Sea turtle nesting season, Legislature wraps up session today, young Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders have highest cancer death rate, more news fro all the Hawaiian Islands

Beachgoers asked to be mindful of sea turtles during nesting season. People should keep a respectful distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles and their nests, during this time, and avoid shining bright lights near them after dusk. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers wrap up event-filled session today.  The 32nd Legislature comes to a close today — officially called “sine die” — after nearly five months of debate, testimony and haggling over legislation following a shaky start between then-new Gov. Josh Green and the state Senate that rejected three of his Cabinet nominees, a modern-day record. Star-Advertiser.

Last Minute Tweaks To Land Use Bill Create A Stir. Proponents argue counties need to have more power over designating land. Rep. Tory Hashimoto and Sen. Lorraine Inouye have been in damage control after pushback on a land-use bill that was drastically changed and back loaded during conference committee. Civil Beat.

New measure may prohibit large vehicles on far-left freeway lanes. State Senators and Representatives voted to pass a bill prohibiting oversized commercial vehicles from using the far-left lane if there are three or more lanes on the roadway.  KHON2.

State releases $75M in funding for preschool construction; lawmakers question. After the state released $75 million to pay for the construction of new preschool classrooms last week, the Hawaii Department of Education compiled a list showing where the money would be spent. But Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke — who is spearheading the state’s $200 million preschool expansion plan — said the list isn’t accurate. Hawaii News Now.

150 full scholarships for aspiring teachers offered in private initiative. In one of the largest private efforts in recent history to ease Hawaii’s chronic shortage of schoolteachers, full-tuition scholarships for 150 people to become teachers through an online bachelor’s degree program were announced Wednesday under a partnership between Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food insecurity persists post COVID-19. Even as Hawaii distances itself from the harshest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-hunger advocates say that elevated food insecurity among residents has not only persisted but is growing. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green introduces kauhale concept to a global audience. Governor Josh Green, M.D. shared the kauhale concept with influential attendees of the 26th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference, taking place in Los Angeles, California.  Maui Now.

Efforts aimed at retaining health care providers near passage. In addition to raising Medicaid reimbursement rates, state lawmakers are trying several other approaches to retain health care providers in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Study: Young Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Face Nation’s Highest Cancer Death Rate. The death rate from cancer in the United States is highest among young Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders compared to any other race group, according to a new study by the National Cancer Institute.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 787 new COVID-19 cases, 8 more deaths.  The state’s average positivity rate was at 8.0%, about the same as 7.9% reported on April 26. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pandemic relief grant for Oʻahu small business owners reopens. A program that awarded grants to small businesses throughout the pandemic will reopen this month. This time around, the program is expanding its eligibility requirements to allow more small businesses to apply.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Army Corps Still Won’t Restore Forests As Part Of Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Residents want more details on why the agency keeps rejecting that approach. The public has until Monday to comment. Civil Beat.

Police Commission Postpones Decision On Legal Representation For 2 Makaha Cops. The Honolulu Police Commission postponed making a decision on whether it would provide taxpayer-funded legal representation for two police officers charged with felonies for their alleged role in a 2021 pursuit in Makaha that injured six people. Civil Beat.

Health Dept. looks to spend $100M to renovate rundown headquarters building. The state Health Department has told lawmakers it wants to spend $100 million to renovate its rundown headquarters building. Under the preliminary plan, the building would also house mental health treatment beds, but lawmakers are not sure if the project is viable. Hawaii News Now.

$2 increase to Honolulu Zoo ticket prices is proposed. The Honolulu Zoo’s admission fees for residents might rise for the first time in over a decade, the city says. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘It shakes our house’: Raised crosswalks surprising drivers and rattling homes in Windward Oahu. Windward residents say a raised crosswalk meant to slow traffic along Kailua Road is ineffective and a nuisance. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen measure supports an ‘alliance’ between county, two other cities. Despite serious misgivings, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday signed onto a pledge by Mayor Mitch Roth to work with two other cities to develop hydrogen infrastructure. Tribune-Herald.

Kapapala Ranch Navigates Act 90 Land Transfer.  The Hawaiʻi DLNR Land Division gave an update on its compliance with Act 90 during an April 28th land board meeting, including the status of lands at Kapapala Ranch. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Police Release Partial Bodycam Video From Fatal Molokai Shooting. The video shows three minutes of the incident up to shots being fired. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Removal of grounded boat near historic site begins. Vessel ran aground in Lahaina Harbor two months ago. Maui News.

Kauai

$10.7 million verdict in Kaua‘i construction dispute. A jury at the Fifth Circuit Court in Lihu‘e determined on April 26 that the Jared and Donna Murayama 1997 Trust committed a breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation in business dealings with Kalani Construction. Garden Island.

Hospitals given liability immunity to ration health care, Maui to implement health pass at restaurants, coronavirus spreading in schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Triage tent constructed Aug. 21, 2021, outside Queen's Hospital West PC:Lt. Gov. Josh Green

Hawaii medical facilities given immunity in COVID surge. The strain of surging COVID-19 cases has reached the point where Gov. David Ige has signed an executive order giving health care institutions immunity from liability if they ration care. Star-Advertiser.

Interim Schools Superintendent on Rising COVID Cases on Campus. More than 2,100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Hawai‘i's public schools since July 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Bureau of Investigation records 120 hate crimes over past 5 years in Hawaii. There have been more than 100 hate crimes in Hawaii over the past five years, and statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation last week reveal that whites were targeted more than any other group. Star-Advertiser.

