Showing posts with label former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Show all posts

Friday, April 29, 2022

Legislature passes Hawaiian homestead funding, Cayetano apologizes for comments on Hawaiian language, Honolulu not conserving water, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News
Children play at Hawaiian Home Lands campsite ©2022 All Hawaii News
Historic Hawaiian homestead funding approved. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is a couple of short steps away from receiving a record $600 million largely to produce a few thousand homesteads for Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Thousands Of Hawaiians Could Lose Phone And Internet Service Amid Bankruptcy Dispute. Sandwich Isles Communications has been changing locks, barricading doors and welding gates shut to keep out Hawaiian Telcom employees in a bitter feud over bankruptcy fallout. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano apologizes for Facebook post. Former Gov. Ben Caye­tano apologized this week after receiving harsh blowback and lessons in Hawaiian history and language when he questioned why he never knew any Native Hawaiian classmates who were beaten in school for speaking Hawaiian. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele will retire from Congress, source says. Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele of Hawaii is retiring from Congress at the end of his term, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. The congressman has been telling colleagues that he intends to run for governor. CNN.

Legislative conflicts put Hawaii Tourism Authority funding at risk. State House and Senate conferees left HTA funding out of House Bill 1600 when approving their final version of the state’s $17 billion supplemental budget for the upcoming fiscal year Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Attempt to ban drone fishing questioned by some Maui, Neighbor Isle fishers. SB 2065 would prohibit the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, in Hawaiʻi waters for fishing, unless permitted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Crisis on the streets: Stemming the tide of inbound homeless. Once travel quarantine, testing and vaccination rules were lifted, the floodgates opened for all kinds of travelers. KHON2.

Big budget surplus means more taxpayer help for Hawaii nonprofits — and the people they serve. State lawmakers are ready to approve a budget that includes nearly $50 million in grants to private groups and organizations around the state. Hawaii News Now.

Growing push seeks to prevent the state from taking millions in benefits from foster kids. Over the past four years, Hawaii has taken more than $1.5 million from kids living in foster care in the form of Social Security payments and survivor’s benefits. There are close to 3,000 children in Hawaii’s foster care system. On average, the state received Social Security payments on behalf of 37 youth a year between 2018 and 2021. Those benefits during that time period totaled close to $1.5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department detects two new omicron mutants. The Hawaii Department of Health in its variant report published Wednesday afternoon confirmed the presence of two descendants of BA.2 — BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Green Lawns And Pools: Honolulu’s Biggest Water Users Struggle To Conserve. Despite calls to use 10% less water, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply says it hasn’t seen a significant drop in usage. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Finalists Will Face The Public In TV Interview. The Honolulu Police Commission hopes to announce the city’s next police chief by early June. Civil Beat.

A Starbucks in Mililani could become the first unionized location in Hawaiʻi. The staff at the Mililani Town Center Starbucks won’t know if they have the votes to unionize until next week, but one organizer, Nate Jaramillo, is cautiously optimistic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Round 3 for tax credit plan: Council members to discuss giving a $250 offset to qualifying homeowners. A proposed $250 tax credit for qualifying homeowners will be discussed once again at a County Council committee hearing next week. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers delay Mauna Kea decision. State House and Senate lawmakers Thursday delayed approval of the Mauna Kea governance bill, saying it continues to be a work in progress. Star-Advertiser.

Commission says county erred in sewer bills. The county was in error 23 years ago when it started charging owners of a historic home on Alii Drive two sewer fees instead of one, the county Environmental Management Commission said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Budget bill passes with funds for multiple Maui County projects. The Senate and House of Representatives’ money committees have approved the state budget bill, which includes funding for Maui hospital expansion, a new school in Central Maui and axis deer management. Maui News.

Even Apartment Dwellers Could Cash In On This Huge Lanai Solar Project. The planned 10,000-panel project is expected to meet the majority of the island’s current energy needs. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

New COVID death ‘somber reminder’ pandemic persists. A 70-year-old Kaua‘i man has died of COVID-19 and local case numbers have more than doubled, Mayor Derek Kawakami reported Thursday. Garden Island.

Showrunner John Wells sells Kilauea ranch for $22.5M. The creative force behind hit TV shows like “ER,” “The West Wing” and “Shameless” parted ways with 237 acres of North Shore property this week. Garden Island.

Effort afoot to populate petrels on Moku‘ae‘ae. Last week, workers from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project and volunteers from Archipelago Research and Conservation, took the first steps to create a new colony of band-rumped storm petrels on Moku‘ae‘ae. Garden Island.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Sovereignty group members arrested after storming OHA, hundreds mark Hawaiian Kingdom overthrow at Iolani Palace, Cayetano hospitalized for heart problems, Tulsi Gabbard apologizes for anti-gay stance, Peter Boy's mother dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facebook photo Andre Perez
Office of Hawaiian Affairs PC: Andre Perez Facebook photo
Sovereignty group storms OHA. Five people were arrested Thursday after a radical sovereignty group muscled its way into the Honolulu headquarters of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on the anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Star-Advertiser.

5 arrested after members of sovereignty group storm OHA offices. At least five people were arrested Thursday after a self-proclaimed Polynesian sovereignty group stormed OHA’s office on Nimitz Highway, prompting an hours-long lockdown. Hawaii News Now.

Four Men Arrested For Assault After OHA Office Occupied. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says some of its staff members were forcibly removed from the lobby by 12 people. Associated Press.

Five men arrested for storming Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs was locked down for a couple of hours after a self-proclaimed sovereignty group occupied the facility. KHON2.

