Showing posts with label former Mayor Harry Kim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label former Mayor Harry Kim. Show all posts

Friday, March 4, 2016

Ivory prohibition sought, cigarette taxes advance, former Mayor Kim to run again, Honolulu mayor vetoes recycling bill, Coco Palms to become a Hyatt, state consumer advocate says biogas not renewable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Elephants at Honolulu Zoo © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s black market ivory trade is thriving online, in stores and at swap meets, animal activist groups claimed Thursday. Civil Beat.

Wildlife advocates met at the Hawaii Capitol on Thursday to discuss the state’s illegal ivory trade, which they say could become the largest in the U.S. if left unregulated. Associated Press.

A proposal to allow Hawaii voters to decide whether to impose term limits on state lawmakers died this week after Senate Judiciary and Labor Chairman Gilbert Keith-Agaran told his fellow committee members he was shelving the bill indefinitely. Star-Advertiser.

The House Finance Committee breathed new life into spending bills Thursday by waiving the 48-hour notice typically required for a hearing, including House Bill 1932, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Civil Beat.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee approved measures this week to tax e-cigarettes and prohibit smoking of any kind in cars containing minors. Civil Beat.

Political junkies have had a lot to watch this year as national elections have been playing out through caucuses and primaries around the country. But Hawaii’s 2016 election season is ramping up, too, with both the state Republican caucuses and the Democrats’ presidential preference poll in March. Civil Beat.

Interest in this year’s presidential election is at record levels in many states across the country, and the respective party chairs in Hawaii say it’s no exception here. KHON2.

Local Republicans can have their say Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at dozens of precinct locations across the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the only state that holds its statewide primary election on a Saturday. This year, the primary is Aug. 13. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii resident who contracted the Zika virus while traveling in the Pacific is the first case of the mosquito-borne virus confirmed in the state so far this year, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The state has confirmed the first imported case of Zika in Hawaii this year. Hawaii News Now.

Investors wanting to own commercial real estate in Hawaii bought a near-record amount of such property last year. Star-Advertiser.

More than half of Airbnb hosts in Hawaii rented space last year in their primary homes, rather than second homes or vacation rentals, according to a new survey by the alternative lodging service. Pacific Business News.

You may have heard that growing numbers of kama‘āina are renting out rooms on Airbnb, but how many are doing so? And why? Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A bill that would give Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Co. and other smaller recyclers a 25 percent discount on refuse disposal fees was vetoed Thursday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, likely setting up an override vote by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has vetoed a bill that would have provided a $600,000 annual subsidy to recycling companies. The vast majority — $530,000 — would have gone to Schnitzer Steel Industries, an Oregon-based company that reported $1.9 billion in revenue last year. Civil Beat.

The city and state spent more than $9,000 to send four state and city employees to Florida last week to inspect a new $118,117 boat that the Hawaii Community Development Authority is buying for water safety in Kakaako’s Kewalo Basin. Civil Beat.

A City Council bill that proposes a moratorium on the construction of larger developments from Aiea to Kalihi is generating support from several residents and officials who view the measure as a way to help address traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Former and current residents say the Oasis townhouses in Waipahu have turned into a haven for rats. Hawaii News Now.

As a “homeless concerns” liaison in Hawaii’s public schools, Clyde Aikau tracks nearly 300 students and their families. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Former Mayor Harry Kim is jumping into the mayoral race once again. Kim said Thursday he’s decided to run again, this time on a campaign to restore trust in government. West Hawaii Today.

Former Big Island Mayor Harry Kim says he wants his old job back. Hawaii News Now.

A Windward Planning Commission meeting got heated Thursday when testifiers scolded Hawaii County officials because a proposed study on the impacts of geothermal development on Native Hawaiians is stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Tribune-Herald.

A judge has recused himself from hearing a voter fraud case against a blogger who ran unsuccessfully for County Council in 2014. Tribune-Herald.

Festooned with lei and applauded by a full room of staff and well-wishers, Randy Kurohara was confirmed Wednesday by a unanimous County Council vote as the county’s new managing director. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 49 percent of electricity provided to the Big Island by the Hawaii Electric Light Co. in 2015 came from renewable energy, according to a statement from HELCO’s parent company, Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

Maui

The state consumer advocate is calling on the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to reject the idea that Anaergia's proposal to sell biogas to Maui Electric Co. is the equivalent of renewable energy. Maui News.

The Maui County Liquor Commission plans to choose the next Department of Liquor Control director at its regular monthly meeting next week after interviewing all four candidates on Wednesday. Maui News.

The state House today advanced several bills including legislation in support of Maui sugar workers, ahead of next week’s crossover deadline. Maui Now.

A two-year time extension request for a 100 percent affordable housing project in Kihei is headed to the Maui County Council on Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Pledging to continue her decades-long commitment to community service, Norma Doctor Sparks of Koloa has announced her candidacy for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kauai's iconic Coco Palms Resort
is getting ready to reopen again under a new brand. The scheduled reopening date is spring of 2018 and will be part of a new brand called 'Unbound collection by Hyatt.' Hawaii News Now.

