Native fishponds threatened by climate change, state budget explained, food stamp decrease on Big Island, police property seizures audit delayed, drones for Maui police, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian saltwater fishponds ©2018 All Hawaii News

Climate change poses a looming threat to Hawaiian fishponds, which have undergone a renaissance in recent years, University of Hawaii researchers have concluded. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Level Rise Report Accepted by New State Climate Commission. Maui Now.

Hawaii tourism outlook already looking strong based on airlift numbers. 2018 will come in like a lion for the Hawaii tourism industry, based on how many airline seats will fly here just in January. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Is Still Waiting For An Audit Of Police Property Seizures. A report that was due before the 2017 legislative session is now expected sometime during the 2018 session. Civil Beat.

The new year is pivotal for rail, politics and the TMT. Sudden shifts at the top of the government hierarchy in Hawaii will ripple across the political landscape in 2018, starting with the marquee races for governor and lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

An Inside Look At Ige’s Request For Millions More In Education Spending. It’s far less than the DOE sought, but there’s hope for “more of a focus on education” in state government. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's minimum wage went up up to $10.10 per hour starting New Year's Day. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Trying to understand state budget involves a whole lot of dollars, but little sense. Star-Advertiser.

Strong Close for Hawaii Bank Employees, Not Shareholders. The top five banks in the state are giving their employees bonuses of a thousand dollars or more—and boosting their minimum wages to at least 15 dollars an hour. But for shareholders, it’s a different story. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii to participate in AT&T public safety network. The project, called FirstNet, will provide first responders with their own dedicated network to help them connect to the critical information. Pacific Business News.

In addition to the regular monthly test of the outdoor emergency siren on Tuesday, the state will also be conducting its attack warning siren test for the second time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kualoa Ranch plans to expand operations. A local ranch popular for its recreational activities and scenic tours wants to expand but needs city approval to lift restrictions on its operations. Star-Advertiser.

The number of building permit requests for large-scale houses on Oahu has grown in the last two months, according to an informal count provided by the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Why Isn’t Honolulu Helping Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction? The City Council passed two measures to aid businesses along the rail line but never provided any money. Civil Beat.

Happy New Year! Prepare to pay more in 2018 to register your car, ride the bus. Hawaii News Now.

The price of a city bus ride will rise in the new year. Effective New Year's Day, the one-way fare for adults will go up by a quarter to $2.75. Hawaii News Now.

Petitions are circulating in the community of Kailua to save Pali Lanes, a bowling alley slated for demolition early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The number of food stamp recipients on Hawaii Island dropped slightly in 2017, continuing an ongoing trend for the federal program. While 37,964 people in on the Big Island benefited from the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program — often referred to as food stamps — by the end of November 2016, only 37,349 did so by the same time in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Sea level forecast alarming: Report predicts hundreds on Big Island would be displaced, great economic loss. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Police Department received funding from the FY16 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to implement a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. Maui Now.

The state Real Estate Commission will hold its monthly committee meetings Jan. 10 on Maui as part of its Neighbor Island outreach program. Maui News.

Kauai

Tiny houses could bring big relief. Tiny houses could be a solution for Kauai’s tense rental market, as both landlords and renters on Kauai are stressed out about keeping a roof over their heads. Garden Island.

Kauai Film Academy opens new training facility. Bright fuchsias and shades of blue are dancing out of the once-empty space next to the Kauai Society of Artists’ gallery at Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Civil suits, re-examination of court cases expected to follow arrests of former Honolulu police chief and deputy prosecutor, entire island of Maui without power, advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan, homeless swept from Nimitz viaduct, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha fish pond © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii aquaculture farms generated slightly less revenue last year, marking a second annual consecutive dip after a 2014 record. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Stolen money, falsified police reports, planted evidence – what sounds like a plot for a police drama is playing out in real life in Hawaii. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife, and a handful of HPD officers were released on bond after being indicted by a federal grand jury in a public corruption case. Allegations of corruption at the HPD following a case of a stolen mailbox led to a two-year federal investigation that uncovered much more.  Hawaii Public Radio.

The federal public defender who first pointed out potential wrongdoing in the Honolulu Police Department to federal prosecutors is now calling for the resignation of three Police Commission members who had supported retired Chief Louis Kealoha in the wake of his federal indictment on corruption and conspiracy charges last week. Star-Advertiser.

Oversight of secretive HPD unit is urged. The five former or current Honolulu Police Department officers who are charged with being part of the alleged conspiracy were at one time members of the agency’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit, which is handpicked by the chief to investigate terrorism and organized crime and reports directly to the chief. Star-Advertiser.

The Children’s Trust Fund At The Heart Of The Kealoha Indictment. Federal prosecutors say Katherine Kealoha stole more than $167,000 from two children for whom she was appointed guardian after their father died. Civil Beat.

