Water stations for state parks, Ferris wheel for Waikiki, money for lava relief, military training planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamond Head state park ©2018 All Hawaii News

Water filling stations will be installed at 15 parks in Hawaii in an effort to reduce single-use plastic water bottles, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

ConAm Public Education Funding: 70% of Voters Still Said "No". The Hawai’i Supreme Court invalidated the Constitutional Amendment question for public education funding on the Nov 6th General Election ballot.  But, 85 percent of voters made choices, anyway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protections For Transgender Kids Still Spotty Inside Schools. It’s been three years since the Hawaii Department of Education issued guidance around transgender student protections. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Putting aside election bad blood won’t be easy for Ige, legislative leaders. The Legislature and the governor may be run by Democrats, but these are Democrats who neither think alike nor support each other’s positions. And there is still no love lost between Ige and the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

City, state making adjustments to be ready for disaster recovery. It has been the year of the disaster for every county across the state, and now the hard work of picking up the pieces continues. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines hikes checked bag fees, matching mainland carriers. The change applies to the airline’s mainland flights. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ferris wheel in Waikiki? Some resident say ‘it’s a totally stupid idea’. A Canadian company is floating plans to built a Ferris wheel and motion theater at the Ala Wai Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Defeat of HART charter amendment could result in added delays and costs. The chairman of the board overseeing the city’s rail construction project said Oahu voters’ decision to reject a proposed amendment to the Honolulu City Charter might cause additional delays and costs for the $8 billion-plus project now scheduled to open in late 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Tom Yamachika: Why The City Flipped On Rail Funding. Officials realized that not using city money for the project was unrealistic from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Waianae polling places ran out of same day registration forms. In past elections, Waianae has had one of the state's lowest voter turnout rates. KITV.

Thousands vie for units in new property near Ala Moana Center priced below market. About 1,000 people lined up on Monday to get a first look at developer SamKoo’s newest condominium project: The Central Ala Moana. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana affordable housing units up for sale. The Central Ala Moana will be 43 stories with 513 units -- about 60% of them deemed 'affordable' studio and one to three bedrooms. KITV.

Council might delay condo fire safety rules. After the July 2017 fire at the Marco Polo condominium killed four people, there was a call to have older condos retrofitted with fire sprinklers. Star-Advertiser.

U.K. man challenges Hawaii’s stun gun ban. Andrew Namiki Roberts is an Oahu photographer who wants to be able to protect himself as he carries his equipment to photo locations around the islands. His weapon of choice: a Taser stun gun. Star-Advertiser.

State senator says Aloha Stadium needs new facility. Senator Wakai tells us that Aloha Stadium in its current state is safe, but it's costing millions each year to maintain the structural integrity. Aloha Stadium officials ask for $20 million a year for the upkeep, but Senator Wakai says legislators give the bare minimum of about $7 to $8 million. KHON2.

Biki hits a milestone in one month with expansion on the horizon. A total of 100,954 Biki rides were taken last month, which shows a major increase in ridership compared to one year ago. Hawaii News Now.

As it marked a milestone in October, Honolulu’s bikeshare operator, Biki, also announced it would be expanding by about 30 more stations and 300 more bikes by the end of the year, thanks to federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Can Setting Out Tables, Painting Street Murals Transform Honolulu’s Neighborhoods? A new Honolulu program encourages residents to create do-it-yourself “pop-up” urban design projects to make their communities safer and more walkable. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Gov. David Ige will introduce a bill next year to help kick-start the recovery effort in Lower Puna in the wake of this year’s Kilauea lava flow, but that measure will be a more modest package of assistance than Hawaii County officials have been seeking. Star-Advertiser.

There could soon be marine life of a different sort off the West Hawaii coast, as military units prepare to train by air, land and sea next year. West Hawaii Today.

Disappointing Harvest Squeezes Big Island Coffee Farmers. Coffee farmers on the Kona Coast are seeing harvests with as much as a 40% reduction in crop yields. Hawaii Public Radio.

An application for a Use Permit to allow a Kurtistown church to build a 3,040 square-foot community outreach center on land mauka of Highway 11 got the OK from the Windward Planning Commission last week in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian monk seal Manuiwa appears to have dislodged a hook that had been spotted in her lip last week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A solar farm proposed for an area between Kula and Wailea will be discussed Wednesday during a meeting of the Kula Community Association. Maui News.

The October median price of a single-family home in Maui County came within $6,000 of the $780,000 record set in May 2005 and tied in July 2006, the dizzying heights reached before the real estate bubble burst nationally in 2008. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai is flushing out more bacteria through rivers and streams than it has in the last decade, according to test results from the island’s Surfrider Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

The United States military is working on increasing training by air, land and sea in 2019 and Kauai is on the list for places where training would occur. On Kauai, training would occur in nearshore waters, bays and harbors, with naval forces as well as Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps special ops forces. Garden Island.

A conference to raise awareness about the vaping epidemic in Kauai sold out nearly a week before the event, which is scheduled for Thursday morning at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

More than half oppose education property tax in poll, Ige and Tupola debate, ballots in the mail, hotel strikers cited for trespassing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii 2018 general election ballot © 2018 All Hawaii News

Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Oppose ConAm On Property Taxes. While there is sentiment to help schools and teachers, voters appear worried about how the ballot question is constructed. Asked how they would vote on the so-called “ConAm” question, 53 percent said they would oppose it compared to just 35 percent who would vote in favor. Civil Beat.