Evictions not yet spiking in Hawaii despite moratorium’s end. It’s been nearly two weeks since a federal eviction moratorium protecting renters was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the ruling doesn’t appear to have triggered a wave of eviction notices in Hawaii — yet. Star-Advertiser.

CDC data: Overall, Hawaii’s COVID cases, fatalities are lowest in nation. When it comes to COVID cases, the CDC says Hawaii has had the lowest infection rate in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic. But the current trajectory Hawaii is on is concerning to health officials. Hawaii News Now.

Delta variant, lack of restrictions will bring isle hospitals to brink soon, expert says. The Hawaii Department of Health on Monday reported two new coronavirus-related deaths and 756 new infections statewide. The new probable and confirmed cases include 473 on Oahu, 85 on Maui, 119 on Hawaii Island, 65 on Kauai and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

2 Defendants In Miske Case Want The Court To Let Them Out On Bail. Hearings are set this week on motions to reconsider the judge’s prior decision favoring continued detention. Civil Beat.

City pans Kahuku affordable-housing plan. A planned affordable- housing project on agricultural land in Kahuku has run into opposition from city planners and a majority of Honolulu City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu County Planning Commission hearing on vacation rental rules Wednesday. Changes could be coming to Oahu’s vacation rental rules. The Honolulu County Planning Commission is weighing whether to limit permits to just a handful of resort areas, and to change the definition of short-term rental from under 30 days to under 180 days. KHON2.

How Do You Build A Community From Scratch? This Homeless Advocate Is Trying. The homeless community that has long occupied space next to the Waianae Boat Harbor has big plans to move to permanent homes at a new site. Civil Beat.

Navy fortifies Red Hill fuel safety plan. The Navy has reinforced a proposal to reduce the risk of its massive World War II-era Red Hill underground fuel storage complex polluting Oahu’s drinking water aquifer after safety regulators rejected the plan almost a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurant owners brace for vaccine requirement. Among all of the economic concerns confronting the islands, Oahu restaurants face extra uncertainty over how their employees will react when they are required to get at least one COVID-19 vaccination or provide weekly proof of negative tests starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Acute care module set up outside Queen’s West Oahu as Hawaii’s hospitals brace for surge. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii the acute care module is slated to open Tuesday and will be used to expand the hospital’s emergency room capabilities. Hawaii News Now.

Union says COVID surge, nurse shortage forcing Queen's ICU to compromise safety. Managers are required to exhaust all alternatives like offering overtime to staff and bringing in nurses from the mainland, before changing staffing and the nurse to patient ratio. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Advocates concerned inmates’ rights are being violated under current virus mandates. Hawaii Community Correctional Center is in its fourth month of a COVID-19 lockdown which includes a halt to transportation of inmates for court hearings. Tribune-Herald.

First hydrogen vehicle lands on the Big Island. The 2017 Toyota Mirai arrived recently at the Puu Waawaa energy ranch, an off-grid laboratory devoted to testing and developing renewable energy systems. West Hawaii Today.

Board to vote on design of new teaching telescope. The board of the Office of Maunakea Management will decide today whether to approve a design for a new teaching telescope to be installed at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

Police towing fewer cars under ‘Aliyah’s Law’: Author of 2012 ordinance questions implementation; mayor wants law ‘applied more’ for DUIs. The author of Aliyah’s Law, a Hawaii County ordinance enacted in 2012 that allows police to order a vehicle towed at the driver’s expense, is questioning the implementation of the law named after Aliyah Braden, a 17-month-old toddler killed in fatal 2009 drunken driving crash. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui to Implement Health Pass on Sept. 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said a modified health pass will be implemented at Maui County restaurants beginning on Sept. 15, that is similar to, but less restrictive than the Safe Access O‘ahu program that begins in just 10 days.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Nisei veterans center breaks ground on new pavilion. Facility will help expand visitor space, capacity for research. Maui News.

Kauai

County’s homebuyer program list expands with Kapa‘a property. The county’s Homebuyer Program is looking to add more inventory with a purchase of property in Kapa‘a. With the Molo Street buy, the county will effectively be adding to the dwindling affordable housing market. Garden Island.

Recent film activity on Kaua‘i includes ‘Red Notice’. The movies are returning to Kaua‘i after the island’s film industry was cut in half this past fiscal year. Garden Island.

Hawaii is the second safest state, officials mull who should get vaccinated next, nurses could perform abortions, gambling bill dies in Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Whale watching in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Survey: Hawai‘i is the 2nd Safest State During COVID-19. Hawaiʻi was ranked number two on a list of the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, second only to Alaska. Maui Now.

State leaders mull who should be prioritized in next phase of vaccine distribution. As COVID vaccination hubs continue to immunize front line workers and kupuna 75 and over, state leaders are trying to decide who should be next. Hawaii News Now.

Some want a unified Hawaii travel program, critics argue it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. While business owners and travel industry experts express the dire need to have a consistent program throughout the state, critics argue it’s not the safest solution. Hawaii News Now.

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Gambling proposal dies in Legislature; question remains on Hawaiian Home Lands funding of homes for more than 28,000 beneficiaries. State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, chairwoman of the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee, shelved Senate Bill 1321, which had divided the committee, Native Hawaiians, the community at large and the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which voted 5-4 to refer the casino concept to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Nurses Be Allowed To Perform Abortions? Lawmakers are considering a bill that would expand access to abortions by expanding the pool of providers beyond physicians. Civil Beat.