Hawaiian group attempts to overtake OHA offices: Five men arrested. Those arrested were booked for third-degree assault, an their bail was set at $100 each. KITV.

Native Hawaiians have mixed reactions to OHA occupation. KHON2.

Hundreds gathered at Iolani Palace on Thursday to commemorate 126 years since the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The overthrow happened on Jan. 17, 1893. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds march to mark 126th anniversary of overthrow. Hundreds marched in solidarity Thursday to commemorate the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. KITV.

OHA’s Own Audit Is Being Blocked — By People At OHA. The internal audit is supposed to identify areas where the Office of Hawaiian Affairs might be vulnerable to fraud and waste. Civil Beat.

=====

Cayetano hospitalized after suffering heart condition. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is recovering in the hospital after suffering a rare but dangerous heart condition earlier this week. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Gabbard Apologizes In Video For Past Statements On Gay Rights. She released the video in response to criticism since she declared her candidacy for president. Associated Press.

Tulsi Gabbard releases video apology for past hurtful LGBTQ statements. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who last week announced she was running for president, apologized today for her record of anti-gay rhetoric and her past work for an anti-gay advocacy group — issues that have emerged as an early obstacle as she pursues a long-shot bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination. New York Times.

Hawaii Congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard is apologizing for past beliefs and comments that she said were “wrong, and worse, hurtful to people in the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard apologizes to LGBTQ community for earlier views. Gabbard's father ran The Alliance for Traditional Marriage, a political action committee aimed at opposing pro-gay lawmakers and legislation. KITV.

Less than a week after U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard confirmed she would be running for President of the United States in 2020, the Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii has posted her first video apology to social media. Big Island Video News.

=====

A Hawaii businessman has been charged with bribing state employees and officials in the Federated States of Micronesia in order to receive multi-million dollar government contracts. Frank James Lyon, of LYON Associates Inc. in Honolulu, allegedly bribed the Hawaii government workers with at least $240,000 in order to land a $2.5 million contract, according to a federal court filing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii School Superintendent’s Contract Extended For One Year. Some education advocates are concerned that the evaluation of Christina Kishimoto wasn’t tied more closely to data about school performance. Civil Beat.

School Board votes to extend Superintendent's contract. The Hawaii Board of Education voted to extend the School Superintendent Christina Kishimoto's contract by a year. KITV.

Fighting Climate Change Will Cost The State Millions. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says money is urgently needed to protect beaches, watersheds, native species and more. Civil Beat.

The use of e-cigarettes among high school teens in Hawai’i is two times higher than the national average, according to the latest surveys.  And, the state legislature will be asked again to tighten Hawaii laws this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate rose in December for the fourth straight month as evidence mounted that economic growth in the state is slowing. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The agency constructing the $9 billion Honolulu rail project violated state procurement law multiple times, according to a report by the city auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Project Director Doesn’t Fully Meet Expectations — But Still Gets A Bonus. Andrew Robbins has proven a “quick study” in his first year leading the project but needs to improve, according to his job evaluation. Civil Beat.

Rail CEO won’t see a raise this year, but he did get a hefty bonus. The chief executive of Honolulu’s rail transit project won’t get a raise this year, but the rail authority’s board did vote to give Andrew Robbins a $10,000 bonus. Hawaii News Now.

The board of directors of the Honolulu rail authority granted CEO Andrew Robbins a $10,000 bonus Thursday as part of his evaluation for his first year on the job but declined to give him a pay increase. Star-Advertiser.

=====

City, Kealohas battle over secrecy of ethics investigation evidence. The city is going to court to protect evidence uncovered by ethics investigations of Kathy and Louis Kealoha. It's findings that later played a role in the ongoing federal criminal investigation. KHON2.

Dozens of government workers and union supporters gathered Thursday morning at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for a silent march to protest the partial government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

Oceangoers spotted walking on sperm whale carcass off Oahu. Video captured Wednesday shows a swimmer climbing on the carcass and then falling into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser forms exposition, trade fair division. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is expanding its line of expositions and trade fairs through a new events division, Star Events. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The County Council has resurrected an old general excise tax hike that was postponed last May and put it on Wednesday’s council agenda for consideration. But officials say it’s on the agenda only as a procedural move, because the previous council in May had postponed it to the second council meeting in January. West Hawaii Today.

New leadership: Maui Electric Co.’s president will also oversee HELCO as Jay Ignacio retires. Hawaiian Electric is appointing one person to lead its Hawaii Island and Maui subsidiaries as the private power utility seeks to consolidate administrative positions. Tribune-Herald.

A proposed 11-unit condominium on the makai side of Alii Drive is moving forward again, but some residents are speaking out about it and one petition for standing in a contested case hearing has already been filed in the case. West Hawaii Today.

Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commissioners recently got an update on the status of the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in South Kona, which was identified by the commission as the number 2 priority for acquisition in its 2018 Report to the Mayor. Big Island Video News.

Jaylin Kema, mother of ‘Peter Boy,’ dead at 48. Jaylin Kema, the mother of fatal child abuse victim Peter Kema Jr., aka “Peter Boy,” died Wednesday night. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Servco Lexus Maui and Servco Subaru Maui held a blessing and grand opening ceremony for its new dual dealership location in Kahului at the Maui Business Park II. Maui Now.

Beginning in February, Maui County girls ages 11 to 17 may join the Boy Scouts, part of a nationwide change that began in October 2017 when the Boy Scouts announced that it would accept girls into the program. Maui News.

