Showing posts with label liquor law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liquor law. Show all posts

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Honolulu council passes pedestrian cellphone ban, Maui reverses 24 hour liquor sales, audit dings state invasive species branch, anti-abortion group sues over new law, Tropical Storm Fernanda churns in Pacific, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki pedestrians © 2017 All Hawaii News
A bill that would bar pedestrians from looking at their cellphones or other electronic mobile devices while crossing the street won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would fine pedestrians who use mobile electronic devices while crossing the street passed its third reading Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The state Agriculture Department’s Plant Quarantine Branch is not blocking invasive pests from entering Hawaii as well as it could because its “failed database” doesn’t target the most imminent threats, a state audit released Wednesday said. he audit also described the Agriculture Department’s Plants and Animals Declaration Forms filled out by people arriving in Hawaii as of “limited value.” Few people declare such items and even fewer are intercepted. Star-Advertiser.

A national anti-abortion religious organization is suing to block a new state law that requires family planning and pregnancy care centers to inform women of all of their options, including contraception and abortion, and that such services may be available to them for free or at low cost through state programs. Star-Advertiser.

Faith-based pregnancy centers in Hawaii are challenging a new state law in federal court, claiming it forces them to promote abortion. Hawaii News Now.

Saying the intervention by the U.S. District Court is urgently needed, the state of Hawaii on Wednesday filed its reply in response to the Trump administration’s arguments regarding the scope of its partial travel and refugee bans allowed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Cybersecurity Experts Exchange Tricks Of The Trade In Honolulu. Political motives are driving hackers these days along with more sophisticated financial scams. Civil Beat.

The state officially launched a multi-governmental initiative today to address drug abuse prevention in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

State officials plan to distribute 20,000 opioid overdose rescue kits to health care providers, emergency personnel, pharmacists and social workers in response to a growing substance abuse “crisis” in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

AT&T has received a 10-year contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency to replace its Hawaii network. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health says it is investigating its second death linked to vibriosis, an infection cause by bacteria found in the ocean. KITV.

Tropical Storm Fernanda in the Eastern Pacific is expected to grow into a major hurricane over the next several days as it heads toward the Central Pacific, forecasters said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Fernanda forecast to become hurricane as it churns in East Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell likely will sign a bill passed by the City Council that would bar supermarkets and other retailers from distributing plastic and compostable bags at the checkout counter beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the mayor said late Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has authorized $350 million in city-backed bonds to keep existing rail work going — a shot of political support for the beleaguered transit project as the Legislature looks to bail it out later this summer. Star-Advertiser.

After listening to more than an hour of testimony, the Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to approve the issuing of $350 million in general obligation bonds to help pay for building the Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Owners of historic homes on Oahu would see their property taxes increase to $1,000 under a measure that cleared another hurdle at the City Council Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Can Revamped Honolulu Ethics Commission Rebuild Its Credibility? The commission’s former executive director often tangled with Mayor Caldwell’s administration. Now new director Jan Yamane has big plans for change. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office has declined to pursue criminal charges against the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee or its chairman for allegedly failing to report some of its campaign expenditures made during the vicious 2012 campaign for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Residents who search daily for parking on congested streets in their neighborhoods may find relief with a measure being considered by the Honolulu City Council. Bill 51, which would allow the city to create “residential parking zones,” cleared another hurdle Wednesday when the council unanimously passed it on second reading. Civil Beat.

A new law requires the City and County of Honolulu to take over any and all roads that don’t have a clear owner. House Bill 115 became law Wednesday without the governor’s signature. KHON2.

East Oahu fresh water spring permanently protected. KITV.

Some critics say the Navy isn’t moving fast enough to comply with an 18-month-old agreement to upgrade the underground fuel system at Red Hill. Civil Beat.

Government and private sector representatives put their heads together over cafeteria tables on Wednesday to talk about ways to make Iwilei and Kapalama safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is holding a public workshop on Thursday night to share plans and gather input on renovating Blaisdell Center. Hawaii News Now.

