Showing posts with label elections 2018. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections 2018. Show all posts

Friday, October 26, 2018

80k cast early votes, Maui mayor files ethics complaint against councilman, 2,900 acres preserved on Oahu, Kilauea remains #1 active U.S. volcano, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights resereved
Voting in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News
Election Day Is Already Over For Almost 80,000 Hawaii Voters. Of the 254,880 mail ballots sent out so far, about 75,000 have been returned. Another 5,000 voters already went to early walk-in polling places. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Named 2nd Least Politically Engaged State. In order to determine which states are most involved in politics, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across ten key indicators of political engagement. Maui Now.

What's in a Name? A lot for OHA Candidates. Name recognition is a factor in any election, but here in Hawaii it is a dominant factor in Office of Hawaiian Affairs races. Hawaii Public Radio.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana testified before the state Ethics Commission on Thursday, saying she was being unfairly singled out as part of an election-year campaign by her rivals to remove her from office. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education has begun catching up on payments to vendors after partly restoring a computer system that crashed Oct. 6, officials announced. Star-Advertiser.

DOE pushes through delayed payments to vendors after financial system crash. KHON2.

Preparing Healthcare Providers for Medical Aid in Dying. On January 1st, Hawaii’s Death with Dignity law will go into effect. The law allows terminally ill patients to request a lethal prescription to voluntarily end their lives. Hawaii Public Radio.

It’s nearly November, but Southwest Airlines is still vowing to begin selling tickets between the mainland and Hawaii later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Airlines’ highly anticipated flights to and between the Hawaiian Islands likely will not begin until the start of 2019 and possibly considerably later. Tribune-Herald.

George Szigeti leaves HTA, replacement still unknown. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has not yet announced its replacement for George Szigeti, who held his last board meeting as CEO on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Will Voters Make It Easier For Honolulu Rail Board To Make Decisions? Legislators added nonvoting members for more project scrutiny, but the move made it harder for the board to reach a quorum. Civil Beat.

Honolulu ballots will ask voters 5-part question relating to rail. New Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board members were recently added by the Legislature, but that changed the number of members who have to be there for votes to pass. KHON2.

2,900 acres of Central Oahu will be preserved by the state. The state has acquired nearly 2,900 acres of land in Central Oahu from Dole Food Co., closing on a $15.2 million deal that conservation officials say will help protect a critical watershed, open up the area to recreation and stave off potential development. Star-Advertiser.

State acquires thousands of acres in Central Oahu for wildlife, recreation. The state is now the new owner of nearly 2,900 acres of land in Central Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii, Trust for Public Land acquire former Dole land for $15M. The state of Hawaii and the Trust for Public Land have closed on the acquisition of 2,882 acres of forest and fallow lands near the Helemano Military Reservation in Central Oahu from the Dole Food Co. Pacific Business News.

After years of complaints and $1M in fines, homeowner just keeps operating illegal vacation rental. A six-bedroom house near Kailua Beach that’s illegally operating as a vacation rental has accrued more than $1 million in unpaid city fines. Hawaii News Now.

Appraisals for Kealohas' seized Hawaii Kai home come in under what they paid for it. The home is in the foreclosure process as the couple battle legal trouble. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea remains No. 1 on a list of volcanoes in the U.S. categorized as a very high threat for 2018, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Geological Survey. Associated Press.

Kilauea may be quiet, but it’s anything but dormant. In fact, a new USGS report gives Kilauea the highest threat assessment among volcanoes in the United States. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea ranked #1 on USGS's list of "very high threat" volcanoes. Erupting continuously since 1983, Kilauea ravaged communities and homes Lower Puna - most recently in May.  KITV.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Reopens More Lodging, Dining, Camping. Big Island Video News.

Volcano House back in operation following Kilauea eruption. Volcano House Hotel resumes its restaurant service tonight after months of closure following the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

County to extend comment period for Pahala sewer plant. Hawaii County plans to resubmit its draft environmental assessment for a Pahala wastewater treatment plant to allow for more public comments. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly $280,000 in rent owed to the state by Cellana Inc. will be repaid as part of the sale of the company’s assets to microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor files ethics complaint against Council Member Atay. Complaint alleges improper use of county email in a ‘political attack’. Maui News.

