Showing posts with label helicopter tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label helicopter tours. Show all posts

Friday, January 12, 2024

Seaglider plans interisland travel alternative, lawsuit alleges Sunshine Law violations in agency hirings, Honolulu balks at bailing out businesses in rail's path, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative hopes to provide low cost, accessible kamaʻāina transportation. Seagliders are all-electric, zero-emission vessels that would operate exclusively over water at speeds up to 180mph, drastically reducing the time and cost of transporting people and freight between coastal communities.  Maui Now.

Lawsuit Alleges Two State Entities Improperly Hired Their Leaders Behind Closed Doors. The Public First Law Center alleges that the Agribusiness Development Corp. and Defender Council violated Hawaii's Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi House majority outlines top priorities for 2024 legislative session. In advance of the start of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature on Jan. 17, the House Majority Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the upcoming session. Kauai Now.

5 months after Lahaina disaster, state still lacks emergency response plan for wildfires. Don Aweau started as executive officer of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in June. He said other priorities dominated the agency’s to-do list, but it’s now getting to the work of creating a wildfire plan. Hawaii News Now.

Panel sees jump in Hawaii tax revenue. Hawaii’s Legislature and Gov. Josh Green could have close to a half-billion dollars of additional state general fund revenue at their disposal over the next 18 months, according to a new projection that guides state spending. Star-Advertiser.

Professionals discuss impacts of climate change to Hawaii at briefing. Several professionals gathered at the state capitol Thursday for an informational briefing to alert people to the immediacy and magnitude of the threat that climate change poses to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Keeps Losing State Biosecurity Workers As Invasive Species Gain Ground. The Department of Agriculture has more than 100 job vacancies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bill to aid small businesses near rail disputed. A Honolulu City Council measure meant to give financial aid to eligible small businesses grappling with plummeting revenues due to rail-related construction has garnered little support from the city’s administration. Star-Advertiser.

City council asks HPD, other first responders to get critical info to media, public more quickly. HPD plans to establish 24/7 safety notification system. Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said Thursday he is not opposed to sharing information with the public. However, Logan does not believe access to police and first- responder radio communications should be restored. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Would Developers Build More Affordable Housing If They Could Charge Higher Rents? Maximum rents may go up for many new apartments reserved for Honolulu residents who aren’t considered low income but can’t afford housing without help. Civil Beat.

EPA probe eyes plumbing concerns after Navy confirms diesel in 4 Pearl Harbor homes. Navy water testing has confirmed a trace amount of diesel in four homes at Pearl Harbor, but it’s not jet fuel. The level is low and doesn’t spark any official warnings. Hawaii News Now.

Bike path connecting West Oahu to Manoa to cost tens of millions. A bike path that will connect West Oahu to UH Manoa will cost tens of millions according to the city. They said it’s a timeless investment. KHON2.

Video Of Makiki Ditch Debris Flow Sparks Discussion Of Who’s To Blame.
Heavy rain this week led to a deluge of household items flowing down waterways toward the ocean, and residents say the problem has gotten worse. Civil Beat.

Kayak excursion leader cited, disputes commercial activity.
The organizer of a kayak group cited by state officials over the weekend for allegedly engaging in commercial activity in state waters without a permit says he was simply leading a club on an excursion. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth to run for reelection: Mayor cites successes, challenges of first term while gearing up to fight for a second. The current mayor and former Hawaii County prosecutor announced his candidacy Thursday evening at an event at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

County Council accepts of $13M federal grant for repairs at former Hilo Memorial Hospital. Repairs at the former Hilo Memorial Hospital should begin later this year now that the Hawai‘i County Council has accepted $13 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Big Island Now.

Council passes bill targeting flavored tobacco products. Victory is sweet for health advocates after the Hawaii County Council passed a pending ban on flavored tobacco products, but the battle will continue at the state Capitol. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kate Blystone Selected As Next Maui County Planning Director. Mayor Richard Bissen picks the program officer for the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Initiative for the role. Civil Beat.

Newly completed management plan reduces air tours by 54% at Haleakalā. The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration have completed an Air Tour Management Plan for Haleakalā National Park, which authorizes up to 2,224 air tours per year, a 54% reduction from the existing average of 4,824 flights per year. Maui Now.

New community land trust seeks to 'keep Lahaina lands in Lahaina hands'. Board member Carolyn Auweloa of Lahaina says the organization was born out of concern for the community after the fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials say axis deer landowner incentive is not a bounty. Efforts to get a handle on Maui County’s axis deer population continue with a new project that will pay landowners for eradicating deer on their property. KHON2.