Kauai

Many hands have removed large amounts of the invasive aquatic plant salvinia from the Kilauea River over the past few years, but nature’s April flooding really swept it downstream. Garden Island.

Director sought for Grove Farm Museum. Garden Island.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Firefighters get 2 percent raise, Cayetano urges Trump to cut rail funds, new rules for Aloha Stadium, lava boat tours face fines, another 30 days for Thirty Meter Telescope case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii County firetruck © 2017 All Hawaii News
An arbitrator has awarded raises of more than 2 percent for each of the next two years to Hawaii firefighters in a binding decision that may be the bellwether of ongoing contract negotiations with all of the state and county public worker unions this year. Star-Advertiser.

Health care lobbyists in Hawaii are pushing lawmakers to kill part of a bill that would expand access to fertility treatments to same-sex couples who want to have a child. Associated Press.

A bill to generate school funding through a surcharge on investment properties and visitor accommodations has died. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate resumed its descent in March, falling to 2.7 percent, its lowest level in nearly 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate has continued its downward trend and dropped to its lowest figure in 10 years last month. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions drew fire Thursday for comments about the federal judge from Hawaii who halted President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Democratic lawmakers on Thursday criticized Attorney General Jeff Sessions after he expressed amazement on a radio show that a “judge sitting on an island in the Pacific” could stop the president’s travel ban. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono raised nearly $300,000 in the first three months of the year, bringing her cash-on-hand total to more than $1 million. Civil Beat.

A state Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday that the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General can keep secret its year-long investigation of the state auditor’s office. Civil Beat.

The future of cannabis in Hawaii -- that was the controversial topic of a forum held Thursday night at the Hawaii Democratic Party headquarters. Hawaii News Now.

One of Hawaii’s newest agricultural initiatives, industrial hemp, slowly is gaining its footing as state agencies lay groundwork for a long-term commitment to the crop. Tribune-Herald.

Professor says state’s coral reefs have chance to bounce back from bleaching. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Hawaii Senate To Propose 10-Year Extension On Rail Tax. But Honolulu would receive a smaller share of the surcharge while some money goes to the state highway fund. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is urging President Donald Trump to cut funding for Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, arguing that cost estimates are the some of the highest in the world. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s rail agency has started the process to acquire a First Hawaiian Bank-owned facility next to Kalihi Stream via eminent domain. Star-Advertiser.

The deed restrictions on the 100 acres of land under Aloha Stadium in Honolulu has officially been lifted, paving the way for a planned major redevelopment project that includes building a mixed-use community using a rail transit station, as well as a brand new, smaller stadium that could accommodate more events. Pacific Business News.

It took city, state and federal government officials assisted by attorneys and others, but the paperwork to lift restrictions against using the 98-acre Aloha Stadium property for anything other than recreation is officially done. Star-Advertiser.

City Council considers rules that would add accessibility to new homes. KHON2.

More than 1000 people are expected to March for Science in Honolulu Saturday. KITV.

New signs promoting environmental and cultural care are being installed around Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Participants in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case will have another month to submit their final arguments. Tribune-Herald.

Two men could face substantial fines for allegedly operating illegal lava boat tours. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is recommending fines of $60,000 against Henry Pomroy, $20,000 against William Fujimoto and $60,000 against Ho‘okupu Fish Company LLC, which they co-own. Tribune-Herald.

Miss Aloha Hula 2017 is hula sister of last year’s winner. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

More than 1,000 Maui residents attended a Town Hall meeting hosted by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday night at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui Now.

HC&S shutdown adds urgency to wildfire training. Firefighters prepare for their busy season, the first without the help of sugar plantation crews. Maui News.

Flurry of Activity at Flower Farm Followed by Private Property Reminder. Maui Now.

Pono Life Sciences Maui, LLC is opening up an office in Downtown Honolulu to help further the company’s education mission. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Some locals say marijuana should be legalized, regulated. Garden Island.

The Department of Public Works will hold a meeting Tuesday on the proposed alternatives for the repair work planned for ‘Aliomanu Road in Anahola. Garden Island.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Cayetano files FEC complaint on 2012 election, possible measles on Maui, Ige mulls first 100 days, most oppose Ching at DLNR, officials still optimistic about Obama library, snow delays Thirty Meter Telescope construction, laser beam could shine atop Haleakala, Hawaii County changes land purchase rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii farmers market © 2015 All Hawaii News
Lawmakers Struggle to Boost Hawaii’s Food Production. The Hawaii Legislature is looking at easing restrictions, reconfiguring taxes and mandating recommendations from past studies to decrease dependence on imports. Civil Beat.

It's the measuring stick that all governors face, the first 100 days of a new administration. It often sets the tone for the years that follow. So what does Gov. David Ige think of his early performance? KITV4.

A controversial nominee is defending his ability to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. In a newly-released questionnaire, Carleton Ching responds to growing concerns about his experience and a potential conflict of interest. Hawaii News Now.

Testimony against Carlton Ching nomination running 9-1. Controversial appointment draws close to 1,000 pieces of testimony. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii fell in its national rank for rooftop solar as residential installations slowed because of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s backlog of system approvals, a new study showed. Hawaii's ranking for residential rooftop photovoltaic installations plunged to fifth in the nation last year from the second spot in 2013, despite 2014 marking the largest year to date for national growth in solar installations and a consistent national increase of home solar across the U.S., according to data from GTM Research, a division of Greentech Media that provides solar market analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say they remain optimistic Honolulu will end up with at least a part of the Barack Obama presidential library despite recent signs that the president's foundation is working with Chicago to help put its best foot forward. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are on track to add new insurance requirements to the ride­ sharing services Uber and Lyft. The bill, Senate Bill 1280, attempts to address what many see as an “insurance gap.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii's retail trade industry reported sales of $18.9 billion in 2012, according to data recently released by the U.S. Census. Pacific Business News.

