Showing posts with label inauguration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inauguration. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Money for small farms, university system as new year begins, illegal fireworks spark anger, new Maui Mayor Bissen pledges fiscal restraint, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Small-scale Hawaii agriculture receives $2.7M boost. The state Department of Agriculture  last week announced distribution of grants under the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

UH to receive big funding boost from 2023 federal budget. The University of Hawaii will get a big boost from the federal government through the omnibus budget bill for fiscal 2023 that was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Case.  Star-Advertiser.

Departing Land Board chair sought ‘balance.’ Instead, some saw bias.  There is more conflict ahead for the Department of Land and Natural Resources — with a controversial new appointee taking over this week. Outgoing Chair Suzanne Case’s eight-year tenure included many battles, which now await her successor. Hawaii News Now.

Hold on to those balloons! Raft of new laws kick in Sunday. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated,” and the state Legislature is attempting to do just that with a bevy of new laws focused on ethics and other issues. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now. KITV4.

Data Shows Hawaii Shippers Are Regularly Breaking Speed Limits In Sensitive Whale Zones. Matson and Pasha Hawaii are ignoring calls to slow down. But other major shippers have heeded requests to protect endangered whales. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele to return to full-time job at Hawaiian Airlines. Former state Sen. Jill Tokuda will replace Kahele when the Congress begins its 2023 session on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Video News.

Abigail Kawananakoa to lie in state at Iolani Palace.  The late Abigail Kawananakoa, the Campbell Estate heiress who was considered by many a princess for her royal heritage, will lie in state Jan. 22 at Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu residents reeling from steep property value increases.
The increased assessments come as the City and County of Honolulu looks to come up with more cash for public service employees and after residential buying surged, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council on Tuesday to take oaths for new year. Councilmember Tommy Waters of District IV was re-elected and will renew his oath. Meanwhile, Councilmembers-elect Matt Weyer of District II, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam of District VI and Val Okimoto of District VIII will take their initial oath of office to begin their terms. KHON2.

Everyone agrees Oahu’s fireworks ban isn’t working, but there’s little agreement on a fix. After a loud and dangerous start to the new year, lawmakers and residents are calling for changes to fireworks laws. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu EMS reports long list of fireworks-related injuries in ‘brutal’ start to new year. Oahu first responders reported one of the busiest starts to the new year in recent memory, with at least eight people seriously injured by illegal fireworks. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit: State Failed To Help Severely Disabled Boy. A Kaneohe family is suing state education and health officials for failing to place their son, who has serious behavioral issues, in intensive treatment.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The Big Island Is Confronting A Big Problem With Fentanyl. One person dies every 11 days on the island from a drug overdose. A growing majority of those deaths involve the powerful, synthetic opioid fentanyl. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Attempts To Curb Short-Term Rentals. Two County Council members say their proposed legislation is aimed at helping to ease Hawaii island’s housing crisis for residents. Civil Beat.

Council to consider excess, unspent gas taxes. The Finance Committee is set to vote on appropriating $859,913 in excess fuel tax revenues collected over the past two years and reappropriating $1.519 million in lapsed fuel tax funds. West Hawaii Today.

Smoother travels ahead: Resurfacing planned for Hina Lani Street; work starts Jan. 18. Some 1.9 miles of the 3.6-mile roadway that connects Queen Kaahumanu and Mamalahoa highways is set to be resurfaced as part of the project that recently got the green light from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works with the issuance of a notice to proceed on Dec. 5, 2022, to contractor Grace Pacific. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen’s inaugural address calls for sensible spending, embraces traditional knowledge.  Maui’s new Mayor Richard Bissen called for sensible spending, explained his stance as a nonpartisan, and embraced traditional knowledge in his inaugural address on Monday evening at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Inauguration Day In Maui County: ‘Ready To Go To Work’. The County Council is down a member while the Hawaii Supreme Court considers an election challenge. Maui County’s new mayor and council formally took office on Monday in front of a packed audience of local residents and state dignitaries who turned out on the New Year’s Day holiday for the ceremonies. Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health gives Maui food truck Green Placard following cleanup.  The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a green placard to Thai Mee Up Kula 2 food truck and has allowed the food truck to reopen to the public after a followup inspection on Friday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending surges in November. The allure of the Garden Island in the post-pandemic era can be measured in a lot of ways, but none more telling than the number of people who flocked to Kauai and the money spent during their visits through November of 2022. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Jerry Jona is new KCCC warden. Jerry Jona will be the new warden at the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center, effective Jan. 3, the state Department of Public Safety announced on Friday afternoon. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

