Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Monday, June 12, 2023

Hawaii scores low in Kids Count report, ag grants go looking for farmers, Teamsters strike closing restaurants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is 44th in nation for keiki economic well-being. Hawaii’s astronomical costs for child care and preschool are a major reason the economic well-being of keiki here has worsened comparatively, pushing the state down from 35th place to a dismal 44th among the 50 states on that measure in the latest annual Kids Count Data Book report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Farmers Could Use Some Help Landing Grants That Would Boost Farm Operations.
Nonprofits have stepped in to help with grant writing but the state agriculture department has been slow to take advantage of available pots of money. Civil Beat.

Green signs bill to improve aid-in-dying law.  As of June 1, it is easier for terminally ill patients to obtain prescription medication to end their suffering.  Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Has Been ‘Sweeping’ Homeless From Public Lands For More Than 100 Years. The term "homeless sweep" doesn't appear in Hawaii newspapers until the early 2000s, but officials have been ordering large-scale homeless enforcements since at least 1901. Civil Beat.

Hawaii unemployment fund experiencing ‘painful’ growth. Hawaii’s unemployment insurance fund is more than two-thirds of the way back up to adequacy after depletion during COVID-19’s economic shock in 2020, but the recovery is causing pain at an inopportune time for businesses paying into the fund. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii insurers could face more scrutiny over executive pay.  State lawmakers say they may seek a legislative fix to ensure the state’s nonprofit health insurers, which enjoy generous tax breaks, disclose the compensation of their top executives and board members following a decision by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in April that effectively allows some insurers to keep the information secret. Star-Advertiser.

Talks resume in Hawaii Gas Teamsters strike, but no deal reached. Contract negotiations between Hawaii Gas and unionized employees on strike have resumed, but the two sides don’t appear any closer to reaching an agreement. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

$2 million insurance coverage added for island coral reefs. With the Central Pacific hurricane season underway, an insurance policy covering up to $2 million in damage to Hawaii’s coral reefs is now in effect. Star-Advertiser.

Cleaning Up: The Aftermath Of A Honolulu Union’s Embezzlement Scandal. Members of IBEW 1260 had to pick up the pieces after former business manager Brian Ahakuelo and his wife were convicted. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu councilmembers plan to vote against pay raises.  On July 1, the new Honolulu city council budget will go into effect. Including, a 64% pay raise for council members, unless eight of them vote no to the pay raises.  KHON2.

Honolulu Council treads lightly on salary, outside employment talks. The Honolulu City Council will continue discussions on whether members can hold outside employment after killing a bill this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the governor’s backyard, 8 homeless patients settle in at medical respite tiny village. Pulama Ola village opened on May 31st, and is now home to eight homeless patients who were recently discharged from local hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Chinatown Lions Club collaborates with Mayor Blangiardi to beautify downtown parks. Dozens of people, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi and city administrators, joined Honolulu-Chinatown Lions Club in cleaning up Smith-Beretania Park and Doctor Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden considers limiting visitors and charging fees.  Nestled beneath the Koʻolau mountain range on Oʻahu, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden was a once-hidden gem. But social media has heightened awareness about the garden’s natural wonders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Community Development Authority tasked with slew of projects. The Hawaii Community Development Authority was created nearly 50 years ago with a broad-purpose name despite having a singular initial focus: improving one community, Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Former mayor documents COVID-era frustrations, alliances in book. Interviews with 25 Hawaii leaders reveal early concerns that the islands could become overrun with COVID-19 while others hoped the Pacific Ocean would provide a natural “border” to keep the virus out, according to a new book by former Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his longtime deputy managing director Georgette Takushi Deemer. Star-Advertiser.

Water disruption forces closure of popular Diamond Head State Monument on Oʻahu. 
The popular Diamond Head State Monument on O‘ahu was cleared at mid-day Sunday after the park’s water system had to be shut down.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Planning commissions talk shoreline setbacks.  A joint meeting of the Windward and Leeward Planning commissions on June 2 concluded their discussion of several proposed revisions to the county’s planning rules, which would, among other things, require that all new developments be located at least 40 feet inland from a shoreline, twice as far as is currently permitted. Tribune-Herald.

Council members debate establishment of sustainability office.  Formation of a proposed new Hawaii County agency has stalled following lengthy debates among members of the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Land board action paves way for conservation of 642 acres in N. Kohala. Hundreds of acres of land in North Kohala have been re-dedicated to conservation by a nonprofit that purchased the land last year. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

As tourists flock to eruption, agencies urge respect. Even as lava fountains from the erupting Kilauea Volcano continue reaching heights of up to 30 feet, Hawaii tourism officials urged visitors to be respectful when flocking to Hawaii island to get a glimpse of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Tax could fund projects, but some worry about cost. Maui County could have seen around $283 million in added income if it had followed other counties four years ago in adding its own surcharge to the state’s general excise tax, according to tax officials’ estimates.  Maui News.

Maui County finance director to serve on national AI committee. Maui County Finance Director Scott Teruya has been appointed to a national exploratory committee that will look into how artificial intelligence could potentially help local government.  Maui News.

Maui Residents Fight To Save Kihei’s Last Wetlands. County officials continue to approve new building permits close to shore despite rising seas. Civil Beat.