Approximately 350 suppliers and vendors are showcasing their products and services at the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality and Foodservice Expo to local individuals in the hospitality and food industry on Wednesday and Thursday at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor Don Straney is moving on. UH announced Wednesday Straney will be leaving his chancellor post Aug. 1 to serve as vice president of academic planning and policy, a leadership role within the UH system. Tribune-Herald.

The Old Kona Airport Park will be closed for two days in August to facilitate park cleanup efforts, county officials announced Wednesday. No camping in the park will be allowed after the park cleanup and police enforcement of park rules, which has ratcheted up in recent months, will be more stringent moving forward. West Hawaii Today.

In Hawai'i County, the annual Point in Time Count showed a reduction in homeless individuals from last year to this year of about a third. But that still leaves nearly a thousand unsheltered people on the island by the official count. Hawaii Public Radio.

In its latest cost analysis submitted to state regulators, Hawaii Electric Light Co. says Hu Honua Bioenergy would save customers cash in the long run. That’s assuming the Hamakua Energy Partners facility, which HELCO recently failed to acquire, closes in 2030 at the end of its contract. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents had a chance to talk with officials on Wednesday about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps during a public meeting held in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Only one County Council member, Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung, reported receiving any gifts in the past 12 months. West Hawaii Today.

Tucked between Buster Brown and Puu Ki on Kohala Mountain sit two working reservoirs that support approximately 4,000 service connections in Waimea, Ahualoa, upper portions of Kalopa, Pohakea and Waiemi subdivision above Kawaihae. West Hawaii Today.

Louis Sardis, a 65-year-old driver for The Arc of Hilo accused of sexually assaulting a mentally and physically disabled woman July 30 aboard one of the nonprofit organization’s service vans, is currently suspended from his job. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to reverse itself and to restore the 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. blackout on retail sales of alcohol and the 12 hostess bar cap, bowing to the public outcry and a lawsuit filed over its decision five months ago. Maui News.

Officials with Maui nonprofit groups received some relief Wednesday from strict new procedures for single-event liquor licenses, including extensive background checks and fingerprinting, that were putting a crimp on their fundraising efforts. Maui News.

Median single-family home prices in Maui County hit $700,000 or more for the third time this year in June when the midpoint price at which homes sold was $740,000, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Another meeting has been set to bring the public up to speed on the Lehua Island rat eradication project, which is set to begin in August, pending permit approval. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council approved two bills Wednesday containing collective bargaining agreements for government employees. Garden Island.

Eirik Stevens pleads no contest. A man who police say sexually assaulted two underage girls while volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club will no longer go to trial. Garden Island.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Green energy money may go to schools, donated swim gear stolen from soldiers, Waikiki fireworks revived, 47 want to be Honolulu zookeeper, grant award questioned, Maui reconsiders liquor law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii beach scene © 2017 All Hawaii News
Wondering if your favorite beach is safe for a swim? You’ll know a lot sooner now that the state is implementing new public notification procedures that require signs posted as soon as test results show the water quality does not reach safety standards. West Hawaii Today.

The state might pull one-third of the money from its stagnant $150 million green energy loan program to help lower electrical bills at Hawaii’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers this year approved a grant worth hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to a privately owned Hawaii island well-drilling company through a process usually used to fund nonprofit social service organizations, and some lawmakers are wondering why. Star-Advertiser.

Governor to explore possibility of special session for rail. KHON2.

VIDEO: Officials Testify On Hawaii Missile Defeat Programs. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii had the eighth-fastest growing solar market in the United States in the first quarter of 2017, adding 76.4 megawatts of solar capacity between January and March, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

XLR8UH, the University of Hawaii’s accelerator program, was named one of the nation's best startup accelerators of 2017. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The latest report card shows that homeless people placed into market-rate apartments through the city’s Housing First program continue to do better than their counterparts on the street — and are far less likely to use drugs and alcohol, get arrested or rely on hospital emergency rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Demand for farm land is so great in Hawaii, Aloun Farms is trying to speed up its sale of acres in Central Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Sorry State Of Many Honolulu Parks. Millions of dollars have been spent on Oahu parks in the past decade, but some have fared better than others. Civil Beat.

