Neighbor Island budgets in the balance as state lawmakers dicker over rail, land lease bill killed, Legislature passes budget, Oahu hepatitis scare, Punahou president retiring, Maui to oust homeless from beach, Marines agree to cut back Upolu airport use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea timelapse, courtesy University of Hawaii

The Hawaii Senate killed a bill Tuesday that would have allowed the state to lease land in perpetuity. House Bill 1469 raised alarm on social media Tuesday and among environmental organizations who feared it would allow the state to give away public land, particularly conservation land on Mauna Kea for the purpose of building telescopes. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature passed dozens of bills Tuesday, including measures that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia and limit prescriptions for painkillers. Lawmakers also tackled cost-of-living issues, agreeing this year to tax the rich at higher rates in order to give a tax break to low- and middle-income workers. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers voted Tuesday to spend $28 billion during the next two years in a budget that includes money for homelessness programs, improving school buildings and fighting rat lungworm disease. Associated Press.

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State House and Senate lawmakers extended their fierce disagreement today over how to bail out the financially strapped Honolulu rail project, with senators proposing to extend the half-percent excise tax surcharge for rail for another decade, and the House rejecting that idea. Star-Advertiser.

The House and Senate remain at a standoff on how to pay for rescuing Honolulu’s troubled rail project, with the two chambers passing competing tax proposals Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The State Senate and House today each advanced separate measures to fund Honolulu’s Rail Transit System. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rail tax in turmoil: Senate, House pass dueling bills. KITV.

Two days before the legislative session is set to end, a solution to fund Honolulu’s rail project is still up in the air. KHON2.

The tussle for Transient Accommodations Tax allocation is continuing. Garden Island.

Mayor Kim: Property Tax Increase Will be Necessary, Due To Rail. Big Island Video News.

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All Hawaii private homeowners, businesses and organizations with cesspools would have to stop using them by 2050, according to a bill passed Tuesday by the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

A quarterly report from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the state agency tasked with overseeing the program, shows the multiple attempts made over the first three months of 2017 to lend funds have failed or are still pending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii won’t start to get a previously announced 2,700 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, until 2027 in a move that is expected to cost $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion for infrastructure (in 2012 dollars), with training ranges a particular concern, the U.S. Government Accountability Office recently said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public schools chief told parents in a letter Tuesday the state has “serious concerns” about a popular new Netflix series called “13 Reasons Why.” Tribune-Herald.

As a new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” grows in popularity, mental health professionals and schools across the country, including in Hawaii, are warning parents about the messages the show may be sending. Hawaii News Now.

For the second year in a row, Hawaiian Airlines topped the $100 million mark in fees for checked bags, canceled reservations and flight changes, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air, which has been expanding under new ownership, ended 2016 with its 15th straight quarterly loss as it began its change to larger, more efficient aircraft. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A city proposal could give back Oahu retailers the ability to use any type of plastic bag again, with a consumer fee. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday deferred action on a bill that would prohibit pedestrians from viewing mobile electronic devices while crossing a street or highway, after concerns were raised that the measure’s language might be too vague. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature’s struggle to agree on a rail tax plan isn’t the only fiscal uncertainty facing Honolulu Hale, where officials also await word on negotiations for a new police contract. Civil Beat.

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Imported frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes distributed by Tropic Fish Hawaii LLC is being recalled after it tested positive for hepatitis A, the state Department of Health said today. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Tuesday that frozen ahi cubes distributed to a dozen grocery stores and food establishments on Oahu have tested positive for hepatitis A. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials say frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes sold at a dozen grocery stores and eateries on Oahu is being recalled after it tested positive for hepatitis A. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health is advising caution for Oahu residents who have recently eaten poke or ahi from a series of local stores and restaurants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahi poke sold at a dozen grocery stores and eateries on Oahu may have been contaminated with Hepatitis A, the state Health Department announced Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Imported frozen ahi cubes caused a health scare at several Oahu food establishments after it tested positive for Hepatitis A. KITV.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has been notified of imported frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes distributed by Tropic Fish Hawaii, LLC on Oahu that tested positive for hepatitis A. KHON2.

Hepatitis A vaccination shots will be offered at the Hawaii State Capitol to state employees Wednesday in wake of the recent voluntary recall of ahi tuna cubes that were used to prepare ahi at businesses across Oahu. KHON2.

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Construction costs in Honolulu were the second-highest in the nation during the first quarter, but Hawaii’s largest city had the smallest annual increase in costs among 12 cities monitored by Rider Levett Bucknall for its first quarter construction cost report. Pacific Business News.

WCCC inmates convert shipping containers to homes for final college project. Hawaii News Now.

Punahou School’s longtime president, James Scott, announced today he plans to retire from the private school at the end of the 2018-19 school year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to give the County Council more oversight of the administration’s temporary hires was unanimously endorsed Tuesday by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Marine Corps has agreed to cut back its use of Upolu Airport on Hawaii island after residents complained about hundreds of tilt-rotor Osprey and helicopter operations there. Star-Advertiser.

In a media release issued today, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety announced they are joining with Kupale Ookala to take Big Island Dairy to court for allegedly polluting the waters around the Hāmākua coast village. Big Island Video News.

The Waiaka Bridge replacement project could be back on. Lawmakers approved a two-year state budget Tuesday that includes $6 million for planning and land acquisition. Tribune-Herald.

