Coral reef health debated, Hawaii's high cost of living, DOE wastes $1M on unused timeclocks, Honolulu council candidate sues over election, barrier redirects lava, hospital woes continue, two sue over Waikiki beach widening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Endemic mamo Hawaiian sergeant fish on coral reef © 2014 All Hawaii News

A new study found just one-third of Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems are dominated by healthy corals and calcareous algae. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii has the most frugal consumers, but it also has the highest percentage of people spending more than they make, according to a new release from WalletHub. Pacific Business News.

Living Hawaii: Where the Rent Is Too Damn High. Islanders pay far more on average than in any state in America to live in rentals — and that's just the beginning. Civil Beat.

While Gov.-elect David Ige's transition team sifts through more than 800 applications for administration positions and works to put together his Cabinet before taking office Dec. 1, one appointment to a powerful, high-profile position remains unsettled - the chairperson of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

At the Kapolei state building, in the break room of a Department of Education office, behind the recycling and the to-be-filed pile, are stacks and stacks of timeclocks –- nearly $1 million worth of them. The machines are still nicely boxed, all taped up and just sit, collecting dust and cobwebs. KHON2.

President Barack Obama said this year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom — including the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink of Hawaii — made the world stronger, wiser, more beautiful and more humane. Obama praised the 18 artists, activists and lawmakers receiving the award at a White House ceremony Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Hawaii Needs To Stop ‘Scam Artist’ Prison Guards. Correction officers calling in sick are costing taxpayers millions of dollars in overtime and preventing families from visiting inmates. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Defeated Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters, who lost the 4th District seat to Trevor Ozawa by 41 votes, wants the Hawaii Supreme Court to order either a recount by hand of the 4,455 "blank" votes recorded in the election — or a new election. Star-Advertiser.

Tommy Waters is seeking a recount of ballots cast in the Honolulu City Council District 4 election that ended with Trevor Ozawa beating him by 41 votes. Star-Advertiser.

A man injured while surfing and another who became a quadriplegic after diving from a so-called “booze cruise” filed lawsuits against the state on Monday, blaming their injuries on a project to widen an eroding section of Waikiki beach. Associated Press.

In the first lawsuits of their kind, two Oahu men allege that the state's efforts in 2012 to resupply Wai­kiki Beach with sand raised the seafloor and left them with permanent and debilitating injuries. Star-Advertiser.

A deputy city prosecutor who lost track of a misdemeanor negligent homicide case more than a year ago was suspended without pay for four days earlier this month. Civil Beat.

The number of rooftop solar permits Honolulu issued in October fell by 58 percent from the prior year. Still, the solar industry is hopeful sales will rebound this month and next after Hawaiian Electric Co. said earlier this month it is working fast to get more solar systems approved. Star-Advertiser.

The owner and the operator of a 733-foot cargo vessel that ran aground near the entrance of Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor in 2010 have agreed to pay $840,000 for causing damage to coral. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A ridge created by the June 27 lava flow as it advanced downslope in the previous months has created a barrier that scientists and officials say is sending a breakout away from the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

“Catastrophic cuts to services” are on the horizon if legislators don’t provide more funding this year, says the head of East Hawaii’s public health care system. Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawaii operations are expected to see a revenue shortfall of $29 million in the coming year out of a total operations budget of $160 million, said East Hawaii Interim CEO Dan Brinkman. The following year, the shortfall is predicted to balloon to $35 million. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Volunteers collected 3,075 cigarette butts at Kalama Beach Park on Saturday as part of the American Cancer Society's 39th annual "Great American Smokeout." Maui News.

Kauai

First Deputy County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask has been nominated by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to lead the county’s legal department once County Attorney Al Castillo resigns next week. Garden Island.

Kauai’s mayor is nominating the county attorney’s replacement to be a man who’s currently serving as a deputy county attorney.  Associated Press.

Around 900 residents of Makaweli, Kaumakani and Pakala are still waiting for water. A pump in the water system owned and managed by Gay & Robinson failed Saturday and it was hoped it would be repaired Monday. Garden Island.

Ige Hawaii's next governor, Maui GMO ban passes, Democrats hold congressional delegation, voter turnout low, big money PAC candidates and issues defeated, all the top election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor-elect David Ige courtesy photo

State Sen. David Ige coasted to a win as Hawaii’s next governor Tuesday night, allowing Democrats to hold on to the state’s highest office after voters resoundingly ousted incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary. Associated Press.

State Sen. David Ige, riding disenchantment with Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary and party loyalty among Democrats in the general election, was elected Hawaii's governor on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat David Ige has been elected governor of Hawaii. Hours after the polls closed, Ige was ahead of Republican Duke Aiona by a wide margin — 49 percent of the vote compared with 37 percent for the former lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Democratic candidate David Ige has been elected as the next governor of Hawaii, defeating Republican candidate James "Duke" Aiona and Independent candidate Mufi Hannemann. Hawaii News Now.

David Ige, who defeated incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary election for the Democratic nomination, held off Republican and Independent challengers Tuesday to be elected Hawaii's next governor. Pacific Business News.

BLUE HAWAII: While change sweeps country, Hawaii remains the same. Hawaii Reporter.

Democrat Brian Schatz easily won Hawaii's U.S. Senate race, holding on to the seat he was appointed to after the 2012 death of longtime Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Mark Takai has defeated Republican Charles Djou in the race to represent urban Oahu in Congress for the next two years. Civil Beat.

