Showing posts with label driver's licenses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label driver's licenses. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Hawaii travelers stranded in Southwest Airlines schedule meltdown, Green renews emergency proclamation for air ambulance services, Kauai plans massive multi-source energy project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Travelers scramble to get home after Southwest Airlines cancels thousands of flights. Hawaii travelers impacted by winter flight cancellations.  Major U.S. airlines broadsided by the massive weekend winter storm that swept across large swaths of the country had largely recovered heading into Monday, except for Southwest, where problems have continued to snowball. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Southwest cancels more flights, draws federal investigation. Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers. Associated Press.

Green extends emergency proclamation in response to air ambulance accident. The extension of the emergency proclamation allows the state to continue providing staffing and aircraft needed to ensure availability of emergency transportation for critically ill medical patients.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

COVID impact to linger: Schools chief says it will be years before students recover academically.  It could take three to five years for students to fully recover behaviorally and academically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Tribune-Herald.

UH Study: Local farmers struggle with depression in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian farmers 45 years old or younger are going into 2023 facing unprecedented mental stress, with a recent University of Hawaiʻi study finding 48% have experienced depression and 14% have struggled with suicidal thoughts.  Big Island Now.

Critical habitat to be declared for threatened iiwi bird.  Hawaii’s most iconic forest bird, the iiwi, will receive an added level of federal protection as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that it plans to designate more than 275,000 acres as critical habitat for the threatened honeycreeper. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu to issue 4-year licenses for kupuna.  Starting Tuesday, Oahu residents between 72 and 79 years old will have to renew their driver’s license only every four years. Residents in that age range — more than 75,000 — currently have to renew every two years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Critics sound off after Navy paves toxic foam spill area while still awaiting test results. In an update posted on Tuesday, military officials said that they have “successfully” removed the contamination and paved over the excavated areas. Hawaii News Now.

Troubled Beijing developer sells Kapolei land. Some 484 acres of land in Kapolei have been sold at a loss by a financially distressed Beijing-based developer that, at one point, wanted to create a residential development of 2,500 “upscale homes” including a lake for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and other water activities. Star-Advertiser.

Commercial activities to resume at Hanauma Bay on Jan. 4.  Entry for licensed motor vehicle carriers, commonly referred to as tour vehicles, and permitted scuba/snorkel guides will once again be allowed in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve beginning next year. Maui Now.

Inquiry into board of Bishop Museum is sought. An art dealer and an anthropologist have filed a complaint with the state Department of the Attorney General accusing Bishop Museum’s board of directors of breaching their fiduciary duties and squandering the museum’s charitable assets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Officials urge safety as fireworks sales take off ahead of New Year’s festivities.  It’s that time of year when blowing off fireworks will light the Big Island skies Saturday night, although not everyone is excited about the long-held tradition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen Announces More Appointments To Maui Administration. Maui County Mayor-elect Richard Bissen has announced a number of new picks to head departments in his administration, many of whom are already serving under the leadership of Mayor Michael Victorino. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

State taking steps to address PFAS impacted soil at Kahului Airport Fire Training Pit.  The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is taking steps to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) impacted soil in the vicinity of the Kahului Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Pit.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

West Kaua’i Energy Project clears environmental regulatory hurdle.  The West Kauaʻi Energy Project is an innovative pumped-storage hydro and irrigation project, coupled with solar and battery storage, that is being undertaken by the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and its renewable energy partner, AES.  Kauai Now.

Fireworks season starts with a bang.
County officials remind people that fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Garden Island.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Hawaii vaccine passport program to start May 11, HPD refuses to release video of alleged police shooting of 16-year-old, licenses expire during huge DMV backlog, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian Airlines flight at HNL ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii to begin vaccine passport program. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that Hawaii will begin accepting a vaccination exemption on May 11 for interisland travelers who received their vaccination in Hawaii and have completed the required 14-day waiting period. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Neighbor islands look to gain on vaccine passports, but how much tourism is too much? Industry experts believe inter-island travel will provide another big boost, especially on the neighbor islands. KHON2.

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Legislative Negotiators Agree To End Payday Loans In Hawaii By 2022. The bill would replace the high-interest loans with installment loans that have lower fees. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers agree on budget that includes federal aid. Key Senate and House members agreed on a $31.2 billion state budget Tuesday over the next two fiscal years that relies on $1.35 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds and a resurging tourism economy to help avoid massive cuts, furloughs and even layoffs of state employees. Star-Advertiser.