International Pacific Research Center researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are predicting the permanent end of snowfalls on Big Island summits by 2100. Tribune-Herald.

An estate within the Big Island of Hawaii's Mauna Kea Resort, which is currently listed at $6.85 million, will be auctioned next month by New York-based Concierge Auctions. Pacific Business News.

Maui

The homeless community living at Baldwin Beach Park has until May 23 to vacate the area, according to a notice posted in the park Tuesday morning. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee finalized a proposed $704.8 million county budget for fiscal 2018, which includes saving the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, increasing trash collection fees and dedicating funds to road resurfacing. Maui News.

Pacific Biodiesel has begun preparations for its first sunflower harvest this month and has purchased a combine harvester, which was delivered Thursday. Maui News.

The Kaupo Community Association, with support of the Jonathan Starr Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines and state Sen. J. Kalani English, gave away 680 Victor M210 rattraps at the East Maui Taro Festival at the Hana Ball Park on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai gets $167.5 million in CIP funds. Garden Island.

A hub aiming to grow the island’s creative-technology market has received a $100,000 grant from the federal government. Garden Island.

Humane society turns 65. Garden Island.

Maui hospital transition set for July, new Honolulu rail CEO is temporary, Hawaii Island police chief retiring, solar firms buckling, hepatitis A death suspected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s tourism industry had its best September, setting records for visitor arrivals and spending and keeping the state on track for a fifth consecutive year of gains. Star-Advertiser.

Despite 65 seats up for election Nov. 8 in the Hawaii Legislature, only a handful of races are expected to be even remotely competitive in this Democrat-dominated state. Civil Beat.

The ideological differences couldn’t be more stark in the two races for seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s solar industry is going through a shakeout with a 40 percent loss in jobs, a nearly 30 percent drop in building permits and at least one company shutting down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has signed up 471 customers in just a week for a program that will charge residential customers less for power used during the day — when solar energy production is highest — and more at night, the utility confirmed  Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Specific data on hepatitis A not forthcoming from state. Star-Advertiser.

A 68-year-old Honolulu woman who got hepatitis A after eating tainted scallop sushi died last week after being in and out of the hospital since June, her lawyer said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Another case of hepatitis A has been confirmed in an Oahu McDonald’s employee and the death of an Oahu woman has been confirmed in connection with the June disease outbreak. Garden Island.

Oahu

As rail’s new interim executive director and CEO, Krishniah Murthy will step into a giant transit project mired in severe cost overruns, schedule delays and an uncertain future. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board has hired a veteran transit official as its interim director in hopes that his year-long tenure will help turn around the troubled rail project. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board has chosen a Los Angeles engineer to be the interim executive director for one year beginning in December. KITV.

Oahu’s multi-billion dollar rail project has a new leader — a man with 40 years of rail transit experience who says he’s ready to accept the challenges. KHON2.

Eight jammed-up Kakaako streets that were considered privately owned actually belong to the state, according to the Department of the Attorney General. That opinion could provide the city with a shortcut to address community concerns that the streets are clogged and hazardous due to parking slots that are being rented out by a private company that also claims ownership. Civil Beat.

Caldwell Campaign: We May Have Been Duped With Newspaper Ad. A campaign ad in the Star-Advertiser listed “Dennis Francis” — the name of the paper’s publisher — as one of the mayor’s supporters. Civil Beat.

Crews are repairing a broken water sewer main that spilled more than 5,000 gallons of wastewater at the Aliamanu Military Reservation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Police Chief Harry Kubojiri leans his chair back in his stripped-down office and contemplates, for the first time in almost 38 years, a life off the force. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri will retire at the end of this year, wrapping up a 37-year police career that spanned dramatic growth and change in his island community along with a troubling increase in the violence that his officers encounter in the field. Star-Advertiser.

An East Hawaii woman accused of voter fraud entered a no contest plea Monday as her trial started in Hilo. Tiffany Edwards Hunt was charged with the Class C felony for being registered to vote in a separate County Council district than where she lived. Tribune-Herald.

It was a long day at the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing in Hilo Thursday. Big Island Video News.

A special reintegration program has documented its ability to lower costs for treating mental illness — and its efforts could potentially prevent many individuals from getting arrested again. Tribune-Herald.

A long-awaited subsidy program for farmers battling the coffee berry borer came online in September, more than two years after the state legislation creating it was passed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation – Maui Region announced today that it has set July 1, 2017 as the date when Maui Health System, Kaiser Permanente, will assume responsibility for the operation of its three hospitals, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lāna‘i Community Hospital. Maui Now.

A date has been set for the transition of three state-run medical facilities on Maui. The Board of Directors of the Maui regional Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation voted that starting July 1, 2017, Kaiser will take over operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc. reported its fourth consecutive quarterly loss Thursday as costs to close Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation ate up profits from other business operations. Star-Advertiser.

In January, 2016, Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced that it is transitioning out of farming sugar and will instead pursue a diversified agricultural model for its 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

After two failed tries at takeoff, the fledgling ‘a’o (newell’s shearwater) perched on the edge of a stand near Lydgate Park’s Kamalani Kai Play Bridge and peered over the edge. Garden Island.