The federal case against the Kealohas includes allegations that Katherine Kealoha misused money and forged documents while she was the guardian of more than $167,000 for two minors, in separate accounts of $83,884 each. KHON2.

Experts: Criminal case against former HPD chief, wife could bolster civil suits against city. Hawaii News Now.

Four current Honolulu Police Commission members will try to agree on a new police chief Wednesday or Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission on Monday embarked on a three-day process of interviewing the seven finalists for the next police chief, with a big shadow looming over the city’s law enforcement community. Civil Beat.

=====

Pacific Command’s advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan. The F-35A is being deployed under U.S. Pacific Command’s “theater security package” program, which has been in operation since 2004. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin joined 16 other states in voicing their opposition on controversial concealed firearm legislation. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s only public Hyperbaric Treatment Center capable of treating decompression sickness in divers has temporarily shut its doors due to staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State officials hope sheriff’s patrols, private security and a new fence scheduled to go up today will finally mean the end of the notorious H-1 freeway viaduct homeless encampment, which sheriff’s deputies once again broke down Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Transportation is leading a multi-agency effort to clear homeless encampments under the Nimitz Highway Viaduct. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the first time in more than two years the state swept one of the most entrenched homeless encampments on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Friends say Marine fatally stabbed in Waikiki was trying to protect others. Hawaii News Now.

A teenage girl was seriously injured Monday night when a tree came crashing down onto a bus stop near Ala Moana Center. Hawaii News Now.

The Marco Polo condominium owners association, under court order, opened the doors of the McCully high-rise Monday to numerous potential claimants and potential defendants such as product manufacturers, their insurers and fire experts from across the nation, to begin looking at the evidence of the largest building fire in Honolulu history. Star-Advertiser.

One fire investigation is over, but another one is just beginning. It is a second chance at finding the cause of the fatal Marco Polo building fire. KITV.

Two weeks after a fishing boat ran aground off Waikiki, authorities are still trying to figure out how to dislodge it from the reef. Star-Advertiser.

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners, which bought Outrigger Hotels and Resorts late last year, is kicking off an aggressive Waikiki reinvestment plan with a $25 million overhaul and re-branding of the Waikiki Beachcomber. Star-Advertiser.

KSL Capital Partners plans to rebrand the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber under the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts flag before undertaking a $25 million renovation next year to upgrade the 496-room hotel. Pacific Business News.

The Reef Bar and Market Grill opened Monday at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar space, which closed last month.  Pacific Business News.

DiamondHead Land has started a $30 million renovation of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki, designed by Honolulu architecture firm G70 and interior design firm Philpotts Interiors and being overseen by The John Hardy Group International. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The county Board of Ethics is looking for a way to add teeth to what has historically been a paper tiger, almost a decade after the County Council gave it authority to fine public officials who violate the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

The South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will reach its permitted maximum capacity within the next two years, and plans to deal with the situation are underway. Big Island Video News.

Domestic violence victims told lawmakers Monday they feel let down by the judicial system and that not enough is done to protect them and their children. Tribune-Herald.

The state has approved a $25 million emergency room expansion at North Hawaii Community Hospital on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A new 20-year contract for the Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project will adjust the HUD-approved monthly contract rate to $700 per month. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui Electric Company said severe weather has knocked out power out to the entire island as well as a portion of Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Electric officials confirm island-wide power outages on Maui. KHON2.

Kauai

About 50 people gathered Sunday at Camp Naue in Haena to reflect on the status of the historic Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area — a zone that extends a mile out to sea from Wainiha to Napali State Park, where fishing is subject to new rules enacted two years ago. Garden Island.

Auto auction benefits Anahola. Anahola may not be known as a business-rich community. However, Anahola Marketplace manager Garret Danner looks to change that. Garden Island.

Dog stuck in plastic container rescued. KHS director helps rescue Airedale with head caught in plastic container. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail on track, Ige vetoes eight bills, Tongan, Micronesian and Native Hawaiian students most likely to be suspended, Hawaii council chairman takes lobbyist's gifts, Kauai police settle sexual harassment case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail project, courtesy HART

Rail leaders gathered Tuesday to tout progress on one of the most complicated and dramatic maneuvers needed to complete Oahu's rail transit system, but they also acknowledged that construction is taking its toll on many businesses in Leeward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

O’ahu’s 6-billion dollar rail transit project marked a major milestone today as construction moves toward Pearl City. Hawaii Public Radio.

There’s a bit of relief when it comes to construction of the city’s $6.2 billion rail project. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Tuesday, the elevated guideway for the driverless train has crossed all of the westbound lanes of the H-1 Freeway near the H-2 merge.  KITV4.