Early walk-in voting began Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. County Clerk Danny Mateo said about 400 people came through to cast ballots Tuesday. Maui News.

The Hawaii Farmers Union United will host their eighth annual HFUU Conference from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 at Okoa Farms in Kula. Maui Now.

Maui gas prices have risen once again this week by a margin of one cent; however, prices are up from last month by eight cents, and up from last year by 66 cents. In Kahului, the average price is $4.16. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Community College students met mayoral candidates Derek Kawakami and Mel Rapozo Monday at a candidate forum hosted by student government and the History Club. Garden Island.

Rebalancing Kauai. With nature and infrastructure overwhelmed and record-breaking visitor numbers, state and county officials are looking for balance on Kauai. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Felicia Cowden. Cowden ran for council in 2014 and has been going to the weekly meetings for well over four years. Garden Island.

Lanai

Council veteran Hokama faces coalition-backed opponent. Maui Pono Network support for challenger figures in Lanai council race. As he seeks re-election to his fifth consecutive term on the Maui County Council, Riki Hokama said he hopes to spend the next two years working on some priority projects for his home island of Lanai. Maui News.

Monday, April 23, 2018

Ige and Hanabusa spar over side dealings, Luke apologizes for attack on Ige, Tupola seeks restraining order against GOP colleague, former Inouye aide's political clout, $14B budget agreement reached, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

David Ige, Colleen Hanabusa
Ige, Hanabusa spar over alleged conflicts as primary race heats up. Gov. David Ige is ratcheting up his election-year criticism of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa by reviving the issue of her two-year push for a huge state tax credit for development of an aquarium at Ko Olina, alleging the deal demonstrates that she makes decisions “on behalf of self-interest and special interests.” Star-Advertiser.

House finance leader apologizes for attack on Ige. House Finance Chairwoman Sylvia Luke apologized on the House floor Friday for comments she made in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story April 15 in which she described Gov. David Ige as “almost like this desperate caged animal.” Star-Advertiser.

For Hawaii Politicians, It Pays To Have Jennifer Sabas On Your Side. Support from the former top aide to the late Sen. Daniel Inouye has been a boon to two prominent candidates in their bids for higher office. Civil Beat.

Tupola seeks restraining order against activist. Republican candidate for governor state Rep. Andria Tupola has filed for a temporary restraining order against the leader of a Republican splinter group, alleging she has been harassed and cyberbullied. Star-Advertiser.

House, Senate Agree To $14 Billion State Budget Bill. A joint conference committee passed the overall budget bill ahead of schedule to fast-track funding for areas hit by flooding. Civil Beat.

House and Senate conferees on Friday approved a final version of the state budget bill, which includes operating and capital improvement monies to run the state government. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Businesses Are Making Billions Off The Military. Hawaii is second only to Virginia in the amount of money that flows into the state through Defense Department spending. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Russell Suzuki on Thursday said the state received more than $84.7 million as part of its arbitration settlement with the tobacco industry. Pacific Business News.

Report says Hawaii can reach renewable energy goal faster, and cheaper. A report released by the Honolulu-based Elemental Excelerator on Friday said Hawaii can achieve 84 percent of its clean energy goal by 2030, more than double the state’s target for that year, and that it would be cheaper than not doing anything. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric reduces annual oil usage by more than 2M barrels over seven years. Hawaiian Electric Cos. on Thursday released its 11th annual Sustainability Report for 2017-2018 describing the utility's efforts to address climate change and contribute to community sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based ocean cargo transportation firm Matson Inc. said in an annual report that its charitable giving rose 28 percent to $3.7 million last year from $2.9 million the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Lack of officers is hurting operation of HPD, chief says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard last week gave the City Council a rough but far-ranging outline of her priorities for the department, including plans to increase HPD’s ranks significantly and create a larger yet friendlier presence in the community. Star-Advertiser.

Public comment on the Honolulu Police Department is being sought Tuesday as part of an on-site reaccreditation assessment being conducted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. Star-Advertiser.