Damaged Lahaina playground closes.
The Lahaina Recreation Center playground has been closed until further notice due to safety concerns over the damaged playground surface, the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami leads Kaua‘i delegation in visit to Philippines. A Kaua‘i delegation’s weeklong venture to the Philippines was deemed a success on both the business development and diplomatic fronts, as the group reforged its partnership with the country. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i visitors spent heavily in April.
A robust tourism industry is on pace to surpass $2 billion in visitor spending this year, in large part to a stellar start to the 2023 season on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

 

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Election reform, involuntary psychiatric commitment, fireworks bills advance in Legislature, state auditor cancels rail contract, battle over taxpayer-funded ex-police chief defense, heavy metals found near East Hawaii schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy House Majority Office
Keiki day at the Capitol PC:House Majority Office
Keiki rallied at the Capitol Wednesday for children's issues. Advocates rallied at the Capitol Wednesday to support active bills regarding children's health, safety and education in the state Legislature. KHON2.

Hawaii parents, pushing to make it more affordable took their message to the State Capitol Wednesday morning calling on lawmakers to invest in our keiki and make early child care and pre-school available for all families. KITV.

=====

Hawaii’s economic growth expected to rebound. The ongoing slow growth of Hawaii’s economy is expected to pick up slightly this year after easing last year, according to a new state forecast. Star-Advertiser.

Economy Projected To Grow At Slower Pace Than U.S. Average. The latest economic growh report, released today by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, shows the state economy expanded by 0.7 percent from January to September, lower than the 2.8 percent for the U.S. average over the same time period. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read DBEDT's quarterly economic report.

=====

Hawaii lawmakers pass automatic recount, voter registration. Hawaii lawmakers have passed several bills to make it easier to vote and boost confidence in elections. Associated Press.

The State House of Representatives unveiled its election reform bills that crossed over to the Senate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers in both houses of the Hawaii state Legislature appear ready to approve a proposal which would institute automatic recounts in closely contested elections. The legislation, which will require a constitutional amendment approved by voters, was pushed forward at the Capitol as a reaction to the state Supreme Court being thrust into action following the 2018 general election. Hawaii News Now.

Many Climate Change Bills Are Still Alive, Including A Carbon Tax. At the session’s halfway point, several new measures have support. But some current initiatives will expire if action isn’t taken. Civil Beat.

Fireworks bill targets property owners and allows video evidence. The use of illegal aerial fireworks has sky-rocketed in Hawaii. KHON2.

Bill Focuses On Revolving Door Of Involuntary Psychiatric Treatments. The measure would form a task force to find ways to make emergency mental health admissions more efficient, and better protect the public. Civil Beat.

Changes could make it easier to commit mentally ill to treatment. State lawmakers want to change the law, so that more mentally ill people can be forced into treatment. KITV.

Southwest Airlines has new fuel-efficient planes coming that would allow the carrier to add more destinations to its lineup of flights between Hawaii and the mainland, a spokesman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha lawyer seeks city funding for fees. An attorney for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha on Wednesday urged the Police Commission to use taxpayer money to pay for the lawyers representing him in two federal criminal cases. Star-Advertiser.

Deadline approaches for City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro to respond to petition calling for his suspension. 19 days ago, state Attorney General Clare Connors filed a petition for extraordinary with the Hawaii Supreme Court, writing that Kaneshiro should not be allowed to serve as city prosecutor -- at least for the time being -- given his serious conflicts of interest as the target of a federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Auditor has canceled a contract with a company that was supposed to review change orders for the $9.2 billion Honolulu rail project, and it is unclear whether that report will ever be completed. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Probe Has State Looking To Pull Back On Rail Audits. Proposed legislation would repeal the requirement for more audits. But added scrutiny has already led state finance officials to withhold $40 million from HART. Civil Beat.

A rail station was changed to save money. Now, a do-over could cost millions. Hawaii News Now.

The reason for Oahu’s 20% drop in sheltered homeless? Far fewer shelter beds exist. The sharp decrease -- which led to a 4 percent drop in Oahu’s overall homeless population -- is being blamed on the closure of a transitional shelter shelter in West Oahu and on new government regulations that forced the state’s largest homeless service provider to reduce capacity. Hawaii News Now.

State senator films Maili brush fire, police standoff while riding bus. State Sen. Maile Shimbukuro happened to be riding TheBus home from the state Capitol and took photos of the large brush fire as the bus slowly moved through congested traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Business incubator unveiled in Kakaako. The developer of the “Entrepreneur’s Sandbox” held a blessing for the $7.3 million state-owned business incubation center, which was paid for by federal, state and private funding. Star-Advertiser.

Argosy University Students Advised To Prepare For Possible Friday Closing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Argosy University could close as soon as Friday. KHON2.

Oahu home prices make modest February gains. The Honolulu Board of Realtors on Wednesday released sales data that showed roughly 2 percent increases for median sale prices of single-family homes and condominiums last month. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales drop in February as median price posts gains. Home prices on Oahu posted modest gains in February, compared with a year ago, as sales of single-family homes declined by 4 percent and condominium sales dropped by 17 percent, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The state Department of Education and Department of Health are implementing environmental hazard management plans at 18 East Hawaii schools after a study found elevated levels of contaminants such as lead, arsenic and chlordane in the soil at those facilities. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Education has found elevated levels of lead, arsenic or chlordane in the soil at 18 of the 23 public schools it tested in eastern Hawaii island, mostly around the perimeters of old buildings. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s only jail is going to get larger, but that’s just to better house its current population of inmates, not increase the inmate population. West Hawaii Today.