Gov. David Ige vetoed eight bills Tuesday, including measures that would have created a new crime of sex trafficking and allowed University of Hawaii graduate students to unionize to bargain for better pay and working conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has followed through on his previously announced plans to veto eight bills. That includes measures to combat sex trafficking, allow University of Hawaii graduate students to unionize and clarify the order of succession for lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has vetoed a total of eight bills passed during the 2015 legislative session, including one that would have doubled the monetary value of retail goods that suspected thieves can steal before they are charged with a felony. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has vetoed a bill that would have created a victim-centered approach to combating sex trafficking in Hawaii, citing concerns that changes to the law could make it more difficult to prosecute pimps, a claim that advocates for sex trafficking victims dispute. Associated Press.

A bill to establish Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary system will become law at midnight Tuesday, without Gov. David Ige’s signature. Pacific Business News.

Opinion:  What killed Hawaii’s sex trafficking bill? A step in the right direction toward combating sex trafficking in Hawaii has been torpedoed by some of the very people trying to end the exploitative practice; the evidence points to internal political squabbling as the reason.  Hawaii Independent.

In 2013-14, Tongan, Micronesian and Native Hawaiian students were suspended at four times the rate of their Japanese peers and were twice as likely to be suspended as white and Filipino students. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has been awarded an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to a press release from Hawaii’s congressional delegation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Waikiki Neighborhood Board and community members applauded state Rep. Tom Brower on Tuesday, his first appearance at their monthly meeting since an attack by homeless youth on him during a walk though the growing Kakaako encampment last month. Star-Advertiser.

Tackling the homeless issue in Kakaako requires a coordinated response by various landowners and government agencies, Gov. David Ige said Tuesday at the Hawaii Publishers Association's quarterly meeting. Star-Advertiser.

Just four months after Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson said he wouldn’t agree to allowing a new residential community at Malaekahana, City Council Chair Ernie Martin has introduced a planning document that would permit 875 homes in the area despite opposition from community groups like the Defend Oahu Coalition. Civil Beat.

Environmentalists are calling it one of the worst cases of stream pollution they've seen in years. A new report says that a 1,000-foot long drainage canal that runs from Barbers Point Beach Park to Island Recycling's Kapolei facility is heavily contaminated with lead, arsenic and petroleum products. Hawaii News Now.

It was a packed house Tuesday night as hundreds showed up at a town hall meeting to discuss the future of Maunalua Bay. KHON2.

Hawaii

County Council Chairman Dru Kanuha accepted $536 worth of airfare from unregistered lobbyists while sponsoring a bill benefiting them, according to gift disclosures filed with the county Board of Ethics. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday signed the new emergency rule that prohibits camping and restricts public access on Mauna Kea, the site of ongoing protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Ige said in a statement that the rule, which will remain in effect for 120 days, gives the state an additional tool to keep the road safe for all. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo soon will fly the U.S. and Hawaii state flags at equal heights following protests late last year from students and community members. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply finds that there will be no significant impact from a proposed water production well in North Kona, even though its located in the contentious Keauhou Aquifer. Big Island Video News.

A Hilo native who has run for Congress multiple times announced Monday his plans to run for Mayor of Hawai’i County in 2016. David “Kawika” Crowley, 64, said he will be setting up an exploratory committee in the upcoming weeks to secure his decision, but is confident he’ll be running next year. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Council members will consider Thursday whether to authorize the settlement of two multimillion-dollar tax appeal cases, both involving wind farm companies alleging that the county improperly assessed their properties by including the value of wind turbines and towers as part of the tax assessment. Maui News.

Skippy Hau, an aquatics biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources has dedicated much of his career to studying the life cycles and movements of fresh water fish, shrimp, and snails. Maui Now.

Although 10 million gallons of water per day has been returned to Iao Stream since October, it is hard to tell so far if more freshwater species are flourishing, said Skippy Hau, an aquatics biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Kauai

An audit of Kauai County’s payroll system found a lack of proper documentation, overpayments, and process flaws that create the potential for fraud. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department will pay $100,000 to settle a case alleging retaliation against a police sergeant who claimed she was sexually harassed. Garden Island.

Lanai

A fishpond on the coastline of Lanai that is believed to be 800 years old is being restored this summer by children and adults. Associated Press.

A fishpond believed to be some 800 years old is being restored on the eastern coastline of Lanai by children and adults and will hopefully encourage future stewardship of the island's forgotten cultural resources. Maui News.