Astronomy in Hawai’i generates more than 88 million dollars in revenue for all 4 counties.   That, according to UH Economic Research Organization.   Now, the state also has an opportunity to pioneer in the next generation of space communications technology. Hawaii Public Radio.

An endangered or threatened species listing may be warranted for the common thresher shark, the National Marine Fisheries Service says. West Hawaii Today.

A retired state Supreme Court justice and his wife have endowed a new scholarship at the University of Hawaii's law school. The university announced Monday the scholarship by Simeon Acoba Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Acoba, will go toward tuition payments at the law school, with a preference for students who attended public high schools. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano has escalated his battle against the political action committee that opposed his unsuccessful anti-rail 2012 mayoral campaign by filing a federal complaint alleging campaign law violations by the current chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and others. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is taking his fight with the Pacific Resource Partnership to the Federal Election Commission, and this time he’s dragging U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono into the mix. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers are considering whether to require the University of Hawaii Board of Regents lease or sell the UH Cancer Center campus in Honolulu's Kakako neighborhood. Pacific Business News.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has extended the University of Hawaii at West Oahu's accreditation for seven years and removed a so-called "notice of concern" imposed in 2012 just before the university welcomed students to its new Kapo­lei campus. Star-Advertiser.

Even though it paid $1 million dollars to settle federal criminal charges over one of the Hawaii's worst-ever environmental spills, Matson Inc. still faces a state civil investigation into damages to coral and other natural resources. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s director of planning and permitting is contemplating the creation of a new rural land development standard to make it easier and less expensive to build new homes in rural parts of Oahu. That is among many ideas George Atta is exploring as he ponders ways to address the needs of a growing population without changing Oahu’s urban boundaries. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Labor says a restaurant at Ala Moana Center illegally required servers to share tips while paying them less than minimum wage. The department announced Monday 68 employees at Tsukiji Fish Market restaurant are owed nearly $50,000 in tips and more than $5,000 in back wages. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige will participate in a town hall Thursday with residents of Aiea and Pearl City. It’s set for 7-8:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Frustrated by recent end runs by the Hawaii County Council, the commission charged by the county charter to prioritize public land for open space purchase is tightening the rules. The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission on Monday changed the rules to require properties to earn at least 50 percent of the criteria points to be placed on the priority list for purchase. West Hawaii Today.

A Kailua-Kona woman who applied to be a legal clerk for Hawaii County contends she should not have had to disclose her medical history and undergo a physical examination and drug test before she starts the government job. Rebekah Taylor-Failor filed a class-action lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court against the county, claiming the county's pre-employment requirements violate her constitutional rights against illegal searches and seizures, and invasion of privacy. Star-Advertiser.

The start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is being delayed by blizzard conditions on the mountain’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

The state is moving forward with plans to construct a much-anticipated science and technology building that will provide enhanced classroom space for middle school pupils in Waimea. The 25,177-square-foot building will provide nine modern science classrooms and laboratories for students, according to a draft environmental assessment released Saturday for the $12.7 million Waimea Middle School project. West Hawaii Today.

The building that has been home to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald for more than six decades is up for sale. The 24,000-square-foot facility, located at 355 Kinoole St. in downtown Hilo, has an asking price of $4.25 million.

The owners of the Hilo Naniloa Hotel are aiming to show off their completed renovations as early as November, nearly two years after they acquired the Banyan Drive hotel, according to plans submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Health officials are investigating a possible new measles case on Maui, but say there are no “confirmed” cases so far for 2015. Maui Now.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is proposing to develop a $3 million orange laser beam aimed at helping scientists see better through a telescope atop Haleakala. Maui News.

A federal judge will hear arguments over how a lawsuit challenging Maui's ban on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms should proceed while state lawmakers consider bills that could affect the outcome of the case. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway is scheduled to hold a hearing in federal court in Honolulu on Tuesday. Associated Press.

The Department of Parks and Recreation District Permit Offices will be closed for several days in March and the first week of April as the department implements a new software permitting system. Maui News.

Kauai

The public is invited to attend the State of the County address by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. on Monday. The mayor will provide an overview of his fiscal year 2016 budget submittal. Garden Island.

A Kauai County spokeswoman is headed for a new job as community outreach manager for global agribusiness company Syngenta. Beth Tokioka's last day with the county will be Monday. She starts a week later at Syngenta on Kauai. Associated Press.

J Robertson, chair of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, will be the interim director of the Kauai Chamber. Garden Island.

Monday, November 24, 2014

More join Maui GMO fight, homeless the bane of Chinatown, lava flow costs taxpayers and home sales, Ige building Cabinet, Kauai homeless drop, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Maui GMO opponents courtesy photo
A week after a federal judge granted Monsanto a temporary injunction halting the implementation of Maui County's voter-approved initiative that would temporarily ban the cultivation of genetically engineered crops, proponents of the measure filed to dismiss the federal lawsuit challenging the initiative. Maui News.

Two organizations have separately filed motions in federal court seeking to defend Maui County’s temporary moratorium on genetically engineered crops after expressing doubt as to the county’s commitment to the ordinance. Civil Beat.

At a seminar for new governors last weekend in Colorado hosted by the National Governors Association, Gov.-elect David Ige learned that a governor's most precious resource is time. Star-Advertiser.