Why It’s So Hard To Pass A Minimum Wage Increase In Hawaii. Ripple effects and unintended consequences, especially in a down economy, have become driving factors in the debate over a minimum wage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Asset Forfeiture Reform Appears Dead This Year. An effort to make it harder for law enforcement agencies to seize property used in alleged crimes has stalled this legislative session after House and Senate lawmakers failed to reach agreement on the reform measure. Civil Beat.

Search begins for interim superintendent for Hawaii public schools. Hawaii’s Board of Education is looking for a temporary replacement to take over in August for Superintendent Christina Kishimoto while it conducts a broader search for her permanent replacement. Star-Advertiser.

April 20, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 48 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 26 on O‘ahu, 14 on Maui, one on Hawai‘i Island, and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

City officials work to find a solution as DMVs wade through COVID backlog.
If you’ve had trouble booking an appointment with the Honolulu Department of Motor Vehicles, you are not alone. The city is facing a backlog of thousands that stretches back a year. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi Nominates Former Mainland Officer To Honolulu Police Commission. The mayor says he wants someone on the commission who has empathy for law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

HPD Says It Won’t Release Video Of Officers Fatally Shooting 16-Year-Old. Police departments elsewhere release video that is edited to cover faces. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Protesters demand transparency, accountability from HPD following 2 deadly Oahu shootings. Outside Honolulu Police Department’s headquarters Tuesday, about two dozen protestors held signs calling for more transparency and accountability from the department. Hawaii News Now.

City Council committee advocates for funding for local farmers. A City Council committee wants Mayor Rick Blangiardi to use funds for a grant program to support local agriculture growers who may have been overlooked by federal help. Star-Advertiser.

Remote workers helping to fuel luxury real estate sales on Oahu, experts say. According to data released by Coldwell Banker Realty, the first quarter of 2021 saw a 106% increase in luxury home sales compared to the same time in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shovel-ready: Three road paving projects on deck for federal funds. Hawaii County is preparing three major road resurfacing projects to meet the “shovel-ready” requirement of the American Jobs Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Official: Estimated completion of project to reopen Pohoiki Boat Ramp is by mid-2023. Work to reopen the blocked Pohoiki Boat Ramp could begin at the end of 2022 — at the earliest. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino nixes higher bar for affordable-housing incentives on Maui. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has vetoed a highly contentious bill that would have applied stiffer rules to a state program offering developers incentives to build affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

$9 million needed for county flood repairs. It will take about $9 million to repair nine County of Maui roads, bridges and other structures hit by catastrophic flooding last month, though none of them are downstream of Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku, according to a county Public Works Department report. Maui News.

Governor Ige Releases $21.9 M for Capital Improvement Projects in Maui County.
The allocation includes $21.9 million for projects on Maui with the biggest allocation of $10.4 million going to finance design and construction for field improvements to the baseball and softball fields at King Kekaulike High School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i selected for federal energy transitions program. U.S. Department of Energy has announced that Honolulu and Kaua‘i have been selected as part of the agency’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project and statewide electric vehicle group leaders are applauding the actions of Senator Brian Schatz, who has helped forward the initiative. Garden Island.

County spends $90K on campground clean-up. The county is estimating about $90,000 in repairs and clean-up for ‘Anini and Anahola beach parks after a year of consistent use. Garden Island.


Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Hawaii to ban 'gay panic' defense, allow 'Gender X,' herbicides banned at schools, Honolulu hires criminal defense in rail probe, Karen Pence to visit military families, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii gay pride parade ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii to Become 6th State to Ban “Gay Panic” as Affirmative Defense for Murder. Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual community is awaiting the governor’s signature on bills, that when signed into law today, will advance rights and protections of those who identify as such. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige to sign bill allowing ‘Gender X’ on Hawaii driver licenses. In an effort to reduce discrimination against transgender and gender fluid individuals, Hawaii driver licenses will soon sport ‘Gender X’ as an option. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to add more gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses to be signed into law. A bill to expand gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses will be signed into law today. KHON2.

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Herbicides banned on Hawaii public school campuses, superintendent says. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, after hearing that Roundup was being used on some campuses, sent a memo Tuesday to all principals stressing that herbicides are banned at Hawaii public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. Parents alongside concerned members of the the community are challenging school officials over the chemicals being used to kill weeds on campus. Hawaii News Now.

Two mothers are suing the Hawaii Department of Public Safety on behalf of their children, over what their lawsuit describes as “repeated and deliberate indifference towards the safety and well-being of inmates with serious mental health issues.” Garden Island.