Parents will join teachers at dozens of public schools across the state on Tuesday morning to rally in support of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding education. The proposed constitutional amendment, set to go before voters on Nov. 6, reads: “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?” Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige and state Representative Andria Tupola square off in first televised debate. KHON2.

Ige, Tupola spar in debate that includes running mates. Andria Tupola criticized Democratic Gov. David Ige for not doing enough to increase affordable housing, cool classrooms, make the state’s roads safer, reduce the waiting list for Hawaiian homelands and reduce homelessness, during a one-hour gubernatorial debate Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Debate: Lieutenant governor candidates closing statements. KHON2.

Voting in the 2018 general election has begun now that the county clerks on three islands sent out tens of thousands of absentee mail-in ballots during the past week. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono Rakes In The Campaign Cash Following Kavanaugh Hearing. While the Hawaii senator doesn’t face much of a challenge in November, her campaign is raising and spending money like she does. Civil Beat.

CD-1: Democrat Ed Case on the Campaign Trail. Two veteran politicians are vying for the Congressional District One seat to represent urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Strike leaves some guests grumbling. So far, there’s no end in sight for the strike, which began Oct. 8 when negotiations between Unite Here Local 5 and Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts, which owns the Marriott-managed Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Maui, reached an impasse. Star-Advertiser.

No Talks Scheduled Yet in Hotel Strike. Here in Hawaii, 2,700 workers are on the picket lines outside five hotels managed by Marriott and owned by Kyo-Ya. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sears has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Monday and announced 142 stores across the country are closing, however none of the six stores in Hawaii are on that list. KITV.

While Sears’ bankruptcy filing won’t have an immediate effect on its four Hawaii stores, the potential closing of the four mall anchors would open up nearly 500,000 square feet of vacancy and have a dramatic effect on retail vacancy rates in parts of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen died Oct. 15 in Seattle from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 65 years old. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City Mistakenly OK’d Permit For Site With Native Hawaiian Remains. A residential development is on hold while a developer devises a plan for the iwi — 12 years after the state warned the city of their possible presence. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit accuses Head Start operator of inflating enrollment with ‘ghost children’. The whistleblower alleges Head Start pre-K program defrauded the federal government of over $100M. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is set to start on a condominium tower in Kakaako that will begin to fill in the middle of the Ward Village community planned largely on old retail and warehouse property. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian blessing ceremony held today in Kakaako for the groundbreaking of Ward Village's newest high-rise tower, Aalii. KITV.

Giant pothole blamed for sidelining 9 vehicles in Zipper lane. The state Transportation Department said Freeway Service Patrol crews helped nine drivers with tire damage after running over the pothole. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Charter Commission eyes PONC fund: Committee recommends cutting back property taxes going to land preservation. West Hawaii Today.

After widespread testimony against proposed administrative rules for Mauna Kea, changes are being considered by the University of Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

After nearly a decade in the making, new adult day center in Hilo is dedicated. The long-awaited Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult Day Center was dedicated Monday, nearly a decade after plans for such a facility were first discussed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Strikers at Sheraton Maui Issued Trespass Citations. The three employees were passing out leaflets to guests in the hotel’s porte corchere, informing them of the strike which impacts their hotel and four other hotels in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hotel employee on strike detained for trespassing. Last week, three people on strike over contract negotiations wanted to hand out fliers to guests staying at the Sheraton Maui hotel in Lahaina. They were detained for trespassing. KITV.

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Maui Police: 5 Unclaimed Remains at Forensic Facility. Department officials said they hope to get in touch with family members of the deceased. Maui Now.

Maui woman killed while sunbathing at popular beach park. A woman was killed while sunbathing early Sunday evening at Hookipa Beach Park on Maui's north shore. KHON2.

Hookipa Sunbather Dies After Being Run Over by Truck. Maui Now.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige signed a fourth supplementary proclamation extending the emergency relief period for the Kauai floods that occurred in April 2018. Garden Island.

A Kauai hula dancer has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant and hotel, stating she was retaliated against on the basis of her sex and for reporting sexual harassment and the failure to protect her from sexual harassment. Garden Island

Hawaii Supreme Court to hear education tax amendment, woman from same-sex marriage must pay child support, gubernatorial debate set, USS Arizona tours resume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building ©2018 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments later this month from the state’s four counties seeking to invalidate a Nov. 6 ballot question asking voters if they want to empower the state to tax investment properties in support of public education. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court took the unusual step Thursday of scheduling oral arguments in connection with a request by the state’s four counties to consider their petition for an order invalidating a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday granted a request by the state’s four counties to schedule an oral argument on whether a proposed constitutional amendment on next month’s ballot allowing the Legislature to place a “surcharge” on investment property to support public education is unclear and misleading. Pacific Business News.

Battle over constitutional amendment heats up as state’s highest court to hear challenge. The two sides held dueling news conferences to make their case. Hawaii News Now.

General Election bill: Help schooling, or affect all property tax payers? As it stand now, Hawaii voters will see a question on their general election ballot that will read, "Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?" KITV.