Conservation groups are suing the National Marine Fisheries Service over a new rule that increases the amount of Big-Eye Tuna (ahi) that can be legally caught.  The lawsuit says that a ruling issued on October 28th, nearly doubles the amount of tuna that can be caught in the central and western Pacific. Hawaii Public Radio.

Opinion: Gov. Neil Abercrombie's graceless excuses seeking to spin his landslide loss as somebody's fault other than his own is making him difficult to ignore and further tarnishing what's left of his legacy. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Circuit Court judge has ruled there was prosecutorial misconduct in a high-profile alleged gambling case that resulted in hundreds of sweepstakes machines being seized, nine people being arrested, and a 414-count indictment -- the largest in the state's history. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell received about 100 letters and emails in three months complaining about the homeless. Most are from local residents, not tourists. Civil Beat.

Like other business operators in Chinatown, Sam Say said he has noticed an influx of new faces in the area's homeless community in recent months, a possible result of the ban on sitting and lying on sidewalks that took effect in Wai­kiki in September. Star-Advertiser.

At Transit Oriented Development Summit, Experts Urge Honolulu to Dream Big. Speakers at Saturday's conference suggest adding more financing options and focusing on very low-income housing to improve growth around rail. Civil Beat.

The newly renovated, brightly-lit Makai Market Food Court at Ala Moana Center is a big hit with both diners and restaurant owners alike. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s state campaign spending commissioners want the Honolulu city prosecutor to investigate a case brought by former Gov. Ben Cayetano against Pacific Resource Partnership’s political action committee. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The slow-moving lava flow from Kilauea volcano is costing more than frayed nerves. It’s also costing county taxpayers millions of dollars. West Hawaii Today.

Lower Puna real estate sales fall sharply amid lava threat. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai'i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira and his team are going door-to-door along Pahoa Village Road letting residents know they're going to re-open the street as soon as crews finish removing the cinder piles surrounding the heat-protective wraps that were installed around the Hawaiian Telcom poles. They're expected to be finished by Monday, so officials are telling the families living there to prepare for the barricades at Post Office Road and Apa'a Street to come down sometime tomorrow afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Officials hope to reopen the remainder of Pahoa Village Road in time for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council approved two business measures Friday on first reading - one to reduce permitted vacation rental property tax rates and a second to allow home businesses in neighborhoods under certain conditions. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Don Couch has introduced a measure that he hopes will help defuse a conflict over strained communications between council members and their staffs and county department directors and other administration officials. Maui News.

Scientists are saying the shark most likely to bite you likes hanging out in shallower waters. Tiger sharks are often the most likely culprit in shark bites in Hawaii, and researchers are beginning to believe the tiger shark's favorite destination is Maui. Associated Press.

Kauai

In the last fiscal year, the state’s homeless population increased by 3 percent. On Kauai, however, homeless numbers dropped nearly 10 percent, according to a new University of Hawaii report. Garden Island.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Honolulu homeless measures panned, Medicaid families receive erroneous cut-off notices, state panel investigates dirty politics in Honolulu mayor race, Kauai feral cats kill endangered seabirds, Land Board to vote on Thirty Meter Telescope today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu homeless © 2014 All Hawaii News
Top officials in Mayor Kirk Caldwell's administration say they worry that two bills that would prohibit lying and sitting on all Oahu sidewalks and ban defecating and urinating in public areas might not pass constitutional muster. Star-Advertiser.

Two measures issued by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and passed by the city Council's Zoning and Planning committee would make it illegal to sit or lie down on sidewalks, or urinate and defecate in public in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

It was standing room only as dozens spoke their mind about five controversial bills regarding the homeless Thursday. KITV4.

At least 4,582 Quest families received erroneous notices earlier this month saying their coverage would end Monday. Hundreds of Quest recipients have been flooding the state Medicaid offices for answers. Star-Advertiser.

The Campaign Spending Commission is reviewing recently released email correspondence of Pacific Resource Partnership's 2012 campaign against mayoral hopeful Ben Cayetano to determine whether the group committed any violations that could warrant further investigation, the state agency's attorney said Thursday. At issue is whether all of the consultants who appeared to be working on the anti-Cayetano campaign were properly listed on spending reports filed by PRP's political action committee. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission launched an investigation Thursday into the Pacific Resource Partnership’s involvement in the 2012 Honolulu mayoral race. PRP, an advocacy group for union carpenters and contractors, spent $3.6 million during that election cycle, almost entirely on an effort to derail former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano’s bid for mayor. Civil Beat.

The race for the Democratic Senate nomination is heating up with U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa spending $175,175 on 335 TV advertising spots running through the Aug. 9 primary election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii might be the only place left in the country where an endorsement from President Barack Obama can be looked at as a positive. Brian Schatz’s latest TV spot in his campaign against U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa puts both arms around the Hawaii-born president, and refuses to let go until the viewer clearly understands just how much his endorsement means to the senator. Civil Beat.

One of the fiercest critics of the effort to create a new federal relationship with a future Native Hawaiian government offered a gift of lei to the government officials who have been blasted in public hearings this week. Beginning Friday on Lanai, the federal officials will hold hearings on each of the major neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

With one set of reforms undergoing major changes and another set due to kick in despite widespread opposition, teacher evaluations are becoming an issue in the Hawaii governor’s race. Civil Beat poll numbers show a surprising shift toward David Ige, the teachers union-backed gubernatorial candidate, in the Democratic primary race against sitting Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who aggressively pushed for the new evaluations as part of a 2013 contract deal that soured many educators on him. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Blue-washing the colonization and militarization of “our ocean” How U.S. Marine National Monuments protect environmentally harmful U.S. military bases throughout the Pacific and the world. Hawaii Independent.