Largely unknown outside of his own state House district when he launched his campaign more than a year ago, Mark Takai rode a surge of momentum in the final stretch of the campaign and turned out the Democratic vote in the hotly contested race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

In the closest of the top races decided Tuesday, Hawaii state Representative Mark Takai, a Democrat, defeated Republican Charles Djou in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District with 51 percent of the vote. Pacific Business News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was sailing smoothly into a second two-year term Tuesday night, leading Republican Kawika Crowley in the race to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands in the U.S. House. Civil Beat.

Hawaii voters rejected the idea of using public funds for private preschool programs, defeating a proposed amendment that pitted early learning advocates against the public teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

For now, it looks like the state won’t be able to tap into private providers if it wants to develop a comprehensive preschool system accessible to all of the state’s 17,500 4-year-olds. Civil Beat.

Oahu will continue to hold all the at-large seats on the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, according to final returns Tuesday that showed the sole neighbor island candidate running fourth. West Hawaii Today.

The power of incumbency carried the day as three current Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees retained their seats Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Three incumbents running for re-election to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees fared well in Tuesday’s election. Civil Beat.

Even the high stakes of this year’s general election were not enough to get many Hawaii voters to the polls. Once again, voter turnout appeared to be abysmally low Tuesday, continuing a trend that has given the state the distinction of being worst in the nation. Civil Beat.

Tuesday's general election may have set a Hawaii record for voter apathy with a turnout of 52.2 percent, as of the fourth printout at 11:30 p.m. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Carol Fukunaga was re-elected and Trevor Ozawa narrowly beat Tommy Waters in their Honolulu City Council races Tuesday night. Civil Beat

Political newcomer Trevor Ozawa beat former state Rep. Tommy Waters by just 47 votes for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat to represent East Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

First-time candidate Andria Tupola, a music educator and Maili resident, ousted state Rep. Karen Awana, whose career was tarnished by four fines for campaign finance violations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi hugs  Daniel Paleka

Hawaii

Daniel Paleka defeated Tiffany Edwards Hunt in the Hawaii County Council District 5 race. With all precincts reporting Tuesday, Paleka had 2,294 votes, or 53.2 percent. Edwards Hunt received 2,015 votes, or 46.7 percent. Tribune-Herald.

A huge infusion of outside money wasn’t enough Tuesday to propel Council District 9 challenger Ron Gonzales over first-term incumbent Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille. With all precincts reporting, Wille led Gonzales by 1,005 votes, or 3,154, to his 2,149. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Democratic candidates for state Senate seats all appeared to be smoothly sailing to victory Tuesday evening, with all precincts reporting in shortly before 10 p.m. Tribune-Herald.

There were no shakeups in the Big Island House races this election season. West Hawaii Today.

Voters Tuesday approved three proposed state constitutional amendments and the sole Hawaii County charter amendment. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui voters have approved an initiative that places a moratorium on GMO cultivation in Maui County. Maui Now.

A Maui County ban on genetically modified crops pulled off a stunning turnaround late Tuesday night. After trailing by 19 points in the first two printouts, the ballot initiative took the lead, passing by more than 1000 votes. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial Maui County Charter amendment temporarily banning genetically engineered crops passed Tuesday night, but just barely. About 50.2 percent of voters -- the minimum needed to pass the initiative -- voted in favor, while 47.9 percent voted against. Supporters are expecting a lawsuit by corporations opposed to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui County initiative that would ban the growing of genetically modified organism garnered support late Tuesday. The controversial measure had a slight edge of 50 percent to 48 percent as of the third printout of results with 22,647 votes supporting the ban of GMO crops and 21,807 votes against the ban. Associated Press.

Maui County voters approved a ballot initiative calling for a moratorium on genetically engineered organisms. Maui News.

Alan Arakawa has won re-election and will retain his seat as mayor of Maui County. Hawaii News Now.

In the West Maui Council race, incumbent Elle Cochran is reelected after a very close race early on in which her opponent, Ka’ala Buenconsejo led after the first printout. Maui Now.

Kauai

Bernard Carvalho Jr. will serve as mayor of Kauai and Niihau for another four years. With his re-election, he will become the first person to serve 10 years in the position. Garden Island.

Two challengers won seats to the Kauai County Council Tuesday night. Arryl Kaneshiro and KipuKai Kualii earned victories by finishing third and fourth, respectively, bumping incumbents Tim Bynum and Jay Furfaro off the seven-member board. Garden Island.

The incumbent Kauai state representatives won big on Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Election Day to decide governor, other top political offices amid low voter turnout, Obama declares disaster in Puna lava flow, Maui GMO top ballot issue, Gabbard activated to National Guard, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Sen. Ruderman's band kicks off Democratic Party grand rally in Hilo Monday © 2014 All Hawaii News

After his stunning defeat of Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary, state Sen. David Ige is facing a tough fight to claim Hawaii’s top office. Outside money from mainland super political action committees has poured in to the island state to fuel ads that have blanketed the airwaves in a race that’s difficult to predict. Associated Press.

Voter turnout for the November elections is expected to be low, political analysts predict, a reflection of a lack of enthusiasm for the candidates and a disengagement from politics. Turnout in Hawaii might not reach the 55.8 percent who voted in 2010, the last gubernatorial election, and could mirror the record low of 52.7 percent in 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Ige with son and Dems chair Tarnas

It’s Election Day: Here’s What’s At Stake in Hawaii. Voters will pick a new governor and congressman and settle ballot questions on preschool funding and GMOs in Maui County. Civil Beat.