The city is opening two disaster recovery centers on Oahu to help flood victims get help. Hawaii News Now.

East Oahu residents still picking up the pieces after damaging floods. Hawaii News Now.

Public beach access at Kahala Resort debated. Kahala Hotel &Resort, which holds a state-issued revocable permit to use its public beachfront for private purposes, promised area residents and beachgoers last year it would widen and improve an existing path to delineate public and private spaces. Star-Advertiser.

Tenant ‘farmer’ ran junkyard, says property owner stuck with fines nearing $1 million. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association announced on Sunday that Linell Dilwith of Stevenson Middle School is the 2018 Hawaii National Distinguished Principal. Hawaii News Now.

From 'trash' tree to treasure. Albizia: arguably Hawaii’s most maligned invasive plant species, a real threat to life, property and Hawaii’s native forests. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council committee to hear vacation rental bill. West Hawaii Today.

Airbnb hits record Merrie Monarch high. West Hawaii Today.

Software problems hold up building permits. Hawaii County has not been accepting new building permit applications since Monday due to a software snafu. Tribune-Herald.

Thirteen families living on Mauna Ziona Church property in North Kona are likely to be evicted in the coming weeks, more than two years after the property was purchased at county tax auction by the Free Church of Tonga-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

State House blocks bills against Thirty Meter Telescope. A bill that would impose a construction freeze atop Mauna Kea and potentially thwart development of the Thirty Meter Telescope appears to have been dealt a fatal blow. Star-Advertiser.

The long-delayed opening of new ball fields in Hilo is being set back indefinitely after an engineering report identified drainage problems. Tribune-Herald.

Aviation noise to persist over Puna. Puna residents hoping for regulation of helicopter tours headed to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will have to settle for resolutions instead. Tribune-Herald.

The state Legislature announced Friday that a $300,000 allocation will be made in the state budget to fund rat lungworm disease research at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A faulty decision by a state commission over Hawaii land use looks like it will cost the state as little as $1 instead of a previously agreed-to $1 million. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for South Kohala developer Bridge Aina Lea LLC are seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars for their work after recently prevailing over the state in a federal takings claim case. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council seeks ‘pause’ on bridge project. Approved resolution can only urge delay of process, still putting federal funding at risk. Maui News.

Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Riki Hokama said Friday that he would not include a tiered scheme for property taxes in his proposed version of the budget because the county’s real property tax system is not yet equipped to handle it. Maui News.

Maui benefits from completion of House-Senate budget dealings. Maui News.

The newly completed Honoapiilani Highway realignment Phase IB-2 opens to traffic today, Monday, April 23, 2018 following a blessing held last week. Maui Now.

Maui’s Business Challenges. Maui business leaders say they face the same conditions as Oahu— only more so. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai County announced Sunday that it is working with the Department of Education to open satellite classrooms for students cut off from the rest of the island by landslides on the island’s north shore following the devastating storm earlier this month. Star-Advertiser.

Haena, Wainiha promised school, gas, trash service. Hundreds of people attended a community meeting at Opakapaka Bar and Grill Sunday to hear from county and state officials about resources available for Wainiha and Haena residents cut off after last weekend’s onslaught of torrential rains and flooding. Garden Island.

Hanalei Elementary to reopen as flood-damaged Kauai dries out. Hawaii News Now.

Damage from recent flooding and landslides has made some tourists wary about vacationing on the Garden Isle. Garden Island.

Kauai to set up makeshift classroom, fuel rations in recovery efforts. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai mayor provides answers for transportation, sanitation challenges. KHON2.

Over 400 people attend community meeting in Wainiha. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., and county and state officials held a community meeting at the Hanalei Colony Resort for the isolated Wainiha and Haena residents. KITV.

Several hundred people of all ages gathered at the site of the Kealia Farms farmers market Sunday to caravan up to help the farmers and tenants of the Kealia Valley dig out following last weekend’s record-breaking rains. Garden Island.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was on Kauai from Thursday through Saturday to assist with recovery efforts after a record-setting storm wiped out many homes and local businesses, left communities isolated due to landslides, and required hundreds to be evacuated. KITV.