Opponents Will Try To Stop Geothermal Plant From Reopening. Even though the power facility damaged by last year’s lava flows is expected to be “operational” by year’s end, it’s facing challenges. Civil Beat.

More than a year after plans surfaced and fizzled for a pilot program to manage surf schools at Kahaluu Bay, businesses are still in the dark about how to get permits to teach wave riding at the popular spot. West Hawaii Today.

Home prices on Hawaii's Big Island jump in February. The median price of a single-family home on the Big Island in February was $382,000, an increase of 18.45 percent from $322,500 in February last year. Sales declined to 152 homes sold, 5 percent fewer than the 160 homes sold in February 2018. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County’s state lawmakers were divided over their support of House Bill 1326 as the controversial measure on revocable water permits crossed over to the Senate on Tuesday. Maui News.

More than 15 soon-to-be released or furloughed inmates incarcerated at the Maui Community Correctional Center recently completed approximately 56 hours of workforce industry training from the Office of Extended Learning and Workforce Development at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui Now.

Grand Wailea plans appear before design board. Suggestions offered for saving chapel, masking parking structure. Maui News.

Kauai

Taxis in the terminal. A tentative agreement was recently reached between Lihue Airport administrators and taxi drivers who were threatening to strike if their demands for a curbside presence at the terminal continued to be ignored. Garden Island.

Kauai waits for Southwest flights. Flights to and from Kauai haven’t yet been announced. Tuesday, Southwest Airlines spokesman Brad Hawkins said that’s in the works. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai drop in February. There were only 26 single-family homes sold on Kauai last month, a 50.94 percent drop from 53 homes sold in February 2018. The median price of those homes was $689,000, a 4.97 percent decline from $725,000 in February 2018. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

Maui County wants to hold Molokai event to obtain, renew TWIC credentials. People who pick up shipments at state harbors, such as Kaunakakai Harbor, need to present a TWIC card, and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development is stepping up to offer an event to help people obtain or renew this credential. TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. KHON2.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Newborn humpback whale video mesmerizes researchers, Ige signs early childhood public-private partnership, Gabbard to launch presidential bid Saturday, double the money for Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kauai audit finds cash mismanagement, pCard misuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands



UH footage captures newborn humpback minutes after birth. Rare drone footage captured by the University of Hawaii Marine Mammal Research Program shows a newborn humpback whale gliding along near the ocean’s surface, sometimes riding on its mother’s back. Star-Advertiser.

Governor David Ige signed the Hawaii Early Childhood State Plan today. The Governor said the plan involved hundreds of community stakeholders and organizations who will be involved in implementing the private-public effort. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige signs first 'Hawaii Early Childhood Education State Plan'. Governor David Ige signed the first ever 'Hawaii Early Childhood State Plan' Wednesday. KITV.

Gov. David Ige’s ambitious proposal to expand Hawaii’s statewide public preschool system unveiled in his recent State of the State address turns on the idea of restructuring some K-6 elementary schools. Civil Beat.

The Legislative Keiki Caucus is sponsoring 24 senate and house bills focusing on the education, health and well-being of children. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of unvaccinated kindergartners grew again in Hawaii last year. In the 2017-18 school year, some 518 kindergarten students at public and private schools in the islands got vaccination exemptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Key Lawmakers Are Trying To Water Down Inspection Rules For Elder Care Homes. House and Senate bills would undercut a new law that requires unannounced state inspections of care homes by making those optional. Civil Beat.

Several bills introduced in the state Legislature this month might be the last straw for Hawaii. Six bills so far have been introduced that would, if passed, prohibit or otherwise limit the use and distribution of plastic straws. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens Of Proposed Bills Could Change The Way We Vote. Recounts in close elections, all-mail balloting and easing the voter registration process are among the measures this session. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs would see its share of public land trust revenue more than double to $35 million under a bill advanced by a state House committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Increased funding for OHA approved by House Committee. The House Committee on Water, Land & Hawaiian Affairs today passed out HB 402 which establishes $35 million as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' pro rata share of the public land trust and transfers a lump sum of $139 million to OHA for underpayment of the public land trust funds. KHON2.

Some Question Calls For Tougher Penalties On OHA Takeover Group. Native Hawaiian activists sharply criticized their actions, but not everyone agrees on how best to respond to members of the obscure “Polynesian Kingdom of Atooi.” Civil Beat.

Dan Kouchi, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s new assistant vice president for government affairs and alliances, will not be lobbying at the office of his father, Senate President Ron Kouchi of Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard plans to kickoff her presidential campaign Saturday at an event on the great lawn of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard announces venue for 2020 presidential campaign kickoff. Hawaii News Now.

Heavy rain and floods on Kauai, flooding in East Oahu, lava on the Big Island, and a series of hurricane and storm threats made 2018 a very busy year in terms of disaster preparation and response. A critical list of suppliers for food and water right after a disaster has been pushed back one year by the very agency tasked with coordinating emergency responses. KHON2.

Hawaii hotels tops in the nation for revenue in 2018. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

King’s Village businesses make way for a timeshare. The demise of King’s Village, which had more than 45 stores, represents the end of an era in Waikiki. King’s Village was really Waikiki’s last small business stronghold after the 2013 closure of the International Market Place. Star-Advertiser.

A final goodbye to King's Village in Waikiki. Most of the businesses at King's Village Shopping Center in Waikiki have already moved out. KITV.