Three minimum wage bills fail to pass committee. All but one of the bills in the state Legislature that would raise the minimum hourly wage appear to be dead. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii to restore executive salaries due to furloughs delay. The University of Hawaii announced today that the salaries of all executive-managerial employees — which were reduced for two months to reduce costs — will be restored. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii school board votes to keep pay hikes for special-education teachers, other shortage areas. The Board of Education voted Thursday to assure that teachers in special education and other shortage areas continue receiving up to $10,000 in extra pay annually despite the fiscal crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Contrary to board vote, superintendent says department can’t afford extra pay for hard-to-recruit teachers. Currently, about 4,000 teachers are receiving higher pay, which costs the state about $33 million. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono To Chair Senate Subcommittee On Military Seapower. Hawaii is a central hub for Navy and Marine Corps operations as tensions rise between the U.S. and China. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu, Maui lawsuits against oil companies will proceed in state court. Both Honolulu and Maui counties are among dozens of jurisdictions that have filed suit against a long list of fossil fuel companies, seeking damages for the mounting costs of dealing with climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Luxury Tax on Expensive Gas Cars Would Pay for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. The proposed measure, HB 1142, would apply a 1 percent general excise tax surcharge on cars with a manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP, of more than $60,000. Hawaii Public Radio.

Could Hawaii’s Fossil Fuel-Powered Cars Soon Be A Relic Of The Past? The electric vehicle market is growing and state leaders want to help phase out gas-powered cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmaker Pushes Expanded Role for Hydrogen Fuel. Both Governor Ige and state lawmakers are pushing policies to increase the use of electric vehicles and produce more green energy. Hawaii Public Radio.

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State says 3rd case of highly contagious UK COVID variant detected in Hawaii. The third B.1.1.7 variant case was found in an individual on Oahu. Officials say the patient was a close contact with another individual in Hawaii who contracted the UK variant. Both individuals had no recent history of travel. Hawaii News Now.

Lieutenant Governor believes COVID-19 variants can be controlled in Hawaii. Despite the variant of COVID-19 first detected in the United Kingdom and recently recorded here in Hawaii, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green believes it can be controlled here. KITV4.

Civil Beat Is Ending Its Daily Virus Tracker. Here’s Why. Experts agree that tracking trends is more useful than focusing on daily infection counts. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 18: 67 New COVID-19 Cases And 1 Death. Hawaii health officials reported 67 new COVID-19 infections statewide on Thursday, including 45 on Oahu, eight on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai, one on Molokai and five residents diagnosed outside of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi hopes to reward Oahu residents for good COVID-19 behavior. With COVID-19 case numbers on the decline and vaccinations rising among Oahu’s most vulnerable populations, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said today he is ready to “reward” residents for their actions in curtailing the spread of coronavirus on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu could move to Tier 3 as soon as Feb. 25. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, the numbers look good and Oahu could shift to Tier 3 as soon as Thursday, Feb. 25, if they continue to remain low. KHON2.

City says if O'ahu meets Tier Three criteria next Wednesday more restrictions will lift next week. The city says if the island of O'ahu meets the Tier Three criteria again next Wednesday more restrictions will lift starting next Thursday. KITV4.

Police seize more than a dozen gambling machines, cash in Sand Island raid. Honolulu police seized more than a dozen gambling machines and cash in a raid at an illegal game room in the Sand Island area Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Council supports broadband plan: Unanimous vote comes despite inclusion of 5G. A resolution passed unanimously Wednesday by the County Council refers to 5G technology as an option in bridging the digital divide, but council members, most of whom had previously approved two resolutions attempting to limit 5G on the island, don’t see it as a conflict. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands could be vaccinated Saturday during large-scale clinic for UH, DOE employees. According to Hilo Medical Center spokeswoman Elena Cabatu, the POD is ready to administer 2,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to employees of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Community College, the state Department of Education and other educational entities. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island’s Coronavirus Decline Not Linked to Less Testing. COVID-19 cases are way down on the Big Island while the number of vaccinations continues to grow, but the County says those two developments are not entirely linked. Big Island Now.

More Travelers, Fewer COVID-19 Cases on Hawai'i Island. The Big Island is seeing nearly half of its pre-COVID arrival numbers, while cases and hospitalizations are falling. KITV4.

Maui

COVID-19 vaccines to be administered at jail. Maui Community Correctional Center inmates will be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting next week amid efforts to tamp down an outbreak at the jail, the state Department of Health said Wednesday. Maui News.

Mainland Couple Grants $400,000 to Help Grand Wailea Workers on Maui. A mainland couple, who frequently visits the Valley Isle, donated $400,000 toward the Maui Mālama Project to assist workers at the Grand Wailea Maui with rent/mortgage, utility, child care and other expenses. Maui Now.

Report: One officer fired, two others demoted last year. Police release names of disciplined officers under new state law. Maui News.

Council mulling purchase of Maui News buildings in Wailuku. Testifiers and financial advisers used the county’s decision not to purchase One Main Plaza in arguing Wednesday that Maui County could save rent money by acquiring a 6.3-acre, $9.8 million parcel in Wailuku that includes The Maui News offices. Maui News.

Kauai

An end to houseless beach park camping. Beginning next month, the county will be suspending its “Shelter in Place” program that had issued permits to houseless individuals and families to live at county-owned beach parks. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s Shelter in Place program unique in state. The Kauai “Shelter in Place” program was the first in the state when it started six months ago to help provide a place for houseless individuals during COVID-19. Garden Island.

Hawaii Plans For Post-Pandemic Tourism, Starting With Kauai.  Hawaii has released a new blueprint for redefining tourism in the post-COVID-19 era by mitigating community concerns over traffic and overcrowding on Kauai while maintaining the benefits from the state’s dominant industry. Civil Beat.