Members of the state Land Use Commission last month threw the question of keeping open Oahu’s only public landfill back to the Honolulu Planning Commission to clear up technical errors, but not before criticizing city officials for foot-dragging. Star-Advertiser.

The city received applications from 47 people hoping to be the next director of the Honolulu Zoo, but only 10 were deemed qualified, city Human Resources Director Carolee Kubo said Friday. Star-Advertiser.

The city is moving forward on plans to shore up a portion of the crumbling sea wall that protects Kapiolani Park between the Queen’s Surf groin and the Waikiki Aquarium. Star-Advertiser.

Twenty-five years of weekly fireworks in Waikiki almost came to an indefinite end Friday after a disagreement over how much money the show’s organizer should pay for impeding public use of the beach fronting Hilton Hawaiian Village during the event. Star-Advertiser.

Kaimuki High School is the latest-starting public school in Hawaii, and according to a preliminary study, students there think the later morning bell may make for better health and academic performance. Civil Beat.

Supporters of LGBT rights gathered at the state capitol on Sunday for the Honolulu Equality March for Unity and Pride. Hawaii News Now.

Survey Of Homeless Kids To Include Sexual Orientation Information. A national survey found 40 percent of homeless youths identify as LGBTQ. Service providers will soon have data for Oahu. Civil Beat.

After a man allegedly damaged glass doors at Iolani Palace late May, appraisers said the price tag of the doors is $375,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Members of a nonprofit group were disheartened over the theft of swim gear donated to soldiers, training on the Big Island, for their rest and relaxation. West Hawaii Today.

Two Hilo colleges are divided over stone altars, or ahu, with inverted Hawaii flags constructed on campuses by students. Associated Press.

Hilo colleges are taking different approaches to two on-campus ahu — or stone altars — which a student group claims it constructed to bring attention to “124 years of genocide continuing on the Hawaiian community.” Tribune-Herald.

Entries for a lottery that will determine the waiting list order for two local affordable housing projects are being accepted online through June 14. The lottery is scheduled for June 20. West Hawaii Today.

The days of Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel — formerly known as Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel — are coming to an end. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii island lava tour boat operator was fined $15,000 Friday for three violations of state boating rules. Star-Advertiser.

Though the enthusiasm and passion for getting involved in Hawaii’s young hemp industry was on display during Saturday’s conference, many in attendance also expressed concern about potential stumbling blocks in the path. Tribune-Herald.

Doctors at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu have begun making virtual rounds to treat the most critical intensive care patients on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Graham Ellis, who made headlines this week after he was picked up by the Department of Homeland Security and subsequently given 45 days to depart the country voluntarily, will leave a few loose ends on Hawaii Island when he returns to England on July 20. West Hawaii Today.

Turtle monitoring efforts ramp up: Nesting season is a busy time for researchers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Liquor Commission will meet on July 12 for a public hearing to consider proposed changes to the existing rules that were implemented in February. Maui Now.

Simply put, there isn’t enough federal and state money to pay for all of Maui County’s highway maintenance and expansion needs — now projected to cost $3.1 billion through 2035, members of the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization heard last week. Maui News.

Maui Police Department Chief Tivoli Faaumu has received high marks in all categories in his annual review and evaluation by the Maui Police Commission. Maui News.

Chemical farming’s impacts on Maui’s environment and the public will be the topic of discussion at a gathering at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Paia Community Center. Maui News.

Median prices for single-family houses and condominiums on Maui increased by double-digit percentages in May as low inventory prompted buyers to snap up properties at a rapid pace. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council is expected to discuss several requests from the county to apply for grants for services at its meeting Wednesday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

The environmental law group Earthjustice is asking for better survey methods for finding marine mammals in target areas for military weapons testing around Kauai. Garden Island.