Lawmakers Question Whether State Should Buy Kauai Farmland. A bill would provide $6 million to the Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. to acquire the land, part of which is already leased to a seed company. Civil Beat.

Sixty people attend meeting to discuss Lawai Kai Beach access. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Cesspool replacement challenging, bacteria closes Ala Moana beach, AG Chin seeks $2.5M to counter civil disobedience, Trump tax cuts could lower electricity costs, Hanabusa island-hopping, Peter Boy siblings sue state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Rinsing off baby after Kona swim ©2018 All Hawaii News
Ending the environmental threat that cesspools pose to Hawaii’s drinking and surface waters presents an enormous challenge — even with more than 30 years’ notice. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health presented their new report, Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for Replacement, to a joint committee in Honolulu on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Cesspools an ‘impending threat’ to waters. Hawaii legislators were brought up to speed on cesspool replacement Wednesday during a briefing for the House and the Senate on the Department of Health’s cesspool report. Garden Island.

Homeowners express outrage at cesspool talk. Report to Legislature targets Upcountry Maui as potential threat for drinking water wells. Maui News.

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Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin, the state’s chief law enforcement officer, is seeking $2.5 million from the Legislature that he said would be used to respond to potential mass violence or civil disobedience events — and, possibly, demonstrations atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators Push To Create More “Safe Zones” For The Homeless. But critics of legal homeless encampments say the state should emphasize finding permanent housing for people. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who officially launched her gubernatorial bid this week, said she wanted to show support for the neighbor islands during a visit to Hawaii Island on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

‘The future of the state’: Hanabusa touts Hawaii Island’s potential in bid for governor. West Hawaii Today.

Dialysis patients worry over Hawaii Medical Service Association policy change. On Feb. 1, HMSA said it will stop accepting payments from nonprofits that receive donations from dialysis clinics that treat patients whose medical premiums are paid for by the same charities. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming HMSA policy change has certain Hawaii dialysis patients worried about how they’ll be able to pay for treatment. KITV.

Trump tax cuts could result in lower electric bills for Hawaiian Electric customers. The new federal tax code has the potential to ease the burden of Hawaii's utility ratepayers by lowering electricity costs across Hawaiian Electric Cos.' service territory. Pacific Business News.

US Marshals Return Escaped Psychiatric Patient To Hawaii. The killer had walked away from the state hospital in November. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito arrived in Honolulu today under the custody of federal marshals. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Marshals escorted a psychopathic killer who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital and fled to California back to the islands Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools official hopeful about settlement talks in abuse case. Kamehameha Schools has presented a “strong, substantial” financial offer in hopes of settling a lawsuit in which more than 30 former students accused a psychiatrist of sexually abusing them decades ago, the institution’s chairman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks are now underway in the Kamehameha Schools sex abuse case. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Wednesday released the 2017 Visitor Plant Inventory, which showed that visitor accommodation units statewide increased to 80,336 units, up 1.6 percent, year-over-year, the largest total ever recorded for the state. Garden Island.

Hawaii is leading the way in digital health and other ways to cut costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

First Hawaiian ranked ninth among U.S. banks. First Hawaiian Bank, in its first year of eligibility, cracked the top 10 of Forbes magazine’s 2018 annual list of America’s 100 largest top-performing banks. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The state Department of Health issued a high bacteria advisory today for Ala Moana Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health Clean Water Branch officials are warning of elevated bacteria levels at a highly popular Oahu beach. Hawaii News Now.

High levels of fecal matter detected at Ala Moana Beach Park. KITV.

Warning signs posted after high bacteria levels detected in Ala Moana waters. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaiian Electric says crews cleaned up about 95 percent of the estimated 500 gallons of oil that leaked from an underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday evening. KITV.

Cleanup underway after oil leaks from underground pipeline in Pearl City. KHON2.

Blue Startups will kick off its 4th annual East Meets West Conference on Feb. 1, with global investors managing over $1 billion expected to attend. Pacific Business News.