New state and county laws kick in on crosswalks, polystyrene, Waikiki mayor's conference draws big names, Maui mayor and council spar over budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers on crosswalk ©2019 All Hawaii News

New crosswalk law takes effect today. A slate of new laws takes effect today on the first day of the new state fiscal year, including one that might startle some pedestrians: Senate Bill 693 makes it quite clear you can be fined for entering a crosswalk once the pedestrian countdown timer has started running. Star-Advertiser.

Improvements Made To Hawaii Capitol Website. They include the addition of Session Laws of Hawaii going back to statehood. Civil Beat.

DOE seeking feedback on public education for the next decade. The State Department of Education proposed a new 10 year strategic plan for the state's public school system called the 2030 Promise. KITV.

Hawaii inmate data tracking system review costs near $1.4M, takes 4 years. After paying a company close to $1.4 million over four years to evaluate its data needs and recommend a replacement for its software system for tracking and managing information on inmates, Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety has yet to replace the system. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names New Budget And Finance Director. Neal Miyahira worked at the Department of Taxation as deputy director. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Medical Aid In Dying Law Eased Patient’s Anxiety. Steve Johnson was the second person to die under the state’s new assisted suicide law. The state reports eight patients so far have received prescriptions for lethal drugs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Hospital Dispute Could Prove Costly For Patients. Kaiser recently filed a federal lawsuit against Queen’s after the two sides failed to negotiate a payment rate for emergency services.  Civil Beat.

Feds may take lead on future missile alerts. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s attempt to give the federal government responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat was passed by the U.S. Senate as part of a $750 billion National Defense Authorization Act for 2020 that focuses on evolving threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Star-Advertiser.

Second Lady Pence, Caroline Kennedy among notable speakers at national mayor conference. When the United States Conference of Mayors last met in Honolulu in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was the featured speaker. Today, it was Caroline Kennedy’s turn. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard says missile alert mistake motivated her to run for presidency. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Sunday that Hawaii’s 2018 false missile alert motivated her to run for president in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard addresses mayors conference, says foreign policy affects cities. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made her first trip back to the islands since appearing in the first Democratic presidential candidates debate last Wednesday, addressing the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealoha verdicts highlight need for ethical leaders in law enforcement. The felony convictions of the retired police chief, his once high-ranking prosecutor wife and two officers picked by the chief for a secretive squad he supervised exposed gaps in the oversight of the law enforcement system but mostly are a reflection of dishonest individuals holding positions of power, according to attorneys, former judges and others. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha Is Sent To Jail Until Sentencing. A federal judge revoked her bail Friday after she was found guilty of federal conspiracy and obstruction charges. Civil Beat.

Owner-built houses at Waianae subdivision nearly finished. On a hillside in Waianae with picturesque views of Pokai Bay, a dozen families have expelled a lot of sweat building their own homes for more than a year. Star-Advertiser.

Navatek II fails to sell at auction. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources impounded the vessel in March after owner Miraclei LLC, a trust that includes Shane Lawler, maxed out the Navatek II’s temporary permit at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inside island’s hydrogen future: Researchers at Rogers’ Puu Waawaa ranch explore top energy solutions. Tucked among the old-time paniolo ranches in North Kona is a cutting-edge ranch of a different kind. West Hawaii Today.

‘Vision Zero’ program aims to reduce traffic fatalities. Gov. David Ige passed a bill this week codifying a policy to eliminate traffic fatalities statewide through better traffic engineering and emergency response strategies. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s ban on polystyrene — or Styrofoam — food containers goes into effect on Monday. That means all food service vendors — meaning restaurants, food trucks, farmer’s markets — as well as supermarkets will no longer be able to serve takeout or plate lunches in single-use containers made from polystyrene foam. Hawaii News Now.

Group from Micronesia explores possibilities of aquaculture. Fisheries officers from Kosrae, Micronesia, recently toured the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center to learn more about aquaculture efforts in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo, Navy using oysters to boost water quality. On a recent sunny morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Keaukaha, research manager Daniel Wilkie showed off a spat of small but growing oysters, each not much bigger than a pebble. Tribune-Herald.

As Mauna Kea Conflict Looms, Both Sides Dispute Information. State officials and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project went back and forth Friday, disputing each other’s information regarding the response to the situation on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor gets council’s budget details at last minute. There still could be issues with information provided, according to administration officials. Maui News.

Potential Water Outages in Waikapu, Kehalani Mauka & Upper Wailuku Heights. The Department of Water Supply continues to experience very high consumption in the Waikapu/Wailuku area and Department of Water Supply water tanks are being depleted. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police investigate alleged cheating, cover-up in ranks. Police on Kauai investigated allegations officers were involved in cheating on a proficiency test and covering it up, a report said. Associated Press.

Last native lowland bog ‘thriving’. A flesh-eating plant stretches sticky fuchsia tentacles into the balmy air of Kauai’s Kanaele Bog. Garden Island.

Chaos at HNL after shooter scare, protesters block newly reopened Kuhio Highway, Hawaii loses NOAA research ship, Katherine Kealoha may testify, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

False reports of shooter at Honolulu airport lead to chaos, evacuation and delayed flights. The main terminal at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was shut down Tuesday after a malfunctioning laptop at a security checkpoint led to false reports of an active shooter, an evacuation of thousands of passengers, and the delay and cancellation of flights. Star-Advertiser.

Active Shooter Scare At Honolulu Airport Delays Flights. Flights were being delayed and hundreds of people were waiting to go through security screening at Honolulu's airport on Tuesday after an active shooter scare. Associated Press.

Chaos erupted at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu after a laptop in a carry-on overheated, causing smoke and popping sounds. KHON2.

