Showing posts with label infrastructure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infrastructure. Show all posts

Friday, March 8, 2019

Hawaii infrastructure gets low marks, Kaneshiro takes paid leave amid federal probe, House passes pot decriminalization, entangled whale freed off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Walking along Diamond Head Road ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s infrastructure gets D+ in yearly report from engineers society. Most of the Aloha State’s infrastructure systems are in poor to fair condition. The report card recommends the state Legislature increase the state gas tax and support “innovative funding mechanisms” to pay for a backlog of repairs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's infrastructure received its first report card today and more than half of grades were below passing. The 2019 Report Card covers 11 infrastructure categories.  And of those categories, 5 are in mediocre condition and six are in poor condition or already at risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Majority of Hawaii’s infrastructure operating ‘beyond its useful life’. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's infrastructure given D+ grade from civil engineers. Poor to fair, that's what the American Society of Civil Engineers Hawaii section ranked most of Hawaii's infrastructure on Thursday, giving an overall grade of “D+.” KHON2.

Most of Hawaii’s infrastructure systems, including those for roads, schools, drinking water and stormwater, are in such poor condition that the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers has given the state an overall grade of “D-plus” on an inaugural report card. Pacific Business News.

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House Votes To Decriminalize Possessing Small Amounts Of Pot. The measure that now goes to the Senate would apply to having 3 grams of marijuana or less, which still could result in a $200 fine. Civil Beat.

The state House of Representatives passed a bill today that would decriminalize the adult use of marijuana, which is currently illegal under federal law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis passed the state House of Representatives and will now go before the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

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Unanimous vote in State Senate clarifies rules on how to use crosswalk signals. There was a unanimous vote in the State Senate Thursday clarifying rules on how to use crosswalk signals with countdown timers. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines said Thursday it would award $31 million in profit- sharing and performance bonuses to employees following what was an “exceptional” 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Local Dairies Could Solve Future Milk Shortages, But It's An Expensive Venture. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said Thursday he would take a voluntary paid leave effective immediately. He was notified last year that he was a target of a federal investigation into government corruption, and has faced pressure from Attorney General Clare Connors and Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard to step down. Star-Advertiser.

Embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Takes Immediate Leave Of Absence. Keith Kaneshiro is a target in a wide-ranging corruption investigation. His removal was sought by the state attorney general. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro announced Thursday he is taking a leave of absence from his office. His action follows reports that he is a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation and subsequent calls for him to step down. Hawaii Public Radio.

After refusing to step aside for months, embattled city prosecutor takes leave amid federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's prosecutor is taking a leave of absence from his office, a month after confirming he received a target letter in connection with a federal investigation. KHON2.

Kaneshiro takes a leave of absence amid federal investigation. Dwight Nadamoto will serve as Acting Prosecuting Attorney. KITV.

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City Poised To Pay $550,000 To Cop Who Claimed HPD Doctored Test Scores. A lawsuit alleges Police Chief Susan Ballard, while commander of the police academy in 2008, took part in making it easier for recruits to pass. Civil Beat.

Pali Highway fix expected to be done in August. It’s going to be a long road ahead — another five months at least — before Pali Highway is fixed and reopened following last month’s rockslide. Star-Advertiser.

$15 milion price tag to repair the Pali Highway. Heavy rains last month triggered multiple landslides along the Pali Highway. KITV.

Kakaako intersection may turn into roundabout to accommodate Rail. "HART" is planning to put a rail column in the middle of the road on Queen and Waimanu streets, along with a roundabout. This is the area next to South Shore Market and TJ Maxx. KHON2.

A year in, mobile hygiene center demonstrates the incredible power of a shower. The mobile hygiene center travels to different communities across Oahu up to five days a week. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless man accused of West Oahu wildfires had been arrested 30 times before. Hawaii News Now.

Council Member Wants Audit of Hawaiian Humane Society. Ann Kobayashi said she was stunned by how many key employees had left the Humane Society under its current CEO. Civil Beat.

The abrupt shutdown scheduled today for Argosy University- Hawaii will leave about 800 graduate and under­graduate students in the lurch, midway through the semester. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission approves new rules to slow down raise-setting process. Slow and steady is the name of the game for the county Salary Commission, which on Thursday revised its rules and received updates on collective bargaining agreements, private sector pay scales and county finances, but took no action on salaries for top management. West Hawaii Today.