Ad Watch: TV Spots Attack Constitutional Amendment For School Taxes. The Affordable Hawaii Coalition is airing two ads saying the proposal to raise certain property taxes for education is flawed. Civil Beat.

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Woman from same-sex marriage obligated to pay child support, court rules. A woman whose spouse gave birth during their marriage is the legal parent of the child and must pay child support after the couple divorced, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled today. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor to debate live on KHON2. "Hawaii's Debate" on Monday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m. will feature major gubernatorial candidates, Democrat David Ige and Republican Andria Tupola, and will air live on KHON2 and online at khon2.com. The debate will be moderated by KHON2's Gina Mangieri. KHON2.

Should Public Have More Input On Legislature’s Sexual Harassment Policies? Critics say more people should get to weigh in on developing the new recommendations and the process should be more transparent. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Voters Need To Know Sooner Who’s Paying To Influence Them. The Legislature should require greater transparency for campaign finance reports. Right now candidates don’t have to file them until eight days before the election. Civil Beat.

Far fewer people in Hawaii failed workplace drug tests in the third quarter of 2018, according to results from the largest company in the state doing such work. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel Workers Strike In San Francisco But Stay On The Job In Hawaii. Employees at Marriot-affiliated hotels in the islands have also authorized a walkout over wages and working conditions. Civil Beat.

Behind Hawaiian Airline’s decision to launch its Boston nonstop route. Hawaiian is offering special roundtrip fares of $617 in the main cabin and $1,776 in first class featuring to celebrate the new service, which will be operated by Hawaiian's Airbus A330 aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Boat tours of Pearl Harbor’s former Battleship Row will resume this morning following a five-day stop after the floating shoreside dock sank at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center last weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Boat tours around the USS Arizona memorial will resume Friday. On Sunday, park officials announced they were suspending the tours because they discovered the dock used to load visitors onto the boats was sinking. KHON2.

‘He betrayed my trust’: Victim in case against ex-Kamehameha Schools teacher takes the stand. The former teacher and debate coach is charged with five counts of invasion of privacy. Hawaii News Now.

Men gather to raise awareness against violence. “Family secrets, fear and old pain” are a few of the core issues that can develop into violence, said 48-year-old Kaimana Apo, a former perpetrator of domestic violence. Star-Advertiser.

Men of all ages and from a range of backgrounds took time to take a stand against violence. KITV.

Hawaii Island

The disarray at the county Mass Transit Agency continues with the resignation of Administrator Maria “Sole” Aranguiz. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council doesn’t want the Big Island to be known as the hand-me-down island and is asking the Mass Transit Administration to quit accepting used buses from other counties. West Hawaii Today.


No work on restoring Puna Geothermal Venture can begin until at least Dec. 1 after Gov. David Ige extended his emergency proclamation for the fourth time earlier this week. Tribune-Herald.

After sustaining considerable damage from thousands of earthquakes, Highway 11 near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will undergo repairs throughout the weekend and next week. Tribune-Herald.

A new roundtable committee that aims to address noise caused by commercial helicopters is seemingly close to being established, nearly two months after its creation was announced at a community meeting on the issue. Tribune-Herald.

There is no active lava to be seen anywhere on Hawaii Island, at the moment, but that’s not stopping county officials from going forward with a plan to create a lava viewing area in the vicinity of the lower East Rift Zone eruption in Puna. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Carroll laid up since late August, to return Oct. 15. Maui County Council Member Robert Carroll is in “recovery mode” at home in Hana following major surgery in late August. Maui News.

Maui Drive-Thru Voter Registration, Oct. 9. Maui Now.

Kauai

It could be another year before you’ll see the ancient waterways and picturesque landscapes out at Stone Dam, part of the 4.5-mile Wai Koa Loop Trail on Kauai’s North Shore. Garden Island.

Delayed by poor weather, road resurfacing work in Haiku will restart next week, the county Department of Public Works said. Maui News.

Six businesses at Kukui Grove Center are seeking prospective employees at the Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday throughout the mall. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group Expands to Kauai, Acquires KONG Radio Group. Pacific Media Group today announced the purchase of KONG Radio Group on the island of Kauai from Ohana Broadcast Company, LLC–including stations KQNG 93.5 FM, KSHK “Shaka” 103.1 FM, KSRF 95.9 FM and KUAI 570 AM (and 104.5 FM translator). Maui Now.

Sea level rise worse than expected, education tax fight garners big bucks, Arizona Memorial closed this week, councilwoman refuses to legislate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paddle boarder at Hilo beach park ©2018 All Hawaii News

New study doubles estimates of land vulnerable to sea level rise. A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources found that island land affected by sea level rise may be double previous projections. Star-Advertiser.

Sunscreen May Be Killing Hawaii’s Ecosystems. Chemicals in sunscreen put the Aloha State’s popular yet fragile coral reefs at risk, so the state passed a ban on the toxins, effective in 2021. U.S. News.

Chamber Of Commerce Pours $600K Into Fighting School-Funding Measure. Teachers have a half-million dollars of their own to support the proposal, while unions organize opposition to a constitutional convention. Civil Beat.

Educators around the state say they will organize a walk-in protest from 7 to 8 a.m. today because they are “frustrated by the lack of funding in Hawaii’s schools and by the state’s being ranked worst in the country for teachers just last week by a national survey,” according to a press release. Garden Island.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Oahu

Arizona Memorial to remain closed through Saturday. The USS Arizona Memorial is closed for the rest of the week due to the submersion of the shoreside floating dock where visitors board vessels for harbor tours, according to the National Park Service. Star-Advertiser.