 Hawaii inaugurates its ninth governor, National Guard deployed to keep order at Mauna Loa lava flow, state Senate finalizes leadership, committees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Hawaii gubernatorial leadership takes the reins.  Josh Green became Hawaii’s ninth governor Monday in an inauguration filled with pomp and promise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Garden Island.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Luke roasts Hawaii politicians, herself, on first day on the job. Hawaii’s new Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke mapped out a serious plan to help Hawaii’s youngest get an early education and to bring high-speed internet to remote communities across the state — but first, minutes into her first day on the job Monday, she poked some fun. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi State Senate finalizes leadership and committee assignments. The Hawaiʻi State Senate finalized leadership and committee assignments ahead of the 32nd Legislature that opens on Jan. 18, 2023. Maui Now.

Hawaii government workers might be able to drop Kaiser health insurance
. The state agency that provides health insurance benefits to government workers in Hawaii is considering offering employees a special open enrollment period to allow them to switch their health coverage from Kaiser Permanente to the Hawaii Medical Service Association due to the protracted strike by Kaiser’s mental health clinicians. Star-Advertiser.

Amid ongoing shortage of health care workers, Hawaii hospitals see ‘unprecedented’ demand. Hospitals across the state are busier than ever — even busier than during the peak of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Over $300M refunded to Hawaiʻi taxpayers . Gov. David Ige announced 606,674 refunds have been issued to Hawaiʻi taxpayers, totaling $307.9 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HPD chief urges community to call 911 if legal guns not concealed. If you see a person walking around Oahu with a gun that is visible after the Honolulu Police Department begins issuing concealed-carry weapon licenses, please call 911, Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy refuses to publicly release video of latest Red Hill spill.  The Navy today said it would release video footage of last week’s spill of toxic fire suppressant chemicals at Red Hill to federal and state environmental regulators, but not the public claiming that doing so could impede its investigation into the latest accident at its massive underground fuel facility. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Robots are scrubbing floors at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.  To keep floors “sanitary and sparkling” at the Big Island’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation has purchased automated floor cleaning robots. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Man Arrested For Allegedly Forging Federal Judge’s Signature To Steal From Elderly Woman. The suspect allegedly convinced the woman that he had saved her Ewa Beach home from foreclosure and demanded cash payments from her. Civil Beat.

On Oahu’s west side, worsening homeless problem draws calls for greater outreach. At a recent Waianae Neighborhood Board Meeting, police said they simply “don’t have the equipment or manpower to actually remove” all the homeless people camped at the beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ige calls up National Guard to help with traffic on Saddle.  Gov. David Ige activated the Hawaii National Guard on Monday to assist Hawaii County with traffic control during the Mauna Loa eruption. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Mauna Loa Eruption Day 8: Creeping lava unlikely to cross Saddle Road for a week plus, if ever.  The front of Mauna Loa’s lava flow continues to inch closer to Daniel K. Inouye Highway. As of noon, the flow front was 2.15 miles from the thoroughfare. Big Island Now.

Hawaii geologists skeptical about claim eruption was forecasted.  Hawaii volcanologists have raised eyebrows at University of Miami researchers who claim to have predicted the current Mauna Loa eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Key ag research facility to get face-lift. Before he left office, Gov. David Ige released $6.9 million in capital improvement funds for the Waiakea Research Station on Stainback Highway, on the southern outskirts of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

County Announces Shift In Kalanianaʻole Traffic Direction. DPW and Nan, Inc on Thursday will be closing the mauka-bound lane and opening the makai-bound lane into Hilo town from Keaukaha on Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 am for striping of the roadway and shoulder maintenance.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Another former Maui wastewater official pleads guilty to bribery in corruption scandal. Former Maui wastewater Supervisor Wilfredo Tamayo Savella pleaded guilty to bribery charges on Monday as part of a sprawling corruption scandal that also netted public officials.  Hawaii News Now.