Lawmakers mull fishermen work conditions, county employees take witness stand in Kenoi trial, poll finds support for rail, Kauai beefs up security at county events, Honolulu homeless threaten children's center, Maui ethics board dismisses councilman's case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ohia lehua © 2016 All Hawaii News

The state Board of Agriculture on Tuesday approved a permanent quarantine for transport of ohia plant parts from Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers held a meeting to discuss conditions in the Hawaii longline fishing fleet and heard from an observer who described what it's like to live on the boats. Associated Press.

Lawmakers, officials from the fishing industry, advocacy groups and state officials convened at the Hawaii state Capitol on Wednesday for more than three hours to come up with solutions to address allegations of poor working conditions aboard Hawaii longline fishing vessels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers endeavored Wednesday to find ways to improve the working conditions of foreign crew members on U.S. commercial fishing boats and address allegations of human trafficking. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers delved into ways to improve work and pay conditions for the mostly foreign workers on longline fishing boats. KHON2.
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Hawaiian Electric Co. is now offering customers the option of enrolling in a program that will charge residential customers less for power used during the day — when solar energy production is highest — and more at night. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation says its Highways Maintenance staff removed more than 200 signs from DOT jurisdiction in the last month alone. KITV.

So many political campaign signs have been cropping up along state right of ways that the Hawaii Department of Transportation has issued a reminder that it’s a no-no. Civil Beat.

Hawaii International Film Festival executive director Robert Lambeth confirmed Wednesday that he will leave his post in 2017 to move to California and care for his ailing mother. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters Don’t Love Rail, But They Still Want The Job Done. Supporters of building the train’s route all the way to Ala Moana Center far outnumber people who want to cut the rail line short. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu charter amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot aims to give the Honolulu Police Commission more authority to rein in problem officers, providing it with subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify and force the disclosure of sensitive information. Civil Beat.

The chairwoman of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, located in the heart of the enduring Kakaako homeless encampment, suggested in January that the center close in the face of a 30 percent drop in revenue over the past two years, according to an email that Loretta Yajima sent to her state landlord and some lawmakers last month. Star-Advertiser.

Diamond Head Road is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu. But if you look away from the ocean, you can spot tents or hanging clothing deep in the brush. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Wright Reconstruction Will Displace 1,500 Anxious Tenants. Plans call for the public housing project to be rebuilt. Current residents have been promised interim housing and a chance to return. Civil Beat.

A judge has ruled in favor of a group of Honolulu property owners who challenged the city's residential tax on homes valued at $1 million or more. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health has confirmed hepatitis A has sickened another food service worker on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu police Sgt. Anson Kimura is going to jail for two months for accidentally shooting a woman in a bar while off duty. Star-Advertiser.

A firearm missing from the Oahu Community Correctional Center has been recovered and a person of interest in the incident has been arrested. KITV.

A Marine Corps helicopter struck a power line and made an emergency landing on the North Shore on Tuesday night. There were no injuries to the flight crew or civilians. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Current and former aides to Mayor Billy Kenoi testified at his criminal trial Wednesday as the state sought to build a theft case against the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

All county purchasing cards are supposed to have codes preventing the user from buying alcohol, Hawaii County Finance Director Deanna Sako said Wednesday during Mayor Billy Kenoi’s theft trial. Tribune-Herald.

Day two of the felony theft trial against Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi consisted of four witnesses, mainly Hawaii County employees, testifying against their boss. Hawaii News Now.

More county workers took the stand on day two of the criminal trial for Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi in Hilo. KHON2.
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Trial has been set for early 2017 for a former Hawaii Police Department officer alleged to have fatally struck a cyclist in March 2015. West Hawaii Today.

A $1.4 billion project to build one of the world's largest telescopes is up against intense protests by Native Hawaiians and others who say building it on the Big Island's Mauna Kea mountain will desecrate sacred land. Associated Press.

Maui

The county Ethics Board has declined to investigate a complaint against Council Member Don Couch over his purchase of an affordable-priced home because the allegations were “vague,” exceeded the statute of limitations and did not cite a specific Code of Ethics violation that the board could act on. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will be implementing its plan to restrict overnight vehicle access to Kanahā Park starting Nov. 1, 2016. Maui Now.

Maui County will be holding a free, drive-thru hard drive and backup tape destruction and disposal service from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the county building. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council voted 5-to-1 to pass a bill that sought to appropriate funds from the general fund to pay for extra security at county-hosted events. Garden Island.

On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council voted 6 to 1 to pass Resolution No. 2016-57, which proposed making changes to projects funded by a $13.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Grant. Garden Island.

The Garden Island is asking the same five questions of all 13 Kauai County Council candidates, to help residents decide who to vote for on Nov. 8.

Medical marijuana farmers await state OK, Honolulu mayoral candidates woo Native Hawaiians, DLNR rejects foreign fisher proposal, feds to make rules for fish farms, Marine Corps re-establishing landing zones on Kauai, Maui approves $5M OT for disaster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medical marijuana dispensary

The groups that plan to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii have all identified sites to grow their products, but none of the eight licensees has begun cultivating the plants because they haven’t been given a green light from the state Department of Health. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licensees have been hustling to get operations up and running, but the state has yet to finalize a contract for a tracking system required to monitor production and sales. Star-Advertiser.

The state agency that oversees aquatic resources has recommended denying a petition submitted by five Hawaii residents to amend rules for obtaining a state longline fishing license — a petition aimed at cracking down on reported labor abuses aboard Hawaii- based fishing vessels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials are recommending rejection of a petition to require additional information of applicants for commercial marine licenses. Civil Beat.