A rescue boat that cost taxpayers $118K sits mostly idle in a Kewalo Basin yard. When Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled the new rescue boat at Kewalo Basin nearly three years ago, state and city officials said it would improve emergency response along Oahu’s south shore. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing campus for kupuna celebrates its pre-opening. About 50 people celebrated the pre-opening for the Hale Mahaolu Ewalu Phase I affordable senior housing campus Wednesday morning in the Kulamalu Town Center. KHON2.

State officials said today that The Falls of Clyde, the historic ship, is taking on water and beginning to sink at Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Bishop Museum will retain ownership of its Waipio Valley lands. The news comes three years after the Oahu-based museum declared in January 2016 its intent to sell its substantial acreage within the historic agricultural community. Tribune-Herald.

After passing legislation to extend leases for the Kanoelehua Industrial Area last year, state lawmakers are again turning their attention to improving Hilo’s hotel area on Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Kona resort aims for 2022 reopening. Construction is underway at the iconic Kona Coast getaway as real estate investment firm Kennedy Wilson prepares to reopen the resort that has been shuttered since the March 2011 tsunami devastated the grounds. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Village, now managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, will reopen in 2022, a news release announced on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Kona Village Resort set to reopen with a major face lift. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino on Tuesday backed away from his inauguration day pledge to open the Central Maui Landfill on Sundays, beginning in February. Maui News.

Spence, Goode garner support, criticism at review. Panel recesses after public testimony on director choices. Maui News.

200-Room Windward Hotel Planned in Kahului, Maui. An Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed for a 200-room hotel proposed for construction within the Maui Business Park Phase II in Kahului. Maui Now.

Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced the appointment of Larry Nixon as General Manager. Nixon joined Mahi Pono on January 28 and will be managing the company’s farming operations on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

County audit reveals accounting backlog, purchase card misuse. The county’s finance department is over a year behind in its quarterly cash counts and some county employees are not following laws that require them to get approval prior to making purchases on county-issued credit cards, according to two reports issued last month by an independent accounting firm. Garden Island.

The torrential rains that flooded Kauai in April set a national record for the most rainfall in a 24-hour period, weather officials confirmed today. Star-Advertiser.

Officials from the National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday that Kauai broke the U.S. record for rainfall in a 24-hour period in April. Garden Island.

Kauai sets new national record for rainfall. KHON2.

April's rain total on Kauai breaks national record. National Weather Service officially reports record rainfall total from April 15th on Kauai. KITV.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Hawaii reacts to travel ban ruling, state to get more missile defense against North Korea threat, Honolulu continues rousting homeless, Hawaii County mayor signs budget, DNA testing lags, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo June 13, 2017
Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin on travel ban, courtesy photo
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled in favor of Hawaii’s challenge of President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban, setting up a likely face-off before the U.S. Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump’s revised executive order on immigration suffered another major setback Monday, when a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of Hawaii to uphold a preliminary injunction against the travel ban. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin sounded like he couldn't be happier with the outcome. KITV.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled Monday in favor of Hawaii’s challenge to President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban, the second appeals court to reject the administration’s move to curb immigration from six mostly Muslim nations. Associated Press.

Another U.S. appeals court stomped on President Donald Trump's revised travel ban Monday, saying the administration violated federal immigration law and failed to provide a valid reason for keeping people from six mostly Muslim nations from coming to the country. Associated Press.

Lawyers for Hawaii told the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that letting the Trump administration enforce a ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries would “thrust the country back into the chaos and confusion” that resulted when the policy was first announced in January. Associated Press.

Another federal court has ruled against President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Now a decision first made locally is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. KHON2.

The State of Hawaii filed its memorandum in opposition of the Trump administration's revised travel ban to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday morning. Pacific Business News.

Members of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation are lauding a U.S. appeals court decision to uphold the state's injunction against President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s congressional leaders reacted to the Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling Monday against President Trump’s travel ban. Garden Island.

=====

With growing concern over Hawaii’s potential vulnerability to North Korean ballistic missiles, plans are being fast-tracked for a new medium-­range radar here, while a Pentagon official confirmed that a new U.S. defensive missile being developed jointly with Japan could add a second layer of defense for the state. Star-Advertiser.

The San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is scheduled to pull into Pearl Harbor Wednesday after a five-month deployment during which it and the carrier USS Ronald Reagan conducted rare joint training in the Sea of Japan in a massive show of force aimed at North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

USS Michael Murphy, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will return to its homeport Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a successful five-month deployment. Maui Now.

Commercial aquarium fish collection may no longer be a viable career in Hawaii unless Gov. David Ige can be convinced to take out his veto pen in the next two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

State and county officials are months late in launching a website and producing a public service announcement informing victims of sexual assault about an effort to test hundreds of rape kits that have sat in evidence rooms for years untested. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ranks 17th among the states for child well-being, with an improving economic picture and nearly universal health coverage for kids, according to the 2017 Kids Count Data Book released today. Star-Advertiser.

As of today the dominant cable TV system operator in the state has been re-branded as Spectrum, replacing Oceanic, which had served kamaaina customers since the 1960s. Star-Advertiser.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable has officially changed its name to Spectrum following the merger of their respective parent companies last year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, the nine members of the Honolulu City Council and the city’s appointed employees are getting a 5 percent pay raise starting July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Bills Exceed $1 Million For Woman Accidentally Shot By Cop. Hyun Ju Park was working at a bar when Anson Kimura’s duty weapon discharged, lodging a bullet in her stomach. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department has matched some of the DNA profiles obtained from 180 recently processed rape kits with potential perpetrators in a national offender database — a development that could lead to solving years-old crimes or prevent serial sex offenders from committing new ones. Star-Advertiser.