Kauai


Nareit helps Permanently Affordable Living Hawai‘i with roof.  A $75,000 grant will be used to replace an aging 53-year-old roof and install rooftop solar panels that will help lower utility costs for the kauhale’s residents, and also reduce the impact of the building’s energy usage on Kaua‘i’s environment. Garden Island.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Congressional hearing Tuesday on helicopter tourism, Jewish synagogues tighten security after email threat, teachers grapple with AI use in classroom, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pilots flying tourists over national parks face new rules after  the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and the Hawai‘i Island Coalition Malama Pono sued. Historically, some of the nation’s busiest spots for tour operators are Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park. The issue has grown so contentious that a congressional oversight hearing is planned for Tuesday. Associated Press.

Vacancies In State Child Welfare Services Jobs Reach Their Highest Point In Over A Decade. A report from Department of Human Services to the federal government paints a grim picture, but the state plans to award extra pay to try to attract more workers. Civil Beat.

Email Threat To Jewish Temples In Hawaii Heightens Security Fears. The state Attorney General’s Office and the FBI will investigate an email claiming that explosives had been placed in Jewish synagogues across Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green said. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green marks challenging first year in office, planning ahead to 2024.
One of Gov. Josh Green’s pledges on Day 1 in office was to provide more housing — a difficult task made monumental by the devastating Maui wildfires exacerbating Hawaii’s shortage of available and affordable places to live. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Face ‘Daunting Task’ Addressing AI Use In Classrooms. While some teachers have embraced tools powered by artificial intelligence over the past year, others remain uncertain about its role in their classrooms. Civil Beat.

Culture a big reason to keep Hawaiian Airlines’ identity.  The Hawaiian Airlines name is slated to join a roster of longtime kamaaina brands that lived on after being acquired by companies outside Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines’ parent owns Aloha Airlines trade name. Hawaiian Airlines has not only one venerable Hawaii aviation brand name, but a second one from a defunct former competitor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Parking contract extended for Ala Wai harbor. A short-term contract extension for management of parking at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor was awarded last week amid ongoing controversy over management of the popular state- controlled harbor and its coveted stalls. Star-Advertiser.

UH Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity gets $2M award
. The University of Hawaii’s Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity has received a $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Shoreline setback rule amendment to be considered. The Hawaii County Planning Department is holding a public hearing Thursday for the proposed amendment of Rule 11 which sets shoreline setback from 20 to 40 feet from the high water mark. West Hawaii Today.

Strong support for vape bill: Measure seeks to ban all flavored tobacco products. Big Island students gathered Tuesday to urge the Hawaii County Council to approve a ban of flavored tobacco products. Tribune-Herald.

Ground Broken On Largest Water Reservoir In Hawaiʻi. Officials on Thursday broke ground on the 10-Million-Gallon Lālāmilo Water Reservoir, which will be the largest reservoir in the State of Hawaiʻi when completed in two years. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Bay’s water quality targeted for improvement. Last week, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that they would award Hawaii County a $2 million grant to develop a watershed management plan for Hilo Bay. That grant will be accompanied by $464,300 in county funds. Tribune-Herald.

Progress made on Ocean View Skatepark. The nonprofit Ocean View Skatepark Association has for the past few years been fundraising and saving money for the project, which would be located on a portion of Kahuku Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui wildfire litigation expected to surge. The number of fire loss lawsuits filed in state court have topped 70 but is expected to soar into the hundreds — and perhaps beyond 1,000 — to easily become the biggest incidence ever of mass tort litigation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

New Maui water diversion permit approved. Tensions over a new East Maui water allocation permit ran high at a Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting Friday, resulting ultimately in the issuance of another temporary authorization for the continued diversion of millions of gallons of water. Star-Advertiser.

Maui looking at up to $100K for ohana unit construction.
On Friday the Council will consider a bill establishing the criteria for the ‘Ohana Assistance Pilot Program, which will offer grants of up to $100,000 to build an accessory dwelling unit, or second farm dwelling, for long-term occupancy. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina ash characterization testing shows elevated levels of toxic substances. The state Department of Health released data today showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, cobalt, and copper in wildfire ash collected in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Lahaina school replacement 2-3 months away. Late February or March is the earliest that a new temporary school being built to replace the King Kameha­meha III Elementary School campus lost in the Lahaina fire will be ready for students and teachers to occupy, based on an Army Corps of Engineers timeline. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

No major holiday tourism boost expected for Maui, bad press cited as one reason. With Christmas just a few weeks away, officials were hoping holiday visitors would give the island an economic boost, but they’re now expecting the numbers to fall far below expectations. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

County approves over $2M for fire, disaster prevention. The Kaua‘i County Council approved more than $2 million in funding to be used for fire, ocean and disaster prevention funding during a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi sees near to above average rainfall in November.  Regardless of dry conditions persisting throughout the state in November, all rain gauges on Kauaʻi recorded near to above average rainfall totals for the month. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Hawaii population slips in latest estimate, auditor suspends OHA audit, most mental patients used meth, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Food court at Ala Moana Center ©2019 All Hawaii News
State's Continuing Population Decline Raising More Concerns About Economic Impacts. A new report from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism highlights the migration of residents during a five-year period using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Hawaii Public Radio.