Structure struggles at Pearl Harbor. Not only is the boat-ramp at the USS Arizona Memorial still damaged, the shore side dock is now underwater. KITV.

Caldwell opposed to altering sidewalk bills. Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants Honolulu City Council members to pass his bills banning “obstructing” and “lodging” on Oahu sidewalks without language they’ve added that would delay their implementation. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor claims City Council is trying to stall efforts to move homeless from parks, sidewalks. At Aala Park on Monday, pedestrians zig-zagged down sidewalks cramped with tents. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor urges City Council to streamline bills to keep sidewalks clear. KITV.

Oahu voters asked to solve HART board members quorum issue. A proposed amendment to the Honolulu City Charter that’s before voters on the General Election ballot would state clearly that six members are needed to hold a vote and that six members are needed to constitute a quorum. Star-Advertiser.

Gambling, game rooms still have strong hold in Honolulu. Gambling has long been outlawed in the islands, but that hasn't stopped people from getting their fix. KHON2.

A new charter school in Wahiawa is facing mounting complaints as parents raise concerns about staffing, communication, even safety. Some parents say at least 10 teachers and staff resigned from the Kamalani Academy since school started in August, and they believe that's one of several red flags. Hawaii News Now.

From Capri Suns To Resumes: Meeting The Needs Of Homeless Young People. A first-of-its-kind program specializes in helping those 18-24 move from the street to independent living. Civil Beat.

Cardax Inc. has launched a clinical trial to evaluate the effect on cardiovascular health for low and high doses of its new anti-inflammatory product ZanthoSyn. Star-Advertiser.

Heads up, drivers: That pedestrian might be a plainclothes officer. Hawaii News Now.

HPD cracking down after 2 more pedestrian fatalities. Three weekend crashes, which left two dead and one seriously injured, have prompted the Honolulu Police Department this month to step up enforcement, including the use of plainclothes officers in crosswalks. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents weigh in on new public park coming to Kailua. It will come with the first public outdoor climbing facilities at a state park, and it will be the first dog park in Windward Oahu. KHON2.

Sophia the Robot Takes Center Stage at 2018 Global Tourism Summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikiki Parc Hotel closed Monday and will reopen next fall following a multi-million-dollar renovation as Halepuna Waikiki, “a new upscale boutique hotel,” according to Halekulani Corporation and Japan-based Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Council plays waiting game as Ruggles won’t return. Faced with the curious case of a County Council member who refuses to vote or sponsor bills, county legislative leaders want more teeth added to local laws to require elected officials perform to stricter standards. West Hawaii Today.

Hirono: $483k In Fed Funds For Puna Farmers Impacted By Eruption. Puna farmers impacted by the eruption of Kilauea Volcano will soon be getting federal assistance, according to U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Big Island Video News.

September comes to a close with record-high temps. Record-high temperatures in Hilo were recorded on three days during the past week, and hot, muggy conditions prevailed regardless of records. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

National Park Releases Kipahulu EA for Public Review. The purpose of the KCP is to improve visitor access to and enjoyment of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park while reducing visitor-caused impacts to the park’s resources; to improve safety; and to ensure adequate operational capacity and facilities given the area’s remote location. Maui Now.

Commentary: 3 charter amendment proposals to be on general election ballot. Maui News.

Electric vehicle drivers can top off at MECO office. A new fast-charging station is available 24 hours daily at Maui Electric Co.’s Kahului office for owners of electric vehicles. Maui News.

Joshua Bradbury sacrificed his life saving a dog from a swollen Kauai stream during Hurricane Lane, and a puppy who survived the storm on Maui now sports his name. Garden Island.

Kauai

Some Hawaii candidates were taken by surprise recently when they received fines for not reporting the cost of advertisements to the Campaign Spending Commission within 24 hours of the contracted purchase. Garden Island.

How This Popular DJ Became ‘Part of the Family’ On The Garden Isle. Ron Wiley, a fixture at KONG radio for more than three decades, spent months talking locals through Hurricane Iniki and its aftermath. Civil Beat.

Ige and Tupola agree to debate, Gabbard presidential run rumors persist, circus animal ban mulled, Kauai voters to consider term limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

David Ige, Andria Tupola ©2018 All Hawaii News

Democratic Gov. David Ige and Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola have agreed to a televised debate shortly before the general election, but Tupola wants Ige to commit to a “six-island debate.” Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard encouraged to run for president in 2020. In the words of one longtime Hawaii political observer, Gabbard has been leaving a “trail of breadcrumbs” that suggests she is laying the groundwork to seek higher office, and at least some of her supporters hope that will be the presidency in 2020. Star-Advertiser

This Ballot Measure Is Sparking Intense Debate Over Hawaii’s Schools. The proposed constitutional amendment is already one of the most contentious issues to go before voters in the 2018 election. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Much to discuss in Constitutional Convention — if voters can muster hope and engagement. Star-Advertiser.

State board to re-consider circus animal ban. A ban on bringing circus animals into the state heads to the Hawaii Board of Agriculture again. KITV.