No active shooter situation at HNL despite false reports, DOT confirms. Thousands of people are lined up at Terminal 2 and all flights have been delayed because everybody in the entire terminal needed to be re-screened. KITV.

Disgruntled travelers say HNL wasn’t prepared for a security scare. False reports of an active shooter at Honolulu’s airport triggered “pandemonium” Tuesday and then major delays after thousands of outbound passengers were evacuated out of Terminal 2 so they could be re-screened through security. Hawaii News Now.

Passengers caught up in airport delay say they want to see changes. KHON2.

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Loss Of NOAA’s Primary Honolulu Ship A Setback For Research. Stationed on Oahu since 2004, the Hiialakai played a key role in monitoring deep-sea wildlife and cleaning up fishing debris. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Kai Kahele uses profanity when describing congressional race with Tulsi Gabbard. State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is seeking Tulsi Gabbard’s congressional seat, told VICE News that Gabbard has a “f——— tiger on her tail, and she’s gonna be in trouble.” Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit puts blame on the state for high inmate suicide rate. A class action lawsuit alleges that the state isn’t doing enough to prevent prison suicides because of a lack of mental health services for inmates. Hawaii News Now.

UH Gets $8.4 Million Boost To Study Cancer In The Pacific. The National Cancer Institute raised its funding support of the UH Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No decision yet on whether Katherine Kealoha will testify. The question of whether Katherine Kealoha — the central figure in the ongoing public corruption and conspiracy trial — will testify on her own behalf was left unanswered after her lawyers called seven witnesses Tuesday to present her defense. Star-Advertiser.

As Katherine Kealoha’s Defense Unfolds, She Still Considers Testifying. Her attorneys called several witnesses Tuesday in an attempt to punch holes in the prosecution’s criminal conspiracy charges, but they faced tough cross-examination. Civil Beat.

Ex-Prosecutor Undecided About Testifying In Corruption Trial. Ex-Honolulu prosecutor, Katherine Kealoha, hasn't decided whether she will testify in her defense at a trial over allegations she and her police chief husband framed her uncle to keep him from revealing fraud that funded their lavish lifestyle. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Katherine Kealoha may testify in her defense. KHON2.

Fireworks in court when controversial figure in Kealoha mailbox trial takes the stand. Courtroom drama on day 14 of the Kealoha mailbox trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail authority must replace 15 canopy arms. The city will redesign and replace portions of 15 metal “canopy arms” that were erected at three rail stations after flaws were discovered in similar arms that were fabricated for the rail line, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HART Loses Its Last Original Board Member. Damien Kim, who helped oversee the project since HART was formed, asked not to be reappointed. Civil Beat.

Worry over the city council’s vacation rental rules spreads to other businesses. Owners of illegal vacation rentals were too afraid to speak out after the city council passed two bills that toughen regulations, but predict dire consequences to the economy. Hawaii News Now.

Palolo Valley Basin Might Be Cut From Ala Wai Flood Project. U.S. Army Corps officials say the move might avoid condemning four private parcels for the flood-control measures. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council excited about hydrogen. Three hydrogen buses will soon be part of the county Hele-On fleet, as the infrastructure comes together to create the fuel for a Mass Transit pilot program on both sides of the island. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust Puueo Development Vote Postponed By Council. The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on two bills that would pave the way for a development in Puueo, located between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary. Big Island Video News.

More than 100 come out for second community meeting on crime, chronic homelessness. A grassroots effort to put a spotlight on crime and chronic homelessness in Kailua Village is continuing to pick up steam, with a meeting on Monday drawing a crowd of an estimated 130-150 people to the Paina Room at Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill. West Hawaii Today.

2018 eruption dampens use of Pahoa Senior Center. Closed for about three months during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano in lower Puna, the Pahoa Senior Center has since reopened and continues to offer classes for kupuna in the community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge reverses permit approval for archaeological firm. A hui that advocates for the protection of ancient burials is set to get a contested case hearing before the state Historic Preservation Division after a judge reversed SHPD’s granting of a permit to a local archaeological firm. Maui News.

New Ruling In Maui Water Case Still Doesn’t Resolve Old Dispute. The state appellate court has asked a lower court to answer key questions. Civil Beat.

Historic Plaintiff Discusses Pesticide Impacts With Maui Policy Makers. A man noted as being the first plaintiff to win a lawsuit brought against Monsanto/Bayer, met with government land management agencies and policy-makers on Maui. Maui Now.

Kaiser: Queen’s referrals largely unaffected by contract dispute. Hawaii’s two large health care companies haggling over billing. Maui News.

Kauai

Protesters briefly block Kuhio Highway. Protesters blocked Kuhio Highway at Waipa early Tuesday morning before police arrived and reopened the road. Garden Island.

Kauai protesters block visitors from entering Kuhio Highway into Haena State Park. The fragile peace over the reopening of Kuhio Highway and better management of tourism was quickly shattered Tuesday by protesters who formed a human chain to temporarily block the gateway to Haena State Park and other popular community natural resources and popular attractions on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai protestors take matters into their own hands blocking visitor traffic through Kuhio Highway. Dozens of protestors prevented visitor traffic from accessing the re-opened stretch of Kuhio Highway accessing popular sites on Kauai's north shore. KITV.

Westside facing drought. The weather will continue to be hot and dry, perpetuating the current drought on the leeward side of Kauai, according to the National Weather Service. Garden Island.