Federal investigators say a man who once spent time on Delaware's death row came to Hawaii intending to develop a major prostitution ring — and that he threatened, beat and raped women to force them to cooperate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lawsuit filed in ‘Peter Boy’ death. The estate of the late Peter Kema Jr. and Kema Jr.’s siblings are suing the state of Hawaii, the Department of Human Services and Kema Jr.’s parents, claiming the 1997 death of the chronically abused Big Island boy could have been prevented. Tribune-Herald.

The family of "Peter Boy" Kema, the 6-year-old who died at the hands of his abusive parents in 1997 but whose killing would remain unconfirmed for 20 years, has sued the state, saying Child Protective Services workers and the system didn't do enough to protect him. Hawaii News Now.

County hiring practices changing in wake of critical audit. A critical audit of the county Human Resources Department has spurred a bevy of changes to how public employees are recruited and hired. West Hawaii Today.

Retired police detective suing county, captain. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective claims he was falsely arrested and imprisoned early last year, and is suing the county and a police captain. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit alleges racial harassment. A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport filed a lawsuit citing racial harassment and discrimination after discovering a noose and lynch rope near his locker. West Hawaii Today.

The Governor’s Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease says the problem is spreading, it’s become an “emerging” tropical disease and that unanswered questions need to be addressed with research. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the Governor’s Joint Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease visited Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday. The group is on the island, learning first hand about the effects of the disease in East Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

State officials are looking to fine a major big island landowner after unpermitted construction work damaged a historic cemetery in South Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Is This Maui Landowner Getting A Raw Deal From The State? A man who lost his waterfront land may have to pay the state $1 million as part of an eminent domain case. Civil Beat.

Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey of Maui presented a letter to Gov. David Ige formally requesting that he intervene and stop a Hawaii Department of Transportation proposal that includes last-minute changes to the Keawe Street intersection of the Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Liquor Commission sends evaluation of director to mayor. Arakawa will need to sign off before report is available to public. Maui News.

The pending sale of Grand Wailea resort on Maui for $1.1 billion will be the highest price paid for a Hawaii hotel and the second highest paid for a hotel in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Blackstone Group LP is buying the Grand Wailea resort on Maui from Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund for a reported $1.1 billion, according to several reports. Pacific Business News.

Kauai


Panel looks at the climate and what could be ahead for Kauai. Threats to species, shorelines and structures, as well as opportunities for innovation were all on the table as the Earth Matters public lecture series opened Tuesday with a panel discussion on climate change and conservation. Garden Island.

West Maui condos face imminent threat from extreme erosion. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved a new lifeguard stand for Poipu Beach Park that officials believe will save lives.  Garden Island.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy University of Hawaii Sea grant college
Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program
For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Gov. Ige's popularity tanks in poll, Kauai poi mill nets OHA employee ethics complaint, Hawaiian men unhealthy, Big Island council dithers over tax hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Gov. David Ige during 2014 election campaign © 2017 All Hawaii News
Civil Beat Poll: Gov. David Ige Could Be In Trouble In 2018. Hawaii voters responding to our poll prefer “someone else” over the incumbent by a wide margin. Civil Beat.

The health of Native Hawaiian men is considerably worse than their counterparts in Hawaii’s general population, according to a new report that found higher rates of obesity, asthma, deaths from cancer, mental health problems and the shortest life expectancy, among other disparities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry is joining nationwide partners in protesting President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget, which would eliminate investment in Brand USA, the nation’s international travel marketing arm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is gaining popularity as a possible presidential candidate in 2020. But her approval rating continues to drop here at home. KITV.

Hawaii political leaders, including Gov. David Ige, have joined a growing coalition of governors, mayors, business leaders and academics throughout the country who have pledged to continue combating climate change despite President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division has received a $3 million federal grant to provide funding over four years for the treatment of adolescents with substance abuse and mental health issues. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii ranks in the bottom half of a new study comparing the economies of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii ranks 38th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of “innovation potential,” according to WalletHub, a personal finance and credit research firm based in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Clearer laws on collecting in and access to the forest are among changes the state is proposing for the rules that govern state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife lands. Garden Island.

May was an extraordinary month for housing markets on Kauai and Hawaii island, with industry trade associations reporting several gains of at least 40 percent in sales volume and median prices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Within a few hours of the city sweeping homeless from a grassy median along busy Nimitz Highway on Monday morning, at least one homeless person returned as city officials vowed to continue clearing the state-owned land. Star-Advertiser.