More than 1,000 pieces of stolen mail found in late postal worker’s storage unit. In an email confirming the discovery, the USPS said there were about 1,000 pieces of stolen mail from about 13 to 15 years ago, along with roughly 11,000 USPS Return Receipt post cards. Hawaii News Now.

Karen Pence visits Hawaii. The Second Lady will speak to military families to highlight the Blue Star Museum program, which she serves as honorary co-chair. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rental policy bill. It took roughly three decades, but the city now has a broad-ranging policy regulating vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

City Will Use ‘Digital Stings’ To Nab Illegal Vacation Rentals Starting Aug. 1. But the full effect of Oahu’s new law severely limiting Airbnb-type rentals and imposing stiff fines on violators won’t start until late 2020. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Signs Measure To Regulate Short-Term Rentals. Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed one short-term rental measure and signed another that will restrict the operation of the rentals on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Caldwell signs ‘historic’ bill regulating vacation rental industry on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will enact some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in nearly 40 years. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rentals bill 89, vetoes bill 85. The mayor signed the bill at a press conference at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. KITV.

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City hiring lawyer to address rail subpoenas. The city is hiring an outside attorney to help handle issues related to a federal criminal investigation of the Honolulu rail project, and has budgeted up to $50,000 to cover the cost of that legal work. Star-Advertiser.

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Closing arguments in Kealoha corruption trial begin. Prosecutors have said Katherine Kealoha wanted to frame Gerard Puana to keep him from revealing fraud that financed the couple's lavish lifestyle. KITV.

The Kealoha conspiracy case is a story of “greed and manipulation,” a federal prosecutor says. Lawyers for the two remaining defendants, Nguyen and Shiraishi, are scheduled to give their closings this morning; then the government gets the last word with rebuttal remarks. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Conspiracy Trial: ‘Power, Greed And Manipulation’. Closing arguments began Tuesday in the trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha and three Honolulu police officers. Civil Beat.

Defense calls government’s allegations in Kealoha mailbox trial ‘imagination’. In fiery closing arguments Tuesday, a federal prosecutor in the closely-watched public corruption case against the Kealohas told jurors that the case isn’t about a mailbox but about why the defendants would try to frame a Kealoha relative with its theft. Hawaii News Now.

30 HPD Officers Assigned to Watch Kealohas' Relative, Prosecutor Says In Closing Arguments. A U.S. prosecutor says 30 Honolulu police officers conducted 24-hour surveillance on the uncle of former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha the week she claimed he stole her mailbox in 2013. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

E. Kalani Flores testified in opposition to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit renewal for the Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Mauna Kea, one of many to speak out at a public hearing held Tuesday night in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona’s first medical marijuana dispensary opens Sunday. Hawaiian Ethos, one of only two businesses licensed to sell medical marijuana products on the Big Island, plans a grand opening celebration Sunday at its Olowalu Street dispensary in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area. West Hawaii Today.

Island’s two major well-diggers have work galore. The Big Island’s two major well-drillers continue to ask for more time to complete their projects, even as new contracts are awarded to them. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Final EIS released for Pulehunui master plan. Plan outlines water, wastewater, roads for major state projects. Maui News.

Maui Bus to Reduce Fares for Seniors, Disabled and Others, July 1. The County of Maui Department of Transportation announced that beginning Monday, July 1, 2019, the Maui Bus is implementing reduced single boarding fares of $1.00 for fixed route service. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hundreds rally for salt ponds. A Kauai County Planning Commission meeting drew a crowd of well over a hundred local residents, who showed up at the county government building in Lihue on Tuesday morning to speak on behalf of their culture, their heritage, their land and their salt. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Muslim woman finally gets driver's license wearing hijab, big solar farms coming to state, cooling the Capitol with seawater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

ACLU courtesy photo
Laycie Tobosa wearing hijab, ACLU courtesy photo
ACLU warns Hawaii officials after Muslim woman told to remove hijab for driver’s license photo. Laycie Tobosa spent months convincing drivers’ license officials in Hilo that she was not required to remove her traditional Muslim head scarf — or hijab — to pose for a photo for her new driver’s license, which she eventually received. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU: Woman denied full driver’s license after refusing to expose ears for photo. Big Island officials said it’s already changed its policy on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

Muslim Woman Claims License Renewal Discrimination. ACLU asks Hawaii County officials to respond with a plan for correcting “constitutional violations” after dispute over headscarf. Associated Press.