In a posting dealing with undocumented foreign fishermen in Hawaii, the state Department of Aquatic Resources is recommending that a board deciding on rule changes for commercial fishing licenses deny the petition. Associated Press.

Federal officials plan to develop rules for the operation of fish farms in 2.2 million miles of U.S. waters in the Pacific — a move that many hope will help stem the nation’s annual $11 billion seafood trade deficit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s tourism industry and construction sector continue to keep the economy humming, but there are signs on the horizon that the state’s growth may be downshifting. Star-Advertiser.

The largest Hawaii outbreak of hepatitis A in at least 25 years is largely over despite the report of another case on Wednesday, which raised the number of those afflicted by the food-borne illness to 289. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Finds Itself Stuck As Others Abandon For-Profit Prisons. Even as the ground shifts nationally away from private prisons, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he sees no way it will change here anytime soon. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The two candidates for mayor of Honolulu made their appeals Wednesday to an influential organization representing the state’s indigenous people. The Council on Native Hawaiian Advancement welcomed incumbent Kirk Caldwell and challenger Charles Djou to the Sheraton Waikiki. Civil Beat.

With less than a month to go until the General Election, Honolulu mayoral candidates  seized the opportunity to lay out their plans for serving Native Hawaiians at the 15th annual Native Hawaiian Convention in Waikiki. KITV.

The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association isn't endorsing either of Honolulu's mayoral candidates deeming them “equally deserving of an endorsement.” Pacific Business News.

One man was arrested and more than 250 dogs were seized Wednesday from an animal shelter in Makaha. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Humane Society rescued hundreds of dogs from a Leeward Oahu property on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A state lawmaker is suing the governor and the Department of Education. Rep. Bob McDermott, R, Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, says it’s what he had to do to fix what he calls “emergencies” at an Ewa school. KHON2.

More safety concerns are being raised at Ala Moana Center. Experts tell us that other railings in the mall need immediate attention. KHON2.

Honolulu 2nd ‘Greenest’ City. The latest from the data crunchers at WalletHub. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Walk in their shoes; Mayor-elect Kim says Thirty Meter Telescope proponents need to better understand those opposing project. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. David Ige visited the micro-housing project in the Kona Old Industrial Area on Wednesday, nearly one year after he issued an emergency proclamation for Hawaii’s homelessness crisis. West Hawaii Today.

A blessing was held Wednesday for the Kamakana Villagaes at Keahuolu on the Big Island that will provide 170 homes for families and seniors in Kailua-Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Workers with the county Department of Public Works Traffic Division are continuing to convert existing streetlights to LED lights as part of an ongoing statewide replacement effort. According to the county, 90 percent of the streetlights on the Big Island already have been converted. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

After two hours of emotional testimony focused on spending transparency and government response to last month’s severe flooding event at ʻĪao and Kahoma Valleys, the Maui County Council voted 7-2 on Tuesday to approve $5 million in reimbursement funds, to pay for emergency work conducted so far. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council approved $5 million — already doled out by the county for overtime payment and disaster costs related to last months’ flooding of Wailuku River in Iao Valley — during an emergency meeting Tuesday in Council Chambers. Maui News.

What was billed as a special emergency meeting of the Maui County Council to authorize $5 million in reimbursements for expenses the county incurred during flooding of the Wailuku River during the severe storm of Sept. 13th turned into a marathon session that took public testimony from 32 speakers. MauiWatch.

The state is proposing the establishment of parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui in an effort to provide a self-sustaining funding source for the facility. Maui Now.

More than 200 Native Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian families will receive more child care services through Maui Family Support Services after the agency receives a $1 million federal grant, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced. Maui News.

People will have a chance to provide their thoughts and opinions on proposed rule changes for Hawai‘i Natural Area Reserves (NARs). Testimony can be given at a hearing on Maui on Thursday, November 10, 2016 starting at 6 p.m. It will be at the Kihei Community Center, 303 E. Lipoa Street. MauiWatch.

Kauai

The U.S. Marine Corps is considering a re-establishment of two landing zones on Kauai for aircraft training, and residents on the island are demanding more information. Garden Island.

As much as some Kauai County Council members wish the efforts going into securing a grant would have gone elsewhere, they agree it will benefit the community. Garden Island.

A bill aimed at allowing the sale of alcohol on the Wailua Golf Course was deferred Wednesday, giving officials time to answer insurance questions. Garden Island.

The first live mongoose in four years was captured on Kauai Tuesday morning when the unwelcome stowaway was seen in a bread shipment from Oahu at the Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Construction boom to slow, Caldwell-Djou debate Honolulu priorities, rail costs rise to $8.6B, Maui buys 268 acres near famous surf spot, Puna Geothermal releases steam, sewage leak on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu construction © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s booming construction industry — one of the main drivers of the state’s economy — appears to be nearing the peak of its cycle and will begin to grow at a slower pace beginning in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

In the first half of this year, some 5,000 construction workers were employed statewide as more major developments added to an already high volume of existing projects. Pacific Business News.