City crews cleared out homeless camps on Nimitz Highway medians Monday without giving the customary 24-hour notification. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha, who is under federal investigation for corruption and abuse of power, is asking a state judge to block city officials from releasing documents about her employment history to Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Prosecutor's $75K request for 'mobile command' unit questioned. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is underway to transform the former longtime Bank of Hawaii building on Kapahulu Avenue into one of the state’s first medical marijuana dispensaries. Star-Advertiser.

A big celebration is being planned for Hōkūleʻa’s homecoming at Magic Island a week from Saturday – marking the end of the Mālama Honua voyage. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Council was working into the night Monday sifting through a combination of budget cuts and tax increases, trying to arrive at a number acceptable to two opposing economic philosophies. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to stop the deportation of a Big Island coffee farmer. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation is joining the fight to stop the deportation of a respected Kona coffee farmer. KHON2.

Waimea man Graham Ellis seeks postponement of deportation. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii’s major provider of services for homeless residents is shifting strategies. Tribune-Herald.

At least eight employees at North Hawaii Community Hospital have been given notice or terminated since late March alone. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Public Works inspected a dirt road in Waimea, Monday, to determine whether or not it was a county road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After six months, the Pools of Oheo in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park remain closed following a rock slide reported on Jan. 3. Maui News.

The last day that Kmart will be open to the public is June 18, a manager at the Kahului store said Monday. Maui News.

Sewer pipe installations will prompt alternating lane closures in both directions of Waiehu Beach Road at the intersections with Nukuwai Place this week, according to the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

OHA staffer faces conflict of interest allegations over Kauai poi mill venture. Hawaii News Now.

New school bus contracts awarded, concern over student safety a factor. Garden Island.

An update on the proposed Pu’u Opae Pumped Storage Hydro Project from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is set for today at Waimea Theatre. Garden Island.

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association will hold its first summer meeting at 7 tonight at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Ige may face challengers, line forms for Lt. Gov., Tulsi loses popularity, Honolulu council to tackle plastic bags, Kahaluu development stalls, Wailuku workforce housing coming, Kauai council defends defunding auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii's James Brewbaker in field of seed corn, courtesy photo
Industrial agriculture companies producing seeds in Hawaii mainly for corn research and reproduction had a second consecutive season of steady operations after three years of declines, according to a preliminary government estimate. Star-Advertiser.

More than a year out from the 2018 election, Gov. David Ige presents a tempting but also formidable target for some ambitious Democrats, and several are weighing the possibility of a run against him. Star-Advertiser.

At least a half-dozen politicians are already eyeing the race for Hawaii lieutenant governor next year, including Maui’s mayor and a number of state legislators. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Tulsi Gabbard’s Surprising Plunge In Hawaii. Statewide, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono are viewed more favorably than Gabbard while Colleen Hanabusa’s numbers are slightly lower. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s wealthy make up the majority of residents who have rooftop solar, and two programs the state created to change that are floundering. Star-Advertiser.

More than a year after the state awarded its first eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses, three companies have each harvested their first crop, but not a single bud has been sold. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Tech Sector Is Suffering From A Lack Of Top Business Execs. There is marketable technology in the islands, but commercial success requires talented entrepreneurs who are hard to find. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has received $4.1 million for AmeriCorps projects from the federal agency that oversees volunteering and service programs. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians face a greater risk of developing, and dying from cancer-associated sepsis. Experts at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center made this discovery from analyzing decades of research. KITV.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. will increase the frequency of its South Pacific Express service to Samoa and American Samoa from 28 days to 14 days. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members Wednesday will consider two different versions of a bill aimed at closing loopholes in Oahu’s existing plastic bag ban: one supported by business interests and the other by environmental groups. Star-Advertiser.

The city plans to take a new approach this week to clear out a handful of persistent homeless encampments on state-owned, grassy medians along Nimitz Highway that thousands of tourists drive past on their way from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Developer Wants To Convert Farmland To Housing In Haleiwa. He calls it “working class housing.” Opponents decry more traffic congestion and the loss of agricultural space. Civil Beat.