Effort to curb opioids alarms pain patients. The limits on prescription drugs are resulting in situations where many say their pain is not being controlled. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Report Reveals Hawaii’s Not-So-Booming Economy. A declining population and weak increases in personal income have helped keep a lid on inflation in Honolulu, economists say. Civil Beat.

North Shore homes are in danger from erosion and homeowners say the state isn’t doing enough to help. Star-Advertiser.

Armed Drug Suspect Is Fourth Person Fatally Shot By HPD Since June. Officers were serving a search warrant inside a residential high-rise apartment when the shooting occurred. Civil Beat.

Manoa Falls Trail to remain closed after dangerous rock slide. Friday afternoon, a 100-foot rock slide happened in the upper pool area sending debris and boulders crashing down to the Aikuilama Trail as well as the lower pool area of the main Manoa Falls Trail. Hawaii News Now.

4 foreign tourists cited for ignoring Manoa Falls Trail closure. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said four men were cited Sunday for allegedly attempting to enter the Manoa Falls Trail, which is currently closed due to hazardous conditions from a large landslide late last week. Hawaii News Now.

Approximately 614,400 gallons of raw sewage overflowed in Waipio after a 48-inch force main broke Saturday night. Star-Advertiser.

More than $65,000 raised in weekend fundraisers for Kapiolani Medical Center. The Ko Olina Children's Festival took place Saturday to benefit the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

After 134 days of closure, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened its gates to the public Saturday, with a flood of visitors and residents alike eager to see a park reborn. Tribune-Herald.

On Saturday morning, the day of the highly anticipated reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the National Park Service gave a media briefing, Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane spoke to media outside the Kilauea Visitor Center. Big Island Video News.

You Need To Be Tough To Explore These New Volcanic Beaches. Kilauea volcano created a dramatic new landscape including black-sand beaches. But “it’s a rough walk” to get there. Civil Beat.

Judge dismisses suit against Hu Honua, county. A judge granted Hu Honua Bioenergy’s request for a summary judgment in a civil suit that sought to halt construction of the 30-megawatt biomass power plant in Pepeekeo until an environmental review is completed. Tribune-Herald.

Double-decker buses to hit the road. Hawaii County will soon have not one, but two, double-decker buses running between Hilo and South Kohala, County Council members learned last week. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health has notified the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation of possible water violations in their water system, a company spokesperson said Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanric Hyland dies at 79: Ethics advocate pushed for housing rights, government accountability. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Finding farming matches for old cane fields not so simple. A&B official says scale, location, water among obstacles. Maui News.

Na Puuwai sets new course for Lanai senior care. New partner Johns Hopkins School of Nursing takes over after Arcadia ends its collaboration. Maui News.

Kauai

Residents mull term limits for councilmembers. When Kauai voters head to the polls in November, they’ll be deciding on a charter amendment that could end term limits for members of the County Council. Garden Island.

The public is invited to join Community Coalition Kauai on Monday for a mock County Council meeting as a way to get to know what the County Council candidates think about growth management and future land use for Kauai. Garden Island.

Kapaa portable toilets haven’t been cleaned for 3 weeks. Garden Island.

Chronic absenteeism in Hawaii schools, Honolulu rents drop, constitutional questions emerge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom, courtesy Department of Education

A quarter of isle public schools have high rates of chronic absenteeism. More than one-fourth of public schools in Hawaii have high or "extreme" rates of chronic absenteeism, according to a new national report. Hawaii News Now.

Panel To Study Constitutional Convention Question Before Election. The citizens group will release a list of pros and cons just weeks before voters decide the issue in November. Civil Beat.

Large sums of cash help major candidates, but not necessarily those backed by super PACs. The winners of the Democratic and Republican party nominations for governor and lieutenant governor in last month’s primary election all outspent their opponents on their way to victory, with state Sen. Josh Green becoming the first lieutenant governor candidate in Hawaii to spend more than $1 million in the effort. Star-Advertiser.

Brett Kavanaugh No Friend Of Special Rights For Native Hawaiians. Trump’s Supreme Court nominee once called the Office of Hawaiian Affairs a “naked racial spoils system.” Civil Beat.

Norman strengthens to a major hurricane as it continues west toward Hawaii. Packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, Norman was about 480 miles east of Hilo and 670 miles east of Honolulu and heading west at 12 mph at 5 a.m. today, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

An ongoing dispute over the use of state-owned beachfront land in Kahala is heading to the Board of Land and Natural Resources next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion at a Makaha shoreline is gobbling up the beach and threatening homes. Hawaii News Now.

Three city and county of Honolulu parks will close beginning Wednesday, September 5. Old Stadium Park, Moilili Community Park and Crane Community Park will shut down for two months. KHON2.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closing an hour early starting Wednesday as it switches over to its winter schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable units make up 20% of new Waikiki rental tower. The developer of a planned rental apartment tower in Waikiki has given the project a name and increased the length of time homes would be affordable to residents earning less than the median income. Star-Advertiser.

A new 455-unit development being built on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki will offer 91 affordable rental units. KITV.

Can A Woman Who Lost Her Arm In A Lab Explosion Sue UH? The University of Hawaii Manoa contends the former postdoctoral fellow must seek relief through the workers’ compensation system. Civil Beat.