State finds $1M to battle rat lungworm, 6 arrested, one sent to ER in Maui telescope protest, Kauai rejects climate change money, Tokuda running for Lt. Gov., Hokulea plans 40-stop state tour, Honolulu gets state's first public hydrogen fueling station, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Mystery of Rat Lungworm Disease is an activity book designed by UH Hilo researchers to help local elementary-age children learn what to look for in their gardens and vegetables.

State officials are making a new push to combat rat lungworm disease, promising more public awareness efforts that urge vigilance in the cleaning of produce and planning to hire two workers dedicated to prevention. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that his administration is embarking on a two-year campaign aimed at curbing the spread of rat lungworm disease and soothing the public’s jitters over eating local produce. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials will use $1 million from the state Legislature to study rat lungworm prevalence in rats and fund a public information campaign targeting residents and tourists. Tribune-Herald.

The state has revealed its new strategy to battle a brain-infecting parasite. The Hawaii Department of Health didn't ask for funding to deal with rat lungworm disease during the last legislative session, but ended up receiving a total of $1 million for the next two years. Hawaii News Now.

The state is stepping up efforts to combat rat lungworm disease in Hawaii. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige, with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture announced today the state’s plans to place a stronger emphasis on the prevention of rat lungworm disease. Maui Now.

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State Sen. Jill Tokuda announced Wednesday she is running in what will likely be a crowded field of contenders next year seeking to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

A state senator is making a move for the lieutenant governor seat. KHON2.

Sen. Jill Tokuda (D- Kaneohe) entered the race for Lieutenant Governor. She made the announcement at a campaign event at Honolulu YWCA Wednesday evening. KITV.

Sen. Jill Tokuda announce her candidacy for lieutenant governor during a campaign kickoff Wednesday at the Honolulu YWCA. Garden Island.

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Hawaii Gas requested rate adjustments Tuesday from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Any changes are not expected to go into effect until mid-2018. Garden Island.

Hokulea, Hikianalia begin 40-stop cruise through the state. Maui News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council zoning committee deferred two bills Tuesday night that would have rezoned seven acres of agricultural land in Haleiwa to either residential or urban. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission’s search for a new chief is expected to last through at least October, three months behind schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Servco Pacific Inc. officials and Gov. David Ige broke ground Wednesday for the first publicly accessible hydrogen fueling station on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is building its first public fueling station for hydrogen vehicles, which will enable the state to begin selling cars that only emit water vapor. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gas is seeking to increase a typical Oahu customer’s bills by nearly 20 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Holu Energy LLC, the Hawaii subsidiary of EnSync Energy Inc., has inked a 20-year power purchase agreement with Hawaii Pacific University to build a 310-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the Aloha Tower Marketplace in Downtown Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Oregon-based energy storage company Powin Energy Corp. will install software and infrastructure to seven Hawaii sites, including the Boy Scouts of America's Honolulu headquarters and the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort, to maximize their bottom lines through storing solar energy not used during daylight hours. Pacific Business News.

More than a hundred people have signed a petition against a Biki Bike station planned for Kolowalu Park. KITV.

Special-duty officers look to thwart potential trespassers on Haiku Stairs. KHON2.

A mid-rise hotel slated to open on the outskirts of downtown Kapolei in late October can expect some close competition in a couple of years. Star-Advertiser.

Prior crew found plane unsafe before it crashed. Star-Advertiser.

HART to pay for repaving of OCCC's parking lot, raising questions from critics. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim declared a state of emergency Tuesday to pave the way for the relocation of several homeless individuals residing at the Old Airport Park who had been told they must vacate the premises by that date. West Hawaii Today.

The day before the county will enforce a no-camping policy at the Old Airport Park in Kona, Mayor Kim issues an Emergency Proclamation regarding the Hale Kikaha Project. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members thought something just didn’t smell right when reviewing the latest list of change orders for county projects. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

After a handful of activists were arrested Tuesday in protests against a controversial telescope planned for Haleakala, some are claiming Maui police officers used excessive force despite a peaceful demonstration. Hawaii News Now.

Showdown in Pukalani. Protesters attempt to stop telescope convoy; 6 people arrested. Maui News.

Law enforcement officers arrested a total of six individuals early this morning at the site of a demonstration held to protest ongoing construction of a telescope atop Haleakalā. One individual was also injured and was taken off site by paramedics during the incident for treatment at the hospital emergency room. Maui Now.

Maui police arrested six people Wednesday after they allegedly tried to block trucks hauling equipment for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope project at Haleakala. Star-Advertiser.

Six arrests were made when protesters tried to block an equipment convoy for a solar telescope being built on a Hawaii mountain held sacred by some Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Maui Police arrested six protestors involved in demonstrations against a contested solar telescope project on Haleakala summit. KITV.

Police arrested two women and four men early Wednesday morning as they tried to block the passage of a large vehicle convoy carrying equipment to the summit of Haleakala for construction of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, according to an announcement from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

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Plans for further development on South Maui have been rejected at least for the moment. The latest proposal would have included housing, office and retail space on 75 acres in North Kīhei. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Department of Education is facing criticism for its handling of a bus driver shortage that will affect students on Maui. KHON2.

Kauai

Kauai County Council members have rejected $100,000 in private donations to fund a climate action plan for their rural island, which is particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, stronger storms and other effects of climate change. Civil Beat.

After reflecting on a decision to freeze vacant county positions for six months, Ken Shimonishi, director of finance, said it was not practical. Garden Island.

Molokai


A meeting is being held today on Molokai to discuss plans for a former bombing range. Hawaii Public Radio.