It's the year of the underdog in Hawaii, where a soft-spoken Democrat knocked out the sitting governor in the primary election, and a strong third-party candidate is making one race difficult to predict. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

Hawaii voters will decide Tuesday whether Democrat Brian Schatz will hold onto the U.S. Senate seat he was appointed to when Daniel Inouye died in 2012. Schatz faces Republican Cam Cavasso in the Senate race. Associated Press.

Hawaii residents will decide both of the state’s U.S. House races Tuesday, including whether Democrats keep control of the 1st Congressional District. West Hawaii Today.

The Congressional District One race is dead even according to the latest media polls.  The two leading candidates are last making a final push for votes. Hawaii Public Radio.

President Barack Obama is trying to help Hawaii hold on to a Democratic seat in Congress with a recorded message the day before the election that asks voters to support state Rep. Mark Takai in the state’s close House race. Associated Press.

Commentary: Who are Undecided Voters, and Will They Actually Vote. Pollsters think some top candidates' unfamiliarity increases undecided voters. But campaigns' best bet is to ensure solid supporters actually vote. Civil Beat.

An emotional Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed off on a new two-year labor contract for the University of Hawaii's more than 4,000 faculty members Monday, a day before Hawaii voters elect a new governor. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Monday a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that allows the state to reduce its health care coverage of noncitizens, which includes 13,700 Micronesian migrants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s business tax climate scores below average according to a report issued last week by the country’s leading independent tax policy research organization. Maui Now.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. plans to clear the way for thousands of rooftop solar energy systems on Oahu to connect to its grid by December 2015, according to a letter the utility sent to Hawaii regulators last Friday. Pacific Business News.

This afternoon, HECO announced plans to clear the backlog of thousands of customers waiting for approval to connect their PV systems to the grid. KHON2.

An aerial advertising company will need to make its case to fly over Oahu skies before a district judge after all. Star-Advertiser.

The state's second busiest unemployment office is getting downsized. State Labor Director Dwight Takamine said the state plans to close the Waipahu unemployment office, four months after the department shutdown its Kaneohe office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration Monday in response to the June 27 lava flow, a move that authorizes federal reimbursement of state and county relief efforts. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard volunteered for and is being called to state active duty by the Hawaii Army National Guard to support Hawaii County's response to the lava flow threatening Pahoa, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of her re-election bid, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii District 2, announced that she can been activated by the Hawaii Army National Guard. The congresswoman serves as a Military Police Captain in the Guard, and will be supporting response to the ongoing Kilauea lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's Chief Election Officer Scott Nago is telling voters that all polls on the Big Island will be open on Election Day. That's despite the lava that's been creeping into a district that had a hard time voting during the primary because of the tropical storm that knocked down trees and power lines. Associated Press.

Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said Monday that all polls, including the four in the Pahoa area, will be open on Election Day. Voters assigned to Pahoa Community Center will still have the option to vote at Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say the leading edge of the Puna lava flow remains stalled and hasn't advanced since last week Thursday, leaving it 480 feet from Pahoa Village. Hawaii News Now.

Threats, arrests and a potential challenge in court.  The battle over who can see the lava flow on the Big Island, and when, is putting a new law to the test. KITV4.

A $4 million appropriation from the state Legislature is providing a boost to Hawaii County’s efforts to have a regional park completed in Waimea by fall of 2016. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu and newly selected Deputy Chief Dean Rickard were officially sworn in to their respective posts today during a ceremony held at the Kīhei police station in South Maui. Maui Now.

The Sugar Cane Train in Lahaina may be back in service in several months, announced West Maui resident and local businessman Craig Hill, who is the new owner of the historic steam engine. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents have been sounding off via absentee ballots and early walk-in voting. Today, they’ll take to the polls to decide the island’s next mayor, seven-member Kauai County Council and three state representatives, as well as cast their vote for candidates running in several key state and federal races. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will address a proposal to repeal a new county law pertaining to pesticide use and genetically modified crops that a federal judge recently ruled invalid. Star-Advertiser.

Lava enters farmland -- schools, roads, polling places threatened, Health Department mum on Ebola hospitals, Schatz lobbies for less ahi protections, record big bucks in GMO fight, tourism up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava flow Tuesday Oct. 28 Courtesy Ena Media Hawaii & Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Kilauea’s June 27 lava flow claimed its first structure Tuesday morning as it continued to carve a jagged black scar through the green Pahoa landscape, set on a collision course with Pahoa Village Road. Tribune-Herald.

After traveling a circuitous 13.5-mile route over four months from Kilauea Volcano, the threat from a river of lava suddenly became real Tuesday when it destroyed its first structure on Hawaii island, took on a utility pole wrapped in untested, anti-lava technology, blackened the sky after setting tires on fire and led Hawaii County police to abandon their Pahoa substation. Star-Advertiser.

Lava ignites tire fire, while Governor Abercrombie tours the flow front. Big Island Video News.

Lava flow advances; 40-50 homes in projected impact path. Hawaii News Now.

courtesy Hawaii Volcano Observatory

One structure has been destroyed as the July 27th lava flow picked up speed, moving through private property. As of 5:30 p.m., scientists say the flow was 340 yards from Pahoa Village Road and about 985 yards from Highway 130. KITV4.

Lava is expected to slither past properties across the street from Jeff and Denise Lagrimas' home on Hawaii's Big Island as it works its way to the ocean. Associated Press.