Since a homeless sweep in February, few if any homeless have returned to the steep hillside of Diamond Head Monument, in what appears to be one of the few cases of the state's enforcement in homeless encampments that's actually stuck. Hawaii News Now.

State Sheriffs will conduct a homeless sweep of the area off Nimitz Highway Tuesday. KITV.

With 10 days to go until the next round of "king tides," plans are moving forward to strengthen Hawaii's most famous beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim signed a $490.8 million budget Friday, a 6 percent increase compared with the current fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

With a year to go before candidate qualifying ends for the 2018 election, Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha is ready to make the leap to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Sewage from ruptured main that occurred earlier today has entered the ocean in Kona, closing the waters around Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Jaylin Kema, mother of missing “Peter Boy” Kema, is scheduled to be sentenced to probation today in Circuit Court in Hilo after pleading guilty to manslaughter in her son’s death. Star-Advertiser.

One of two companies slated to open Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensaries says a change in production plans has pushed its estimated opening into next year. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism summit looks to entice group travel to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. ranked seventh for connecting energy storage to the grid, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance that surveyed 412 utilities nationwide. Maui News.

The median price for single-family homes and condominiums on Maui jumped 12.4 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively, in May from last year, caused by low housing inventory, according to a report by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Police officers issued 2,351 citations during the two-week “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign that ended June 4. Maui News.

Kauai


Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Voigt, second in command at the Kauai Community College clinical site for Tropic Care Kauai 2017, had concerns over the long lines outside the Office of Continuing Education and Training center Monday. Garden Island.

A new study found that people who attend regular religious services tend to live less stressful and healthier lives. Garden Island.

Lanai


A drop in construction work on Lanai resulted in a 26.2 percent decline in the amount of cargo in and out of the island’s Kaumalapau Harbor, the smallest in the state, according to first-quarter statistics from interisland shipper Young Brothers. Maui News.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Hawaii children in poverty, Ige support tepid on Oahu, group wants EPA to revoke state pesticide oversight, state posts bacteria warning signs on Kauai, RIMPAC pau, mixed results for plastic bag ban, Thirty Meter Telescope hearing today, Kaiser $40M in to Maui hospital buyout, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Children paddleboard in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News
One-third of children in Hawaii would be living below the poverty line without federal and state help, according to a new report from a Washington, D.C. group that studies the impact of assistance programs like Social Security. Associated Press.

The first U.S. president from Hawaii has 60 percent of Oahu voters viewing him in a positive light, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Obama is viewed negatively by 36 percent. By contrast, Gov. David Ige’s positive and negative numbers are nearly identical — 41 percent and 42 percent respectively.

A nonprofit environmental law firm is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to revoke the Hawaii Department of Agriculture‘s authority to investigate and enforce federal pesticide law. Civil Beat.

A law that President Barack Obama signed last Friday will require mandatory labeling of bioengineered food products across the country no later than two years from now, and while some in Hawaii believe it's "a step forward," others think it's a "slippery slope" that lets seed companies off the hook for testing genetically modified products. Maui News.

 Campaigning in Maine on Thursday, Donald Trump called for restrictions on immigrants from the Philippines and other countries with high rates of terrorism — and earned a rebuke from Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz in the process. Civil Beat.

The monthlong Rim of the Pacific 2016 maritime exercises have wrapped up in Hawaii with a number of firsts, and impacts near and far. Star-Advertiser.

Photos: In one of the final exercises of the Rim of the Pacific war games, American and Japanese forces made an amphibious landing at Kaneohe Bay. Civil Beat.

An Army officer who has infantry combat experience; was director for Russia on the joint staff; speaks Italian, Russian and French; was a foreign area officer with a focus on Eurasia; and has degrees from Princeton and Yale universities took command of more than 12,000 Hawaii soldiers Thursday as the new head of the 25th Infantry Division. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's state tourism agency is hiring a New York firm to help it attract sporting events to the islands. The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Thursday it's awarding a one-year $200,000 contract to Ascendent Sports Group. Associated Press.

First Hawaiian Inc. visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square today to celebrate its initial public offering on The Nasdaq Stock Market. Maui Now.

A new program called "self-supply" allows households to supply electricity to their own homes and stay connected to the grid. But it doesn't allow customers to get reimbursed for exporting energy to the grid. Associated Press.

Oahu

For the past year, shoppers on O‘ahu have not received single-use plastic bags at the checkout line. But in many grocery stores, thicker plastic bags that are considered reusable are still allowed. That’s a problem for environmentalists who are calling on the city and county to propose a better ban. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's re-election campaign spent more than $524,000 from July 1 to July 29, much of it for political advertising, according to state Campaign Spending Commission reports filed Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Campaign contributions are starting to flow to mayoral contender Charles Djou, who has an edge in the political polls. Hawaii News Now.