Proposal for water-bottling plant killed. A proposal for a new water-bottling plant near Wailoa State Recreation Area was resurrected briefly before being definitively killed again at Thursday’s meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

A permit to allow the construction of a water bottling facility in Hilo was denied by the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Kona pool down 6 to 7 months. After almost being shut down for a full week, Hawaii County officials expect Kona Community Aquatics Center to remain closed for six to seven months until a new filter system can be installed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two tourism reports for January indicate a softening of the Maui market with visitor spending down nearly 14 percent from last January and hotel revenue and average daily rates off across the board. Maui News.

A new study from financial technology company, SmartAsset, ranks the Waihee-Waiehu area of Maui as the most affordable place to live in Hawaii. Maui Now.

70 Waikapu affordable housing units offered. Waiale Elua applications due by March 29. Maui News.

Team cuts 500 feet of fishing gear from emaciated juvenile whale off Maui.  NOAA says five entangled whales have been spotted in Hawaii in the past week. Four of them were off Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Entangled Humpback Whale Freed of Gear Off Maui. An estimated 500 feet of heavy gauge line was removed from an entangled humpback whale off Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Nearly a year after April floods triggered a sinkhole and washed out a portion of Kahiliholo Road, residents are celebrating its reopening. But they’re also wondering what took so long. Garden Island.

Esaki’s Produce doesn’t usually fly their shipments to Kauai, normally relying on Matson to transport them via boat in deliveries that are made twice a week — Tuesdays and Fridays. But, for the past two weeks, Esaki’s has been shipping its wares in through Hawaiian Airlines to combat about a month of delayed shipping at sea. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Hawaii infrastructure worst in nation, Maui water rights stir controversy, DOE ups teacher requirements, Kakakaako homeless moved from park to sidewalks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Saddle Road construction work © 2017 All Hawaii News
Shoddy and unsafe conditions plaguing the state’s roads, bridges and dams helped earn Hawaii the dubious distinction of having the worst infrastructure in the country, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

As boats and other debris from continue to wash up on Hawaii's shores after the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, it's bringing some unexpected visitors. According to a study in "Science Magazine," nearly 70 different species made its way to the islands. KITV.

Hawaii farmers raising plants for landscaping had a good year in 2016 and led the state’s flower and plant nursery industry in a sales rebound, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to staff classrooms with more qualified teachers, the Hawaii Department of Education will include only certified instructors when it reports the number of teacher positions filled to the state Board of Education at the start of each school year. Civil Beat.

Two pottery pieces labeled “Atomic Ware” were delivered to Japan last week. The unique artifacts were found during a garage sale in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State sweeps homeless from Kakaako parks. State sheriffs were stationed at entry points at Kakaako Waterfront Park early today after the state closed the park indefinitely for safety reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Within 12 hours of Kakaako Waterfront park closing indefinitely, the sidewalks surrounding the nearby Children's Discovery Center were overrun with tents. Hawaii News Now.

Three parks in Kakaako are now closed indefinitely for major maintenance and improvements: Kakaako Waterfront, Gateway, and Kewalo Basin parks. KHON2.

Commentary: Give Us Back Our Parks. Gov. David Ige says he hopes to create a new sheriff’s division to consistently enforce trespass laws while helping link people to social services. Civil Beat.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that Police Commission Chairman Max Sword should recuse himself from deciding who will be Honolulu’s next police chief. Star-Advertiser.

A new proposal before the Honolulu City Council would offer a tax break to ocean-friendly restaurants using compostable takeout containers. KHON2.

New Airport Shuttle Service Won’t Deliver On Promises, Suit Claims. Robert’s of Hawaii submitted a winning proposal calling for a fleet of new buses and islandwide service. Civil Beat.

City facing a shortage of lifeguards for pools. Honolulu is looking for more part-time, contract lifeguards to fill various hours at its 21 pools throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s second marijuana dispensary, Noa Botanicals, will open Wednesday at the former Krazy Karaoke building at 1308 Young St. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Noa Botanicals will begin selling medical marijuana products on Wednesday after being cleared by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Pacific Business News.

Seminars touting vacation rentals draw protests. A flyer advertising three 90-minute seminars called “Make Money With Airbnb” recently went out to thousands of Oahu homes. Run by Lindon, Utah-based Response LLC, whose registered agent is Response Marketing Group LLC, the event promised that participants would learn how to build wealth by cashing in on the Airbnb craze. Star-Advertiser.

Biki, Honolulu’s first bike-share program, said it logged 180,272 rides during the three-month period between June and September in its first release of quarterly data Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly a thousand people form different groups turned up to the 33rd annual Pacific Rim International Conference on disability and diversity at the Modern Honolulu and Hilton Hawaiian Village this week. KITV.

Hawaii Island

A long awaited widening and realignment project on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, is complete. State and government officials are hosting a dedication ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the final phase of reconstruction on the east side of the highway. Tribune-Herald.