Retired teacher Jim Williams, one of the original members appointed to the Board of Education in 2011 after voters chose to do away with an elected school board, has resigned from the board, citing a lack of confidence and support from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education member Jim Williams resigned Thursday, citing his differences with Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

For the fifth straight year, the state of Hawaii is the nation’s leader per capita in saving energy at its office buildings, the state said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Advocates for Hawaii’s elderly celebrated a federal agency’s decision this week to bar the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements by nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Civil Beat.

Federal researchers have just returned from an expedition to study the biodiversity and mechanisms of an unusually rich deep-sea ecosystem off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Associated Press.

People who ate at any of 51 locations in Hawaii where employees infected with hepatitis A were working may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit against Genki Sushi, as well as a distributor and importer. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

More than 15 years after 9/11, the terrorist attacks and their aftermath became the hottest point of contention at a Honolulu mayoral debate Thursday, even as the city is facing current and serious challenges like an over-budget rail project and a rise in homelessness. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday called his six-figure-salary position on the Territorial Savings Bank board of directors “a service” — and not a second job. Star-Advertiser.

In what could be their final debate before the Nov. 8 election, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and challenger Charles Djou squared off Thursday, sparring over affordable housing, the state of Oahu's roads and what government should do to help businesses succeed. Hawaii News Now.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i hosted a Candidate Debate for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local rail leaders have raised their estimate yet again for how much it will cost to complete the cash-strapped 20-mile transit project, now putting the price tag at more than $8.6 billion. Star-Advertiser.

HART Raises Estimate For Total Cost Of Rail Project To $8.6 Billion. At that price, there’s a funding gap of $1.8 billion. Civil Beat.

Rail officials said they found more than 2,000 cracked plastic pads along first first 10 miles of the rail line. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors wants a more thorough investigation of rail components — and answers about money — in the wake of several quality and safety-related flaws Always Investigating revealed earlier this year. KHON2.

The HART board is taking up a report that points to fractures that have developed in some of the anchors and pads in the guideway and track of the rail system. KITV.

More than two dozen classrooms at Honowai Elementary received air conditioning this year following a campus-wide campaign to reduce energy use. The state Department of Education says the campus received “the most extensive deployment of energy and sustainability efforts.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A steam release is being reported at the Puna Geothermal Venture plant. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County planners continue to tweak conceptual plans for the proposed Banyan Drive redevelopment project. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island public school students are making strides on Advanced Placement exams, though performance overall still trails behind national averages. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Anaergia Services lost its bid to obtain preferential rates for its biogas and trash conversion programs on Maui when the state Public Utilities Commission issued a ruling Monday in favor of Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric Cos. Maui News.

As of this morning the County of Maui purchased 267.74 acres of former plantation land for $9.49 million in East Maui, near Peʻahi. Maui News.

The more than decadelong wait for Maui Waena Intermediate School's new classroom building is finally over. Maui News.

Using a century-old map that others before them didn't have, a team of archaeologists has painstakingly unearthed several sections of pohaku, or rock walls, that are helping define the perimeter of the long-buried island of Moku'ula. Maui News.

Kauai

Over 20,000 gallons of sewage sludge overflowed from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant early Thursday morning. Garden Island.

Hanamaulu residents say red dirt from construction site is flowing into their homes; Earthworks Pacific says it is doing all it can to keep dust down. Garden Island

Crystal methamphetamine, legalization of marijuana and plea bargaining were some of the topics that took center stage Thursday in the race for Kauai County prosecuting attorney. Garden Island

There is a new face on the Kauai County Planning Commission. Kanoe Ahuna was sworn in Tuesday. Garden Island.

Ige postpones food sufficiency goal, green sea turtles decline, attorney general says Kenoi bought 'exorbitant' amount of alcohol on taxpayer dime, $10B estimate for Honolulu rail, Maui mulls parking charge, Kauai closes homeless camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Farmer in Hawaii, courtesy Sonia Martinez

Gov. David Ige has pushed back by a decade his campaign pledge of doubling local food production in Hawaii by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

With the newly expanded Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument taking center stage at the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu, a conservation group is warning of a “dangerous drop” in the number of nesting Hawaiian green sea turtles in the Northwest Hawaiian islands. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is investigating a complaint that Hawaii’s public housing authority doesn’t provide enough units that are accessible to disabled people. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Hawaii Democrats are increasingly aggressive in imposing partisan purity on party members, even in nonpartisan elections. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu taxpayers will foot the bill to hire three Honolulu law firms at up to $100,000 each to defend the city Ethics Commission, former Executive Director Chuck Totto and former investigator Letha DeCaires in a case filed by Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his family. Star-Advertiser.

The rail route to Ala Moana will easily cost $10 billion, according to people who have worked directly on the project, and they say HART’s management of the project is to blame as much as if not more than inflation. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has given approval to Genki Sushi to reopen all of its restaurants after closing them during the hepatitis A outbreak that had sickened 252 people as of Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Summit finds ways to protect Waikiki, Ala Wai in disasters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The deputy attorney general prosecuting Mayor Billy Kenoi for theft said in a court document the mayor used his county-issued credit cards to buy “exorbitant amounts of alcohol.” Tribune-Herald.

The prosecutor in the theft case of Mayor Billy Kenoi is seeking the judge’s permission to treat the state’s witnesses as hostile at trial. Tribune-Herald.

A proposed spaceport at the Kona International Airport could open up new economic opportunities for “space tourism” on the island. West Hawaii Today.