Amid ongoing cost of living woes, Hawaii’s population shrinks for third year. New Census estimates show that Hawaii’s population dropped by more than 4,700 people ― to 1,415,872 ― from July 2018 to July 2019 when births, deaths and migration were accounted for. Hawaii News Now.

Full Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism press release and report can be found here.

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State suspends Office of Hawaiian Affairs audit over refusal to release records. State Auditor Les Kondo announced Monday that the Office of the Auditor has suspended its audit of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ limited liability companies because the OHA Board of Trustees is denying access to complete and unredacted minutes of its meetings. Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor Suspends Review Of OHA LLCs. State Auditor Les Kondo said Monday that his office has suspended its audit of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ limited liability companies after the OHA Board of Trustees decided “to deny his office access to complete and un-redacted minutes of its meetings.” Civil Beat.

Auditor: Secrecy forced him to suspend lawmaker-requested review of OHA. Hawaii’s state auditor announced Monday that he is suspending his audit of non-profit Limited Liability Companies established by OHA. Hawaii News Now.

OHA audit suspended. State Auditor Les Kondo announced Monday that he has suspended an audit of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ limited liability companies, after the OHA Board of Trustees refused to turn over complete and unredacted minutes of its meetings. Garden Island.

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Hawaii joins a growing number of states enacting ‘Red flag’ gun law. A new gun law will go into effect in Hawaii on New Year’s Day. Hawaii News Now.

Case On Congress: ‘I Lived In Two Parallel Universes’ In 2019. The Hawaii congressman needed to balance the growing partisan divide with his desire to get work done for the state he calls home. Civil Beat.

63% Of Hawaii State Hospital Patients Have Used Meth. Methamphetamine also was a factor in repeat hospitalizations. Civil Beat.

Tax changes coming up. On Jan. 2, 2020, taxpayers can begin filing all returns due in 2020, including Individual Income Tax, on Hawaii Tax Online. Garden Island.

State Grant-in-Aid Process Opens to Nonprofits. Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced that qualified nonprofit and other organizations can now apply for GIA for the 2020 Legislative Session. Big Island Now.

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A look back at the top 5 Hawaii news stories of 2019. From one of the largest public corruption cases in state history to a new airline entering the Hawaii market, these are the top five Hawaii news stories of 2019. Star-Advertiser.

The Year In Photographs. The fall of Honolulu’s law enforcement power couple. A resurgence of Hawaiian activism. The fading star power of Tulsi Gabbard. And the islands’ unstable future in the face of a changing climate. Civil Beat.

From record heat to TMT protests, these were some of the biggest stories of 2019. Hawaii News Now.

These are the 10 most clicked HNN stories of 2019. Here’s a look at the 10 most clicked stories on Hawaii News Now’s digital platforms in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Full Plastic Bag Ban Starts in 2020 With More Restrictions On The Way. All plastic bags, including compostable ones, will be banned in Oahu stores beginning in 2020, and that's just the start of the city's coming restrictions on plastics. Hawaii Public Radio.

Stricter plastic bag ban starts Jan. 1 on Oahu. Another change is coming to Oahu’s plastic bag ban in the new year. KHON2.

Waimea Native Forest Acquired For Conservation. The 3,716 acres of mountain watershed on Oahu will be used for management and recreation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

A retired Hawaii County police detective is under investigation for allegedly assaulting another county official while still a member of the department in the vicinity of a building that houses government offices. Ian Lee Loy, who’s married to Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, is being investigated in the incident, according to official sources. West Hawaii Today.

Task force sets sights on Pahoa albizia. The island’s war against albizia will continue into the new year as the Big Island Invasive Species Committee prepares to clear the trees from a street in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State looks to expand space at Kahului Harbor. Demand at harbor’s cargo storage yard expected to increase. Maui News.

“Ground Truthing” Set to Begin Today at Maui Lani Phase 6 Development. Members of the group Malama Kakanilua and other individuals that identify themselves as iwi protectors gathered in front of the Towne Realty Parkways Subdivision in Maui Lani this morning to voice their concerns regarding “ground truthing” at the site. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Telcom paints over unsolicited Wyland mural on Maui. Hawaiian Telcom on Monday painted over an unauthorized mural that well-known marine artist Robert Wyland had painted on its Dickenson Street building in Lahaina over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

New wasp could help to protect crucial native trees. State hopes to deploy second insect to fight destructive galls. Maui News.