Applications available for East Maui community water board.  During the Nov. 8 election, voters approved a charter amendment to create the water authority and East Maui regional community board, which will appoint the water authority director; approve a long-range watershed management plan and related programs; set priorities; approve the annual operations budget appropriation request; provide written comments on the long-term capital improvement plan, annual maintenance plan and operating budget and make recommendations on water rates and the federal, state and private funding plan.  Maui News.

Kauai

Passenger count hits new high. A wave of visitors to the island of Kaua‘i in November lifted the passenger count into rarefied air at Lihu‘e Airport, which set an annual record for the number of deplanements with one month to go in 2022. Garden Island.

Airport gets bulk of Kaua‘i’s capital improvement projects funding.  More than $124.6 million in state funding is headed to Kaua‘i, for projects ranging from the relocation of a Līhuʻe Airport runway to the construction of a new gymnasium at Waimea High School. Kauai Now.


Monday, December 5, 2022

Hawaii gas price tops in the nation, Green, Luke to be inaugurated today, unexploded ordnance temporarily closes lava viewing area, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Why Is Hawaii Still Suffering From High Oil Prices When The Mainland Has Dropped? Hawaii was the only state in the U.S. last week where electric rates continue to cause consumer shock and average gasoline prices topped $5 per gallon. As crude oil and gasoline prices drop on the mainland, bringing relief to consumers after a long period of high prices, Hawaii residents and businesses face a grim alternate reality: gasoline prices haven’t dropped much, and neither has the price of electricity. Civil Beat.

Is Hawaiʻi nearing a recession? Analysts say not quite. Paul Brewbaker, economist and principal of TZ Economics, said that inflation in Hawaiʻi is running at 6.6% now — of which 4.1% is core inflation. That, combined with rising interest rates, is changing the dynamics between lenders and consumers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Inauguration of Green and Luke set for today.  Gov.-elect Josh Green and Lt. Gov.-elect Sylvia Luke are scheduled to be sworn in to Hawaii’s highest offices today in an inauguration ceremony at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena to include the Royal Hawaiian Band, the Roosevelt High School String Quartet and the Hawaii National Guard Joint Color Guard &Royal Guard. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Tourism Authority calls for special meeting on U.S. tourism contract.  The Hawaii Tourism Authority has called a special board meeting for Wednesday to discuss extending the U.S. tourism contract while it sorts out a procurement protest and other irregularities a week after a secret meeting with the outgoing governor and the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority emails show contract process concerns
. Hawaii Tourism Authority staff may have violated state procurement law during solicitation for the U.S. tourism contract, typically worth more than $100 million over a five-year period, according to information found in approximately 2,700 pages of public records. Star-Advertiser.

Former sports anchor, union official sentenced to probation for his role in corruption scandal. Former KHNL sports anchor and union official Russell Yamanoha has been sentenced to two years of probation and was fined $5,000 for his role in a union corruption scandal. Yamanoha, the former assistant business manager for the IBEW Local 1260, was convicted in 2019 for helping rig union votes. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Rental Subsidies Could Help Thousands Of Kupuna On DHHL Waitlist. A new program overseen by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement follows more than $12 million of rent relief the department has disbursed. Civil Beat.

Army moving equipment across Pacific for training. The Army is moving equipment across the Pacific in support of its Operation Pathways exercise to be held in Australia in 2023 as it continues to define its changing role in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Fishing council questions monument’s spillover benefits. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is again challenging the reported benefits of the Papaha­naumokuakea Marine National Monument — this time by directly questioning the legitimacy of a recent study on the spillover effects the monument’s expansion area has on marine life. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DOT announces locations for new red light cameras
. The Department of Transportation's red light safety camera pilot will install 10 cameras throughout intersections in Honolulu with a history of red light violations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy hikes toxic leak estimate: ‘They’re on thin ice’.  Officials said on Saturday, Dec. 3 that the amount that was actually released could be almost 20 percent higher than originally reported. KHON2.