The Kapaa refuse transfer station will be accepting only bagged trash and green waste today to allow for the repaving of Kahi Road, the roadway leading up to the transfer station. Garden Island.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Hawaii zipline regulation costly, University of Hawaii wines and dines Honolulu newspaper staff, tries to silence critics, Land Development Corp goes back to public hearings, four Hawaii names on Boy Scout sex abuse list, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

hawaii auditor
Hawaii zipline, Hawaii auditor report photo
A state proposal to regulate zip line tour companies in Hawaii would cost $400,000 to set up and $350,000 to implement each year, with unclear benefits to making rides safer, Hawaii's state auditor said Thursday. Associated Press.

Zipping thousands of feet over ravines is inherently risky, according to a new state audit on ziplines and canopy tours. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii zip line
Umauma zipline courtesy Damontucker.com
Hawaii’s auditor has issued a report critical of a plan to regulate the state’s zipline operators, saying they are “basically self-regulating,” and it would cost the state up to $400,000 to establish an inspection and permitting system. Big Island Now.

Full auditor's report on ziplines.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former governor Linda Lingle will square off on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 8 p.m. through 9 p.m. on KITV

A once-secret Boy Scout list of child sex abuse suspects includes several cases in Hawaii. KHON2.

A state corporation formed to raise revenue through public land development will be going through a second round of statewide hearings about its proposed rules after being blasted by critics in the first round. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii's Board of Regents meet in closed-door executive session Friday afternoon to discuss the future of embattled UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has not yet released documents related to the annual evaluation of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, despite a legal opinion that her evaluation and the president's performance expectations are public records. Star-Advertiser.

An analysis of almost five years of University of Hawaii Athletics Department expense reports that were reimbursed by the UH Foundation shows wining and dining of Honolulu's daily newspaper. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple attempted Thursday to clarify his testimony to a Senate panel last week when he said nearly all UH coaches "thanked him" after the removal of Jim Donovan as athletic director. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents could face criminal or civil penalties if they disclose to media or the public information they learned in closed door meetings. Hawaii Reporter.

When asked her thoughts on the ongoing controversy surrounding fallout from the botched Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa told PBN reporters and editors that the community ultimately should be the ones who decide whether the self-governing structure currently in place is the best model. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s statewide gas price held at $4.41, the same average as last week, despite slight increases in several areas, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

Two cannons dating to Hawaii's turbulent revolutionary days are back in the hands of the Hawaii National Guard 117 years after they were first delivered to the governmental militia. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 12. Associated Press.


Oahu

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye has formally thrown his support behind Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano spent about $30,000 this week on his first TV ad buys since the primary election. Civil Beat.

A union-backed group is exploiting a loophole to spend almost $600,000 on behalf of mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell. Hawaii News Now.

Questions about bidding procedures taint a $142 million affordable housing deal that is the crowning achievement of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council voted 6-2 on Thursday to give the OK for Mayor Peter Carlisle's plan to sell the city's 12 affordable rental complexes for $142 million despite reservations raised by people from Chinatown and a competing developer who said the plan would force 700 tenants from their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Despite several concerns, the Honolulu City Council voted Thursday to pass a resolution approving a deal for the city to sell its affordable housing units to a private developer. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council’s Transportation Committee held a discussion Thursday about the federal government’s new Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21, as it’s more commonly called. KITV4.

Hawaii

The candidates for Hawaii Island Mayor debated the issues during a televised forum. KHON2.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has set aside $100,000 to remove a large container from a remote Ka‘u shoreline. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will take an offer for an alternative route to Papaikou Mill Beach under advisement, but it will need more details before making a decision, Chairman Dominic Yagong said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Film Office is making it possible for residents' properties to have a starring role as a location for an upcoming movie or television production. Maui News.

It was youth versus experience - and a few agitated exchanges - as Democratic state House candidate Kaniela Ing met side by side, and sometimes face to face, with Republican Rep. George Fontaine of South Maui. Maui News.

A group of volunteers on Maui spent National Public Lands Day caring for the historic Mokuʻula site in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

A portion of Kaua‘i’s energy needs will soon be met from burning woodchips. Green Energy of Kaua‘i received this week  a $72.9 million loan guarantee to build a $90 million state-of-the-art facility to burn woodchips from trees grown and harvested on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Kauai’s small, member-owned electric utility is quickly becoming a leader when it comes to renewable energy. By the end of 2014, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative expects to be generating 35 percent of its energy from sources such as solar, biomass and hydroelectric. Civil Beat.