Consultants examine Hawaii County’s utility model. West Hawaii Today.

Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commissioners got an earful from a handful of testifiers over the plan to provide grant funding to groups interested in stewarding Kawa. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers have shown they can decrease the birth rate of rats. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii to Be Site of First Moon Base Prototype. The International MoonBase Summit was held from Oct. 1 to 5, on Hawaii Island, where global industry leaders, representatives from academia, government leaders and representatives from the student community worked together collaboratively to lay the groundwork for the world’s first permanent human settlement on the moon. Maui Now.

The state Land Board is scheduled to decide Friday whether Sean Pagett should pay a $10,000 fine for holding two “Peaman” biathlons without marine ocean water event permits. West Hawaii Today.

With the Ironman World Championship days away, the Hawaii Police Department is preaching the importance of individual safety plans in light of a fatal mass shooting that occurred just over a week ago in Las Vegas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tempers flared in the latest chapter of the long-standing battle over Maui water rights. Dozens of people crowded into the Haiku Community Center for final arguments in the contested case hearing before the State Commission on Water Resource Management on Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

A new $12 million two-story classroom building at Lahainaluna High School is expected to be ready for the 2020-21 school year, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Maui News.

Maui will soon join the ranks of U.S. cities being served by a major online-based grocery delivery service. Maui News.

Kauai

Areas that are normally off-limits to the public within the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex will be open for tours starting today, in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Garden Island.

The Rats Of Lehua Appear To Have Taken The Bait. Rats appear to be gone from the island after officials dropped poison bait in an effort to help bird populations that had been threatened. Civil Beat.

Drag queen pageant fights back after hotel tries to cancel event. A Kauai hotel is being accused of discrimination for allegedly trying to cancel a pageant for drag queens. Hawaii News Now.


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

PUC: Smart grid dumb idea, cable repair could take weeks, WWII munitions no danger yet, lawyers speak out on chief justice pick, more

Hawaii regulators have rejected plans for a broad expansion of smart grid electric technology that would have been paid for by residents and bus- inesses. Asso- ciated Press.

When it comes to repairing a severed fiber-optic cable 3,000 feet under the sea, it won't be as simple as calling the cable guy. Star-Advertiser.

Internet, cable television and telephone service began returning to normal Tuesday afternoon for thousands of Oceanic Time Warner Cable customers after a break in an undersea fiber-optic cable disrupted service about 12 hours earlier. Maui News.

A rare break in an undersea fiber-optic cable Tuesday morning, left around 400,000 people without Internet, phone and TV service, for 12 hours in some cases. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu resident Ian Kurihara discovered early Tuesday morning he wasn't able to go online. KITV.

A wind farm on Oahu's North Shore is receiving a big boost in federal funding. KHON2.

Chemical weapons dumped off Pearl Harbor after World War II pose no threat to humans for now but are "clearly deteriorating" and should continue to be monitored, the lead scientist on the University of Hawaii project said Tuesday. Associated Press.

They're safe for now. There's no threat to humans or the ocean so far. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Women Lawyers will be expressing their strong support of Gov. Linda Lingle's appoint- ment of appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as the next chief justice, a spokeswoman for the group said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

In a letter to the Hawaii Bar Association, attorney Eric Seitz calls Katherine Leonard "ill equipped and unqualified" to be Hawaii's next Chief Justice. Hawaii News Now.

After failing at its first bid for federal Race to the Top funds, Hawaii has placed among 19 finalists with its second application for one of the coveted education grants. Civil Beat.

A West Hawaii ranch owner says a local business owner who bought part of Hokukano Ranch is cutting down old-growth sandalwood in the upper reaches of the property. West Hawaii Today.

Recreational off-road vehicles have damaged much of the terrain at Kaena Point. KHON2.

A city contractor working on a 42-inch main that broke late last week in Pearl City accidentally severed the 30-inch backup force main near the 14th hole of the Ted Makalena Golf Course, causing a spill of about 108,000 gallons of sewage yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Officials posted signs warning of a sewage spill are being posted along the Pearl Harbor bike path and at Middle Loch. KITV.

Hawaii County property taxes are leaving the state this year. But don't worry, say county administrators, the money will come back. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's "Sunshine Law" is hampering the County Council and should be overturned, says North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell. Tribune-Herald.

A forum on the topic of “In Search of Real Security for Kaua‘i” will include remarks by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-2nd District. Garden Island.

Local divers will be competing in a tournament targeting invasive fish. The "Westside Roi Reckoning" takes place Saturday off Kahe Point. Hawaii News Now.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Gov. Lingle goes to Washington

Gov. Linda Lingle heads to Washing-
ton D.C., Thursday to join coll-
eagues from other states, three common-
wealths and two territories for the winter meeting of the National Governors Association.

