetically modified crops and pesticides for the second time this session. Tribune-Herald.

The Democratic primary races for governor and U.S. senator are closely fought contests, as Civil Beat reported this week.Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige are tied, as are U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. That's not the case in the race to replace Hanabusa in the 1st Congressional District. But two of the seven candidates — Donna Mercado Kim and Mark Takai — lead the pack with 25 percent and 20 percent of the vote, respectively. All other candidates we surveyed are in single digits, and over one-third of those polled are unsure of who'll they vote for.

A little more than two weeks after vandals broke a priceless window at Iolani Palace, an influential senator wants to change law enforcement jurisdiction there to the state Sheriff's Division. Hawaii News Now.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: Jan. 26. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to announce in his State of the City speech Wednesday that he plans to eliminate 618 vacant positions and cut funding for additional slots, moves intended to free up $37 million annually in the city's $2 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

When Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell delivers his second State of the City address today, it won't be at Honolulu Hale, or even Kapolei Hale in the  "Second City." For the first time, it will be delivered at McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Park. Hawaii News Now.

A bill allowing Oahu residents to once again set off sparklers and other novelty fireworks legally to ring New Year's Day and the Fourth of July was deferred by the City Council Public Safety and Economic Development Committee Tuesday due to technical reasons. Star-Advertiser.

A key committee in the Hawaii Senate has given its stamp of approval to two bills aimed at mitigating erosion on Oahu’s North Shore. Senate Bill 3035 sets aside money to realign Kamehameha Highway that runs by Laniakea Beach. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Community College says its accrediting agency reaffirmed its accreditation this month. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges at the Western Association of Schools and Colleges also removed the school's warning status. Associated Press.

A state judge has granted a request by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to release the transcripts of closed court proceedings before she declared a mistrial in federal agent Christopher Deedy's murder case. Star-Advertiser.

Deedy Transcripts Revealed: 'Not Something We See Every Day' Civil Beat.

More than $90,000 was spent to improve Koko Head Shooting Complex, after reports of stray bullets flying into homes and cars. But some residents say the repairs are not enough. KHON2.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — which is postponing the opening of its first Hawaii location, as I reported on Monday — on Tuesday launched the “most comprehensive menu evolution in its history.” Pacific Business News.

The latest installment of Jurassic Park is set to film in the islands and a local talent agency tells KHON2 that the film’s casting department is looking for local extras to be a part of the movie.

Hawaii

Hawaii County may soon have a new legislative auditor, more than a year after the position became vacant. Bonnie Nims, a senior performance auditor who worked for 16 years for the state of Washington and more recently, as a performance auditor supervisor at the American Samoa Government Territorial Audit Office, would be appointed in Resolution 313, scheduled to be voted on March 7 by the Hawaii County Council. If the resolution is passed, she will begin work May 1. West Hawaii Today.

Three County Council members are toting armloads of questions and ideas on their trip this weekend to the National Association of Counties conference in Washington, D.C. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly every school on the Big Island will benefit in some way from the recent release of $62.4 million in capital improvement project monies for Hawaii Department of Education facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools does not currently have a plan to open a K-12 campus in West Hawaii, a spokesman said Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Using local products to feed fish and animals could help the Big Island’s food sustainability and self-sufficiency. That was the conclusion of a draft environmental assessment prepared by the Oceanic Institute of Hawai‘i Pacific University for its long-planned Feeds Research and Pilot Production Facility, which it would build at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Farm Laboratory at the Panaewa Agricultural Park. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced the county’s purchase of more than 148 acres of land at Launiupoko as part of the planned “Pali-to-Puamana” parkway. The parcel is one of two being acquired for a total price tag of $13 million, following an agreement reached with the seller, Makila Land Co. LLC, and approved by the Maui County Council in December. Maui Now.

While tiger sharks along Maui's coastline recently have captured the attention of marine experts statewide, research biologist Robin Baird has been focusing on other sea creatures, tracking whales and dolphins in hopes of understanding where they travel and why. Maui News.

The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns is proposing the construction of a 64-unit affordable housing project in Pukalani. The Kulamalu project is proposed for construction on more than four acres of land, bounded by ʻŌhiʻa Kū Street and ʻAʻapueo Parkway, and located west of the Kula Highway. Maui Now.

A new program that offers grants or loans to growing and stable businesses and nonprofit organizations in Maui County rolled out last week through the Mayor's Office of Economic Development. Maui News.

Kauai

A federal judge on Monday granted a Kauai councilman’s request to dismiss a civil suit that claimed he was the target of illegal prosecution by the county over zoning law violations. Garden Island.

Some local residents and environmental groups are voicing concerns about Hawaii Dairy Farms, the $17.5 million dairy planned for Kauai’s South Shore. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i GMO legal bout enters round two. National non-profits the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice enter the ring on behalf of Kaua‘i County and its under-siege law. Hawaii Independent.

Lanai

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, the majority owner of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, plans to build a facility that would house aquaponics and hydroponics sustainable food systems to produce fresh produce and fish for Lanai residents visitors. Pacific Business News.