A judge granted a motion to remove claim against a landowner in the case against a genetically modified seed grower on West Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Mounting discoveries of historic Native Hawaiian burials have created challenges for Kawaiaha‘o Church and the city's planned rail line in Kakaako, and now a third construction project in the area must deal with the sensitive issue. Star-Advertiser.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Scientists selected for simulated Mars mission, Honolulu Ethics Commission looking into fire consultant contract, Hawaii Island mayoral candidates face off, Hirono, Case set TV debate, Maui wind project advances, Inouye defends rail transit cost, food stamp fraud down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cornell University
Mars team building training courtesy Cornell University
Six scientists have been chosen to make up the crew of a simulated mission to Mars that will include living in isolation in a Hawaii lava field. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case will appear in a televised debate July 26. Star-Advertiser.

Congressman Ed Case, D-Hawaii (2002-2007) and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, will come together for a televised debate on Thursday, July 26 between 6:30 pm and 8 pm on KHNL, KGMB and KFVE., Hawaii News Now announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, putting aside his concerns about equity, has signed a bill into law that makes private hospitals pay the state provider fees that in turn will attract millions in federal money to help finance medical care for the poor. Star-Advertiser.

The number of food stamp recipients in Hawaii who have been yanked from the program because of fraud has dropped dramatically since 2007 despite a huge expansion in the population getting such public assistance. Star-Advertiser.

The number of initial unemployment claims filed in Hawaii fell 11 percent last week, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii hotels ran fuller as July arrived, aided by increased air connections and the arrival of RIMPAC guests. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Rail opponents, including mayoral candidate and former Gov. Ben Cayetano, are "misinformed" if they believe the Federal Transit Administration does not support the city's $5.26 billion project, U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye said. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has opened an investigation into how the Honolulu Fire Department handed out a consulting contract to evaluate the merits of a merger with the Emergency Services Department. Civil Beat.

The city Ethics Commission is investigating allegations of wrongdoing in the 2010 award of a $175,000 consultant contract that recommended a merger of the Fire Department with the Emergency Services Department. Hawaii Reporter.

City of Honolulu officials within the Department of Environmental Services met for five hours today on how to respond to our questions about the Denny Wong Design dumping chemicals down the drain investigation.  They concluded their response was not to say anything because of the lawsuits involved. Hawaii News Now.

The federal agency that oversees fishery regulations opened a service center Thursday at the Commercial Fishing Village at Pier 38. Star-Advertiser.

A new building at Pier 38 in Honolulu promises to make life for commercial fishermen a whole lot easier. KITV4.

Pro-rail political action committee Pacific Resource Partnership hit the $500,000 mark this week, according to Civil Beat’s most recent look into who's buying political TV ads. Civil Beat.

World-famous Lanikai Beach attracts more visitors each year and with that comes an increasing amount of garbage. KHON2.

Hawaii
Santa Claus meets the bully pulpit meets Just Call Me Harry. There are as many campaign styles as there are major candidates for Hawaii County mayor. West Hawaii Today.

The three leading mayoral candidates held a largely cordial discussion about county priorities Thursday evening during their first major forum of the campaign season. West Hawaii Today.

The Fourth of July may have been a day earlier, but that didn’t stop the fireworks from flying Thursday night as three of Hawaii County’s mayoral candidates faced off in their first major debate of the election season. Tribune-Herald.

It was a mostly civil affair tonight as the top three contenders for Big Island mayor squared off for the first time, but the evening wasn’t without some sniping. Big Island Now.

A new biodiesel plant could change the face of locally-produced biodiesel and the Big Island's farming landscape. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County is now handling 17 relocation requests from Puna residents wanting to move away from the district’s geothermal power plant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Islanders could be riding on a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hele-On shuttle bus by the end of this year, or early 2013. Tribune-Herald.

A state task force is seeking Big Islanders’ input and concern regarding the number of Native Hawaiians incarcerated in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
A council committee this afternoon chose not to place land proposed for the Upcountry Town Center, a commercial and housing project across from Pukalani Superette, into an urban growth boundary. Maui News.

With assurances from Mayor Alan Arakawa that the community and the council will be involved with its development, a council committee on Tuesday voted to recommend the purchase of 100 acres in Waikapu for a county consolidated baseyard project. Maui News.

The second phase of Maui's Kaheawa wind energy project began commercial operations Thursday with a battery storage system that will allow Maui Electric Co. to absorb a higher share of intermittent wind power into the relatively small island electrical grid. Star-Advertiser.

A&B Properties, Inc., the real estate subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., announced today that it has begun sales in Phase II of its 179-acre Maui Business Park in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

First, smokers got kicked out of restaurants, bars and enclosed public establishments. Now, they are getting pretty close to being confined to parking lots at county parks. Garden Island.

The public will have the opportunity to address public safety questions and concerns with community leaders from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Kaua‘i Police Department and the County Council’s Chair of Public Safety at a series of public meetings in July. Garden Island.

Two candidates for U.S. Congress paid visits to Kaua‘i Thursday morning, on the heels of Independence Day celebrations. Garden Island.

Molokai

In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous. Molokai Dispatch.