Hawaii County Civil Defense eruption and lava flow information Update for Tuesday, October 28 at 6:15 p.m. The flow continues to remain active and has advanced approximately 45 yards since this 1:30 this afternoon and is currently approximately 370 yards from Pāhoa Village Road. KHON2.

Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said today that voters assigned to Pahoa Community Center (district and precinct 04-03) who live north of the lava flow are instructed to vote at Hawaiian Paradise Community Center (district and precinct 04-01) on general election day. Civil Beat.

The state is asking Pahoa voters who could be impacted by the June 27 lava flow to plan on casting their votes at an alternate site. Tribune-Herald.

Keonepoko Elementary became the first public school to close as a result of the June 27 lava flow. As the flow continued its advance, students and staff gathered for one final assembly Tuesday to bid farewell to the 23-year-old school and help keiki with the transition, said Principal Brandon Gallagher. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers' and students' laughter, tears and aloha marked the last day before the approaching lava flow breaks up Keonepoko Elementary School. Star-Advertiser.

As lava continues to snake through the Pāhoa area,  most local residents are feeling anxious.   And the adults in a family need to address not only their own concerns but also the fears of their keiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health officials have reversed course and won't be identifying the hospitals they have designated as Ebola facilities due to fears of stigmatizing the medical centers. Officials said last week that they had designated four Oahu hospitals whose staff will receive intensive training to handle the disease that has killed thousands in West Africa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will not impose mandatory quarantines for returning healthcare workers who have treated Ebola patients in West Africa. Hawaii News Now.

The latest Hawai’i Campaign Spending Commission report is out. And the leading candidates running for Governor are expressing mixed feelings about so-called Super Political Action Committees or PACs spending millions on local campaign ads. Hawaii Public Radio.

“No” on No. 4. That is the consensus of 50 percent of voters surveyed in a new Civil Beat poll. Only 34 percent are in favor of amending the state constitution to allow the state to use public funds to help pay for privately run early education programs.

Early learning advocate The Good Beginnings Alliance has spent more than a half-million dollars on television ads to lobby support for a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow spending public funds on private preschool programs, according to the latest round of campaign-finance reports. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary:  A last-minute debate has flared up in recent weeks over one of five proposed constitutional amendments on the general election ballot. Amendment 2, if approved by voters, would authorize the state “to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii High School Confidential: Where All Politics Is Truly Local. Civil Beat asked the 2014 candidates why their schooling plays such a part in their campaigns and what kind of kids they were.

Sashimi or sustainability. Which is more important? For U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, it appears to be sashimi, especially if it means fresh ahi for the holidays. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s longline fleet may be rejoicing over a new opportunity to catch ahi, but a coalition of environmental groups are not on board with the increased catch. West Hawaii Today.

A record 57 tons of marine debris was captured by this year's annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cleanup expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including the largest net ever removed from the area, an 11.5-ton monster large enough to fill up a 20-foot shipping container. Star-Advertiser.

The global system of submarine telecommunication cables that support our connected world is deaf, dumb and blind to the external ocean environment and represents a major missed opportunity for tsunami warning and global climate monitoring, according to University of Hawaii scientists and a United Nations task force. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii visitor spending for the month of September reached $1.08 billion, a 1.4 percent increase from the same month a year ago, and visitor arrivals reached 622,163, a 4.1 percent increase, according to the latest statistics released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Spending and arrivals rose in September as Hawaii tourism remained slightly ahead of the three-quarters pace set during the record years of 2012 and 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
A Japanese deputy mayor died this weekend after being pulled from the water in Waikiki, one day after accomplishing his task of establishing a sister-city relationship in the islands, Honolulu officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

An award-winning educator known as "Mr. Pearl City" will be honored Wednesday for his volunteerism and community leadership with the renaming of a site as the Shigeo Ushiro Neighborhood Park. Star-Advertiser.

Residents of Honolulu have been engaging in extra-marital affairs in record numbers according to new data from AshleyMadison.com. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Forward Progress, a Honolulu-based political action committee allowed by law to raise and spend unlimited amounts, has pumped more than $100,000 into a campaign to elect Ron Gonzales for County Council District 9, eclipsing threefold the money he raised on his own. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: Media reports about the health study commissioned by Mayor Billy Kenoi remind us that advancing geothermal energy must go hand in hand with public safety and well-being. Civil Beat.

Maui

Seed companies and their allies have raised nearly $8 million to defeat a Maui County voter initiative that seeks to temporarily ban GMO farming, according to reports filed with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission on Monday. Civil Beat.

Kauai

So far this year, incumbent Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. outraised his challenger Dustin Barca by more than $10,000 and outspent him by more than $100,000, according to the latest round of campaign reports released Monday. Garden Island.

Residents living along the island’s Royal Coconut Coast say they are wary of recent changes to current plans for a large timeshare resort near Coconut MarketPlace in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Visitors to Kauai are in the mood to spend money. Lots of money. Through the first nine months of the year, visitors spent around $1.1 billion on The Garden Isle, a 5.8 percent increase over the same time frame last year. And that was despite fewer people — 844,814, a drop of 1.1 percent from 2013 — coming to Kauai through September. Garden Island.

Hawaii voters apathetic, tax hike falls short for rail project, lava poised to consume first home, 2k march on Maui to oppose GMO, mainland money rolling in for governor's race, 1st Congressional candidates fight to the finish, Lanai mom sues over lack of Hawaiian language in school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No Vote No Grumble tries to stir voter interest

Hawaii, with its history of low voter turnout, ranks third among the least politically engaged states in the country, according to a new WalletHub online study. Star-Advertiser.