After almost 20 years since legalization, medical marijuana patients on Kauai may be able to purchase state-approved cannibas by October. Garden Island.

County cemeteries are filling up. KHHA president is seeking additional land for Kekaha Hawaiian Cemetery. Garden Island.

Waioli Corporation gets $550,000 to build interactive park featuring Hawaii locomotives. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Japan Airlines returns to Kona, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell unpopular in poll, Kauai cuts auditor funds to balance $202M budget, murderers among work-release inmates, Portlock owner wants $2M for surf spot access, Big Island testifiers oppose gas tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Ige, state and Japan Airlines officials, courtesy photo
Japan Airlines will resume daily nonstop service between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Kona International Airport at Keahole this fall — a move that is expected to add millions of dollars to the state’s economy and shore up Kona’s status as an international port of entry. Star-Advertiser.

Japan Airlines will resume nonstop flights between Tokyo and the Kona airport on Hawaii Island this fall after a seven-year absence, providing $84.2 million in annual visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Direct flights from Japan to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will be re-established after a seven-year absence. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Aviation Administration is providing more than $10 million in federal funding to two of Hawaii's airports to enhance operations and runway safety. The two airports that will receive the money are Kahului Airport on Maui and Hilo International Airport on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency released video footage today of the successful intercept of an intercontinental ballistic missile target during a test over the Pacific Tuesday, the agency said. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing set for Navy officer formerly stationed in Hawaii who shared military secrets. Associated Press.

Convicted murderers are among the inmates who are out in the community working while finishing their sentence. KHON2.

The state has received a $2.5 million payment from Volkswagen as part of a national settlement with the automaker. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive a direct payment of $2.5 million from Volkswagen as part of a multi-state settlement, state Attorney General Doug Chin and state Office of Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins said on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The 2017 Central Pacific hurricane season gets underway today. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s largest carrier of interisland ocean cargo extended a more than four-year stretch of fairly level delivery volumes with roughly flat first-quarter results. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers, Ltd.’s intrastate cargo volumes between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports were flat for the first quarter of 2017, up only 0.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016, according to the company’s quarterly cargo volume report. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Bankers Association elected its officers for the new fiscal year, beginning Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In Hawaii, an island oasis for Democrats, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is about as popular as Republican President Donald Trump. And it looks like Caldwell might have the rail project to blame for it. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Takai was remembered Wednesday as a “true Pacific warrior, a true patriot and a true statesman” at a ceremony renaming the Pacific Warfighting Center on Ford Island in his name. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a gate blocking access to a lane that leads to a popular Portlock beach estimates the city would need to pay more than $2 million to condemn the lane to keep it open. Star-Advertiser.

Corals Are Dying At Hawaii’s Most Popular Snorkeling Spot. Climate change is heating the ocean and causing stronger and longer coral bleaching events at Hanauma Bay. Civil Beat.

A state board overseeing real estate development rules in Kakaako decided Wednesday to take more time to analyze proposed changes to a long list of affordable-housing production requirements. Star-Advertiser.

The decades-long erosion of the shoreline just outside the city’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant leaves the facility’s outfall pipeline in a precarious situation where “failure or damage to the outfall could have catastrophic health, environmental and economic consequences,” according to an environmental report made public by the city last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health's Clean Water Branch is advising the public to avoid waters near a Punaluu stream due to a contamination alert. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to accommodate the growth of Waianae High School’s Searider Productions, the state Department of Education plans to expand the program’s facilities into a full-fledged complex. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Almost every one of the more than dozen residents addressing the County Council at a public hearing Wednesday on a gas tax increase was opposed to the idea. West Hawaii Today.

Roughly twenty Hawaii Island residents testified Wednesday at a public hearing on a possible series of fuel tax increases on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Smuggled into US as a teen, respected Kona farmer now faces deportation to Mexico. Hawaii News Now.