A posted warning about potential health risks tied to high bacteria levels in Keehi Lagoon’s waters has prompted several canoe clubs to withdraw from competing in the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship regatta on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Anthony DeLuze keeps his ancestors’ traditions alive in 21st century Hawaii by growing the staple crop taro on a suburban plot sandwiched between wings of a sprawling shopping mall.But the aquifer that hydrates the starchy vegetables sits under 20 enormous underground tanks the Navy uses to store fuel for military ships and aircraft. One tank leaked tens of thousands of gallons of jet fuel into the ground in 2014, worrying DeLuze the tanks are a threat to his farm’s natural springs and well. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing starts up again in Hilo today with a packed house of newly approved hearing participants and a variety of motions by TMT foes ranging from disqualifying the state attorney general’s office from advising the hearings officer to vacating the entire process. Star-Advertiser.

Participants in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case have filed a flurry of motions ahead of today’s meeting in Hilo, from declaring Mauna Kea sacred to ongoing challenges to Riki May Amano’s selection as hearings officer. Tribune-Herald.

East Hawaii residents have a chance to discuss hot-button issues including homelessness and the Thirty Meter Telescope on Tuesday with Gov. David Ige. Ige will be in Hilo for the town hall “community connection” meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the UCB Building (301) at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents commented to state education leaders Wednesday at a meeting designed to gather feedback on proposed updates to Hawaii’s current “joint strategic plan” — a multiyear, plan-of-action to meet a series of statewide education goals. Tribune-Herald.

The developer of a long-delayed mixed-use master-planned community in Kohala on the Big Island has withdrawn from a planned initial public offering that was expected to raise $27.5 million. Pacific Business News.

The $3.5 million sale of the ancient, 59-acre Kauleoli fishing village south of the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park cleared escrow Thursday, ensuring the area will be preserved in perpetuity. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said it has already invested $40 million as it prepares to take over three Maui County public hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the panel that oversees three Maui County public hospitals said Wednesday that he is "pretty confident" that a settlement will be reached between the state and the United Public Workers union "pretty soon" that would allow the transfer of operations to Kaiser Permanente to resume. Maui News.

When Central Maui voters head to the primary polls to cast their ballots for the 8th District representative in the state House of Representatives, they'll have two candidates to choose from. Maui News.

Kauai

Warning signs are now standing guard at the Waiopili Stream near Gillin’s Beach, alerting beachgoers of contaminated water in the area. Garden Island.

Overcrowded jails, incarceration rates, prosecuting police officers and extensive plea bargaining were topics at the Kauai candidates forum, county prosecutor session Thursday. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council has decided to spend up to $15,000 in taxpayer money on special counsel to represent the police commission should a legal battle against the mayor go to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Associated Press.

A $130,000 remodeling and expansion project to the Philippines Cultural Center started Thursday under the supervision of Sweat Construction, the Kapaa-based general contractor. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Coral bleaching to continue, Hawaii teens well-behaved, Caldwell lets rail budget pass without signature, HGEA union wants Dems, GOP squabbles, Honolulu police chief sues, Big Island loves theirs, Coco Palms comes down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Damaged coral with ornate butterflyfish © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii is expected to experience coral bleaching a third year in a row, as the globe is experiencing the most widespread coral bleaching event on record, scientists said Monday at the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau added his voice Monday to those calling on President Barack Obama to expand the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument fourfold so that it protects nearly 600,000 square miles. Civil Beat.

Not much relief for our coral reefs. Scientists provided troubling information Monday that coral bleaching and death rates over the past two years have been the worst, most widespread they've seen. KITV4.

After the most powerful El Nino on record heated the world’s oceans to never-before-seen levels, huge swaths of once vibrant coral reefs that were teeming with life are now stark white ghost towns disintegrating into the sea. Associated Press.

Here’s a look at what coral is, what role it plays in human life and what might happen if more of these important ecosystems are lost. Associated Press.

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

More of Hawaii’s children are growing up in poverty, but island teens are making healthier choices, with far fewer getting pregnant or abusing alcohol and drugs in recent years, according to a report issued today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

All public elementary, middle and high schools in Hawaiian Electric Co.'s service area will receive new technology to monitor their energy levels through a collaboration involving the utility company, the Hawaii State Department of Education, Energy Excelerator and Stem Inc., a California software company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s biggest labor union overwhelmingly wants Democratic incumbents to keep their seats this election, but was silent on several state races. The Hawaii Government Employees Association, which represents more than 42,000 state and county workers, announced its picks Monday for the Aug. 13 primary. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Sticking Up For GOP Values Or Tearing The Party Apart? The Hawaii GOP’s deep divisions are driven by frustration and disagreement over how to overcome Democrats’ stranglehold on power in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Monday signed a fifth proclamation on homelessness, extended the crisis status until August. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Is There No Hate In The 808? Hawaii and Alaska are the only states with no organized hate groups. That doesn’t mean they are free of hate crimes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday allowed key fiscal bills to become law without his signature, citing a disagreement with the Honolulu City Council over whether it has authority to oversee the budget for the contentious rail project. Star-Advertiser.

From Leis To World Travel: The City Council’s Invisible Spending In addition to their allowances of $20,000 apiece, Honolulu City Council members can access a protocol fund controlled by Ernie Martin. It’s not easy to find out how that money’s spent. Civil Beat.

O’ahu’s escalating 8.3 billion dollar rail transit project is in deep financial trouble.  Now, lawmakers controlling the City’s budget are weighing-in. Hawaii Public Radio.

Embattled Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his city deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, are suing the city, the Honolulu Ethics Commission and the commission’s former executive director and former investigator. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s police chief and his wife say a federal grand jury targeting them can be traced in part to what they call “vindictive and illegal investigations” by the Honolulu Ethics Commission, and they’re suing to set the record straight. KHON2.