‘Last straw’: BWS chief engineer Ernie Lau joins water advocates in Red Hill protest. For the first time, Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer Ernie Lau joined dozens of water advocates at a Red Hill protest Friday outside the State Health Department. Hawaii News Now.

Construction to resume on Mandarin Oriental Honolulu luxury tower.  A developer plans to start building a $650 million luxury hotel and condominium tower across from the Hawai‘i Convention Center next year following a three-year delay influenced by the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Makua Beach Standoff: Residents Say They Are Being Run Off By A Man Camping Out. People who regularly use the beach say Samson Souza has been blocking access for months. He says he’s trying to protect endangered spinner dolphins. Civil Beat.

Waianae Coast pig farmer fights for livelihood against landlord. A 55-year-old Waianae Coast pig farmer who filed a petition to the state’s highest court for help to save his livestock and his livelihood said he’s not giving up the fight despite being rejected by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More progressive County Council to be sworn in Monday. There’s a new day coming for the Hawaii County Council, with a freshly minted chairwoman, three freshman members, newly named committees and a more progressive agenda. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Explosive device closes Mauna Loa viewing area. The Hawaii County Police Department reopened the parking area on old Saddle Road on Sunday afternoon following the conclusion of a police investigation that closed the Mauna Loa eruption viewing area for nearly five hours. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Volcanic risk: 2020 report could be key in avoiding disaster.  After the lava flows from the 2018 Kilauea eruption took out more than 700 homes and cost tens of millions of dollars in road reconstruction and land buyouts, the county spent more than $2 million on a consultant to conduct an islandwide volcanic risk assessment as well as a Kilauea recovery plan. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island still draws home buyers despite eruption risks.  Despite the threats of hurricanes, tsunamis, vog, earthquakes — and now another eruption from Mauna Loa — people continue to move to the more affordable areas of Hawaii Island, including the Leilani Estates subdivision that was overrun by Kilauea lava in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

A legacy of lava: Kim, Trusdell reflect on 1984 Mauna Loa eruption that threatened Hilo.  Former Mayor Harry Kim was county Civil Defense administrator in 1984, a position he held for 24 years before becoming Hawaii County’s chief executive in 2000. In his role at Civil Defense, as well as in his dozen years as mayor, Kim has dealt with volcanoes more on a day-to-day basis than any other county official. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County council voices support for restoration of Kawela Stream flow. Resolution urges water commission to deny contested case hearing for landowner. Maui News.

Work to start on new hale at Kepaniwai. A project to build a replacement Hawaiian Hale at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Iao Valley will begin Dec. 12. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Coco Palms development faces new legal challenge. Kaua‘i community group I Ola Wailuanui filed a lawsuit last month against the state Board of Land and Natural Resources and the developers behind the project, arguing recently renewed BLNR permits granted to a defunct LLC without the typically required environmental impact statements.  Garden Island.

Millions released for Kaua‘i projects.  Waimea High School will get a new gym, as $27 million of the funds released between Nov. 1, 2022, and Dec. 2, 2022, are for construction of a new gym and related facilities.  Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Gov. Ige and Lt. Gov. Green inaugurated to four-year term: media coverage, speech text, videos, GOP response, more. Plus inaugurations on neighbor islands, more top news

courtesy Governor's Office
Swearing in of Gov. David Ige PC: Governor's Office
Gov. David Ige stresses ‘moving forward together’ at second inauguration. Gov. David Ige stressed the need for unity after being sworn in for his second term as governor in the rotunda of the Hawaii State Capitol on Monday, and suggested that the state is at a crossroads as leaders look to build a more diversified and sustainable economy driven by technology. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Begins Second Term With Call To ‘Move Forward, Together’. The governor said he is “eager and excited about the prospect of tackling all that is before us” after being sworn in for another four years. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green sworn into office. Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green were sworn in Monday at a ceremony that took place in the State Capitol Rotunda. KHON2.

Governor David Ige was sworn in for a second term by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald.  In his address, the governor repeated the inauguration theme of moving forward together.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige sworn in for a second term. Gov. David Ige took the oath of office Monday for a second term as Hawaii’s governor, saying this generation’s legacy will rest on how well it prepares children for a technology-driven future. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green were sworn-in today, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 at the State Capitol Rotunda. During his inaugural address, Gov. Ige focused on three specific areas–Education, Housing and Sustainability–saying, “I believe our legacy will rest on how well we meet the challenges of the 21st century, and how well we begin to transform our economy.” Maui Now.