Hawaii Water Service to acquire Maui water, waste treatment company. Hawaii Water Service has entered into an agreement with Maui Land and Pineapple Company to acquire its Kapalua Water Company and Kapalua Water Treatment Company assets, the water utility company announced last week. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

FAA records show Kauai pilot wasn’t certified for instrument flight. National Transportation Safety Board investigators on Monday flew over the site of a fatal sightseeing tour helicopter crash on Kauai, and will try, among other things, to get “boots on the ground” today, the lead investigator said. Star-Advertiser.

Feds: Crash investigation ‘challenging’. Four investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have landed on Kauai, taking over the investigation into Thursday’s helicopter crash that killed seven people. Garden Island.

Friday, May 3, 2019

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Ige's top aide Fuchigami resigns, schoolteachers average $57,866, Kilauea anniversary marked, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Hawaii House Democratic Majority
Hawaii House members sing 'Hawaii Aloha' at session end PC:Hawaii House Majority
Hawaii legislative session ends on a divisive note. The state Legislature on Thursday adjourned for the year without its traditional display of unity, when House and Senate members clasp hands and sing “Hawaii Aloha.” Star-Advertiser.

Senate Closes The 2019 Session With Some Sharp Divisions. The state House adjourned while highlighting its successes. The Senate, meanwhile, is left reflecting on its compromises and splits. Civil Beat.

Legislature Adjourns, Attention Shifts To Governor's Intent On Key Bills. Hawaii lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday with an olive branch extended to Gov. David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fate of bills now in governor’s hands as legislative session comes to a close. The 2019 legislature came to a close Thursday, and proposals that made it through the House and Senate now have one more hurdle before becoming law: Gov. David Ige. Hawaii News Now.

The 2019 Legislative session has officially ended. "Today I'm just going to be honest, this has been incredibly difficult," Senate President Ron Kouchi said.  A difficult session that ignited results, all the way to the very end. KITV.

Lawmakers wrap up 2019 legislative session. State lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday after several months of work at the state Capitol debating and passing bills, including measures reducing penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and establishing all-mail elections. Associated Press.

Despite Legislative Setbacks, Ige Sees ‘Progress’ For His Agenda. In the 2019 session many administration bills died, programs got less funding than sought and nominees faced tough grilling. Civil Beat.

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Ford Fuchigami leaving post as Gov. David Ige’s administrative director. It’s not clear why Fuchigami is stepping down. Star-Advertiser.

Ford Fuchigami To Leave Ige Administration. The top aide to the Hawaii governor will step down at the end of May. Civil Beat.

Vacation Rental Bill: Where Lawmakers Live Determined How They Voted. Legislators from beachfront communities largely opposed the vacation rental bill, while support came from lawmakers who haven’t seen a proliferation of the properties. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s average public school teacher salary in 2017-18 was $57,866, a 2% increase from the year before that ranks its pay 18th highest among the states, but falls below the U.S. average, according to a new analysis released by the National Education Association. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with Landed, a down payment assistance and homebuyer education program aimed at helping teachers and school employees afford to buy homes, to bring new homeownership options to K-12 educators across the state. Maui Now.

State Lawmakers Asking FAA To Take Action On Tour Helicopter Operations In State. State lawmakers are asking federal officials to either ground all tour helicopters in the islands or ban flights over residential neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Army manager got antique car, other bribes in exchange for contracting info. A former Schofield Barracks range operations manager pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to accept bribes in exchange for disclosing sensitive Army procurement details. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs high-rise fire safety bill. A measure making it easier for owners of older high-rise condominiums to meet stricter fire safety regulations was signed into law Thursday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs Bill 96 relating to fire safety into law. Bill 96 gives condominium associations the power to decide whether or not to retrofit high-rises with sprinklers or complete a life safety evaluation. KITV.

Final State Audit On Rail Finds Overpayments To Contractors, Billing Issues. The audit relied on a small sample of invoices so it’s not clear whether those billing problems within HART extend to other rail contracts, the state auditor said. Civil Beat.

Union announces layoffs imminent at The Modern Honolulu hotel. Diamond Resorts has notified 78 workers at The Modern Honolulu that their positions are to be eliminated in the next 30 days, according to Unite Here Local 5, the labor union representing the workers. Star-Advertiser.