Scientists study Hawaiian birds, monk seals, Trans Pacific Partnership talks coming to Maui, pCard audit shows misuse not widespread, cannabis convention draws hundreds, state flirts with hydrogen, Honolulu council mulls second homes on properties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Koloa maoli native duck © 2015 All Hawaii News

 Global climate change could further imperil indigenous Hawaiian bird populations over the next century as rising temperatures and increased rainfall draw malaria-bearing mosquitoes into protected avian habitats, according to researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Star-Advertiser.

Marine officials are readying for the possibility of a disease outbreak in Hawaiian waters, hoping to protect the dwindling Hawaiian monk seal population from morbillivirus. The disease has killed thousands of dolphins and seals around the world. Associated Press.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are beginning to roll onto Hawaii’s transportation scene. Two 25-seat hydrogen-powered buses will soon be shuttling tourists between the visitors center and the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hydrogen might someday fuel the Wiki-Wiki shuttles at Honolulu Airport. Star-Advertiser.

In a move likely to irk China, the new U.S. commander of the Pacific Fleet joined a seven-hour surveillance flight over the disputed South China Sea aboard one of America’s newest spy planes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Cannabis Business Expo attracts many. KITV4.

Applying for a license to run a Hawaii medical marijuana dispensary under the state’s new system will take serious investment, but it could be well worth the reward. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s Public Access Room Gets Swiss Broadcasting Attention. The legislative service, now in its 25th year, is recognized for practicing the concept of “direct democracy.” Civil Beat.

When the Hawaii Department of Education released the details of its new teacher evaluation system three years ago, veteran teacher Mireille Ellsworth made a radical decision: She would simply refuse to do part of it. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission plans to welcome its newest member Wednesday. Reynaldo Graulty will be replacing Ed Broglio, whose term ended June 30. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A proposal to make it easier for Oahu's residential property owners to set up a second dwelling on their lots might become reality soon. Bill 20, if it moves out of the City Council Zoning and Permitting Committee on Thursday, would be positioned for a final vote of the full Council in August. Star-Advertiser.

State legislative leaders say Mayor Kirk Caldwell was not as forthright as he should have been in helping them best decide what to do about Honolulu's cash-strapped rail project, with one key lawmaker calling for the mayor to apologize to help rebuild trust between the city and state. Star-Advertiser.

Applicants are being sought for a vacant post on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's board of directors. Those interested have until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7 to submit to HART a completed application form, cover letter and resume. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Misuse of county credit cards is not widespread in Hawaii County government, but is confined to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office and one other department, according to an audit report released Friday by Legislative Auditor Bonnie Nims. West Hawaii Today.

Over the past two years, Mayor Billy Kenoi has spent more than $1.5 million on contracted employees, using an exemption to sidestep state civil service laws that require employees be hired based on merit. West Hawaii Today.

Former Mayor Harry Kim used his Hawaii County purchasing card less often than Mayor Billy Kenoi, who is embroiled in a pCard scandal, at least during Kim’s last 18 months in office. Tribune-Herald.

A private attorney for the Thirty Meter Telescope was allowed in on state and county officials’ conversations about jurisdictional issues on Mauna Kea, according to documents obtained by the Tribune-Herald.

Rumors of the Hawaii National Guard being thrust into the middle of the Thirty Meter Telescope conflict bring back disturbing memories for Noa Emmett Aluli. Star-Advertiser.

A miniature version of an ages-old plan to improve traffic flow between Waimea and Kawaihae has raised its head. West Hawaii Today.

A June report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that since 2008, nationwide SNAP redemptions at farmers markets and farm stands have increased sixfold, totaling $18.8 million in the last fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Out here on Maui, it’s relatively easy for big international news stories like the ongoing negotiations over the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade zone to get lost. Between locals just trying to find out why the Pali is backed up and visitors more concerned about scheduling their luau, few people out here want to find out the latest in free trade zone talks. MauiTime.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a massive international treaty being negotiated, in secret, by 12 Pacific Rim countries, side-by-side with 500 corporate advisers. After five years, they are aiming to wrap-up the deal on Maui at the end of this month. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai

Sides are starting to form in the debate over whether to repeal term limits. But before the Kauai County Council decides whether to put the issue before voters in the 2016 election, members of the public will have an opportunity to offer their opinions on an issue voters decided in 2006. Garden Island.

As of June, Kauai police have issued 539 tickets to violators operating hand-held mobile electronic devices while driving, according to KPD reports. Garden Island.

It’ll be another two to three months until Green Energy Team’s $90 million biomass-to-energy facility in Koloa starts producing steam. Garden Island.

Department of Interior gets an earful on Native Hawaiian recognition, medical marijuana dispensaries eyed, Abercrombie plans 10 vetoes, Maui council overrides budget vetoes, Kauai to keep referendum petition numbers low, Kona church endangered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo protest file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

Dozens of Native Hawaiian speakers expressed anger and mistrust with the federal government Monday during the first of a series of meetings that could lead to the group being recognized similarly to an American Indian tribe. Interior Department officials hosted the public hearing, prompted by a push to include the ethnic group among the more than 560 tribes that hold such status, with federal considerations on issues from land management to social services. Associated Press.

The vast majority of people who testified before a federal panel Monday soundly rejected any attempt by the Obama administration to pursue federal recognition of a future Native Hawaiian governing body. In often passionate, sometimes heated testimony, dozens of speakers said they opposed any effort by the Department of the Interior to start a rule-making proc­ess that could set the framework for re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

To help the U.S. Department of the Interior understand how some Native Hawaiians view federal recognition, Demont R. D. Conner offered this analogy: Your car is stolen. The person who stole the car later apologizes and offers you a bicycle. The only proper response to such an offer, said Connor, is to insist that the stolen property be returned to its rightful owner. Civil Beat.