The ACLU of Hawaii sent letters to all four counties after a Muslim woman in Hilo struggled to get her driver's license, because she was wearing a hijab, or head scarf, to take her photo. KHON2.

ACLU objects to county’s treatment of Muslim woman. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii wants Hawaii County to show it no longer follows policies regarding driver’s license pictures it says violates the First Amendment. Tribune-Herald.

A Muslim woman who says she endured an “18-week bureaucratic mess” to acquire a full driver’s license at the Hawaii County Department of Motor Vehicles has gotten the backing of the ACLU of Hawaii, prompting a response from County officials. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County granted driver’s license to Muslim woman. No financial damages or compensation are sought. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Electric plans record boost in renewable energy. The Hawaiian Electric Companies are in contract negotiations with developers for seven solar-plus-­storage projects that would result in the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history and would accelerate the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric selects 7 solar-plus-storage projects for a combined 260 MW of renewable energy. Honolulu-based utility Hawaiian Electric said on Tuesday it has selected seven solar-plus-storage projects for the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history. Pacific Business News.

Can social media significantly influence the upcoming General Election? Some digital media experts say what you see online most likely won't translate at the polls. KITV.

UH Faculty Weigh in on Property Tax Amendment. A heated debate is taking place around the state over whether or not we should amend the state constitution. One proposal would give the state legislature the power to tax investment property to fund public education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Unions representing sheet metal workers, flight attendants and public service employees took steps Tuesday to support the 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii who were on their second day of a strike for higher wages and better benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Local 5 strike could impact many more hotels. Day two of picketing at major hotels in Waikiki and Maui, but striking Local 5 workers aren't the only ones without contracts. KITV.

Dangers of drugged driving focus of MADD conference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii is turning its attention to the problem of drugged driving among youth from 16 to their 20s. Star-Advertiser.

What Hawaii Can Learn From Puerto Rico’s Devastation. The U.S. territory still hasn’t recovered from Maria. Hawaii officials hope better coordination and a more resilient electric grid will help avoid a similar fate. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention to wrap up in Waikiki Wednesday. The Native Hawaiian Convention in Waikiki held a forum for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' board of trustees Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.


Oahu

Has Kakaako Gotten Too Fancy Even For IBM? The company will soon depart its landmark namesake building to make way for developer offices and model condos. Civil Beat.

Solar permits issued on Oahu fell 31%. Solar permits issued on Oahu plunged 31 percent in September to leave the nine-month total even with the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

$53 Million needed for repairs at Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Convention Center is facing up to $53 million in repairs, and state legislators may help out. KITV4.

Hawaii finalizes deal to use chilled seawater to cool state office buildings in Honolulu. The state of Hawaii has finalized an agreement with Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning to cool seven state office buildings and the state Capital through the use of chilled ocean water starting in 2021. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission considers, but holds off voting, on latest round of increases. Much smaller raises are being considered for top county officials next year, following last year’s eye-popping double-digit hikes. West Hawaii Today.

No charges in stolen police drug case; deputy chief calls investigation ‘thorough’. West Hawaii Today.

Utility-scale solar farms could be coming to Hawaii Island. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that it selected companies to build two solar projects on the island that would have a combined capacity of 60 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

His farm is buried under lava, but he can’t find relief from payments on his state agricultural loan. ‘The promises from the politicians don’t seem to be materializing.’ Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa merchants struggle to make ends meet following lava disaster. Nearly two months after the apparent pause in volcanic activity in lower Puna, Pahoa businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host orientation sessions on Maui, Molokai and Lanai over the next two weeks for its new $500,000 pilot grants program, which will offer smaller, one-year funding awards for projects that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. Maui Now.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza was recognized as the 2018 Jurist of the Year at a recent state Judiciary awards ceremony. Maui News.

The Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui was named the No. 1 Top Hotel in Hawaii by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Public Works and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. will hold an open house and presentation on the Lihue Town Core Revitalization project on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria. Garden Island.

There was a luau Monday night and the delegation from Candon City spent time with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Tuesday following the signing of the Friendship City Relationship agreement. Garden Island.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Federal money for homeless, Takai campaign spending money long after his death, Honolulu license backlog, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless man in Honolulu ©2018 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s legislative leaders said Thursday that $11.7 million in federal grants to support 35 homeless assistance programs in the state will help meet a critical need. Garden Island.

The congressional campaign for the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has paid out nearly $90,000 for consulting services to a Honolulu firm run by the committee’s treasurer in the 18 months since Takai’s death, with a payment issued as recently as four months ago, federal campaign records show. Star-Advertiser.