Several years ago, Hawai'i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth started a program on the east side of the Big Island aimed at working with young offenders. It links actions and consequences – and it’s been so successful he wants to start a similar program on the west side. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of 25 conservation managers, cultural practictioners and government representatives in the Kulani tract of the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve for a ceremony to offer the Hawaii creeper a boost: its traditional name, rediscovered after decades. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Commission may hear public comments this month about how the Department of Liquor Control processes permits for one-day fundraising events, while commission action on repealing controversial rules changes has been put off until July at the earliest. Maui News.

Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport will receive over $10 million in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance airport operations and runway safety on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Maui’s Kapalua Bay Beach in West Maui earned the number 2 spot on Dr. Stephen P Leatherman’s 27th Annual Top 10 Beach List. Maui Now.

South Maui rescue tubes ready. Maui News.

Hawksbill and green (honu) sea turtles begin their 2017 nesting season along Maui beaches in June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Auditor’s office, overtime cut from spending plan. The Kauai County Council unanimously approved a $201.5 million budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 Wednesday. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge has ruled in favor of a Southside resident after a decade’s long tussle over a new subdivision. Judge Kathleen Watanabe recently ruled that the state, County of Kauai and the Eric A. Knudsen Trust violated laws preserving and protecting Hawaiian rights and cultural resources when the developer’s Village at Poipu Phase One subdivision was approved in 2009, according to a release from the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. Garden Island.

Two of Kauai’s endangered seabird species are in peril, according to a study released Wednesday by the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Homeless count drops in point in time survey, Honolulu delays rail vote, Maui rethinking 24 hour liquor sales, state GOP to meet on Kauai, coral study released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu homeless © 2017 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s homeless population decreased 9 percent statewide, with Honolulu as the only county to see a slight increase of 19 people, according to data released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is seeing hopeful signs that the state’s homelessness crisis is finally abating. Civil Beat.

The annual Point in Time count, which is a census of people experiencing homelessness, showed a 9 percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared with the same time period last year, according to Gov. David Ige. KITV.

Homelessness in Hawaii has been decreasing since last year. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s homeless population has decreased for the first time in eight years, the governor announced Wednesday. KHON2.

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2017 All Hawaii News
Gov. David Ige said that the “tide has turned” on the state’s homelessness crisis, citing a study of Hawaii’s homeless population that showed double-digit percentage decreases in Maui County and on the Big Island. Maui News.

The state Department of Human Services released its annual Point-in-Time count results on Homelessness for 2017 today, noting a 9% statewide drop in homelessness.  The drop represents the first statewide drop in homelessness in eight years. Maui Now.

New management strategies are outlined in the newly released Hawaii Coral Bleaching Recovery Plan, which aims to promote the health of the reefs that were bleached in the summers of 2014 and 2015. Garden Island.

Google says it has contributed $127 million in economic activity to Hawaii through the 5,200 businesses and nonprofits that used its advertising tools in 2016. Pacific Business News.

The latest Hollywood flap over a controversial motion picture casting decision hits close to home for Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Community Foundation taps Micah Kane to be CEO. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday to delay a decision on a bill that would allow the city to use property taxes or other general operating funds to build Oahu’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to temporarily shelve a bill allowing the use of property tax revenue for construction of the $10 billion rail line. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council deferred action on a measure to use real property taxes to fund the construction of the rail project, whose costs have nearly doubled to $10 billion. Hawaii News Now.

A vote on a bill that would require businesses in Honolulu County to charge 10-cents for plastic bags is delayed until June. KITV.

Honolulu City Council members planned to vote on whether to repeal or replace the city's plastic bag ban on Wednesday. However, a last minute amendment by Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga put that vote on hold. Hawaii News Now.

A plan aimed at blocking Mayor Kirk Caldwell from transferring oversight of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services was approved 9-0 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tow companies on Oahu complain they are swamped and overcrowded with abandoned and derelict vehicles, and there's no room for anymore. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu International Airport’s name will be officially changed to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at a ceremony on Memorial Day weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors raise concerns about plans for Windward Oahu homeless 'igloo' shelter. Hawaii News Now.