A small room meant to greet cruise ship passengers at Hilo’s Pier 1 remains locked and off limits, more than three years after renovations were expected to be complete. Tribune-Herald.

State highways officials say they are trying to determine whether it is possible to re-stripe or make other modifications to Highway 130, a major, clogged Big Island highway that serves the fast-growing Puna region as a temporary substitute for widening the highway, as residents were promised. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say the fungal disease called Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death is continuing to threaten native ‘ōhi‘a trees on the Big Island. 'Ōhi'a covers about 865,000 acres statewide. Recent surveys show the disease has now impacted nearly 50,000 acres on the Big Island, an increase of a little more than a third from earlier this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A nonprofit hoping to build senior housing and a veterans service center say plans are underway with early phases of construction set to finish this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is looking at charging for parking in municipal lots, instead of having police officers monitoring time limits and writing tickets, and it has put out a bid for a consultant to study the possibility. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation will hold a public informational meeting Sept. 22 on the Kahului Airport master plan update, but the plan itself wasn't available as of Friday, officials said. Maui News.

The Hana Highway, particularly the portion that stretches from Paia to Hana, is scenic and popular, but that appeal among tourists is causing problems that appear to be escalating, as motorists slow or stop to take pictures or park on both sides of the highway, including its narrow bottlenecks. Maui Now.

Hana High and Elementary School is running the state's first off-the-grid public school classroom, built by youths in the community and equipped to handle the school's growing energy needs for years to come. Maui News.

Kauai

A homeless encampment that at one point housed about 20 people was shut down by the county early this month. Garden Island.

A $2.5 million project to provide a pedestrian and vehicle bridge over Keahua Stream at the end of Kuamo’o Road in Keahua Arboretum in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve is set to begin. Garden Island.

Foreign fishermen held captive in Hawaii, native honeycreepers in peril, Honolulu police chief feels heat in midst of federal corruption probe, school flu shots delayed, human-dolphin interaction rule draws Kona crowd, Kauai to allow multiple housing units, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Amakihi honeycreeper, Lucas Behnke USGS

Native forest birds on Kauai are rapidly dying off and facing the threat of extinction as climate change heats up their habitat and allows mosquito-borne diseases to thrive, according to a study released Wednesday. Associated Press.

‘I‘iwi honeycreeper, Lucas Behnke USGS

Pier 17 doesn’t even show up on most Honolulu maps. Cars whiz past it on their way to Waikiki. Passing tourists, let alone locals, are unaware that just behind a guarded gate, another world exists: foreign fishermen confined to American boats for years at a time. Associated Press.

Though federal laws and rules don’t mention Hawaii’s fishing fleet by name, technicalities buried in immigration law, maritime regulations and agency rule books have combined to give it a rare distinction: In the Aloha State hundreds of foreign fishermen are stuck on their boats for years. Associated Press.

Angry Democrats want a Bernie Sanders delegate who made an obscene gesture on national television kicked out of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hepatitis A outbreak holds up school flu program for now. KHON2.

Under a $39 million plan for the next decade, the state would not only escalate its fight against invasive species at home but take measures to prevent them from reaching the islands. The draft of the Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity Plan, scheduled to receive an airing at public hearings across the state early next month, was unveiled Wednesday in a news conference at the World Conservation Congress at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed biosecurity plan for the state seeks additional funding and increased cooperation between government agencies to stop the spread of invasive species. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii officials plan to unveil a plan to cope with coral bleaching that's threatening the state's reefs. Warmer ocean temperatures have stressed Hawaii's coral, forcing them to expel algae they rely on for food. Vast stretches of reef have turned white, increasing the risk that the coral will get sick and die. Hawaii News Now.

Members of an international environmental group are debating a proposal to urge leaders in every country to ban trading ivory. Associated Press.

Although there’s a lot of focus on the IUCN this week…there’s a different conference beginning today that focuses on native rights issues. The International Indian Treaty Council is hosting its annual meeting this year in Hawai‘i.  Indigenous leaders from First Nation groups around the world use the annual meeting to discuss issues around decolonization, sovereignty and self-determination. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Edmund Hyun as the interim chair of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Federal prosecutors investigating a case involving possible public corruption by Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, a deputy prosecutor, have sent out a target letter to at least one person, saying he is a possible suspect in the investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s newest police commissioner turned Wednesday’s Honolulu Police Commission meeting into a detailed inquiry about the department’s lax handling of police misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha faced heated questioning Wednesday about allegations of police misconduct and several high-profile incidents in which officers found guilty of abuse of power were never punished. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council delayed final approval of the Mana‘olana condominium-hotel tower Wednesday, sending the issue back to the Zoning and Planning Committee for further work. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to push back decision-making on a luxury hotel and condominium project that’s planned for the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Street in Ala Moana. Civil Beat.