Will The HPD Scandal Jump-Start Police Reform In The Legislature? So far, lawmakers have failed to establish a standards and training board and lift the secrecy in police misconduct cases. Civil Beat.

Report Skims Surface on Hawaii Cesspool Mess. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hurricane damage thousands of miles away triggers shortage of key medical treatment in Hawaii. Saline solution in an IV bag is one of the more common sights in hospital rooms. KHON2.

A Department of Health survey released in 2016 confirmed Hawaii’s children have the highest prevalence of tooth decay in the nation. Garden Island.

Hundreds marched at the State Capitol to end human trafficking in Hawaii.  KITV.

Randy Baldemor, chief operating officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, has notified the state agency that he will be resigning his position on March 2. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A group of concerned citizens filled the Honolulu Liquor Commission hearing room to capacity Thursday in their quest to stop a liquor application for the Denny’s under construction at 2538 Kuhio Ave. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Army National Guard dedicated a new $38 million aviation support facility hangar at Kalaeloa on Thursday that will help support its more than two dozen Chinook, Black Hawk and Lakota helicopters. Star-Advertiser.

City officials are urging the thousands of Oahu motorists who need to renew their driver’s licenses this year to plan ahead to know what documents they need to bring to the Driver Licensing Office to help speed up the process. Projections show renewals are expected to jump to an estimated 9,000 a month islandwide in 2018, up from what has been an average of 3,000 a month, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. military officials posted a warning letter to all Hawaii-based service members last month, alerting them that several areas in Waikiki have been flagged for high levels of "violent crime" and "illegal activity." Hawaii News Now.

Less than two months after the state completed a $500,000 clean-up under the Nimitz viaduct, squatters are moving back in. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Fire Department released two new videos from the Marco Polo Fire. KITV.

Hawaiian to use tax savings for Honolulu airport renovations. Hawaiian Airlines said Thursday that if the new federal corporate tax rate for 2018 were in place in 2016, the airline would have paid $38 million less in taxes. Star-Advertiser.

A California real estate investment firm is making a new case to Hawaii regulators for carving up Oahu’s historic Dillingham Ranch and selling pieces to buyers who could build homes on 70 lots zoned for agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii appears to be seeing the worst flu season in years with patients inundating medical clinics and emergency rooms across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Former Jefferson Elementary teacher found guilty of sexually assaulting girl. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim testified at an informational briefing on homeless solutions before the State House of Representatives Health & Human Services Committee on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Drafting the future of Pahoa. What’s your idea for Pahoa’s future? That’s a question residents might be asked later this year as Hawaii County begins developing a Pahoa village master plan. Tribune-Herald.

The public comment period for arsenic cleanup plans at a Hilo commercial property has ended. The property, at the intersection of Kekuanaoa and Mililani streets near Waiakea Villas condominiums, is the site of a former building materials production plant. Tribune-Herald.

The Edwin C. Olson Trust No. 2 faces a fine of up to $64,960 from the state land board for unpermitted work that allegedly impacted Amauulu Camp Cemetery. Big Island Video News.

The Graying Of The Big Island. More than one in four Big Islanders – 27.4 percent – is 60 or older, according to the latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s higher than Kauai (26.1 percent), Maui County (23.6 percent) and Honolulu (22.4 percent). Civil Beat.

Keauhou restaurant Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai was cited by the state Department of Health for removing a food safety placard, and other major food code violations. West Hawaii Today.

The state health department has fined Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai restaurant in Kailua-Kona for several violations, including the intentional removal of a yellow placard and replacing it with a green one. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The state Department of Transportation today responded to criticism over proposed adjustments to the Lahaina Bypass Phase 1B2 and work at the Keawe Street interim northern terminus in West Maui. Maui Now.

The state Department of Transportation on Thursday took issue with West Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey’s criticisms of the department’s plans for the newest phase of the Lahaina bypass and the adjustments made at the northern end of the bypass as traffic flows to Honoapiilani Highway at Keawe Street. Maui News.

The Pacific Cancer Institute’s medical director Thursday accused Hawaii Health Systems Corp. of using public “scare” tactics last month to pressure the institute that provides cancer radiation therapy into accepting new and “unfair” lease terms at its Maui Memorial Medical Center facility. Maui News.

Teledentistry Pilot Project Expands to Maui. Maui Now.