In laying out his plan for the next 4 years, Ige condemns Trump administration for ‘troubling’ direction. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige's inauguration speech full text.

Gov. David Ige's inauguration speech video.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green speech video.

Hawaii Republican Party inauguration speech response. Hawaii Free Press.

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Path to the presidency may be tough: political analyst weighs in on Gabbard's chances. Hawaii U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said she's seriously considering making a run for president. KITV.

Hawaii Does Fine Raking In Federal Dollars Without Earmarks. There’s talk in Congress of resurrecting the system for bringing home the bacon. But lawmakers say it’s questionable how much that would help the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii soldier to be sentenced for trying to provide material support to ISIS. Associated Press.

International Students Continue To Fuel State's Economy.  A new study recently released by the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism shows International students help to contribute close to a billion dollars to our state coffers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tuna Fishermen Want Higher Quotas. Stable ahi prices are expected during the holidays, but environmental groups are concerned about the longterm health of fish stocks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings for 2018 jump to 3-year high. Hawaii bankruptcies surged last month amid a slowing state economy and are now guaranteed to finish the year with the worst outcome since at least 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Electric vehicle push to provide Hawaii with over $700M in economic benefits, HECO predicts. Hawaiian Electric estimates that transforming the Islands' transportation sector from fossil fuels toward electricity could result in economic benefits of more than $700 million over the next 27 years. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

7 vacation rental bills before the Council. Seven bills that try to both regulate and legitimize Oahu’s short-term vacation rentals get their first airing before the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Program For Domestic Violence Victims Stalls. Two years after advocates convinced Honolulu police officers to implement a threat assessment form for victims, its use has dropped by half. Civil Beat.

10-cannon salute at governor’s inauguration sent students at Honolulu school fleeing from classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

The city is a step closer to initiating a condemnation action to acquire an easement for a long-­discussed public beach right of way to the ocean ­ in East Honolulu’s ritzy Portlock Road area. Star-Advertiser.

It’s ‘twilight’ for Pearl Harbor survivors. It’s extra noteworthy that Everett Hyland, a Dec. 7, 1941, attack survivor who was on the USS Pennsylvania, will return the salute of a passing Navy warship at Friday’s anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Foodland Farms to open as part of new Kahala retail center. The project called Kuono Marketplace at Kahala will provide about 50,000 square feet of commercial space for about 20 tenants in a contiguous complex fronted by about 150 parking stalls and a gas station on the corner of Waialae Avenue and Hunakai Street where a Shell station once stood. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A new County Council was seated Monday, with its chairman pledging renewed cooperation between county and state governments and a session without distractions from the serious issues of the day. West Hawaii Today.

Aaron Chung, the newly elected chair of the Hawaii County Council, said he plans to make recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption a top priority in the coming year. Big Island Video News.

Big Isle dispensary rebrands with new name. Lau Ola LLC, one of two licensed medical marijuana companies on the island, said Monday that it will operate under a new name: Big Island Grown (B.I.G.) Dispensaries. Star-Advertiser.

Lau Ola LLC, one of the two permitted medical cannabis providers on Hawaii Island, is announcing a company rebrand, changing its name to Big Island Grown Dispensaries. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Discussing an audit critical of the county liquor department and commission, Maui County Council members Monday called for increased oversight of the independent entities and expressed dismay at some of their practices. Maui News.

A 2nd Circuit Court judge determined Monday that shoreline hardening plans for the Hololani condominiums should have required an environmental assessment, and that county officials did not take that into account when approving changes to the condos’ plans. Maui News.

Women’s March Founder From Maui Declines Participation in Anniversary Event. Teresa Shook, the Hawaii woman who founded the Women’s March, publicly called for the four leaders of the Women’s March Inc. to step down. Maui Now.