Food insecurity’ study surveys UH students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Homelessness in Hawaii County decreased dramatically in the past year, according to the office of Gov. David Ige, who declared homelessness an emergency in 2015. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island led the way with a 32 percent decrease in its homeless population. The county tallied 953 homeless people in 2017, down 441 individuals from the all-time high of 1,394 counted in 2016. Hawaii County’s homeless had been growing at a higher rate per capita than every other county in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim’s first major borrowing — $20 million to begin the closure process for the Hilo landfill — is scheduled for a County Council vote Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Hu Honua Bioenergy have come to a tentative agreement on a new power purchase contract. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC said Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. on an amended power purchase agreement for its half-completed biomass plant on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has revived a contract it ended last year with the owner of a biomass facility. Star-Advertiser.

Identifying cases of rapid ohia death on Hawaii Island just became easier thanks to a new tool that allows teams to diagnose infected trees while in the field. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Liquor Commission Votes to Revisit Maui Liquor Laws. Maui Now.

Single-family home prices were flat on Maui last month, while condominium prices jumped 10 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Prices rose 10 percent for condominiums sold on Maui in April made significant movements while the market for single-family houses on the Valley Isle was close to flat, according to a report published Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The JUMPSmartMaui renewable energy demonstration project that helped set up electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and smart-grid EV technology on the island came to a “successful” conclusion in February after a nearly six-year run, the project announced this month. Maui News.

As many as 30 green sea turtles come ashore at the Hana end of the popular county beach. Maui News.

Kauai

Homelessness on Kauai dropped 7 percent in the 2017 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-In-Time count. Garden Island.

In the current Kauai Police Department recruit class, few are from Kauai. That raised questions for councilman Ross Kagawa. Garden Island.

A recent assessment of residential materials disposed at the refuse transfer stations and in refuse carts has prompted county officials to issue a reminder about the proper disposal of liquid household waste. Garden Island.

The Kauai Republican Party will be hosting the 2017 Hawaii Republican Party State Convention at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort on Friday and Saturday. Garden Island.

Monday, May 8, 2017

Winners and losers in 2017 legislative session, Mauna Kea rocks marred by graffiti, lawsuit challenges Maui liquor law, Hawaii County faces tax hikes, Caldwell exemptions questioned, Hirono holds town hall meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ocean sunrise © 2017 All Hawaii News
A bill on its way to Gov. David Ige affirms the state of Hawaii’s commitment to addressing climate change. Tribune-Herald.

2017 should be another positive year for Hawaii’s economy, despite slowing growth in the construction sector. That’s the view of a local economic forecast group. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature marred by secrecy, maneuvering and epic fail on rail. Star-Advertiser.

Who Won And Who Lost In A Legislative Session Marked By Failure. Civil Beat.

Deposed Thursday, former Speaker Souki ponders what’s next. Longtime Maui lawmaker seriously considering a run for lieutenant governor. Maui News.

A proposal to change inheritance rules for Native Hawaiian homeland leases unanimously passed both houses of the Legislature. If signed into law by the governor, House Bill 451 changes inheritance rules from requiring 1/4 Hawaiian blood quantum to 1/32 in order to inherit a parent’s homeland lease. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would require Hawaii child care providers to obtain liability insurance is awaiting Gov. David Ige's signature. Hawaii News Now.

If the thousands of vacation rental houses in Hawaii were suddenly taken off the market, the state could lose 319,000 visitors annually, and their $431 million in spending and $37 million in taxes, a study says. Star-Advertiser.

New statistics about the health of Hawaii's LGB community were recently published by the state. KITV.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., parent of the Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, reported first quarter net income of $34.2 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, compared to net income of $32.4 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, during the same period last year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s past use of a property tax exemption for historic homes that allowed him to pay only $100 to $300 for several years has come back to haunt him as the city considers raising property taxes to cover rail deficits. Star-Advertiser.