Coping with ongoing issues tied to homelessness in the state’s tourism hub is a primary focus of a three-way Democratic primary for the District 22 House seat, which includes Waikiki and Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

The city, cracking down on unauthorized activities at an off-the-grid agriculture development in Kunia, recently issued a dozen citations to owners of the 854-acre project and expect to send out more in the coming weeks, including those for illegal residential use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It was another stellar year for Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, according to his annual performance evaluation released Monday by the Hawaii County Police Commission. West Hawaii Today.

The Hilo Women’s Imaging Center has resumed regular mammogram procedures after receiving provisional certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to bills that would provide the Department of Water Supply with enough money to build a new Iao water treatment plant. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park's next commercial-free day will be Tuesday, allowing Native Hawaiians to conduct traditional cultural practices in the park, Haleakala park officials said. Maui News.

Man seeks to build wheelchair-accessible camp. Maui News.

Kauai

On Monday, a bulldozer and a construction crew replaced cars and tourists as they took to the 46-acre property, cleaning up overgrown trees and salvaging the inside of cottages. The long-awaited demolition of Coco Palms Resort, which was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, is under way. Garden Island.

Three baby Hawaiian monk seals have entered the world on Kauai’s shores this year, and Jamie Thomton, Kauai’s marine mammal response coordinator, said there shouldn’t be any more this season. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Ige opposes Hawaiian Electric/NextEra deal, medical marijuana permits to be fast-tracked, Honolulu rethinks ethics policy, neighbor island lawmakers' allowances studied, homeless sweep planned, pay-as-you-throw trash deal considered, Maui mulls surf spot land buy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy NextEra Energy
Gov. David Ige said Monday he is opposed to NextEra Energy Inc.’s purchase of Hawaii’s largest electric utility and is recommending the state Public Utilities Commission reject the deal. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative has — for the first time — urged state regulators to seriously consider the cooperative model as an alternative to the proposed merger of Hawaii Electric Industries with Florida-based NextEra Energy. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative, which formed earlier this year to explore the possibility of cooperative utility ownership, is in the process of doing a 10-year financial analysis to quantify the potential savings of this type of business model, one of its co-founders said Monday. Pacific Business News.

State health officials say they’re looking to streamline the application process for medical marijuana patient cards — which some local physicians say is unduly burdensome — ahead of the first pot dispensaries to open in Hawaii next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii taxpayers write a check every year to neighbor island legislators for more than $400,000 to cover expenses the lawmakers don’t have to account for. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks in the middle of the pack nationally in child well-being, with almost all keiki covered by health insurance but many families burdened by housing costs, according to the 2015 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Star-Advertiser.

An Oahu educator has been appointed director of the Executive Office on Early Learning. Star-Advertiser.

If a child’s classroom gets extremely hot, should they remain in class? The new leader of the Hawaii State Teachers Association says they shouldn’t, and believes education officials should consider canceling school when the heat is unbearable. KHON2.

Opinion: Nearly eight months into Gov. David Ige’s tenure, it’s clear that the low-key technocrat’s deliberative, slow-to-judgment approach is serving Hawaii well in most cases. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Hawaii Fails the Elderly When It Cuts Long-Term Care Services. The looming cutbacks at state-run nursing homes have residents worried. And mainstream hospitals may have cause for concern as well. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Ethics Commission is poised to rescind a controversial media policy one month after passing it. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission may backtrack on its recently adopted news media policy that prohibited Executive Director Chuck Totto and other staff members from interpreting or commenting on the commission’s decisions and advisory opinions. Civil Beat.

The administration of Mayor Kirk Caldwell has refused to renew the contract of the city Ethics Commission's only investigator, bringing some politically sensitive ethics cases to a halt at the end of June. Hawaii News Now.

The mayor and governor have agreed on a plan to shut down the huge Kakaako homeless camp and move its residents to a managed 'safe zone' elsewhere in the area. Hawaii News Now.

State officials are gearing up for a major sweep of homeless camps next month and the focus will be on the growing shanty towns that have sprung up on state land under control of the transportation department. KITV4.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is moving forward with a joint federal-state plan to manage Hawai’i shorelines. The current draft is creating quite a stir in Hawai’i Kai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu’s only construction and demolition debris facility could run on 100 percent renewable energy, including solar and biofuel, by 2017, the landfill’s general manager confirmed to Pacific Business News this week.

Hawaii

Would people recycle more if they had to pay to throw out their trash? That’s a concept the County Council Environmental Management Committee is scheduled to discuss Thursday, under Bill 32, sponsored by Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille. West Hawaii Today.

A huge business opportunity has opened up in the commercial core of Kailua-Kona, with the proposed sale of the 243-acre West Hawaii Business Park, along with the option to include any of 14 nearby parcels. West Hawaii Today.

After 17 months in operation, Hospice of Hilo’s Hawaii Palliative Care Center has closed its doors and begun restructuring after having financial trouble. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council included in the current budget a $3 million appropriation to buy almost 268 north shore acres overlooking the famed "Jaws" big wave surfing site, but Mayor Alan Arakawa said last week that it'll actually cost the county more than $10 million to acquire the oceanfront land. Maui News.

It's been six years since the state established the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area in north Kaanapali, and experts say key species of herbivores, such as parrotfish (uhu), rudderfish (nenue), surgeonfish and urchin, have shown signs of recovery. Maui News.