There’s just a week left before Hawaii’s gubernatorial election, but most residents of the Aloha State probably don’t care. A new study by the personal finance website WalletHub has found that Hawaii is the third least politically engaged state. Only Oklahoma and West Virginia are worse. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, a Democrat who held the governor’s office for eight years from 1994 to 2002, blames the Hawaii Republican Party for the notoriously low turnout. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's Democratic gubernatorial candidate has received enough small contributions to qualify for matching funds from the state. State Sen. David Ige raised $100,000 in qualifying contributions of $100 or less. That means he can get those matching funds. Associated Press.

Despite different points of views on many issues, the four candidates vying to become Hawaii's next governor do agree that energy is one of the single-most important issues facing the state. Pacific Business News.

Mainland super PACs tied to the Republican Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association will rival the top two candidates for governor in spending on Hawaii, bankrolling negative advertisements so the candidates are free to concentrate on more positive themes. Star-Advertiser.

Super PACs funded by groups based on the mainland have spent more trying to influence the Hawaii governors race since the Aug. 9 primary than the candidates have themselves, according to the latest filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i’s Congressional District One race is too close to call, according to the latest polls.   And the two front-runners are in full campaign swing with the General Election one week away. Hawaii Public Radio.

Democrat Mark Takai and Republican Charles Djou are headed for a photo finish in the race for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. The candidates are tied at 45 percent each, with 9 percent of the electorate still undecided — even with election day just one week away. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Officials overseeing Oahu's rail transit project reported the Oahu tax dollars that they received this past quarter were about $5 million less than the influx projected under their financial plan. The project received $48.5 million in general excise tax surcharge dollars for the quarter that included July, August and September. Star-Advertiser.

The $5.16 billion Honolulu rail transit project that is now moving full speed ahead, and the construction industry's overall ramp up in most areas has translated to more office space vacancies becoming filled. Pacific Business News.

Choosing between experience and new ideas is at the center of election contests for the two outstanding seats on the Hono­lulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hauula residents blame state and farm for storm flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The residency status of County Council District 9 candidate Ron Gonzales, locked in a fight to the finish with incumbent Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, will be the subject of a meeting of the county Board of Registration just days before Election Day. West Hawaii Today.

The June 27 lava flow front appeared Monday afternoon to be within hours of impacting its first home in Pahoa, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

A molten river that overran a Buddhist cemetery and buried it in lava Sunday was on the verge Monday night of claiming the first home in its path. Star-Advertiser.

After traveling for 123 days, a Big Island lava flow approaches a couple's doorsteps.  By Monday night or Tuesday, the first home in the lava flow's path may go up in flames. KITV4.

Keonepoko Elementary School will shut down indefinitely effective Wednesday. The DOE is also closing four other area public schools beginning Thursday until early next month: Pahoa High and Intermediate, Pahoa Elementary, Keaau High and Keaau Middle because of lava flow. Star-Advertiser.

A Pahoa resident built a large dirt wall to try to protect his home from lava. Alfred Lee, whose house on Pahoa Village Road was at risk of becoming one of the first claimed by the June 27 flow, said Monday he was using a bulldozer to build a large berm between the lava and his home. Tribune-Herald.

Hele-On has announced an update on bus stop locations in the Pahoa area due to the closure of Pahoa Village Road and active lava flow. Big Island Now.

Maui

More than 2,000 people marched through Kahului on Sunday in support of an initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot that would place a moratorium on all genetically engineered operations and practices in Maui County until companies prove their activities are safe. Maui News.

Members of the Shaka Movement organized a rally over the weekend in support for a ballot initiative that seeks a moratorium on genetically modified organisms in Maui County. Maui Now.

In one of Maui County's most watched council races, incumbent Mike White spent $89,000 from August to October and had nearly $7,000 cash left on hand as the Nov. 4 general election nears, according to his campaign spending commission report filed before Monday's deadline. Maui News.

Upcountry: Same issues, different generations. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $400,000, which will be matched by the same amount by the Kaanapali Operations Associations, to plan and design a beach renourishment project for Kaanapali Beach. Maui News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai is performing an assessment on the feasibility of using locally produced food waste to generate renewable natural gas that could be used to fuel The Kauai Bus and other county vehicles. Garden Island.

Filmmaker Dean Lyon, best known for his work as visual effects supervisor of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is on Kauai this week to spread the word about his plans for a 3D IMAX  documentary about Kauai’s diseased coral reefs. Garden Island.

Developers behind two resorts proposed for Kauai’s Eastside could soon be one step closer to seeing the projects move forward. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai’s only public school is at the center of a lawsuit filed by a mother whose children speak and read only in Hawaiian. Chelsea-Marie Kealohalani Clarabal is suing both the Department of Education (DOE) and the Board of Education, which sets policies for the schools.  According to the lawsuit, while there are about 20 public schools that have Native Hawaiian language immersion programs on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii, and Kauai, there are none on Lanai. KHON2.

Lava buries cemetery, Ige tops in latest poll, Maui GMO a big ballot issue, constitutional amendments galore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava buries Puna cemetery courtesy Hawaii County Civil Defense

Hawaii County Civil Defense closed Pahoa Village Road as a fast-moving finger of lava moved to within 600 yards of the main street of Pahoa town. Residents in the immediate downslope path of the lava were also urged to prepare to evacuate Sunday night and the Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Sure Foundation Church in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

Evacuations have not been ordered, but Red Cross Hawai'i opened an emergency shelter Sunday night at the Sure Foundation Puna in preparation for residents who may be displaced by the Puna lava flow. Hawaii News Now.