The mayor’s representative erred when he told attendees at Tuesday’s Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting that the city dropped previous efforts to condemn a certain private lane for beach access in the late 1990s after the state Supreme Court overturned the condemnation. Star-Advertiser.

The city intends to refund nearly $500,000 in property taxes that it inappropriately collected over two years from farmers for a controversial off-the-grid agriculture development in Kunia. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA researchers are mourning the death of a Hawaiian monk seal that some have known for years. KHON2.

Henry B. Clark, who retired as chairman, president and CEO of Castle & Cooke more than 30 years ago after a 40-year career, has died. He was 101. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Second homes, commercial and industrial property and hotel/resorts would bear more of the property tax burden in order to give homeowners and farmers less of a rate hike, under proposals to be heard Monday as the County Council takes its final vote on the budget. West Hawaii Today.

Evans: Raises the reason for tax increase. West Hawaii Today.

Citing a “need for a deeper awareness and understanding” of historically and culturally significant sites in a Kahaluu parcel eyed for development of a 306-unit condominium, the county’s planning director is asking the officer overseeing the contested case to reopen the hearing to hear more evidence and testimony from himself and other potential witnesses. West Hawaii Today.

The Kamehameha Schools are accusing two companies of illegally harvesting eucalyptus trees on its properties along the Hamakua Coast. Associated Press.

On May 25, Kamehameha Schools filed a complaint in the 3rd Circuit Court requesting the court grant immediate and permanent injunctive relief against defendants Jonathan P. Spies and his companies Hamakua Renewable Enterprises, LLC, and Golden Lion Hawaii, LLC, for trespassing and the illegal harvesting of eucalyptus trees on the school’s property in the Kapulena area. West Hawaii Today.

Money for a joint state-county planning effort to revitalize the Banyan Drive resort area appears to be drying up. Big Island Video News.

Parker Land Trust, a sister entity of Parker Ranch, claims in a foreclosure lawsuit that German industrialist and biofuel pioneer Michael Saalfeld owes more than $50 million for 3,500-plus acres of land he bought from the Waimea ranch in 2010. Tribune-Herald.

Reforms could be on the way for the Hawaii Island Humane Society, where high euthanasia rates have frustrated Big Island residents. Civil Beat.

Debbie Cravatta, president and founder of the nonprofit Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service, was working with the veterinarian of the Molokai Humane Society, and the only veterinarian on that island, to sterilize a total of 30 animals Wednesday in Ocean View when conversation turned to a separate ongoing effort to rescue dozens of dogs from another property in the area and how her group could help. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is increasing marketing efforts to spread the word about its new dorm repricing plan, which will knock the annual cost of its most underused residence hall by about $1,400 next year. Tribune-Herald.

On the heels of the state Legislature approving funding for continued development of an industrial hemp program, Hawaii Island hosts the first Hawaii Hemp Conference next weekend. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo food business has issued a recall of frozen ahi that tested positive for hepatitis A. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Two real estate firms are close to submitting an application to the county to build a 324-unit workforce rental apartment project along Waiale Road in Wailuku. Maui News.

The world of Korean natural farming is like a glimpse into a mad scientist’s lab. Garden Island.

The County Council’s Policy, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee will meet Monday at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers to discuss the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. Maui News.

Maui’s first two utility-scale solar power projects in South and West Maui, which could supply up to 6 megawatts of power, are expected to come online by the second half of this year, a Maui Electric Co. spokeswoman said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Council Chairman Mel Rapozo responds to news reports of the council eliminating the auditor's office: The council partially funded the office, using a term referred to in government accounting as “dollar funding.” With the exception of the building lease and electricity costs, which received three months of funding, and the copier machine under contract, $1 of funding was left as a placeholder for each salaried position and related benefits and other office expenses in place. Garden Island.

Council Chair Mel Rapozo said he can’t approve a request to apply for state funds to relocate the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge overlook because of a lack of community participation. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society needs your help. As of Friday, KHS had 71 dogs and puppies, 75 cats and kittens, six guinea pigs and a rabbit up for adoption. Garden Island.