At a crowded town hall in Honolulu on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono faced a barrage of questions from her Democratic constituents in Hawaii who are fearful about their future in a world of Republican political ascendancy on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Philippine Airlines, which for the past four years has been the only carrier to fly nonstop between Manila and Honolulu, will add 1,100 more seats a month on the route beginning next month. Star-Advertiser.

Airport’s low crime level reflects team effort, state says. Star-Advertiser.

A federal appeals court has upheld the Honolulu Police Department’s refusal to grant a firearm permit to a man who was convicted of petty misdemeanor harassment. Star-Advertiser.

The median sales price of $415,500 for condominiums on Oahu hit an all-time high in April as more buyers appeared to opt for condos while the supply of single-family homes remained low, the president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors said Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 7 percent in April to $415,500, while prices of single-family homes slipped, when compared to the same month a year ago, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Fusion Waikiki closed its doors for the last time this morning after a 28-year run, supplying dance music into the early-morning hours, drag shows and male stripper shows in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island motorists and property owners will feel the pinch of higher taxes this year, following a revised budget released Friday by Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim will be looking to raise taxes in order to balance the county budget. Big Island Video News.

An investigation is underway after rocks within the historic Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve were found damaged by graffiti last month. West Hawaii Today.

A criminal investigation is underway after graffiti was found painted on rocks within the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve last month. Associated Press.

The Hawaii County Democratic party has a new County Chair. Former councilwoman Margaret Wille, running unopposed, led a slate of progressive candidates to take over the Hawaii County executive committee. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Dairy will be fined $25,000 for illegally discharging wastewater into a stream, the state Department of Health announced Friday. Tribune-Herald.

The number of single-family homes sold on the Big Island increased by 7 percent last month, compared to April 2016, but the number of condominiums sold dropped 17 percent, according to information provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Kihei resident Madge Schaefer and the Committee for Responsible Liquor Control filed a lawsuit in 2nd Circuit Court on Friday seeking the repeal of recent rule changes approved by the Liquor Control Commission that included the removal of blackout periods for the sale of alcohol, allowed home delivery of alcoholic products and removed the cap on the number of hostess bars. Maui News.

A lawsuit challenging the 24-hour sale of alcohol was filed against the liquor commission on Friday and in just a couple of days, the commission is holding a special meeting to hear testimony from the public. KHON2.

The Committee for Responsible Liquor Control and Kīhei resident Madge Schaefer filed a lawsuit on Friday asking the Second Circuit Court to invalidate the recent actions of the Liquor Control Commission. Maui Now.

Money for construction of schools, roads and Kahului Airport improvements are among Maui’s big-ticket capital improvement projects in the state’s two-year, 2018-19 budget that lawmakers have sent to Gov. David Ige’s desk for approval. Maui News.

While agricultural diversification of Alexander &Baldwin’s 36,000 acres of former sugar lands on Maui is “coming along well,” there’s no expectation that the effort will be profitable in the near term, A&B President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Benjamin told investors Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono didn’t pull any punches when asked about the current administration during her town hall meeting Saturday afternoon at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Garden Island.

Hawaii counties will soon be seeing a $10 million decrease in their allocation of Transient Accommodations Tax funds. Garden Island.

Kauai legislators review 2017 session. Garden Island.

The median price of single-family homes sold on Kauai rose 18 percent last month, compared to April 2016, even as the number of homes sold dropped 30 percent, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Barbara Weidner just stepped into a new role as chair of Surfrider Foundation Kauai, but she’ll still be cleaning beaches and visiting schools. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Lifeguard liability at issue, guided missile destroyers at Pearl Harbor, grid opens to more solar, transparency wins on Big Island, footbridge coming to Ala Wai, Kauai seeks police officers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii lifeguards © 2017 All Hawaii News
City and county leaders warned Wednesday that Hawaii taxpayers will pay the price if state lawmakers refuse to pass a bill extending liability protection for lifeguards working at public beaches. Star-Advertiser.