United Airlines catering workers in Honolulu and four other cities will vote on whether to unionize this month after gaining federal approval to hold the election. Civil Beat.

Remnants from Lane lengthen timeline for Kuhio Highway emergency repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Babysitter accused of child sex assault found dead in Laie. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Aquarium’s resident monk seal dies at 34. One of the Waikiki Aquarium’s two resident Hawaiian monk seals has died, aquarium officials announced this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Median rent for 2BR apartments in Honolulu drops 8%. Rents in Honolulu have declined over the past year by between 1 percent and 8 percent, respectively, according to two September market reports by Apartment List and Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island property owners could end up paying an extra $75 million annually if a constitutional amendment passes that would allow the state to carve off a piece of county property taxes for public education. West Hawaii Today.

Jaggar Museum Artifacts Being Moved to Pahoa. Mainstreet Pahoa Association’s Board of Directors reports that they are in discussions with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, in cooperation with Mainstreet Pahoa Association, in allowing the contents of the world renowned Jaggar Museum in the park to be transferred to Pahoa and be housed for temporary exhibit in the newly renovated building next door to Kaleo’s Restaurant. Big Island Now.

Kilauea’s sulfur dioxide emissions drop to lowest level in 11 years. Between Kilauea summit, the lower East Rift Zone and Puu Oo, sulfur dioxide emission rates have dropped to less than 1,000 tons per day, the lowest since 2007. Tribune-Herald.

Lava access draws tourists, locals. Tourists and locals trickled into the gated MacKenzie State Recreation Area to get a closer look at the cooled aa lava flow during the recent lull in the spectacular lower East Rift Zone eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Input sought for proposed Maunakea rules. Residents will get a chance to weigh in later this month on proposed rules for public and commercial activities at Maunakea lands managed by the University of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A statue of Queen Liliuokalani will be dedicated Friday morning a the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Maui News.

Hotel workers rally on Kaanapali Beach for higher wages, contract. Union members working to get a contract: About 200 marched in the Labor Day rally Monday. Maui News.

Professor will detail causes of stress to Maui’s reefs and ways to aid recovery. Maui News.

Seven Airlifted from Iao During Swift Water Rescue. Maui Now.

Young children among those rescued from Iao Valley State Park due to rising water. KHON2.


Kauai

Charter Amendment questions on the Nov. 6 ballot. Taking ownership of your government, means understanding the items upon which you are called upon to vote on. Garden Island.

With the Animal Balance sterilization project in full swing, teams of trappers are canvassing the Lihue and Kapaa areas for community cats. Garden Island.

Goose has been wintering on Kauai for 18 years. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai island continued posting double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and spending in July, a trend that has been ongoing at least since the beginning of this year, Hawai’i Tourism Authority monthly statistics show. Maui News.

Hawaii soldier sentenced for planning ISIS mass shooting in Waikiki, counties join education tax lawsuit, Kauai man dies trying to save dog, Maui fire victims say county failed them, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

In this July 8, 2017 file image taken from FBI video and provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Hawaii on July 13, 2017, Army Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Kang holds an Islamic State group flag after allegedly pledging allegiance to the terror group at a house in Honolulu. (FBI/U.S Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii via AP, File)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Erik Kang, who faces 25 years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State group and its campaign of terror, had planned a mass shooting in downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki just after last year’s Fourth of July, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii said Wednesday following Kang’s guilty plea in federal court. Star-Advertiser.

A soldier based in Hawaii pleaded guilty Wednesday to trying to help the Islamic State group, telling a judge he provided secret military information, a drone meant to track U.S. troops and other support to undercover agents he believed were members of the terrorist organization. Associated Press.

35-year-old Hawaii-based soldier, Sergeant 1st Class Ikaika Kang pleaded guilty in Federal court Wednesday of trying to help ISIS. KITV.

A Hawaii-based solider pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of attempting to support ISIS. KHON2.

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Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties have joined the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit that seeks to strike from the November ballot a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would allow the Legislature to create a “surcharge” on investment properties. Pacific Business News.

Counties sue state to block property tax ballot question. All four counties are suing the state to block a ballot question that would allow a property tax surcharge for schools. KHON2.

The City of Honolulu is seeking to have a question stricken from ballots in the November general election that would give voters the power to amend the Hawaii Constitution to allow the Legislature to tax investment real estate to support public education. Star-Advertiser.

The city wants to strike down a constitutional amendment proposal that would raise taxes on investment properties to help pay for Hawaii's under-funded schools. Hawaii News Now.

Full text of ballot question complaint can be found here.

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Hawaii Supreme Court To Fine-Tune Open Meetings Law. A court opinion in the Honolulu Police Commission’s Kealoha case would also affect the way public boards handle other high-profile staff departures. Civil Beat.

Restocking continues after storm port-closure delays.  Stores across Hawaii are catching up on restocking shelves, following cargo delays from port closures during the storm. KHON2.

Oahu

Prosecutor Appeals Ruling That Barred A Third Trial For Deedy. After two hung juries in earlier trials, a third trial is sought against the federal agent who shot a local man. Associated Press.

Caldwell’s Push To Clear Sidewalks Runs Into Opposition. Honolulu’s mayor wants to ban camping on sidewalks islandwide, but critics insist more housing and services for the homeless are needed first. Civil Beat.