Local real estate brokerage and management firm Hawaii Life has acquired Maui property management company Island Oasis Realty. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Church helps feed the community. A couple from Canada dropped off food, intact and packaged items that were remaining following their stay on Kauai Thursday morning at the Kauai Independent Food Bank. Garden Island.



Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Honolulu computer glitch causes statewide problems, Hirono recovering from second cancer surgery, Biki bike-sharing begins in Honolulu, Maui Hawaiians win quiet title dispute, unexploded ordnance presents Big Island development problem, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu Hale © 2017 All Hawaii News
An attempt Tuesday to reboot the mainframe computer that runs the state system to renew driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations failed, forcing people to face a third consecutive day of delays on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s surgery to remove part of her rib Tuesday was successful, and she is in recovery, according to staff from her office. The operation was the second of two surgeries planned since Hirono was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is recovering from a second surgery following her kidney cancer diagnosis. KHON2.

Papahanaumokuakea National Monument Review Opposed in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner’s six-figure salary last year ranked at the low end of pay for public university leaders, according to a new report released Tuesday night by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Star-Advertiser.

More than 5,000 residents of Hawaii’s Second Congressional District (rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands) participated in U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s interactive “Telephone Town Hall” on hurricane and disaster preparedness Monday evening. Garden Island.

Oahu

After about five years of preparation, “Biki” — Honolulu’s first major bike-share rental system — finally gets rolling across town today. Star-Advertiser.

The city-sponsored Bikeshare Hawaii program gets underway today — minus about 10 docking stations within Kapiolani Park because of a dispute over whether they should be allowed there. Star-Advertiser.

Crews were busy putting about bikes in place in time for Wednesday's roll out. KITV.

Due to computer mainframe issues, the city Department of Customer Services has made the decision to partially close the city’s driver licensing centers on Wednesday, June 28. KHON2.

The city says driver licensing centers will be partially closed on Wednesday, June 28 due to computer mainframe issues. KITV.

Homeless And Community Service Workers Considered For Park Cleanup. Honolulu City Council members hear ideas for employing the homeless and getting “free labor” from court-ordered workers. Civil Beat.

What to do with recent skeletal discoveries is the question to be discussed by the State Historic Preservation Division and the Oahu Island Burial Council during a meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Special Permits Near Honolulu Rail Line Attract Proposals For Big Hotels. Developers can build higher and denser as long as the city finds that their projects promote “transit-enhanced neighborhoods.” Civil Beat.

As speeding cars and pedestrian safety remains on the mind of some Pearl City residents, a national traffic expert is examining ways to make Oahu's roads safer. Hawaii News Now.

Charley’s Taxi has received a "Certificate of Excellence" from TripAdvisor, becoming Hawaii’s first and only taxicab company to receive the recognition from the online travel site. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Monday morning malfunction of a City and County of Honolulu mainframe computer has become a statewide problem for anyone seeking to obtain or renew a driver’s license, register a motor vehicle or get a state identification card. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill intended to help businesses extend their leases on state land. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mark Nakashima, was one of eight bills introduced this past session aimed at addressing economic revitalization in Hilo. None of the others passed. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County mayor wants to coordinate the military cleanup of unexploded ordinance in the Former Waikoloa Maneuver Area in order to lift federal funding restrictions for affordable housing. Big Island Video News.

A town hall meeting on Monday night unleashed new outrage and fresh questions about an unauthorized construction project at the Punaluu Boat Launch over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Local businesses along Pawai Place in Kona’s Old Industrial area joined Hope Services and police officers for a street cleanup Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing Kihei Satellite Office will be closed for about 3 1/2 weeks beginning Monday for expansion work, the county Department of Finance has announced. Maui News.

A 2nd Circuit Court jury returned a verdict Friday in favor of a Native Hawaiian family in a case involving Makila Land Co.’s attempt to quiet title a 3.4-acre kuleana parcel in Kauaula Valley in Lahaina. Maui News.

Kauai

A computer issue that began Monday on Oahu is affecting services at Kauai’s Department of Finance Driver Licensing division. Garden Island.

Jeff Stone, developer of the proposed Princeville Lodge, has withdrawn the project’s shoreline setback application. Garden Island.

Hofgaard Park is closed to allow the County of Kauai Housing Agency to start construction on access improvements aligned with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Garden Island.