Legislators concerned about governor's pending veto list. Hawaii Reporter.

Reynolds Recycling is scheduled to reopen its redemption centers Friday after receiving a $707,514.20 check from the state Department of Health on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

All 35 Reynold’s Recycling redemption centers will reopen Friday after shutting down for one day over a reimbursement spat with the state. The state owed the company more than a million dollars for containers collected for the month. Reynolds is the largest recycler of beverage containers in the state and has been in business in Hawaii for more than 30 years. KHON2.

Eugene Tian, chief economist for Hawaii's state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, says that while cable station CNBC used consistent methodology in its report that names Hawaii the second worst state for business, he also points out that the state saw a net increase of new businesses in 2013 and has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 4.4 percent. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium's current 50,000 seating capacity would decrease by 30 percent to 40 percent if the recommendation of a consultant hired to study the facility's future is adopted. Foley & Lardner LLP, a New York law firm, recommended "a new 30,000- to 35,000-seat stadium on the lower portion of the stadium site," as part of a 35-page comprehensive site summary unanimously accepted Thursday by the Aloha Stadium Authority. Star-Advertiser.

The state has opened an investigating into a potential illegal landfill at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Heights campus, just as a former staffer is alleging that the dumping has been going on for decades. Hawaii News Now.

The Army laid out a worst-case scenario Thursday for downsizing that includes the removal of nearly 20,000 soldiers and civilian workers on Oahu with an associated loss of $1.4 billion in income over the next six years. "Such deep reductions are not envisioned," the Army says in a report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider granting a sublease for the Thirty Meter Telescope today at its meeting in Honolulu. The nearly 20-year sublease would set the stage for construction of the $1.3 billion telescope on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council plans to dip into open space funds to stave off a lawsuit caused by a 1999 misstep by the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

A popular community in Kalapana Seaview Estates built illegal structures and cut down protected trees on state land, according to a report filed earlier this month with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island’s elevators are getting long-needed inspections, and rules set to go into effect this month provide more stringent reporting standards. Starting June 30, permits must be posted conspicuously inside elevators and each machine must have a written maintenance control program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plans for replacing the grass at the War Memorial Stadium with artificial turf have been nixed due to its high cost, a county official said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Chamber of Commerce and its partners will host the first Kauai election 2014 political forum at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Tuesday.  The forum is for the office of United States senator. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will be the candidates in the forum, which is free and open to the public. Garden Island.

Feral cats on Kauai have been filmed killing endangered seabirds. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says footage shows cats pulling a Newell's Shearwater and a Hawaiian Petrel out burrows and killing the birds. Associated Press.

The Department of Water will release its 2014 water quality reports online starting July 1. A report for each of the nine water systems, covering from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013, will be accessible on DOW’s website at www.kauaiwater.org. Garden Island.

Friday, December 21, 2012

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye honored, Abercrombie budget increases state spending, Cayetano alleges corruption, Maui biodiesel to fuel Honolulu airport, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Associated Press photo through Yahoo News
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye lies in state, AP photo
Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Medal of Honor winner and the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history, was honored Thursday at the U.S. Capitol in a solemn ceremony usually reserved for presidents. Star-Advertiser.

The state has announced plans to accommodate the public at memorial services in Hawaii for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

‘Olelo Community Media, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, will cablecast live the lying in state ceremony in honor of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye at the State Capitol on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 5 p.m. through midnight. Hawaii Reporter.

Dozens of dignitaries, many sitting congressional members, will be flying in from Washington D.C. to remember their dear friend and colleague in his home state. KITV4.

While many powerful politicians paid their respects to the late Sen. Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii) at a rare ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. Thursday, others who didn't know him well personally also showed up because they felt a connection to him and his legacy. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history, was remembered Thursday as a man who gallantly defended his country on the battlefield and gracefully sought to better it during the 50-plus years he represented his beloved state of Hawaii. Colleagues and aides lined the Capitol rotunda five deep to say farewell. Associated Press.

The retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka took to the Senate floor Thursday and urged his colleagues to approve a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill in honor of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

As Washington, D.C., paid silent tribute to the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, his longtime friend Sen. Daniel Akaka asked his colleagues to complete a task the two lawmakers never could — pass the Akaka bill. Civil Beat.

It's what everyone in town is talking about: Who will be appointed to replace Daniel K. Inouye in the U.S. Senate? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said Thursday that he will apply for the appointment to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, giving Hawaii Demo­crats a youthful option who could build seniority in the Senate over several decades. Star-Advertiser.

Two more Hawaii lawmakers plan to apply for Sen. Dan Inouye's seat in Congress. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that the spending increases he’s proposing for the next two fiscal years address fundamental necessities like early childhood education, state employee pensions and retiree health care. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says his administration will wait until the Council on Revenues issues its quarterly forecast next month before deciding whether tax increases or any other type of revenue-boosting measures are needed to balance the two-year budget he proposed this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii would have to spend more than $500 million a year for the next 30 years to make the state's employee health and retirement funds viable again, state Finance Director Kalbert Young says. Civil Beat.