Not much left of Makena hotel. After starting this summer, demolition of the old Makena Beach & Golf Resort, formerly the Maui Prince Hotel, looks to be nearing an end. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek Kawakami has big plans for his first 100 days in office — among them, a round of internal audits to improve government performance, the creation of a new office to address problems facing the community and improving the government’s approach to customer service. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami sworn into office. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and members of the 2018-2020 Kauai County Council were sworn into office by Judge Randal G. B. Valenciano at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Monday. KHON2.

Council, in 5-2 vote, elects Kaneshiro chair. Arryl Kaneshiro was appointed Kauai County Council Chair, with Ross Kagawa as vice chair at the newly-elected council’s inaugural meeting Monday, despite pleas from some residents in attendance that Councilman Mason Chock be selected for one of those positions. Garden Island.

Inauguration attendees look forward to future. Garden Island.

Woman accused of stealing nearly $365,000 from Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Court documents reveal Rowenalynn Yorkman carried out the scheme while working as a travel clerk for the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Sands on Kauai. KHON2.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Inauguration Day: Ige sworn in as governor still seeking a Cabinet, Hawaii and Kauai counties seat councils, lava flow picks up steam, deadly pig virus confirmed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige courtesy photo
Hawaii Gov. David Ige inauguration, courtesy photo
The wind-swept, cool afternoon on inauguration day was a dramatic change from the hot and dry outdoor ceremony four years ago that brought a new Hawaii governor into power. Star-Advertiser.

David Ige was sworn in as Hawaii’s eighth governor on Monday following a patriotic ceremony that culminated in a 19-cannon salute reverberating through the Capitol halls. Standing on a stage with Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Ige introduced himself to the hundreds of people seated in the open-air rotunda. Civil Beat.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in Monday as Hawaii’s eighth governor, taking the oath of office in the state Capitol in a ceremony that featured hula dancers, conch calls and ukulele serenades. Associated Press.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in as the eighth Governor of Hawaii during an inauguration ceremony at the State Capitol Monday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in as Hawaii's eighth governor since statehood Monday, calling for members of his administration to work together to engage the public with the state government. Pacific Business News.

Hawai’i’s new Governor was sworn in today at the State Capitol. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s newly sworn in Governor, David Ige and Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui delivered their inaugural addresses at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol this afternoon. The theme, “Honoring the Past, and Charting a New Tomorrow,” was apparent as both honored their family history and spoke of their hopes for the next generation. Maui Now.

Hawaii entered a new era on Monday with a new leader in charge of our state. Gov. David Ige was sworn into office at noon Monday on the rotunda of the State Capitol. KHON2.

During Monday's inauguration celebration, David Ige talked about Hawaii's future years from now. The new governor also outlined what will happen in the next few weeks, after being on the job for just a few hours. KITV4.

Inauguration Day Slideshow: ‘I’m David Ige’ A day of pageantry and celebration unfolds at the Hawaii Capitol before the new governor gets down to the business of running state government. Civil Beat.

TRANSCRIPT: Ige's 2014 Inaugural Address. KITV4.

New Gov. David Ige plans to spend the next few days with his closest advisers looking over resumes and reviewing the state's fiscal situation as he fills out his Cabinet and puts together the executive budget to submit to the Legislature in three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige had just two members of his cabinet in place as he took office Monday, far fewer than his predecessor, fellow Democrat Neil Abercrombie, had on board when he was sworn in four years ago. Hawaii News Now.

David Louie’s term at Hawaii’s attorney general ended when David Ige was sworn in as governor Monday at the State Capitol. David Louie is no longer Hawaii’s attorney general. Ige will not keep Louie in his cabinet, and instead will be relying upon Russell Suzuki on an interim basis until a successor is chosen. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige has selected Rachael Wong as the next director of the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

Richard Rapoza, the longtime communications director for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, starts a new job today as director of strategic communications for Hawaii Pacific University. Civil Beat.

Landlords’ Rejections Keep Hawaii Homeless on the Streets Longer. Many Hawaii property owners refuse to accept renters using vouchers from Housing First and Section 8 programs. Civil Beat.