Kapaia swinging bridge to be repaired. Volunteers needed; meeting near site is today. Garden Island.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Government looks to eradicate mongooses, Ford Island to revert to 1941, Hana pier faces overhaul, Tax Department modernization, limited driver's license offered, Honolulu power brokers fuel island races, more news from all the Hawaii Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Mongoose relaxes in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News
The use of mechanical traps, compressed carbon dioxide and rodenticides are being evaluated as means of controlling and eradicating mongooses and rodents in Hawaii's native ecosystems and wildlife refuges as part of a draft federal environmental impact statement. Maui News.

Unauthorized immigrants and Hawaii residents who have lost important identification documents, such as Social Security cards, birth certificates and passports, can now get a limited-purpose Hawaii driver’s license under a new law aimed at sidestepping stringent federal ID requirements enacted in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Taxation has completed the first part of its $59 million tax modernization plan, ahead of schedule and within budget. The state said it will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees because it has replaced a third-party vendor that assisted for electronic tax filings with an electronic system. Pacific Business News.

Following on the heels of a 120-day emergency rule which had temporarily banned all harvesting of sea cucumbers in Hawaii, Gov. David Ige has signed a measure which severely limits collection of sea cucumbers. Garden Island.

A bill signed by Gov. David Ige in May mandates that any motion picture theater with at least two locations in the state is required to provide open captioning and descriptive narration, upon request, during at least two showings per week of each motion picture shown at the theater for one week or more. The law took effect Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Mobi PCS President and CEO Bill Jarvis, who plans to apply for one of Hawaii's eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses in January, says the medical marijuana industry is a lot like the telecommunications industry. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A bit of 1941 ambiance — and a more comprehensive telling of Ford Island’s military past — will emerge with a National Park Service plan to restore historic chief petty officer bungalows on the Pearl Harbor isle that was ground zero for the Japanese attack that launched America into World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developer Stanford Carr will develop a $300 million golf resort community with a four-star hotel on the site of the former Makaha Resort for landowner Pacific Links International as part of a joint venture that aims to create some 500 jobs for residents of the Leeward Oahu community. Pacific Business News.

Councilwoman Kymberly Pine hopes to bring more awareness to the rich culture rooted in parks across the Leeward Coast by erecting signs, storyboards and other markers detailing the area’s Hawaiian history. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama and family ended what could be their last Hawaii holiday vacation of his presidency Saturday, but not before leaving several hundred Oahu motorists a little something to remember them by. Star-Advertiser.

After spending two weeks here in the islands, President Obama and the First Family have departed Oahu and are now back home in Washington, D.C. KHON2.

Groups are working together to formally invite President Barack Obama to be the keynote speaker at the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Associated Press.

Hawaii

You can follow the money, but first you might need to book a flight to Honolulu. Hawaii Island’s state representatives hosted 11 campaign fundraisers that charged at least $25 per person in 2015, with all but one held on Oahu, according to state Campaign Spending Commission records, Tribune-Herald.

Construction costs have come in higher than expected on several recent county projects, resulting in project downsizing, budget shifts and possibly the need to float more bonds. West Hawaii Today.

Owners of vacant land in agricultural zones would get a break on their property taxes even if they’re not actively farming the land, under a bill to be considered Tuesday by the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative aims to empower residents by creating an electric utility whose shareholders would be the island’s customers, a model put in place on Kauai more than a decade ago with the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Civil Beat.

‘Homeless’ comes home: Dr. Kopp finishes his around-the-island awareness walk. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Transportation will decide this week whether to move forward with improvements to Hana's 90-year-old pier, a project fiercely opposed by Hana residents who fear the arrival of commercial activity and high costs. Maui News.

The state and Kaiser Permanente apparently will need more time to finalize an agreement for the health care provider to take over operations at Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula and Lanai community hospitals. Maui News.

With officers in the Maui Police Department's new motorcycle unit hitting the road Monday, police are reminding drivers to slow down and follow traffic laws. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Community Correctional Center needs more space, and should Gov. David Ige’s executive supplemental budget proposal be approved by the Legislature in the upcoming session, the jail could get $15 million to expand housing. Garden Island.

Kauai Airports District Manager Dennis Neves’ goal is to make Lihue Airport into one that “is just like any other airport” in America. Garden Island.

For county officials, 2016 is going to be about increasing efficiency, unsnarling traffic, and finding ways to cut spending. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Judge strikes down Maui GMO ban, illegal immigrants can get Hawaii driver's licenses, Brower bruised in homeless fight, milk price drop threatens local dairy, Honolulu plastic bag ban begins, county faces ADA lawsuit over buses, park smoking ban, environmental court begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

genetically modified crops
Anti-GMO rally in Kauai, courtesy photo
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a Maui County ban on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops is pre-empted by federal and state law and invalid. Associated Press.