The Governor outlined his two-year executive budget proposal today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is involved with two significant lawsuits in Hawaii, will headline the Smart Business Hawaii Annual Conference on Wednesday, January 9, discussing "Ending Corruption in Hawaii." Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii mental health advocates say the shooting rampage at a Connecticut elementary school underscores the need for a robust mental health safety net and for improved efforts to provide resources and support to individuals early — at the first signs of worrisome behavior. Star-Advertiser.

Randy Iwase, veteran of the state Senate and one-time gubernatorial candidate, has left politics but hasn’t strayed that far. He chairs the state Tax Review Commission, a panel assembled periodically to recommend tax-code changes to help the state cover its bills. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii introduced new Athletics Director Ben Jay to the media Thursday. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for December 21. Associated Press.

Oahu
First coined in the 1970s, the sentiment “Keep the Country Country” still runs deep. But that mantra hasn’t insulated the North Shore of Oahu from the pressures of urbanization, which are squeezing the region on numerous fronts from Haleiwa to Laie, all connected by the sole two-lane highway but lacking a comprehensive plan. Honolulu Weekly.

Five years after a car critically injured McCully resident Gwyne Isa in a Moiliili crosswalk, the city will dedicate a pedestrian-activated warning signal at the crosswalk today. Star-Advertiser.

David Becker, the former Waimanalo puppy farm manager, says he was the fall guy and maintains his innocence.  He also thanks the judge that set him free. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

With foreclosures and short sales at lower levels than this time a year ago, West Hawaii real estate agents are seeing improvements in the local market. West Hawaii Today.

A three-member panel of the National Labor Relations Board ruled last week that an election granting a union the right to organize workers at Puna Geothermal Venture was valid. Big Island Now.

The Reed’s Island bridge in Hilo will be closed for four hours Dec. 28 as crews prepare to make repairs. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State regulators have approved a multiyear contract for Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel to supply Hawaiian Electric Co. with 250,000 gallons a year of locally produced biodiesel. Maui News.

The contract for Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel Technologies to supply biodiesel to Hawaiian Electric Company for the Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility has been approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

Maui tied for third with Alaska cruises in the top domestic destinations category for 2013 in the Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends Survey. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council gave final and unanimous approval Wednesday on a bill that bans fishing at Morgan’s Ponds in Lydgate Beach Park, a popular recreational spot utilized by visitors and local residents. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery is back in business, ending a five-month closure stemming from state Department of Health violations. Maui News.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Hawaii top retirement state, Hawaii could lose Pro Bowl, online travel booking firms freed from hotel taxes, Cayetano sues over negative ads, federal agent wants murder charge dismissed, Kauai OHA candidate off life support, Big Island plastic bag ban rules released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian hula (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii was rated the best state for retirement in a study done MoneyRates.com, a financial information website. Star-Advertiser.

Travel booking companies that sell Hawaii hotel rooms online do not have to pay the state hotel room tax, a state judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The NFL will consider dropping the Pro Bowl if the level of play doesn't improve, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday night. Associated Press.

The two women running to replace Dan Akaka in the U.S. Senate faced off in their fifth and final live broadcast debate Monday night on Hawaii News Now. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono said Monday that she supports President Barack Obama's jobs initiative to help spur economic recovery, but former Gov. Linda Lingle said it would further expand the national debt. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has spent about $1 million to convince people not to vote for Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Hawaii News Now.

Monday night, the Democratic and Republican nominees for Hawaii's First Congressional District squared off in a live televised debate, in our KHON2 News studio. KHON2.

Hawaii is getting a turn in the national limelight, but CNN's latest project calls attention to a glaring lowlight: the state's voter turnout rate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gas wants to bring liquefied natural gas to Hawaii to help lower the cost of energy. But environmental groups oppose the move and are working to prevent it for environmental reasons. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service are looking into the possible misuse of a federal solar rebate program by at least one mainland solar company that operates in the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.

After receiving more than 800 emails from residents in three days last week, the Hawaii State Association of Counties joined the chorus of opponents asking for the repeal of Act 55, the law that established the Public Land Development Corp. Maui News.

State roundup for October 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

Attorneys for mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said the former governor's libel lawsuit against Pacific Resource Partnership aims to stop not just one group from its current campaign, but to prevent organizations from mounting similar attacks in the future. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano said he always knew he’d be fighting big money in the race for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday accusing the Pacific Resource Partnership, its executive director, John White, the Hawaii Carpenters Union Market Recovery Fund and the CEOs of several Hawaii general contractors of defamation over advertisements the PRP has run against his campaign for Honolulu mayor. Pacific Business News.

Ben Cayetano, a candidate for Honolulu mayor and former two-term Democratic governor, filed a libel suit Monday against a trade group that hopes to sway next month's election where rail transit has become the central issue. KITV4.

Candidate for Honolulu Mayor Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday morning accusing The Pacific Resource Partnership of attacking his character and reputation. KHON2.

Political candidates all across the country are targets of negative advertising from third parties that want to influence the November general election. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates for Honolulu Prosecutor Attack Each Other's Motives. Civil Beat.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn has set Jan. 22 for a hearing on federal agent Christopher Deedy’s request asking for the dismissal of his murder charge in the shooting of a Kailua man at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kailua last year. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki's public restrooms have been a long course of complaints. The city is now responding with a almost $1 million dollar makeover. KITV4.

Hawaii
With just under three months before Hawaii County begins phasing out plastic bags at the store checkout, the Department of Environmental Management has created new rules for retail merchants and the public to follow. West Hawaii Today.

The Connections Public Charter School is facing fines for its new proposed campus in Hilo and what its attorney calls “harassment” and “bullying” tactics by some of its opponents. Tribune-Herald.