The number of University of Hawaii freshmen taking 15 or more course credits has increased by 50 percent over the past three years — an improvement the university says will help more students graduate on time and enter the workforce more quickly. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The theft of the Honolulu police chief's mailbox not only brought allegations of undue influence after a crack police squad made an arrest, but also exposed a messy family financial dispute. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expanding the city's sit-lie ordinance into downtown Honolulu and 14 other business districts throughout Oahu will be signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials confirmed the first outbreak of a deadly pig virus on a farm on Oahu, Reuters reported on Monday. According to the state agriculture department, the outbreak of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, or PEDv, occurred on a farm with about 150 pigs, and about 25 percent have died. The state quarantined the infected farm, but officials are still uncertain how the virus arrived in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Friends of Hanauma Bay say the City has been mismanaging the nature preserve for years and they want the facility's budget separated from the general fund. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of a planned $500 million regional shopping center in Kapolei has signed a 65-year lease with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, overcoming a major hurdle for the ambitious project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Tears, joy, controversy and even silly hats marked the changing of the guard Monday, as three members of the County Council were replaced by newcomers eager to get on with the people’s work. West Hawaii Today.

After staying far upslope for the past two weeks, the lava flow advanced hastily over the weekend with a fresh ribbon of red molten rock establishing itself as its new front. Tribune-Herald.

An active lava breakout near an abandoned geothermal well has been declared the new flow front, a stream of lava that could threaten the Pahoa area in as soon as 12 days if it continues on its current pace. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to use an abandoned pipe to transport biofuel from ships docked at Hilo Harbor to a nearby storage facility will likely be approved after it cleared an environmental assessment. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui started a pilot project to encourage more recycling by offering curbside pickup, but the economics have not worked out. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lui Hokoana said he brings a "student-centered" philosophy, or one that "puts students first," to his role as the University of Hawaii Maui College's new chancellor. Maui News.

Kauai

It’s back to basics for the County of Kauai. That’s the common concept that Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and newly selected County Council Chair Mel Rapozo say is needed to heal past wounds, regain the trust of residents and strengthen community bonds. Garden Island.

Two staunch opponents of a controversial and yet-to-be-implemented county law that regulates some pesticide use and cultivation of genetically modified crops will lead the new Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Under the new Pay-as-You-Throw ordinance, which takes effect in July 2015, customers can choose between a 64- or 96-gallon cart for their automated curbside refuse collection. These options are available to customers who have 96-gallon carts, as well as to the 9,000 residents around the island who will begin to receive the automated service come July. Garden Island.

The County Planning Director can be subpoenaed for deposition as a witness in a civil matter, even if the county was already dismissed as a defendant in a negligence case brought by former Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan against his neighbors. Garden Island.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Fish come to market, Ige inauguration today, county councils see new members, energy-efficient airport coming to Honolulu, cruise ships stable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaiian fisherman © 2014 All Hawaii News
Hawai‘i could see its first community supported fishery as early as next year. The concept is similar to community supported agriculture, where customers bypass the supermarket and pay farmers directly for a weekly delivery of fresh produce. Hawaii Public Radio.

Four years after promises of a new day dissolved into a tumultuous and at times combative administration under Neil Abercrombie, Gov.-elect David Ige, the unassuming electrical engineer from Pearl City, takes the reins of state government with the promise to lead in a more collaborative fashion. Star-Advertiser.

10 Things Hawaii’s Next Governor Has Said He’ll Do. David Ige told voters he would do quite a bit if elected. Here's some of what the public should expect to see. Civil Beat.

When Gov.-elect David Ige was an ambitious, 28-year-old engineer looking to climb the corporate ladder, the last thing on his mind was running for public office. Associated Press.

It was a decision Gov. Neil Abercrombie said may have cost him re-election, but one he stood by as a proud legacy that will live on long after he leaves the state’s highest office. Under Abercrombie’s tenure as governor, Hawaii legalized same-sex marriage, and Abercrombie’s decision to call a special legislative session over the issue was widely seen as the reason nearly 3,000 same-sex couples were able to wed in the state in the past year. Associated Press.

Warship drills in isles. The USS Fort Worth engages in cross-service offshore exercises as it readies for its deployment to Singapore. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health was hoping that outgoing Gov. Neil Abercrombie would sign new rules into law before he leaves office at noon Monday that would help phase out thousands of cesspools throughout the islands that could be contaminating coastal waters with raw sewage. Civil Beat.