Jobs, the economy, infrastructure and health care top the list of concerns the NGA will tackle during the three-day meeting. Lingle doesn’t plan to return to Hawaii until Friday, Feb. 27. Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona will join Lingle for some of the sessions.

The itinerary includes a black-tie evening with President Obama and the First Lady on Sunday at the White House. Governors return to the White House on Monday, Feb. 23. They’ll hold meetings with Obama and members of his Cabinet on issues important to their states.

States currently are jostling for their share of the $787 billion stimulus plan that Obama is expected to sign into law this week. Hawaii may get almost $1 billion of that.

Under the plan, the states will divide $27 billion – far less than the $64 billion they said they needed – for “shovel ready” infrastructure projects. The law requires the projects to pass federal government’s scrutiny and be judged ready to go within 120 days in order to infuse jobs into the economy quickly.

Founded in 1908, the NGA is the collective voice of the nation's governors and represents governors on Capitol Hill and before the Administration.

Lingle also is scheduled to meet with Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka, both Democrats from Hawaii.

Lingle’s enthusiasm for energy self-sufficiency will be shared with her colleagues Sunday during a panel discussion with experts on energy infrastructure policy, including siting, regulation, financing and deployment and development of "smart grid" technologies and new pipeline systems. Panelists include Pat Wood III, principal, Wood3 Resources and Jesse Berst, managing director, GlobalSmartEnergy.com.

"Our nation's competitiveness and national security are inextricably linked to energy," Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, chairwoman of the Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement. "Establishing an effective, sustainable energy infrastructure system will ensure that we can meet America's future energy needs."

The focus on infrastructure will be highlighted Saturday with the Miller Center Discussion and Debate about Infrastructure. Modeled on Oxford-style debates, the Miller Center National Debate series looks at issues surrounding America's role in the world, its responsibility to its citizens and the way its policies fulfill its founding principles.

The debate will focus on balancing a federal infrastructure policy with energy, environmental and economic priorities. Robert MacNeil, former co-anchor of the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, will moderate. Panelists include NGA Chairman Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger; Douglas Foy, president of DIF Enterprises; and JayEtta Hecker, senior fellow of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

The last half hour of debate will be question and answer session among all governors. The debate will be webcast live.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Lawmakers sharpening budget pencils







It’s never quite as simple as choosing between education, roads


or their own raises, but Hawaii lawmakers this year face one of those “can’t win for losing” types of legislative sessions.

Someone’s belt is going to pinch during these tough economic times, and budget shortfalls are bound to make for some testy sessions, especially with the prospect of lawmakers' own 36-percent raises looming.

The Hawaii Legislature kicks off the New Year with two weeks of budget briefings starting Monday. Gov. Linda Lingle has already presented her own slimmed-down budget that she says represents a 14-percent reduction in discretionary funding over the two-year period. Any early budgets, however, are sure to be further reduced when the state Council on Revenues meets Jan. 9.

Hawaii is certainly not alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which says only 12 states aren’t expecting budget shortfalls.

“These budget gaps are approaching those seen in the last recession, which were the worst since World War II, and show every sign of growing larger,” NCSL Executive Director William T. Pound said in a statement. "While the data we collected from state legislative fiscal officers are pretty sobering, our discussions with legislative leaders tell us that they expect the problem to only get worse.”

Hawaii officials, however, seem optimistic that public works projects can help keep the state’s economy afloat. Hawaii is one of a half-dozen states that are actually planning on increasing public works projects, according to stateline.org, while another half-dozen states are paring down their capital improvement projects because of financing problems or diminishing bond ratings.

President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed stimulus plan could send money to states to help keep state economies rolling. That makes the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials happy.

“President-elect Barrack Obama is pledging to put millions of Americans to work by building and repairing the nation's highways and bridges and a new survey of state ‘ready-to-go’ transportation projects is the road map he needs to make it happen," said Executive Director John Horsley in a statement.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Track state CIP projects online

HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle held a news conference today to emphasize that her administration is implementing $1.9 billion in capital improvement projects statewide as part of a “five-point action plan” to stimulate the economy. The 1,521 projects have already been budgeted and approved by the Legislature for the next 18 months. But Lingle said the use of a new web site to track the projects increases public accountability.
“By putting the projects online and updating the public on their status in a timely manner, we are keeping the pressure on ourselves to ensure the projects keep moving,” Lingle said in a statement. “The public will be able to pinpoint what stage the project is in, and if there are bottlenecks such as permit delays, they will know exactly who to contact and who to hold accountable.”