Oahu residents looking to get rooftop solar energy systems soon won’t be able to send their excess energy into the grid. Hawaiian Electric Co. said Wednesday that Oahu has nearly reached the capacity that the state Public Utilities Commission put on solar systems that export energy to the power grid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A decision on a rule that would regulate human-dolphin recreational activity off the Kona coast and throughout Hawaii isn’t likely to be made for at least a year. But heated public conversations on the topic, which will be held across the state, began Wednesday night on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Riders using the county’s new Hele-On Kakoo paratransit system will pay a $4 fare each way, after an attempt Wednesday by Hilo Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi to halve the amount was killed by a County Council majority. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that Mid Pac Petroleum LLC paid a settlement of $600,000 for federal Clean Air Act violations at the company’s Kawaihae facility on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A failure to install vapor pollution controls and obey pollution limits under the Clean Air Act will cost a a Hawaii-based petroleum company $632,000, according to an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state director of the United Public Workers and Gov. David Ige on Tuesday quietly signed a supplemental contract agreement for the union's Maui County public hospital workers along the outlines of a pact forged during a legal fight borne of the state's efforts to privatize the facilities. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Airports Division is conducting a public information meeting for the Kahului Airport Master Plan Update from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 at the Kaunoa Senior Center, Room 101-102 in Spreckelsville. Maui Now.

A two-story commercial, retail and hotel building is being proposed for an empty lot on a corner of Kaunakakai's main street, which could provide lodging for visiting island residents, though some said they'd rather see it become housing for Molokai families. Maui News.

Manpower and mechanical problems have affected trash pickups in Lahaina, Haiku and Makawao and the hours of the Molokai Landfill this week, the county Solid Waste Division announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously passed a bill on first reading Wednesday that allows multiple family dwelling units in all residential zoning districts. Garden Island.

Several people in support of a petition that would preserve about 21,000 acres of agricultural land on the Westside testified in front the state Land Use Commission on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Adolescent center moves ahead. Council approves $5 million in CIP funds from Legislature. Garden Island.

Sunscreen is killing coral reefs, Jane Goodall addresses World Conservation Congress, Djou beats Caldwell in campaign money, Sam Choy battles to keep his brand, Kenoi attorneys block email release, Maui mulls charging for rescues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona beach scene © 2016 All Hawaii News

State officials called for a united effort in battling the negative effect of oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, on coral reefs during an afternoon media briefing at the World Conservation Congress at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

Fearing cancer, many beachgoers slather their bodies with sunscreen in hopes of blocking the sun’s sometimes deadly rays. While the practice may be good for humans, it’s deadly for coral reefs. Civil Beat.

Jane Goodall sure knows how to draw a crowd. On Saturday, the famed primatologist packed hundreds in of adoring fans into a large ballroom at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu for the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, the largest environmental symposium in the world. Civil Beat.

Hawaii received grim news Sunday when the International Union for Conservation of Nature declared that 38 plant species found only on our islands had gone extinct and that hundreds more were on the brink. Civil Beat.

On Sunday at an all-star panel at the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu, Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, described the Earth’s atmosphere as a “thin veneer” and an “ocean of air” that looks as slim as the peel of a tangerine. Civil Beat.

Former Harvard biology professor E.O. Wilson is one of the world’s most respected and revered conservationists alive today. So you might find it curious that his biggest fear isn’t climate change or the ongoing mass extinction that decimates an estimated 150-200 species every day. Nope. It’s Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Hawaii-based marine biologists Randall Kosaki, Richard Pyle and Brian Greene plan to name a colorful, newly discovered fish species after President Barack Obama. Civil Beat.

About two dozen protesters assembled peacefully outside the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday with a message to those meeting inside: The U.S. military is destroying the planet. Civil Beat.

The World Conservation Congress in Honolulu is making a concerted effort at being green and could set a new standard for the tourism industry here. The International Union for Conservation of Nature event underway now through Saturday is taking ambitious measures to reduce paper, eliminate plastic, avoid food waste, decrease energy use, ramp up recycling and take other sustainability measures that are likely to set a new standard for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hepatitis A outbreak, which has sickened 241 people so far, is the worst in the country since 2003 and a sharp reversal from the downward trajectory of the disease in recent decades. Star-Advertiser.

Under Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program, law enforcement agencies can seize property suspected of being connected with criminal activity, even if they don’t obtain a conviction or file a criminal charge. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

While Mayor Kirk Caldwell received more votes in last month's primary, Charles Djou raked in more money. Filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission show Caldwell's campaign received $57,000 in contributions in the two weeks before the Aug. 13th election.  In that same period, Djou's campaign received nearly three-times as much: $167,000. Hawaii News Now.

More than a year after three controversial measures tied to the last undeveloped phase of Haseko’s 1,100-acre Ewa Beach development were introduced, the City Council is still trying to reach a resolution on certain issues. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday finalized its decision to award Hawaiian Airlines a daytime slot to fly from Honolulu International Airport to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, according to U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii union says it has filed a complaint with the Environmental Protection Agency over reports of unsafe working conditions after discovering mold at a Waikiki hotel that’s under construction. Associated Press.

Hawaii

County attorneys are seeking to keep the contents of 40 emails, most of them sent in the month after Big Island newspapers reported Mayor Billy Kenoi’s misuse of his county-issued credit card, secret. Tribune-Herald.

Roughly 40 scientists, researchers and business people will convene at Kilauea Military Camp at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the feasibility of the implementation of one or several groundbreaking technologies to curb the mosquito population across the state — if not eradicate it. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is seeking a state Department of Health permit for a full-scale composting facility — the first in Hawaii — before breaking ground next year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald issued a memo to chief judges statewide after ads appeared on the Big Island depicting state Judiciary personnel endorsing a candidate for county prosecutor. West Hawaii Today.

In addition to picking from an assortment of local, state and national candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot, Big Island voters will help decide three ballot questions — two to amend the state constitution and one to amend the Hawaii County charter. West Hawaii Today.