Kauai
The nonprofit whale conservation group Kohola Leo — Hawaiian for “whale’s voice” — will host a feature film night at Kapaa Library at 7 p.m. Friday. The event is free and open to the public. Garden Island.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Hawaii voters seek legal marijuana, Oahu teacher sprays sanitizer into mouth of swearing student, Election Commission report due today, Senate sets priorities, norovirus outbreak in hospitals, Kauai council mulls rainy-day fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News
Pohakuloa military training area (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
The Marine Corps stands to see the biggest military increases in Hawaii in coming years as other services here go through less of a change and as all shift from a wartime footing to greater engagement in Asia and the Pacific, officials said at an annual military-business conference Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has lost a lot of firepower in the U.S. Congress, when it comes to the military, with the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye, but the state’s younger congressional delegation and its strategic importance will ensure that it plays an important part in the country’s pivot to the Pacific. Pacific Business News.

More than half of Hawaii voters want the state to follow the lead of Colorado and Washington and make recreational marijuana legal for adults, a new poll shows. Civil Beat.

The state Election's Commission is expected to release the findings of its investigation into problems during November's general election at a meeting on Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of public correctional, institutional and health workers will receive pay raises in the next six months under a draft arbitration award that could lead other public employees to seek similar raises. Star-Advertiser.

Representatives from the state Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teacher's Association will resume negotiations on Friday, nearly a month after the teacher's union rejected the state's latest proposal. Hawaii News Now.

The uproar over Hawaii’s solar tax credits will fuel a good deal of the debate on energy policy this legislative session, which opens next week. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers will be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars if the utility doesn't switch to liquefied natural gas to power its generators, the executive vice president of the company says. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Senate Majority Caucus today unveiled its priorities for the 2013 Legislative Session, which begins on January 16. Hawaii Reporter.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, with Senator Mike Gabbard as the Chair, will host an informational briefing on invasive species issues on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room 229 in the State Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lacks a state-funded preschool program, something that Gov. Neil Abercrombie is making a top legislative priority this year. Civil Beat.

The state will bestow the prestigious Aloha Order of Merit upon former US Sen. Daniel K. Akaka during a ceremony on Monday, January 14. Maui Now.

Island Air, the interisland carrier that has struggled to find its niche among rivals Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa Air Group's go!, is being sold to an undisclosed buyer. Star-Advertiser.

Exhibit highlights honor bestowed upon Japanese-American veterans. Star-Advertiser.

State health officials monitoring outbreak of possible norovirus. KITV4.

State roundup for January 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

The cost of construction delays tied to a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that suspended the city’s $5.26 billion rail transit project are coming in lower than anticipated, the project’s oversight agency announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials said Thursday the costs of construction delays for September and October stemming from an Aug. 24 Hawaii Supreme Court were 31 percent lower than what they had anticipated. Pacific Business News.

Members of Defend Oahu Coalition gathered at City Hall on Thursday to urge state and city government leaders to stop the planned expansion of Turtle Bay Resort. Star-Advertiser.

A 79-year-old man who was paralyzed by a fall 15 to 20 feet from the illuminated first tee at the Mid Pacific Country Club late at night in 2009 was awarded about $6.2 million in a jury verdict Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

One of the figures in the Stevie Wonder Blunder, Hawaii promoter Bob Peyton, died Thursday morning at Castle Medical Center. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii extreme sports athlete plans to liven up a dingy block in Kakaako with a year-round fairgrounds featuring a stationary surfing wave, skateboard park and go-kart track. Star-Advertiser.

An Oahu middle school teacher is on leave after allegedly squirting hand sanitizer into the mouth of a eighth-grade student on Wednesday in front of the class. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Windward Planning Commission was poised Thursday to give the Connections Public Charter School a failing grade for its Kaumana campus proposal. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea’s North Hawaii Community Hospital on Thursday appointed an interim CEO and hired a consulting firm in an effort to improve the facility’s financial performance and attract a permanent chief executive officer. West Hawaii Today.

A professor of Hawaiian language believes he has traced the ancestors of Hawaii’s first inhabitants to the remote, Polynesian Outlier atolls to the southwest. Tribune-Herald.

The same day plaintiffs in a lawsuit against 1250 Oceanside Partners announced they had reached an impasse after several years of negotiations, a South Kona property owner signed a $13 million complaint against the developer. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island's economy is gradually improving, but it still has a lot of catching up to do to match other parts of the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui
Complete with nine different teaching laboratories, an observatory, a rooftop garden, wind turbines and a photovoltaic system, University of Hawaii Maui College's long-awaited $26 million science facility is expected to open in the next few weeks. Maui News.

David Raatz Jr., the new director of Maui County's Office of Council Services, had worked as a legislative attorney for the same office for 16 years until March 2012. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Park is planning to rebuild 153 feet of wall within the next three to four weeks, cemetery officials said this week. Maui News.

Kauai

After routinely ending each recent fiscal year with tens of millions of dollars with a budgetary surplus, the county may start using some of that money for a permanent rainy-day fund. But will it cost more to taxpayers? Garden Island.

Five Kaua‘i residents have been selected to appear on the ballot for the board of the Kaua‘i Island Utilities Cooperation. Garden Island.

After a few weeks in plain view on the island’s busiest traffic corridor, the graffiti on the rockwall of the southbound Wailua Bridge was removed Wednesday. The same cannot be said about the graffiti at the bridge’s foundation. Garden Island.