Island resident pitches hotel give-back program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
The star of "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America" will be opening a restaurant at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa when the hotel opens in the summer. Maui News.

After dozens of witnesses saw a shark attack a sea turtle, Maui County ocean safety officers closed a portion of Kanaha Beach Park on Monday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Sharon Pomroy, a candidate for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai and Niihau trustee, has been taken off life support after her collapse at an OHA meet-and-greet event on Kauai last week, her family has confirmed. Star-Advertiser.

Family continued to sit in vigil Sunday as they made the decision to take Sharon Pomroy off a respirator. Garden Island.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will begin early voting services today in the Historic County Annex building in Lihu‘e. Until Nov. 3, properly registered voters of the County of Kaua‘i will be able to cast their votes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.



Monday, October 22, 2012

WWII vet voting photo tugs at heartstrings, bitter U.S. Senate, Honolulu mayoral races enter homestretch, officials foresaw Hawaii County election day problems, Dems rally on Kauai, Ellison's Lanai plans draw biz buzz, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Associated Press/Irene Tanabe - In this Oct. 17, 2012 photo provided by Irene Tanabe, Frank Tanabe, center, gets help from his daughter Barbara Tanabe, left, to fill out his absentee ballot in Honolulu while his wife Setsuko Tanabe sits in the foreground. The photo of the 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. (AP Photo/Irene Tanabe)






A photograph of a 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. Associated Press.

A state agency responsible for protecting Hawaii's historic and cultural sites, including construction sites where Hawaiian burials are found, is declaring success fixing serious deficiencies the federal government flagged two years ago amid chronic struggles to properly carry out its mission. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian groups from across the country convened this past week to talk about some of the key issues facing their community. But rather than gather in the place of common ancestry, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs held its annual convention here in the nation's capital, just steps from the seat of the government many Hawaiians still distrust as an illegal occupier. Civil Beat.

A once-in-a-generation open seat for U.S. Senate. A Honolulu mayor's race that could decide the fate of a $5.26 billion rail project. A rematch for Congress in urban Honolulu. A favorite son who wants another four years in the White House. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Mazie Hirono, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Republican Linda Lingle, the former Hawaii governor, has been dominated by strong attacks on each other's campaign. Civil Beat.

Press Secretary Donalyn Dela Cruz, who has been handling media liaison duties for Abercrombie since he took office, departs at the end of this month for a new job with the state Department of Education. Hawaii Reporter.

A contingent of Hansen's disease patients, nuns, priests, Catholic pilgrims and hula dancers from across Hawaii traveling on a nearly 10,000-mile pilgrimage to Rome attracted crowds wherever they went — from San Francisco to Syracuse, N.Y., to Rome. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell wants to change the face of Honolulu. Ben Cayetano doesn’t. Civil Beat.

A feisty Ben Cayetano attacked Honolulu's former Mayor, Mufi Hannemann, for a letter Hannemann wrote last week to his supporters asking them to back his previous managing director, Kirk Caldwell, in the November mayor's election. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tuesday, Honolulu International Airport will join dozens of airports across the country already part of the TSA pre check expedited screening program. KHON2.

The Waikiki 20/20 conference recently wrapped up at the Hawaii Convention Center, and this year, transportation, pedestrians and building on what began decades ago are taking center stage. KITV4.

Thanks to a unique partnership, a special place just for homeless women veterans is about to open up. KITV4.

The Karsten Thot Bridge reopened to traffic early Friday morning, but this was the first weekend that Wahiawa area businesses have had a chance to see if things are returning to normal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two days before the Aug. 11 primary, state and county officials were aware that a “blue flu” was about to hit the Hawaii County Elections Division, resulting in the election day absence of more than half of the permanent division staff — including the top administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Robert K. Lindsey Jr. will face a pair of challengers for his seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is preparing for an influx of visitors as lava lake levels in Halemaumau Crater continue to rise to their highest point since since its formation following an explosive eruption on March 19, 2008. Tribune-Herald.

The bank holding the mortgage on the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort is moving to foreclose on the beleaguered Hilo hotel. Big Island Now.

The picture-wing fly, anchialine pool shrimp and certain plants are among 15 species on Hawaii island that are in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future, according to the agency, which is proposing that they be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The agency is soliciting information from the scientific community and the public until Dec. 17 to help make a final determination. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercromie on Friday announced the release of $91.9 million for various capital improvement projects across the state, including numerous projects on the Big Island — with $10 million earmarked for electrical and telecommunications improvements at several Big Island schools. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A former Maui liquor control officer claims in a lawsuit against the county that he was fired for reporting that several supervisors received free food and drinks from various establishments and had sexual contact with hostess bar employees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County residents are being asked to watch out for seabirds that may get disoriented in bright lights at night and collide with wires or structures and fall to the ground, officials said. Maui News.

Push to Resume Hunting of Hawaiian Turtles Underway. Maui Now.

Mother Marianne Cope, who came to Hawaii more than 100 years ago to care for leprosy patients, is now a saint. Maui News.

Kauai

Several hundred Democrats filled Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria Saturday for the Kaua‘i Democratic Party Grand Rally. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.

A giant sea turtle is still alive thanks to a Washington state couple visiting Kaua‘i on vacation. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s sustainability/renewable energy plan for Lanai has sent shock waves through this “green” part of Hawaii’s business community. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

When Mayor Alan Arakawa and his team of county officials visited Molokai last week, they did what many Molokai residents do every day–they waited for a ride from the Maui Economic Opportunities (MEO) bus. Molokai Dispatch.