County lifeguards will remain on state beaches even if the Legislature ends the protection they have had since 2002 from certain personal-injury lawsuits, a group of mayors and council members said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lifeguards may lose legal protections under amended bill. KHON2.

A bill that calls for generating education funding through a new surcharge on hotels and vacation properties has cleared the state House and is slated for conference. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly one year after the state chose its eight medical marijuana dispensaries, not one patient has actually been able to buy any cannabis. KITV.

Two guided missile destroyers stopped in Pearl Harbor as part of a relatively new ship grouping on their way to an increasing U.S. Navy armada — and a good deal of uncertainty — in the Western Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Press release: Ships and units from the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group (Sterett-Dewey SAG) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 11, the first stop of the group's Western Pacific deployment. U.S. Navy.

A Native Hawaiian fisherman is asking a state board to declare that only people who are lawfully admitted to the United States can get commercial fishing licenses. The petition was filed Wednesday in response to an Associated Press investigation that found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions. Associated Press.

A documentary film about a transgender woman in Hawaii that has received awards and won wide praise is being cited by a Republican congressman as a waste of government money and a reason to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting. Civil Beat.

A state Senate confirmation hearing has not been set yet for Thomas Gorak, commissioner for the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, who was nominated to serve a term until 2022 by Gov. David Ige late last month. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric said Wednesday the utility is opening up space for about 2,800 additional rooftop solar systems to connect to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has enough capacity on one of its rooftop solar energy programs to accommodate about 2,800 customers, the utility said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city is moving forward with design and planning work for a pedestrian and bike bridge across the Ala Wai Canal that would align with University Avenue and Kalaimoku Street. ​ Star-Advertiser.

Wind farm developers looking to build in agricultural or country zones on Oahu must host a public hearing, present details to the area neighborhood board or community association and notify nearby property owners of the pending permit application, according to rule changes adopted by the Honolulu Planning Commission. Star-Advertiser.

A $2 million fund aimed at helping business owners adversely affected by construction of the city’s contentious East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center rail project is included in the latest version of the city’s $2.45 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Many social service agencies rely on the Hawaii Foodbank to get meals to those who need them most. Hawaii News Now.

The UH Athletics Department is looking at ways to energize its area there in the quarry on the Mānoa campus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Several County Council members took Planning Director Michael Yee to task as he presented his budget plans Tuesday, after he listed public participation as one of the top three goals of his department. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members hounded Mayor Harry Kim on two high-priced administration hires during Tuesday’s Finance Committee discussion on the proposed county budget. Big Island Video News.

More than 100 UH-Hilo students, staff exposed to TB; Testing clinics slated for next week; expert says risk of infection low. Tribune-Herald.

Four Hawaii Island residents are challenging Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval of Army monitoring plans for depleted uranium, or DU, at Pohakuloa. Big Island Video News.

A long-simmering threat to Hawaii Island’s honeybees has resurfaced. American foulbrood, a disease caused by bacteria that infect bee larvae, was discovered in a hive in Volcano last week. Tribune-Herald.

A 39-year-old woman will serve 90 days in jail for her role in the distribution of more than 3,700 hydrocodone pills over 10 months while a receptionist for a medical center. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission has tentatively scheduled a special meeting for May 9 to hear public testimony on new liquor rules that allow the retail sale of alcohol 24/7. Maui News.

Maui veterans are calling for improvements to the Veterans Choice Program, an option that allows those who live far from Veterans Affairs medical facilities to seek care with civilian doctors. Maui News.

Piʻilani Highway near Kalepa Point in East Maui is now open following repairs conducted at a sink hole reported earlier today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department is hiring, looking nationwide for potential candidates. KHON2.

The Kauai County Council took a stance against discrimination Wednesday by passing an amended resolution. Garden Island.

Over a week before a video surfaced of a man being dragged off a United Airlines flight went viral, a California man experienced a similar situation from the same airline before he departed Kauai. Garden Island.