There have been 21 dog attacks at this Kakaako park in the last 3 years. State taxpayers could end up paying big after another dog attack near a Kakaako homeless camp. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea, One Year Later: Volcanic Hazards Remain A Threat. This Friday makes a year since Kilauea erupted, sending lava into residential communities on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

USGS
KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Displaced farmers face 'a long road ahead'. Tribune-Herald.

ONE YEAR AGO: Volcano Watch Details Eruption Start. Hawaii Public Radio.

One year anniversary - Kilauea: Reshaping the Aina. KHON2.

KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Midwife, husband vow to return to Leilani despite losing homes in two eruptions. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County residents continue to file for building permits in riskiest zones. Since the eruption subsided in August, county officials say, 127 people have pulled permits to build or rebuild in Lava Zone 1, which includes areas experiencing recent flows. Star-Advertiser.

Man who fell into Kilauea caldera in stable condition. A 32-year-old man airlifted to Hilo Medical Center on Wednesday evening after falling into the Kilauea caldera is a solider stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District have reopened after issues with the stream monitoring system caused a closure three weeks ago. Maui News.

Community looks to crack down on illegal fireworks; meeting held Wednesday. Lack of evidence, authority make it tough to prosecute, search cargo. Maui News.

Maui staying vigilant in fight against rapid ohia death disease. Regular aerial surveys, sampling aim to keep island free of fungus deadly to tree. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Fruitful’ session, says Nakamura. State Rep. Nadine Nakamura said she thought it was an especially fruitful session for Kauai. Garden Island.


Robust reefs, fewer floods. Kauai’s coral reefs protect the island from about $11 million worth of damages every year, according to a new study released by the U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy and the University of California Santa Cruz. Garden Island.

For the seventh time in history, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared glyphosate unlikely to cause cancer in humans. On Kauai, glyphosate has been found in roughly one third of tested beehives, according to a 2018 study, with concentrations as high as 179 parts per billion. Garden Island.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Hawaii mops up after winter storm, Senate rejects marijuana edibles, Honolulu public-private rail partnership 4 months behind schedule, Big Island gets half the recovery money, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Strong winds are expected to ease on Monday after a potent winter storm pummeled the state just a day prior, toppling trees onto cars, sending waves washing onto roadways and triggering widespread power outages throughout the day. Hawaii News Now.

Although a statewide high wind warning has been canceled, a high surf warning is in effect for all islands along with scattered weather warnings and advisories as the low-pressure system passes north of Hawaii Island this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The bulk of the windy conditions is over for the islands. As a strong area of low pressure will lift northeastward and away from the state over the next couple of days, resulting in diminishing winds. KHON2.

PHOTOS: Wild winds and surf rock the Aloha State. KITV.

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Senate committee rejects sale of marijuana edibles. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Tax Carbon Emissions To Combat Climate Change? Several measures in the Legislature give the public a chance to weigh in on what could be a sweeping environmental policy reform. Civil Beat.

A bill to create a Hawaii Aerospace Development Corporation appears grounded for this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

A  Senate panel Friday deferred a decision on whether to advance a controversial bill that would shut down the commercial collection of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The gender of Hawaii residents would no longer be included on limited-purpose driver’s licenses under a bill Hawaii lawmakers advanced Wednesday that aims to protect transgender people from discrimination. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers Hit With $1.1 Million Tab After State Settles Lawsuits. Civil Beat.

DOE, OIA respond to ACLU's federal lawsuit alleging Title IX violations. An update on the federal lawsuit the ACLU filed against the state Department of Education on December 6, 2018. KITV.

Commentary: As U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard struggles to right her faltering campaign for president, deafening in their silence are fellow Hawaii Democratic politicians who have been slow to back the hometown candidate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city’s critically important effort to launch a public-private partnership to complete the Honolulu rail project is running nearly four months behind the schedule mapped out by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation last year, but the head of the rail authority says the effort is still on track. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s two newest tools aimed at curbing homeless activity have unspecified legal problems that are preventing their enforcement, nearly four months after they became law. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless at Oneula Beack Park, also known as "Hau Bush,” say they were warned on Friday to get their vehicles out because the area will now be blocked off by boulders. The announcement comes the day after a sweep and heated town hall meeting, in which Ewa Beach residents complained that the park is overrun with rowdy squatters, dumping, and crime. Hawaii News Now.

Three Oahu areas named 'Worst cities to live in America'. The cities that made the list are said to have high crime rates, poverty, "weak job markets and little in the way of entertainment options or cultural attractions." KITV.

Hawaii lawmakers have reopened a debate over Kakaako building heights by proposing to allow at least two exceptionally tall towers. Star-Advertiser.