A small, primarily Buddhist cemetery in Pahoa fell victim to advancing lava on Sunday, marking yet another sobering milestone in the ongoing June 27 flow. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat Poll: Ige Up by 6 Over Aiona. The Democratic nominee for Hawaii governor leads Republican Duke Aiona 40 percent to 34 percent. Hawaii Independent Party candidate Mufi Hannemann is at 11 percent. Libertarian Jeff Davis is at 6 percent while 8 percent of voters are undecided.

Approval of a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would allow the state to spend public funds on private preschool programs is uncertain as support for the initiative continues to wane and opposition has mounted in recent months, according to new Hawaii Poll results. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s constitution allows for age discrimination against judges, say proponents of a constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 80. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has brought back an attempt to allow private landowners to access special purpose revenue bonds to finance the preservation of reservoirs and dams. A similar measure failed on the 2012 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Before stepping into the voting booth or casting a mail-in ballot, voters may want to familiarize themselves with the following five proposed statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot. Star-Advertiser.

Which Hawaii Candidate Spent the Most Money Per Vote? The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission has crunched the numbers and it's an interesting look at how the 2014 election is playing out. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle spoke to Cornell University students and faculty on Thursday in a presentation that recounted her vision for a sustainable energy future and her role in implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Civil Beat.

A battle continues to brew between the Building Industry Association of Hawaii and historic preservation officials in the state over a law that subjects homes built more than 50 years ago to a historic preservation review whenever a homeowner applies for a building permit for a rebuild or remodel. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

New Hope’s Evangelism Has a Distinctly Political Flavor. The megachurch is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Hawaii civic affairs. It recruits candidates, registers new voters and organizes political events. Civil Beat.

Lifeguard beaned by falling coconut. Haunama Bay was closed for several hours Sunday morning for emergency tree trimming. A county lifeguard claims the work should have been done weeks ago and he was injured because of the delay. KITV4.

There’s a new twist in criminal case against Matson Navigation Company for the Sept. 2013, 220,000 gallon molasses spill into Honolulu Harbor that killed 26,000 fish and caused substantial damage to the area reefs and ocean.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi did not accept all of the terms of its plea agreement Friday, saying he isn’t certain whether the donations are legal. Puglisi will look into the matter further, he said. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal judge accepted a guilty plea by Matson Inc. to criminal charges stemming from the spill last year of more than 230,000 gallons of molasses in Honolulu Harbor, but expressed concerns that the company agreed to make a $600,000 community service payment but didn't agree to any probation. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The timeframe to resume the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project is back in federal hands. State Department of Transportation officials confirmed this week they submitted the Section 106 memorandum of agreement to the Federal Highways Administration Sept. 22. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

There's a rising chorus of Hawaii opposition to the biotechnology seed companies that have moved into the state's former sugar cane lands and have quietly become the state's top agricultural industry. A Nov. 4 ballot measure proposes a moratorium that would make it illegal to cultivate, grow or test genetically modified crops in Maui County until environmental and public health studies show their practices are safe. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of Maui mothers are going door-to-door to urge voters to back a ban on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops because they think they are unsafe. A group backed by companies growing the crops counters with ads playing heavily on the airwaves that urge rejection of what they are calling the “farming ban.” Associated Press.

It’s a controversial issue Maui County voters will see on the Nov. 4 ballot. They’re being asked whether to approve an initiative that would make it against the law to grow, reproduce, or test genetically modified crops until an environmental public health study is completed. KHON2.

In the hotly contested race for the Maui County Council's Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, challenger Mike Molina is attempting to turn the tables on incumbent Mike White on the charge of being a "rubber stamp." Maui News.

The decline in fall enrollment at University of Hawaii Maui College from its Great Recession peak of 4,527 students in 2011 continued this year, with student numbers dipping below 4,000 for the first time since 2008. Maui News.

Kauai
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday unanimously approved Hawaii’s first community based fisheries subsistence area rule package for Haena on the island of Kauai. Associated Press.

As a longtime County of Kauai department manager and the current mayor, Bernard Carvalho Jr. said he is not afraid to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding the public that the deadline to submit applications for the waiting list lottery for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is Wednesday. The waiting list will be utilized to fill vacancies in the federally funded program. Garden Island.

Djou, Takai in dead heat, ousted Abercrombie still unpopular, rail project adds $14M, Honolulu mulls e-cig ban, Big Island GMO ban gets court hearing, lava advance quickens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai, Charles Djou vie for Congress

Democrat Mark Takai, who already has spent $1.2 million on the race, and Republican Charles Djou, who has a 2-to-1 lead in cash on hand heading into the home stretch, are tied at 47 percent each, according to the latest Hawaii poll. With the race for Hawaii's open 1st Congressional District seat up for grabs, at least one analyst predicts the contest could come down to who has more money for the final push and who gets outside help from mainland third-party money. Star-Advertiser.

Our latest Hawaii News Now/Star Advertiser poll in the campaign to represent urban Oahu in Congress suggests the vote could go either way. In the race between Charles Djou and Mark Takai,volunteers and the candidates will crank up efforts to get out the vote with their campaigns in a dead heat. It's tied at 47 percent according to our new Hawaii poll.