Over 200 people packed the Hawaii State Capitol in the first of a series of meetings that could lead to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Officials from the federal government heard three and a half hours of testimony. Hawaii Public Radio.

A fiery meeting took place at the State Capitol Monday morning as the U.S. Dept. of Interior listened to public comment on establishing a Native Hawaiian government. Former Sen. Daniel Akaka sat in the front row as 143 people testified Monday for and against the idea. KHON2.

Hundreds of people showed up at the State Capitol on Monday for an intense hearing filled with emotional testimony about possible federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii News Now.

Federal panel hears resounding “no” at Honolulu hearing. Hawaii Independent.

What would a Native Hawaiian government look like? No one knows. But as of Monday morning, federal officials are gathering public input on whether the United States should establish a government-to-government relationship with Hawaii’s indigenous community, starting with a hearing at the State Capitol. Huffington Post.

Years after coming close to establishing a pilot program, state officials are meeting with policy experts, patients, caregivers, lawmakers and others with the aim of crafting a bill that would allow medical marijuana distribution centers to operate legally in Hawaii. The Medical Marijuana Dispensary System Task Force, authorized by a joint resolution of the Legislature, convenes Tuesday to develop recommendations for establishing a statewide dispensary system for medical marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

The financial disclosure forms filed annually by members of the University of Hawaii's governing board and 14 other state boards and commissions will likely remain confidential now that Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signaled he might veto legislation aimed at making the forms public documents. Senate Bill 2682 was among 10 bills that Abercrombie told lawmakers Monday he's considering rejecting. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday identified 10 measures he is thinking about vetoing. They include a financial disclosure bill that the governor told Civil Beat last month he was skeptical about — because he thinks it would hurt women and discourage government service. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said on Monday that he intends to veto 10 bills including Senate Bill 2682, which requires the financial disclosure statement of certain boards, commissioners and agencies to be made available to the public for inspection. The bill would have required 14 more boards and commissions to disclose their statements to the public, including the Board of Agriculture, the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County officials breathed a sigh of relief Monday afternoon, after learning Gov. Neil Abercrombie isn’t going to veto a bill giving them a larger share of the transient accommodations tax. But one Hawaii Island legislator is looking into why her bill is on the potential veto list, and Common Cause Hawaii is concerned that a bill requiring more transparency on boards and commissions is also on the list. West Hawaii Today.

Growing up in Kalihi-Palama and raised in a low-income household, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim said Monday her "humble beginnings" enabled her to understand the value of money, hence why she will focus on changing government spending and the budget if elected to Hawaii's First Congressional District. Hawaii News Now.

Voters will not get the chance to consider nonpartisan candidates for governor in the August primary. The state Office of Elections went to Circuit Court to disqualify the nonpartisan candidates because no nonpartisan candidates ran for lieutenant governor. A state Supreme Court ruling in 1996 held that the state Constitution requires that the lieutenant governor be elected from the same political party as the governor. Star-Advertiser.

Sixty five percent of Hawaii’s public school principals are predicting a drastic drop in math and reading test scores the coming school year, in one case by as much as 50 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Honolulu Ethics Commission Complains of Affronts to Its Independence. Investigation into possible fraud that may have cost taxpayers $250,000 a year was derailed, letter says. Civil Beat.

Candidates for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat will participate in a campaign forum at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board on Tuesday, June 24, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hahaione Elementary School’s cafeteria. Hawaii Reporter.

Levels of the chemical vanadium found in some of Oahu's drinking water wells were higher than in federal guidelines but do not pose a health concern, according to both the Hono­lulu Board of Water Supply and the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

The $250 million Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning project to cool Downtown Honolulu office buildings and condominiums towers with a revolutionary air-conditioning system, has completed its final environmental impact statement, a key development for the long-planned project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island could be less than a year away from having some of the first hydrogen-powered buses in the state on its roadways. As part of a pilot project spearheaded by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, three shuttle buses will be converted to hydrogen power. Tribune-Herald.

An iconic Alii Drive spot has made the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s most endangered list this year. Mokuaikaua Church, built in 1837, is in need of earthquake damage repair and has dysfunctional and faulty electrical wiring, termite damage, and dry-rot damage to beams in the steeple and wooden window frames, trust officials said in a news release Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island dealerships are gearing up to address an auto recall caused by airbags that can malfunction in hot, humid climates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota will recall cars sold in humid areas such as Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tribune-Herald.

John Dill, vice-chairman of the county Environmental Management Commission, died as the result of an apparent heart attack on May 29 at Hilo Medical Center, county sources said today. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui County Council on Monday unanimously voted to override Mayor Alan Arakawa’s line-item vetoes for the fiscal year 2015 budget, Council Chair Gladys Baisa announced. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council Monday morning overrode Mayor Alan Arakawa's eight line-item vetoes in the county budget in a unanimous 9-0 vote. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie on Friday released $19.5 million in Capitol Improvement Project funds for the acquisition of Līpoa Point at Honolua in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The number of petition signatures required to place public measures on general election ballots will remain the same: Twenty percent of registered voters for referendums and initiatives, 5 percent for charter amendments. On Monday, the County of Kauai Charter Review Commission discussed, and voted down, two proposed amendments that some say would have brought balance to bringing forward public measures. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum Company is in need of a new home. Increased product demand, officials say, have prompted them to reassess their retail operations in Lihue and production facilities in Kalaheo, where the company’s popular spirits are distilled and Kukui Brand jams are manufactured. Garden Island.

As far as Billy Williams is concerned, there is no doubt business on Kauai is picking up steam, the economy is turning and people are spending money. Garden Island.