Birds escape from zoo enclosure after wind knocks tree onto cage. Two African ground hornbills escaped from their enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Calls for a shakeup at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Thirty current and former employees are calling for CEO Lisa Fowler's resignation. They formed a group called "People for Animals First." KITV.

East Honolulu school goes green with culture shift in the cafeteria. It’s lunch time at Mary, Star of the Sea School in Kahala. Plastic forks and water bottles are no where sight. Instead the kids use stainless steel trays and utensils. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide $60 million in additional disaster aid to Hawaii County cleared four state House committees Friday with some strings attached. Tribune-Herald.

House lawmakers Friday approved a lava and flood disaster aid package for Hawaii County that includes $20 million the county can use as the local match for federal disaster assistance, and another $40 million in loans from the state to the county. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House Committee today voted to amend a bill to provide disaster relief funding for Hawaii County in the amount of $60 million, less than half the amount requested by the County at the beginning of the 2019 legislative session. Big Island Video News.

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Years of neglect led to Hawaii County spending $618,000 to rent last-minute daily substitute buses in December alone, but the Mass Transit Agency is working hard to stop the bleeding, Administrator Brenda Carreira told the County Council last week. West Hawaii Today.

A charter amendment that would have cut the annual open-space preservation set-aside from 2.25 percent of property tax revenues to 1 percent will not be on the 2020 ballot, following a failing vote Friday by the county Charter Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A proposal to put a land fund reduction to a public vote in 2020 failed at the Hawaii County Charter Commission on Friday. Big Island Video News.

Bills take on helicopter noise. Helicopter noise has long been a concern for many Big Island residents. Tribune-Herald.

The Kona Historical Society is moving forward with plans to construct a community gallery at its main campus in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

A federal program could bring new money to parts of Kailua-Kona and Hilo by encouraging investment in low-income communities across the country dubbed Opportunity Zones. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Multiple Parking Violations at Hookipa Amid Mega Surf. Maui Now.

Restoration of forest key to fire control, expert says. Over the past century, there’s been a fourfold increase in the annual amount of acreage burned in Hawaii. Maui News.

A piece of Maui's housing market slumped in January, but median prices for homes sold last month were up modestly, according to industry data. Star-Advertiser.

40 years later, mystery still surrounds the Sarah Joe and its five Hana fishermen who didn’t return. Maui News.

Kauai

A proposed measure in the state House aiming to change the state’s water-use permitting system passed through a committee hearing on Friday, and the hearing’s public testimony threw the spotlight onto Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The Kauai Lifeguard Association’s goal is to help save lives. And they do so while trying to further an “Ocean-Minded Community.” Garden Island.

Two abandoned cars have been taking up space in the dirt parking lot by Wailua Beach Park. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Media dissects Ige's State of the State address, tsunami watch canceled, HI-EMA officer retiring, annual homeless count begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii House Democrats
Gov. Ige begins State of the State address PC: Hawaii House Democrats
Gov. David Ige used his fourth State of the State speech to request an additional $100 million from state lawmakers for housing, and says the state is “on track” to build 10,000 new housing units by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Ige touts accomplishments, ignores missile alert in State of the State address. Gov. David Ige touted accomplishments from his first three years in office in his State of the State address on Monday, including boosting pay for teachers and outfitting more classrooms with air conditioning, and vowed to keep tackling the state’s housing shortage. Associated Press.

In rebuttal to critics, Ige uses State of the State to highlight his wins. Hawaii News Now.

Governor delivers State of the State address for 2018. KHON2.

Education also ranked high on the governor's list in his State of the State speech. KITV.

Governor David Ige’s State of the State address covered what his administration has accomplished and what it’s going to do to help ease homelessness, build more affordable housing, educate keiki, protect the environment and invest in highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Education, innovation, and affordable housing were some of the main ideas found in Governor David Ige’s January 22 State-of-the-State address. The false missile alert that has consumed much of his time since January 13 was not mentioned. Big Island Video News.

Why no discussion of bogus ICBM alert in State of the State? Ige says he's talked about it enough. Hawaii News Now.

Media Isn’t Ready To Let Ige Put Missile Alert Behind Him. The governor wanted to talk about issues and accomplishments. Reporters were waiting with questions about the false alarm. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers: Ige speech lacks details. Affordable housing, creating quality jobs, education and traffic were top priorities Gov. David Ige spoke of during his State of the State address Monday from the State Capitol in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Full text: Gov. David Ige's 2018 State of the State address. All Hawaii News.

Hawaii Minority Caucus responds to Ige's address. KITV.