City outlines plans for more bike lanes in downtown Honolulu. The city held a public meeting Wednesday night. KHON2.

The Department of Health is alerting the public of elevated bacteria levels at two Oahu shorelines. The first alert is for those heading to Pokai Bay. The second alert came a day earlier for beachgoers in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa proposes higher parking fees. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is proposing to raise parking fees for the first time in eight years and use the money to repair its aging parking facilities. Star-Advertiser.

For years, the trail accessible at Koko Head Regional Park has been deteriorating, according to the group, with many of the cross-ties of the former tramway missing or in disrepair due to wood rot and erosion. At the same time, the trail’s popularity has only grown, spurred by social media posts of the grueling climb and views from the top, at an elevation of 1,200 feet, with panoramic vistas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Keaau could see its population more than double under a master plan W.H. Shipman released for public comment. The EA describes the project as a “walkable, transit-friendly regional town center concept.” Tribune-Herald.

A bill zeroing out property taxes for totally disabled veterans appeared to be cruising toward easy passage until it got stopped in its tracks last week, leading to likely changes when it comes back before the County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Councilwoman Ruggles Unassured By County Regarding War Crimes. Big Island Video News.

Am I A Criminal? Puna Councilwoman Questions Her Legitimacy. Pointing to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Jen Ruggles says functioning as a County Council member may violate U.S. and international laws. Civil Beat.

Federal Emergency Management Director Brock Long is on the Big Island in the wake of Hurricane Lane. Meanwhile, Hawaii Emergency Management Director Tom Travis said he hopes preliminary figures from the ongoing damage assessment statewide can be tabulated by Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurricane Lane Cleanup, Damage Assessment Continues. Big Island Video News.

On the heels of the apparent halt of Kilauea’s eruption earlier this month comes more good news for the Big Island: Its emergency shelter population has dwindled. Star-Advertiser.

The emergency evacuation shelter in Pahoa, which opened May 3 as eruption activity started in lower Puna, will close next month. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island hotel performance continues to suffer from Kilauea volcano. Big Island properties reported a 6 percent drop in RevPAR to $183 last month, while ADR remained flat at $247, and occupancy decreased 4.7 percentage points to 74.2 percent. Pacific Business News.

Four deep wells remain offline in North Kona, but repairs are likely to commence on at least one of them in the next two months. West Hawaii Today.

Two rescued Hawaiian monk seal pups weathered Tropical Storm Lane on the Big Island together and are now like siblings, marine experts said. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

'You failed us': West Maui residents feel abandoned by county during fires. Complaints turned into cursing at a community meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Residents pack public meeting on Maui: 'Everyone who lost a house, stand up'. On Maui, firefighters say strong winds from Lane fueled two massive brush fires: one in Lahaina and another in Kaanapali. KHON2.

Planning panel gives blessing to Waikapu Country Town project. Atherton’s 500-acre development calls for 1,500 housing units. Maui News.

County mulls challenge to replace road, culvert. Rain from Lane washes out access to Haiku cul-de-sac. Maui News.

The Maui County Council passed a bill Tuesday that extended a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui, allowing the county time to complete a study on sand availability and to possibly pass new laws. Maui News.

Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol cadets formed the bulk of a Ground Photography Team working on Maui on Tuesday to gather photographic evidence of the flash-flood impact resulting from Hurricane Lane. Maui Now.

The state will close the Kula Forest Reserve, Waipoli Access Road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve–Papaanui Tract, and Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area for two months beginning on Sept. 4, 2018.  The areas will remain closed through Nov. 2. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Stream Restoration Complicated by Diversion Dependent End Users. For nearly 150 years, fresh water on Kauai has been diverted from streams—first to cultivate sugar cane---and more recently to power hydroelectric plants. Now the state Water Commission is considering reducing the amount of water diverted from two streams flowing from Waialeale. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents on Kauai's north shore assess damage from Lane's heavy rains. KHON2.

Floodwaters wash away foundations in Hanalei again. Garden Island.

A 30-year-old Koloa man died after he jumped into a stream to save a dog during a storm Tuesday, Kauai police said today. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters recovered the body of a 30-year-old Koloa man from Waikomo Stream in Koloa Tuesday afternoon. Police have identified him as Joshua Bradbury. Garden Island.

Little League world champs hailed in Honolulu, lawsuit filed against property tax ballot initiative, the rain from Lane continues to flood state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige greets Little League world champs at Honolulu airport, courtesy photo

The Little League World Series champs from Honolulu landed Monday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to a hero’s welcome and were praised by Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell for representing their state with humility and sportsmanship during their undefeated run in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Star-Advertiser.

Crowds, cheers welcome Hawaii's Little League World Series champions at airport. KHON2.

Lawsuit Aims To Stop Proposed Ballot Measure On Education Funding. Honolulu’s city attorney says the ballot title misleads voters on a proposed constitutional amendment. Civil Beat.

Why Progressives In Blue Hawaii Face An Uphill Battle. Five of 14 candidates backed by progressive political organizations survived the Aug. 6 primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii schools launch mass texting program for parents. About 200 schools across the Aloha State use SchoolMessenger to communicate important information such as school closures and safety alerts. Hawaii News Now.

The most serious hurricane threat to Hawaii in 26 years brought something else with it — unprecedented cooperation between government agencies and the private industries that help keep the islands running, those involved in the response say. Civil Beat.