Mark Takai needed more campaign money — and he got it. The Democratic candidate for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District raised just over $200,000 — including $85,000 from super PACs — during the first half of October, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. His Republican opponent, Charles Djou, pulled in $72,000 but outspent Takai by almost $82,000 during the same 15-day period. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats Launch Preemptive Strike Against National GOP Group. In a tight race for Congress between Charles Djou and Mark Takai, the Democrats are worked up about a political commercial that might hurt their candidate — even before the ad airs. Civil Beat.

History might eventually treat him more kindly than voters did during the Democratic primary in August, but the initial appraisal of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's four-year term is below average. Asked in a new Hawaii Poll to rate the Democrat's job performance during his term as governor on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a "terrible job" and 5 being a "great job," voters gave him a 2.53. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says his intent if elected in November is to help make sure the federal budget reflects Hawaii's priorities. Star-Advertiser.

The state will consider new hunting rules that some say could destroy traditional pig hunting methods. The DLNR will hold a hearing Friday to approve the new rules, which will require all hunting dogs to be registered and to carry some form of identification. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Department of Health today said it has confirmed three cases of measles in the state, one on Maui and two on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Matson Inc. will lower its fuel surcharge for Hawaii cargo shipping by 5 percentage points Nov. 2 to compensate for falling ship fuel prices, the state's largest ocean cargo carrier announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers will be sharing their latest observations on how warmer-than normal ocean temperatures are causing large sections of Oahu's coral reefs to expel algae. The phenomenon called coral bleaching can kill coral, an organism at the foundation of Hawaii's marine environment. Associated Press.

Oahu

Board members overseeing Oahu's rail transit project have approved an additional $14 million in cost increases -- and nearly half of that expense is due to yet another contract that went out prematurely, project officials say. Star-Advertiser.

E-cigarettes have long been touted as an alternative to cigarettes. But e-cig users could soon have fewer places to smoke on Oahu. A city councilman wants to expand the smoking ban, to include e-cigs. KHON2.

Jeffrey Crabtree, a private attorney who specialized in consumer protection, personal injury, malpractice and end-of-life medical issues, was confirmed to 1st Circuit Court. Christine Kuriyama, a Family Court judge, was also confirmed to 1st Circuit Court. Before she was a judge, Kuriyama was a private attorney, deputy attorney general, administrator at the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and staff attorney for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and state House Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

A new non-profit, established in September, 2014, has sent a letter to the four gubernatorial candidates asking that—whichever one of them wins the general election in November—he overhaul the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) board and end fast tracking of development and permitting. Hawaii Independent.

A Republican state Senate candidate resumed sign waving Thursday afternoon after he was hit by a car while crossing the street after waving signs in Waipio Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Sonar mapping shines new light on USS Utah. Star-Advertiser.

The city and county of Honolulu says it has an explanation for hundreds of pounds of trash that’s stockpiled in Kapiolani Park. Honolulu spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke says the trash collected by street sweepers is being kept there so that consultants can test it for the type of debris that ends up in the ocean. Associated Press.

The attorney for Malia Arciero, a madam who operated her business out of the elite Oahu neighborhood Portlock for about a decade, will go to court Thursday, Oct. 23, to attempt to get drug possession and drug dealing charges against her dismissed. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

A lawyer representing a group seeking to invalidate Hawaii County’s law restricting the use of genetically engineered crops urged a judge Thursday to make the same decision he recently made invalidating Kauai’s law. Associated Press.

Hawaii County officials are keeping a constant eye on the June 27 lava flow as it begins to reach the outskirts of Pahoa. After weeks of sluggish advance, the flow gushed toward pastureland above the village and Civil Defense initiated the first road closure since access was restricted to Kaohe Homesteads more than a month ago. Tribune-Herald.

A larger crowd than usual attended the weekly lava update meeting in Pahoa on Thursday night following news that Madame Pele's path had quickly advanced. Star-Advertiser.

Margaret Masunaga officially became District Judge Masunaga upon her confirmation Thursday by the state Senate in a special session. West Hawaii Today.

There’s a “desperate” need for election workers, as Hawaii County finds itself short 67 volunteers for precincts in Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona and Ka‘u. West Hawaii Today.

Led by a 23.6 percent rise in room rates on the Big Island, the statewide average room rate at Hawaii hotels last week rose 8.6 percent to $232.58 compared to the same week a year before, according to the latest Hawaii Hotel Industry Snapshot from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR Inc. Pacific Business News.

Mauka from the Kekaha Kai State Park entrance on Queen Kaahumanu Highway is land the Hawaii Racing Association believes is best suited for a motorsport park. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County Council Candidates Assess GMO Moratorium Ballot Initiative. Most were not in favor of the bill as written, and will vote “no.” Maui Weekly.

Maui resident Kathleen Soule is pursuing a class action lawsuit against Priceline Group and Marriott International seeking monetary damages "arising from the unfair and unconscionable assessment and collection of 'resort fees.'" Pacific Business News.

Kauai
Department of Public Works officials are reviewing current policies and procedures after thieves stole $86,000 in equipment from two county facilities in July. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday passed a trio of measures that seek to correct current tax laws and assist some property owners who saw substantial increases on their real property tax bills this year. Garden Island.

Grove Farm Company has given the state Department of Health permission to access its land in Mahaulepu and investigate the source of pollution in Waiopili Stream. Garden Island.