A federal judge Tuesday invalidated a Maui County ban on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops, ruling that the prohibition is pre-empted by federal and state law. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge has invalidated Maui County’s moratorium on genetically engineered crops that voters approved last fall. Judge Susan Mollway said in a ruling filed Tuesday that the ordinance is “invalid and unenforceable” because it is preempted by state and federal law. That’s similar to the reasoning that Judge Barry Kurren relied upon to strike down both Hawaii County’s partial ban on genetically modified farming and Kauai County’s pesticide disclosure law last year. Civil Beat.

According to a federal judge, the initiative to put a hold on the use of GMO's in Maui County gets trumped by federal and state law. KITV4.

A federal judge today ruled that the Maui GMO Initiative passed by Maui voters in November 2014 is invalid because the county does not have the authority over the matter.  The order states that the County of Maui GMO ordinance is preempted and exceeds the county’s authority to impose fines. Maui Now.

Anti-GMO activists, who celebrated when the moratorium passed in November, are now vowing to keep fighting after a judge invalidated the ban on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed a bill into law that creates a limited purpose driver’s license for people who don’t have documents to prove they are legally allowed to live in the U.S. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed a bill that dedicates nearly $3 million of general funds to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs over the next two years. Civil Beat.

Among bills Gov. David Ige signed into law Tuesday are measures requiring members of certain councils, boards and commissions to undergo training in Native Hawaiian customs and rights; making it lawful to use human remains for traditional Hawaiian cultural burial practices; and creating a new exception for people without proof of U.S. residency to get driver's licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Governor David Ige signed a bill into law this morning that makes it mandatory for certain state councils, boards and commissions to attend a course on Native Hawaiian customs and rights to be administered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

Hawai’i’s new Environmental Court system will be activated statewide July 1st.   It’s only the second specialized court of its kind in the nation, but has broad jurisdiction on almost everything dealing with the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

A ban on smoking at state parks and beaches goes into effect Wednesday, expanding on another prohibition already in place in certain city and county parks in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Last week was former Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s 77th birthday and the longtime Hawaii politician was supposed to be celebrating it in part with the long-awaited unveiling of his official state portrait. Instead, Abercrombie’s space in the gallery of ex-governors that line the walls in the current governor’s office is still empty. Civil Beat.

The West Coast is the best coast when it comes to Hawaii tourism's visitor markets. Total visitor spending from the U.S. West jumped 19.9 percent in May to $447.4 million, up from $373.2 million in May 2014, according to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A day after he was assaulted while taking photos at a large Kakaako homeless encampment, state Rep. Tom Brower insisted the attack was unprovoked. But the family of two teens involved said it came after the lawmaker laughed at the boys. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Tom Brower
Suffers Facial Injuries in Altercation at Homeless Camp. Civil Beat.

After three years of warnings, it's finally here. The city's plastic bag ban becomes law Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Army divers said initial examination of the sunken fishing vessel Judy K at Pier 16 shows it is intact, but the earliest they could attempt to float the partially submerged 77-foot boat for removal would be September. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Maui man on a mission to improve access for the disabled across the state is on the brink of settling a federal lawsuit against Hawaii County government on allegations the county’s Hele-On bus system isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Agriculture, bowing to pressure from Meadow Gold Dairies, unanimously approved a 23 percent drop in the state-set wholesale milk price paid to the last locally owned dairy. Hawaii island's Cloverleaf Dairy owner Ed Boteilho Jr. said he may be forced to close his dairy. Star-Advertiser.

Citing safety concerns, University of Hawaii kept the road to Mauna Kea’s summit closed above the 9,200-foot elevation Monday as workers searched for signs of damage following last week’s Thirty Meter Telescope protest. Tribune-Herald.

A new environmental court makes its debut today with the task of handling cases that involve the often complex and specialized rules governing human interaction with lands and waterways. Big Island judges have been selected to hear cases that are now being assigned to an environmental schedule — proceedings which in the past were mixed with other criminal and civil matters on court dockets. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ridao retiring as director of Housing and Human Concerns. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa is standing by a comment he made during a recent interview that said a potential upside of the new bed-and-breakfast ordinance is that it could give locals a chance to buy properties that can no longer be rented out by tourists. Garden Island.

Kaiser Permanente is planning to open a clinic on Kauai early next year, with the goal of providing subscribers with greater access to doctors and reducing patient wait times. Garden Island.