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HI-EMA executive officer Clairmont retiring this year. Toby Clairmont, the executive officer for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, is retiring by year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

False-missile probe to get ‘fresh pair of eyes,’ Ige says. Gov. David Ige on Monday defended his selection of the state’s deputy adjutant general to lead a probe of last week’s false missile alert and make recommendations for improvements, despite criticism from some lawmakers who contend the official is too close to the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige told reporters Monday that part of the delay in notifying the public that the Jan. 13 ballistic missile alert was a false alarm was that he did not know his Twitter account password. Star-Advertiser.

National Weather Service requires two people to send alerts. KHON2.

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Social service workers, government workers and community volunteers fanned out across the islands Monday night for the first night of a census that will measure whether Hawaii is making progress in its efforts to reduce the country’s highest per capita rate of homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Awkward And Rewarding Task Of Surveying Homeless Begins. Volunteers around the islands ask personal questions of homeless people for the annual point-in-time count. Civil Beat.

An effort to document every homeless person in the state underway. Hawaii News Now.

Why Hawaii’s Unlicensed Elder Care Industry Is Out Of Control. Lawmakers have introduced a bill with the backing of the industry and some elderly-rights groups but the measure faces a long road to passage. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says there's a rise in unlicensed care homes and calls it a "major health concern". KITV.

As government shutdown ends, Hawaii parks reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of federal workers in Hawaii are expected to be back on the job today after a short-term federal spending bill was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

State unemployment hits all-time low of 2%. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was briefly under a tsunami watch early this morning following a magnitude 7.9 earthquake off Alaska late Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has cancelled the tsunami watch for Hawaii following 7.9 magnitude earthquake off Alaska. Hawaii Public Radio.

Economics of Home Solar Batteries: Affordable For Now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Group of homeless providers take a stand: It's time to re-think 'compassionate disruption. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu residents will see their electrical bills jump $2.44 this month primarily due to higher fuel costs. Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday that the typical bill in January for an Oahu household using 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity is $144.26, up from $141.82 in December. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei data center expands capacity by 70%. AlohaNAP's data facility is expanding its capacity by 70 percent, a move driven by demand from local businesses and international content providers, the Kapolei data center facility said on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

‘Peter Boy’ act passes first reading. A bill introduced by two Hawaii Island state senators that would repeal the 10-year statute of limitations on all manslaughter cases except for vehicular manslaughter passed its first reading by the full senate Monday. Tribune-Herald.

DOH hits Sheraton with notice, $20,000 fine. The operator of a new eatery at Sheraton Kona and spa is facing a hefty fine for operating without a valid state Department of Health permit. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii lawmakers introduce bill to keep Maui apartment complex affordable. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that directs the state housing finance agency to acquire a 142-unit apartment complex on Maui in an effort to keep rents there affordable for low-income tenants at the Front Street Apartments in Lahaina. Pacific Business News.

A trial is set to begin Wednesday for one of six protesters arrested last year while trying to block a large vehicle convoy carrying equipment to the summit of Haleakala. Maui News.

Maui County begins nearly $2M project to repair Piilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Bypass realignment can be tweaked but cannot be stopped. Changes planned for the north end of the bypass at Keawe Street have run into plenty of opposition. Maui News.

Landslide Repair Work Begins at Nuanualoa Gulch. Maui Now.

Sunrise viewing, park operations back after spending bill passes. Maui News.

Event organizers today estimated number of people who turned out for the Women’s March Maui 2018 at somewhere between 3,500 to 5000 individuals. Maui Now.

Kauai

Another helicopter company to start flying. Maverick Helicopters is adding its own choppers to Kauai skies sometime in early summer of 2018, to the disgruntlement of some residents. Garden Island.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Hawaii tourism agency targets NYC, state battles occupiers of iconic Coco Palms resort, Maui coffee bonds advance, Ige bolsters state building code, groups fight over seal protection, more money sought in Honolulu police cases, tax on Amazon purchases coming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 Al Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki beach scene © 2017 All Hawaii News
Tourists in Hawai’i spend $33,000 a minute. That’s up 8 percent in average visitor spending from the same time last year, according the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.  Nearly three-fourths are return visitors, so the marketing strategy for the mainland is to focus on the “Never Beens.” And that market’s New York. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii will host its largest incentive travel group from China next month, but roughly 40 percent of Nu Skin’s top distributors won’t be joining their peers because their visa applications were rejected. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has updated the state’s building codes and standards, requiring new construction to be more energy-efficient. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii could save more than $14 billion in energy costs during the next 20 years under a new building code recently signed by Gov. David Ige. Pacific Business News.

Worried about the state’s anemic voter turnout, two Senate committees unanimously approved legislation Thursday to implement voting by mail for all Hawaii counties by 2020. Civil Beat.