Local chef Sam Choy is disputing an Oahu restaurant’s right to use his name “royalty-free” despite the chef having no connection to the restaurant. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Demolition & Construction Landfill that has been operating on 15 acres at the corner of North Kihei Road and Honoapiilani Highway for the last 20 years stopped accepting construction debris Wednesday, a landfill official confirmed Friday. Maui News.

Nearly half of the 250 people surveyed by the Maui County Fire Department supported the idea of billing people who require helicopter and mountain rescues by firefighters. Maui News.

The Maui County Council approved a resolution Friday for the county to acquire more than 250 acres near the world famous "Jaws" surf break in East Maui for nearly $9.5 million. Maui News.

The final touches are currently being applied to the nonprofit Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, which will work on developing rehabilitation facilities for endangered turtles, expanding an existing coral bank at the aquarium and providing marine sciences educational opportunities. Maui News.

Brown Water Advisories have been issued for Baldwin Beach Park and Honokahua Bay on Maui due to recent rains. Maui Now.

Kauai

New technology that could help out Kauai’s endangered forest birds is on the horizon, but questions remain. Garden Island.

Kauai residents are invited to comment on a bill that would allow alcohol sales on the Wailua Golf Course. The Kauai County Council will host a public hearing on Bill No. 2635 at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, which made it legal for alcohol to be consumed on the course. Garden Island.

Kauai Humane Society is reeling after an Alaska Airlines decision to end its pet transfer program was announced Friday. Garden Island.

Hawaii students improve test scores, tax refund unlikely after surplus, Pflueger completes Kauai mudslide repairs, mosquito-borne disease topic at World Conservation Congress, home business irks Maui neighbors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii students, courtesy photo

Hawaii high-schoolers posted modest gains in English, reading and science on the ACT exam, but many in this year’s graduating class appear unprepared for college-level coursework, according to results released Wednesday for the national college entrance exam. Star-Advertiser.

The number of hepatitis A victims in Hawaii continues to climb, reaching 228 on Wednesday, but the outbreak appears to be slowing now that the scallops that triggered it have been taken off the market. Star-Advertiser.

Two longtime lobbyists have donated $303,479 to candidates for state and local offices in the past 10 years, according to a Civil Beat analysis of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission data. Civil Beat.

The state is looking at a $1 billion surplus, but don’t expect a refund any time soon. This is the first time that the surplus has reached this amount. KHON2.

A news conference Wednesday highlighted the state's conservation efforts in conjunction with the World Conservation Congress, the premier conference of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, being held Sept. 1-10 in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The World Conservation Congress will convene for the first time in the U.S. in Honolulu next week. Hawai’i researchers will co-host a workshop on mosquito-borne diseases that is gaining international interest. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of the fourfold expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument have fired back against an advertisement claiming the proposal would result in people being unable to eat fresh local fish. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mark Garrity, Honolulu’s deputy director of the Department of Transportation Services, is now acting director of the agency. Civil Beat.

A new analysis of booking and revenue data for Airbnb has found the short-term rental platform isn’t likely causing rents to increase much at this point, but the company’s rapid growth and incentive for a larger commercial share could change that in the future, FiveThirtyEight reported Wednesday. Honolulu has 1,400 active listings on Airbnb, roughly the same as Las Vegas and Boston. Civil Beat.

Kamehameha Highway near Waimea Bay was closed for a second day on Wednesday to finish repairs after a truck knocked down utility poles a day earlier. Star-Advertiser.

At 345,000 square feet spreading over 6 acres, the new International Market Place has gotten much more than a facelift. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

After decades of trying to get a handle on the island’s growing garbage problems, county officials are taking a wait-and-see approach to a private company’s plan to step into the breach. West Hawaii Today.

Carolyn Ma, interim dean of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, has been recommended to permanently fill the position. Tribune-Herald.

The Hilo council chamber was packed on Tuesday night with Big Island residents interested in helping to shape the future of Hawaii County. Big Island Video News.

Maui
Nearly 70 testifiers were divided Tuesday over resident Leona Rocha Wilson's proposal to host special events, including weddings, at her spacious Lona Ridge property in Wailuku Heights. Maui News.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development issued more than $5.07 million in grant monies to various local organizations during the first half of the 2016 calendar year. Maui Time.

A 1st Circuit Court judge has granted the Employees' Retirement System request to grant a temporary restraining order to block, at least for now, the state's implementation of a law that retirement system officials maintain could jeopardize the pension system's tax-exempt status and retirement benefits for its members. Maui News.

Work goes on as usual at HC&S even as the company prepares to end production. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A Honolulu federal district court judge has granted an order to close a long-standing case against retired car dealer James Pflueger for environmental damage to coastal property in Pilaa on Kauai’s North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

The Clean Water Act consent decree that required former Kauai developer and Oahu auto dealer James Pflueger to stabilize and restore previously owned property at Pila’a on Kauai’s north shore has come to a close. Garden Island.

There are three multi-million dollar projects that can mitigate traffic in Kapaa. But the problem is they are all state-funded projects, and there’s no money for them. Garden Island.

A Hawaii couple has purchased the property that was once occupied by Hanamaulu Cafe, a Kauai restaurant institution that closed about two years ago after opening in the 1920s, they confirmed to Pacific Business News.