Transgender birth certificates easier in Hawaii, Mauna Kea access reopened, pCard audit almost complete, Laniakea Beach barriers coming down, Honolulu taxi companies fight Uber, telecom exec stole $4M, solar panel woes on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian fishponds © 2015 All Hawaii News

Governor David Ige signed three bills into law today relating to Water Resource Management that deal with hydroelectric facilities, water scalping and Native Hawaiian fishponds. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Monday that will allow transgender men and women in Hawaii to more easily change the gender on their birth certificate. The new law eliminates the requirement that someone must undergo gender reassignment surgery before officially making the switch. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Monday that will allow transgender men and women in Hawaii to more easily change the gender on their birth certificate. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Monday that will allow transgender men and women in Hawaii to more easily change the gender on their birth certificate. Garden Island.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Central Pacific Bank President Lance Mizumoto as the new chair of the Board of Education. Civil Beat.

A federal jury in Hawaii has found the president of a telecommunications company guilty on charges that he illegally used $4 million in corporation money over a decade and underreported his income tax. Associated Press.

A federal jury found Honolulu businessman Albert S.N. Hee guilty Monday of concealing from the Internal Revenue Service that his company deducted as legitimate business expenses money it paid to cover his personal expenses and of filing false tax returns for not claiming the payments as personal income. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A court order issued last week gives the state until Aug. 7 to remove the concrete barriers that block access to an unimproved parking area across from Laniakea Beach. Star-Advertiser.

The investigation of the June 29 assault on state Rep. Tom Brower at a growing Kaka­ako homeless encampment has moved from the state attorney general's office to the Honolulu Police Department, but Brower still has not decided whether to pursue criminal charges. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council’s history is pockmarked with ethical lapses when it comes to how members spend their annual contingency allowances. A Civil Beat review of nearly $180,000 in expenses during the 2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30, shows significant improvements have been made.

Honolulu’s largest taxi dispatch companies are gearing up for what’s expected to be a protracted fight to convince the City Council to make Uber and other ride-booking companies adhere to the same regulations all cabs must follow. Civil Beat.

A company is slowing down its proposal for a new thrill ride on Oahu's south shore. Waikiki Beach Activities is delaying its plan to install two zip lines over the lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii state and local policymakers are holding a town hall meeting Tuesday to discuss new restrictions on Maunalua Bay proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Civil Beat.

A town hall meeting will be held Tuesday to discuss the future of Maunalua Bay. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing that the bay become part of an expanded Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. KHON2.

Honolulu officials are calling for stricter enforcement of Oahu's new plastic bag bans as environmentalists complain the law has too many loopholes. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Office of Mauna Kea Management on Monday afternoon reopened the Mauna Kea Access Road, which was shut down last month following protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Additionally, Gov. David Ige is planning to sign the new emergency rule that prohibits camping and restricts public access on the mountain, according to spokeswoman Cindy McMillan. Tribune-Herald.

The access road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea was reopened Monday afternoon after damage caused by protesters forced officials to shut down the road for more than two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii reopened the road leading up to the summit of Mauna Kea at 3 p.m. Monday after finishing remedial work and grading, according to a press release. Civil Beat.

The State is moving to restrict activities on Mauna Kea in response to Native Hawaiian protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cynthia Marlin, the 47 year old resident of Pahoa who was arrested Sunday after allegedly striking an Office of Mauna Kea Management ranger vehicle with her own car, was back on the mountain Monday evening. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials are working against a Wednesday deadline to respond to findings of a draft audit into their use of county credit cards, known as pCards. West Hawaii Today.

In response to numerous complaints about squatters living in vacant, bank-owned homes in Puna, Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan formed a task force and is seeking public input in an effort to find a solution. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A $2.8 million project to remove and replace a badly deteriorated pier adjacent to the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor new ferry terminal building began on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Public comments are being solicited for a proposal to continue allowing catamaran boarding at Maluaka Beach fronting the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. Maui News.

Jeffrey Pearson, an engineer and water official with the County of Maui, got a big boost to his resume last week when Governor David Ige announced that he’d soon take over as deputy to the chairperson of the state Commission on Water Resource Management as well as chief executive officer to the Commission. MauiTime.

Maui's drinking water quality is "very, very good" and is "much, much cleaner" than regulations require, Maui County Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor says. Maui News.

Wailuku businessman Joe Blackburn is launching his third campaign for the Maui County Council's Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai
Members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh-in on whether to repeal Kauai County’s barking dog ordinance. Ordinance No. 967, which went into effect in March 2014, provides penalties for dog owners who fail to keep their animal quiet. Garden Island.

Kauai County will pay a police sergeant $100,000 in damages under a conciliation agreement that settles a case in which the sergeant said she suffered retaliation after alleging sexual harassment by an assistant chief. Star-Advertiser.

A blessing to mark the completion of Kekaha Gardens’ Kaleimanu Park was held last Friday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Hawaiian Island of Molokai is facing serious issues when it comes to the inability of the utility’s grid to accommodate more rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. Pacific Business News.