Startup technology companies boosted by government funds in Hawaii boosted the amount of taxes they paid the state last year by 74 percent, according to a recent survey. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s incubator and manufacturing companies contributed $619.6 million to the state’s economy in 2016, according to the results of an annual survey conducted by the High Technology Development Corp. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige nominated Tom Gorak to be confirmed as a commissioner of the state panel responsible for regulating public utilities, after having served as interim commissioner for nine months. Star-Advertiser.

It’s not exactly a Christmas holiday-level deluge, but the U.S. Postal Service is seeing a significant boost in the number of Amazon packages shipped to Hawaii in advance of the giant online retailer collecting the state’s general excise tax here starting Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Amazon tax: Burden or boon? Hawaii consumers, retail industry divided on added charge. Tribune-Herald.

The Trump administration filed a notice Thursday to appeal U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson’s nationwide stay against the president’s revised executive order on immigration. Civil Beat.

President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday appealed the latest court ruling against his revised travel ban to the same court that refused to reinstate the original version. Associated Press.

Lawmakers Urge Medical Help For Micronesian Veterans. Service members from Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States are not eligible for U.S. care. Civil Beat.

Some Hawaii lawmakers are pushing to criminally charge people who leave their dog tied up too long. Garden Island.

Oahu


Proposed Increases In Honolulu Taxes And Fees Will Be ‘A Tough Sell.' City officials say the cost of government operations is growing — including salaries, pensions and other benefits. But some council members are pushing back. Civil Beat.

A private security officer who shot a pet dog in the head in front of its owner at Honolulu Airport Tuesday night is being investigated for reckless endangering in the second degree and was previously fired as a civilian police officer for the Army “for pulling a gun too much,” according to state Sen. Will Espero. Star-Advertiser.

State releases nearly 400-page airport security contract with Securitas. KHON2.

Ten women have filed a lawsuit alleging they were sexually assaulted and harassed by four guards and one Department of Public Safety worker while incarcerated at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

City seeks more funding for firms to fight lawsuit filed by former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his family. Star-Advertiser.

Another Honolulu police officer, high in the ranks, has retired while being examined for his role in a federal public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Beach confrontations over the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals are spilling over into Hawaii's courtrooms. In a lawsuit filed in state Circuit Court, a woman known for helping rescue seals said she's being harassed by volunteers for a nonprofit group that works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors monk seals in Hawaiian waters. Hawaii News Now.

The long-vacant Queen Emma Building in Downtown Honolulu could be redeveloped into a 71-unit affordable rental housing project that also would include units for housing homeless families, Pacific Business News.

The city is moving forward on its $1 million makeover of historic Thomas Square, but not everyone is on board with the changes. Hawaii News Now.

Got cauliflower? Field Day highlights potential Hawaii crop. These trials are a step toward the governor's goal of doubling our food production so Hawaii don’t have to rely so much on imports. KITV.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island residents received no immediate solutions to the problem of helicopter tour noise pollution during a meeting Thursday afternoon, but were assured that their voices were heard as federal officials once again attempt to address the issue. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island residents, especially those living in Puna subdivisions who are fed up with the constant noise from low flying tour helicopters visiting the volcano, had a chance to take their complaints directly to the feds on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

A former school campus at Mauna Lani resort could see new life as a shopping plaza, if the County Council approves rezoning the property from agriculture to mixed commercial/industrial. West Hawaii Today.

TMT International Observatory signed a hosting agreement Thursday that would allow construction of its giant telescope on the Spanish island of La Palma. The site is part of the Canary Islands and is the developer’s backup plan should it not be able to resume construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea by April 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Memorial Medical Center is on track to transition to Kaiser on July 1, as part of a public/private partnership approved by the state in 2015. Maui Now.

A bill to authorize a special purpose revenue bond for as much as $13 million to help MauiGrown Coffee Inc.’s expansion to the lower slopes of Haleakala has cleared the state Senate Ways and Means Committee. Maui News.

E.K. Fernandez Shows’ cancellation of next week’s Maui County Carnival threw a cloud over the Maui Fair as well. Maui News.

Kauai


Kauai police and the prosecutor's office are debating whether to take action against some people who have been camping out at the abandoned Coco Palms Resort — some for as long as a year. Hawaii News Now.

Owners of the iconic Coco Palms resort on Kauai are working to remove residents who they say have been living on the property illegally. Associated Press.

State officials say a group occupying land on a historic hotel site is trespassing. Garden Island.

A second informational meeting has been set for the public to hear about the state’s plan to eradicate rats on Lehua Island with poison this summer. Garden Island.