Matson fined $1M for molasses spill, campaign shenanigans abound, Department of Education wants more money, Gabbard seeks military impact on marine life, same-sex marriage ban moot, road to be connected over old lava flows, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

KHON2 file footage of 2013 molasses spill

Matson has agreed to pay $1 million to resolve all federal criminal charges tied to last year's 233,000-gallon molasses spill in Hono­lulu Harbor. The U.S. attorney here filed papers in federal court Tuesday charging Matson Terminals Inc. with two misdemeanor violations of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 — one charge for each day the molasses leaked into the harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc. reached a plea agreement Tuesday with the U.S. Attorney in Hawaii on charges that the company illegally discharged more than 230,000 gallons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor in 2013, agreeing to pay a total penalty of $1 million. Pacific Business News.

Four complaints alleging campaign violations against the political action group Pacific Resource Partnership or its successor, Forward Progress, will be heard by the five-member Campaign Spending Commission at its meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: It appears the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission could devote some of Wednesday to chewing on the Pacific Resource Partnership, which, because of the money it flings around, is one of our most influential political players. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary:  The most recent public reports filed with the Campaign Spending Commission only covered the period through the Aug. 9 primary. All of the subsequent spending remains hidden. Civil Beat.

Early voting has started across the Hawaiian islands for state's general election. The Office of Elections opened the polls Tuesday for early absentee voters to cast their ballots. Polling stations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island will be open until Nov. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Brian Schatz is publicly supporting the campaign to pass a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to use public funds to pay for private preschool programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is requesting information from the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor about the Navy’s efforts to monitor the effects of the Rim of the Pacific military exercise and Kauai’s Pacific Missile Range Facility on the ocean and marine ecosystems. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Education anticipates requesting an additional $159 million from the state during the next legislative session to cover expenditures in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Education says it needs $19 million in emergency funding from the Legislature to cover shortfalls in its school lunch and bus transportation programs, or officials warned that meal prices might go up and some bus routes could be eliminated. Star-Advertiser.

The state Board of Education is giving Hawaii's public schools superintendent an "exceeds expectations" rating for the current year. The board said Tuesday public schools have made exceptional progress under Kathryn Matayoshi's leadership. Associated Press.

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling quietly ended a last-ditch court fight against a Hawaii law allowing same-sex marriage. The court issued an opinion earlier this month declaring moot a lawsuit filed by a Hawaii couple seeking to marry before the state legalized gay marriage last year. Associated Press.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Hawaii's marriage equality law makes a pending federal lawsuit moot, and instructed the lower court to dismiss the case. Star-Advertiser.

One of three judicial appointments pending this week in the state Senate has been labeled “unqualified” by the Hawaii State Bar Association despite significant testimony supporting her. Civil Beat.

Proponents of a state constitutional amendment to allow farmers, ranchers and owners of other agricultural endeavors to request special purpose revenue bonds say the measure won’t cost taxpayers any money. West Hawaii Today.

Anna Azevedo became the owner of a new $176,650 home on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property earlier this year after spending 26 years waiting for a homestead. But her house — affordable by Hawaii standards — was built with a tool that could reduce the number of affordable-housing units for non-Hawaiians. The tool is a relatively new and controversial credit program that has largely simmered out of public view. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Last week, residents of east Honolulu found flyers in their mailboxes attacking Honolulu City Council District 4 candidate Tommy Waters as being a “carpetbagger.” Curiously, no one has acknowledged being responsible for the ad’s message — not even representatives of the super PAC that paid for it. Civil Beat.

Not in our neighborhood. That's the message in Nanakuli as families shot down a proposal to set off thousands of illegally shipped fireworks in a residential lot next to a large chicken farm. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said a perfect storm of events led to damage to the plant and yes, the city could have done better in trying to prevent Sunday’s massive wastewater spill at Sand Island. KHON2.

A palm-damaging coconut rhinoceros beetle has been found in Central Oahu — significantly expanding the known range of the palm pest on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three of five bills aimed at reducing loopholes and making property tax collections more fair have survived their first reading at the County Council and will be considered a final time when the council meets early next month. West Hawaii Today.

Construction of the Chain of Craters alternate route will speed up Friday as bulldozers begin making a path over a wall of lava rock covering the road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The $12 million to $15.5 million route, to be re-established between the park and Kalapana as a gravel road, could eventually be the only road in and out of lower Puna if the June 27 lava flow makes its way to the sea. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

You may have seen the ads all over local TV taking a stand against the genetically modified organism initiative. It’s a measure that'll be up for vote by the people of Maui County on next month’s ballot. KITV4.

Super PACs could impact West Maui race. 2014 Election: Outside funds help newcomer take on council incumbent. Maui News.

For council candidates, a civil race to Nov. 4. This story is part of a series of stories covering contested state legislative and Maui County contests leading up to the Nov. 4 general election. Maui News.

Several Maui projects will benefit from a funding release announced today by the governor for capital improvement projects administered by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

The Waikamoi Flume should be fully operational by next month as the rotting and aging redwood of the flume is being replaced with shiny new aluminum that will improve the reliability of the system and may increase water intake for Upcountry, county officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

Better visibility of bus schedules in tourism guides, more frequent service, and increased bus routes to areas like Lydgate Beach Park and Anini are among the suggestions that one resident had for Kauai Transportation Agency officials, who oversee The Kauai Bus operations. Garden Island.




Lanai

Applications for the 2015 Lānaʻi Axis deer hunting season are now available through the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe

Promised Land: The Navy and the Damage Done. THIRD OF THREE PARTS: Kahoolawe still bears the scars of decades of bombing, and erosion unearths even more unexploded ordnance. State lawmakers wonder if it's time to try to compel the Navy to finish its cleanup. Civil Beat.