These are unquestionably difficult days for Japan’s economy. And tourism executives and government officials in Hawaii are right to pay attention to the situation. But despite some scary numbers, the Japanese visitor market to Hawaii is not about to drop off a cliff. Civil Beat.

Decline in native birds is linked to tiny mejiro. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for Dec. 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

A $150 million energy savings performance contract aimed at cutting energy use by about 50 percent at Honolulu International Airport is getting national attention. The efficiency gains equate to a $518 million savings in energy costs over 20 years. Pacific Business News.

The contentious Hoopili development project that could bring as many as 11,750 new homes to the Ewa plain comes before the Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council on Monday will bid aloha to three council members before turning its attention to a new council term with three new faces. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii businesses can expect little to change in the coming year when it comes to the number of cruise ship visitor arrivals. Tribune-Herald.

USGS geologists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say satellite observations over the past few days indicate Puna lava flow breakouts in the ground crack system continue to advance downslope between the abandoned geothermal well site and Kaohe Homesteads. Hawaii News Now.

The Aloha State says goodbye today to a 2014 Central Pacific hurricane season that set precedents on several fronts, including three cyclones cranking in its neighborhood at once and a direct hit on the Big Island by Tropical Storm Iselle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Cultural Resource Commission will consider recommending the Kahului Railroad Administration Building to the Hawaii and National Register of Historic Places at its meeting Friday. Maui News.

Home sales on Maui were down in October from the same time last year with a total of 80 homes sold for a median price of $564,000, according to new data released by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui Now.

A Beverly Hills, Calif., commercial real estate firm announced the closing of the sale - for reportedly in the upper-$60 million - of the 5-decade-old Maui Lu Resort in Kihei. Maui News.

Kauai

The public is invited to attend the inauguration of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and the new Kauai County Council scheduled today. Garden Island.

New plans by the Honolulu-based development company Coco Palms Hui, LLC to rebuild, renovate and revitalize the historical site have drawn praise and criticism by some residents who have watched the vacant hotel along Kuhio Highway languish over the years. Garden Island.

James Pflueger’s Oct. 15 sentencing in Kauai’s 5th circuit court caused a great stir in the islands after he was given just seven months in prison on a reckless endangering charge. But in reality, Pflueger will spend less than a week behind bars per death. Hawaii Reporter.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Watched Obama's inauguration live on your PC? Your computer may have been hijacked.


Many people who watched live streaming video of the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama on Jan. 20 may not realize that their PC was used to send the video to other PCs, too.

That's according to Brian Livingston of the Web site Windows Secrets, which claims CNN used Web viewers' PCs to bounce the inauguration around the globe.

This bothers a lot of folks out in the blogosphere. What are your thoughts on this?

Friday, January 16, 2009

Library of inauguration speeches now online


In anticipation of the inaug-uration Tuesday of Hawaii-born President-elect Barack Obama, hulu has put up clips of inaugural speeches from McKinley forward.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Open arms, closed wallets

Hawaii residents may be welcoming president-
elect Barack Obama with open arms during his Oahu holiday stay, but they haven’t been opening their wallets to help pay for his inauguration.

An allhawaiinews.com analysis of the $21.9 million in $200-plus donations made for inauguration festivities show $9,000 from one contributor as the only donation from Hawaii.

And that sole Hawaii contributor is actually a Chicago resident. Kehaulani Lum, who has homes in both Aiea, Hawaii, and the Loop in Chicago, is an Obama Mama who made news in the Windy City by holding a pre-election workshop for 11- to 15-year-olds called “Kid Filmmakers for Obama.”

The four days of inauguration festivities beginning Jan. 18 are expected to cost taxpayers as much as $50 million for preparations and protection for the estimated 2.5 million people expected to show up in Washington D.C. for the historic event.

The Aloha State showed more generosity during the election itself. Hawaii’s 1.3 million residents account for 4.3 percent of the United States population, but the $3.1 million in contributions to the Obama-Biden ticket was 4.7 percent of the $656.6 million the campaign raked in.