Stores discourage hurricane returns. Some retailers took pre-emptive measures to avoid a flood of returns following the rush to buy water and other hurricane-related supplies as Hurricane Lane approached the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Endangered Snails Were Rescued Amid The Threat of Lane. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Heavy rain on Oahu triggers flash flood warning, road closures. Deep tropical moisture associated with Tropical Depression Lane is triggering heavy rain and flooding across Oahu on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply on Monday unanimously gave a final OK to a five-year rate hike schedule that increases water bills for most of its residential users while keeping rates about the same for those who use the bare minimum. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is expected to announce a decision this week on where to locate a replacement for the Oahu Community Correctional Center, after signing off on the $525 million project’s final environmental impact statement. Pacific Business News.

Halawa Correctional Facility Warden and Oahu Community Correctional Center Chief of Security named. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) announced the promotion of Scott Harrington as warden for the Halawa Correctional Facility and Thomas Evans as the Oahu Community Correctional Center chief of security, effective September 4. KHON2.

Construction of the Joint Management Center in Honolulu is back on. The project abruptly stopped on July 9th after the City issued a Notice of Termination for Watts Construction for failing to fix numerous issues outlined in a warning letter written in February. KITV.

Hurricane Lane dumped record amounts of rainfall on the Big Island and parts of Maui but spared most of Oahu.  But, public utility and city leaders aren’t waiting for another close call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents’ response to Lane was boom or bust for many businesses. Hawaii didn’t take a direct physical hit from Hurricane Lane, which was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday, but it did dampen performance for some businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Glitzy New Driving Range Proposal At Ala Wai Worries The Regulars. Lounges and microchip balls: The city hopes a public-private partnership will re-energize its golf course. Civil Beat.

The trustee of Abigail Kawananakoa’s $215 million estate has asked a judge to appoint a guardian ad litem for the aging heiress because he believes she is not able to make sound decisions about her ongoing court battle. Civil Beat.

Fighting To Save The Crumbling Koko Crater Trail. A group of devoted hikers is hauling bricks up the steep trail to rebuild crumbling steps. Now they want the city to help. Civil Beat.

They hoped it would be their field of dreams. Instead, it's a dust bowl. Ewa Mahiko District Park's football field is mostly dirt and uneven footing. Hawaii News Now.

Loyal patrons returned to Wailana Coffee House on Sunday to savor their foreshortened time with the modest, Polynesian-themed restaurant, which will soon become a wistful memory. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim told department heads and emergency workers Monday he intends preliminary assessment of the damage done by former Hurricane Lane to be completed expeditiously. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Visitor Information Station to be closed Sundays. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station was closed Sunday and will be closed on Sundays for the foreseeable future as skyrocketing visitor rates overwhelm the facility. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Geological Survey detected a glow coming from deep within the fissure 8 cone Saturday morning, but the glow was no longer observed during Monday morning’s overflight. Star-Advertiser.

No Incandescent Lava Seen In Fissure 8, But Lots Of Steam. Big Island Video News.

National Park Service law enforcement cited 11 people Saturday after they were found illegally entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Woman charged with felony after trying to remove child from school. West Hawaii Today.

Some Waikoloa Village residents will be forced to evacuate their homes over a period of multiple days in September as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hunts for unexploded ordnance in neighborhoods around the village. West Hawaii Today.

Keala Kawaauhau, a member of the seminal Hawaiian rap group Sudden Rush, Hawaiian activist and longtime Hilo morning radio personality died in his sleep Monday. He was 47. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thyne chosen new Maui fire chief. David Thyne, a veteran of more than 30 years with the Maui Fire Department, was selected Monday to be the new fire chief. Maui News.

Maui News, DOH clash over release of reports. Judge to decide whether to make public crash case psychiatric assessment findings. The Maui News is supporting and the state health director is opposing the unsealing of court psychiatric reports that led to the acquittal by reason of insanity of a woman who had been charged with murder in a fatal traffic crash. Maui News.

Maui developer Waikapu Development Venture is asking the Maui County Council to fasttrack an 80-unit workforce housing project in Wailuku. Pacific Business News.

Some Upcountry Maui residents remain stranded by giant sinkhole. What used to be the center of Puu Way is now 20 feet below ground level. KHON2.

Heavy flooding is being reported around Maui including parts of Makawao and Wailuku this afternoon. Maui Now.

Ports open but items missing from store shelves. Barge on the way, but no Costco chicken. Maui News.

Kauaula Valley fire victims have one goal: rebuild. Residents grateful for the generosity shown from across the island. Maui News.

Conditions “Unprecedented” in Battling West Maui Fires During Hurricane Warning. Maui Now.

Mauna Kea hearing on Maui planned for Sept. 28. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai highway, school closed as heavy rains drench the island. The National Weather Services said a rain gauge in Hanalei showed rain rates over 4 inches an hour as moisture from Tropical Storm Lane continues to soak parts of the state. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore faces more flooding. It felt like Hurricane Lane skipped Kauai at first. As it turned out, we aren’t out of the woods yet. Garden Island.

Many hoping for strong turnout in general election. The percentage of registered voters on Kauai may have increased in this year’s primary election, but compared with the 2014 election, the number of those who cast ballots decreased. Garden Island.