Green's first budget targets health care, administration looks at housing crisis, $17M for Native Hawaii broadband project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green’s First Budget Proposal Focuses On Hawaii’s Health Care System.  State Spending in Gov. Josh Green’s first year is expected to increase about $666 million over the current fiscal year, which ends in June. General fund expenditures of $9.1 billion this fiscal year are estimated to rise to more than $9.8 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

The FB 2023-25 Executive Biennium Budget. Budget in Brief. Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance.

Full budget documents can be found here.

Here’s How The Green Administration Plans To Tackle Hawaii’s Housing Shortage. Converting vacation rentals into homes, targeting areas with infrastructure already in place for new construction, and collaborating with counties and private business are some of the options on the table. Civil Beat.

New Hawaii housing director focuses on easing affordable-housing process. The state’s new chief housing coordinator, Nani Medeiros, has a poster-size graphic on her office wall that represents the many thoughts she has about how to add more affordable housing across the islands by working with the counties to eliminate unnecessary regulations, offering incentives to builders, updating outdated state rules and getting incoming state directors to think about how their disparate departments can contribute to the goals. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian communities to get $17M to expand broadband. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will receive nearly $17.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday in a news release. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Maui Now.  KHON2.

The state plans to manage nearshore waters — and local fishermen want a 'seat at the table' .  The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has a plan to manage more than a quarter of Hawaiʻi's nearshore waters — but some local fishermen fear it will add more restrictions to gathering rights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management holding virtual workshop for hazard mitigation plan. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is holding a virtual workshop on Dec. 20, asking members of the public to help it build a safer Hawai‘i. Kauai Now.

Winter storm batters state with heavy rains and strong winds. Heavy rains and strong winds battered parts of the state Monday as a powerful winter storm moved over the islands, triggering power outages, bringing down trees and closing roads. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii delegation demands federal probe into Red Hill leaks. Hawaii’s congressional delegation today called for an independent investigation into the release of toxic fire suppressant chemicals at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel storage facility, writing in a letter to Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general of the Government Accountability Office, that “the recent events in Hawaii demonstrate the need for a thorough audit to ensure that Hawaii’s people, land, water and ocean are all protected.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Trace levels of PFOS detected in water system near Waipio. The Hawaii Department of Health today said trace levels of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid – or PFOS — were recently detected in water samples collected from the Kipapa Acres water system in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman wants Hawaii residents to help name his beef. Idaho billionaire Frank VanderSloot, owner of Honolulu Meat Co. LLC, whose humble beginnings in northern Idaho include milking cows and sleeping in an attic, offered to change the name printed on his retail beef business from Kua ‘Aina and Kua ‘Aina Ranches. He’s holding a community contest to rename the firm. Star-Advertiser.

Storm damage closes city facilities, public pool.  Crews are beginning to clean up after a winter storm barreled over the state. The city said it got about 38 calls for downed trees or branches. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Green wants $50M for HMC: Hospital expansion among new governor’s top funding requests. Gov. Josh Green is seeking $50 million for the expansion of Hilo Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit and Medical Surgical Unit. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hilo man arrested after illegal planting of coconut palms in East Hawai‘i recreation area. A Hilo man was arrested on Sunday after attempting to plant 165 keiki coconut palms in the middle of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. This is the fourth time over the past nine years Gene Tamashiro has been cited or arrested for leading the planting of the so-called “Kanaka Garden.” Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Maui

Business Owners Sue Maui County After Racking up $1.2 Million In Fines. Paia Gelato’s 15-year permitting saga is an example of broader challenges facing the planning department. Civil Beat.

Hazardous conditions along Hāna Highway, travel restricted to local traffic. Continuing stormy conditions throughout Maui County have resulted in unsafe driving conditions along Hāna Highway.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Surf is up: Dangerously large breaking waves of 30 to 40 feet for Kaua’i and Ni’ihau. The very strong breaking waves and powerful currents can impact coastal properties, infrastructure and vulnerable coastal roadways.  Kauai Now.

HECO seeks to install 30 EV chargers, nonprofits await $50M in late state grants, election doubters stake out ballot drop boxes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Pilot program aims to increase EV chargers. A pilot program by Hawaiian Electric will subsidize electric vehicle chargers throughout the state in an effort to improve charging infrastructure. Hawaiian Electric is accepting applications for its new three-year Charge Up Commercial pilot program, which has a goal of establishing up to 30 new electric vehicle charging sites on the Big Island, Maui and O‘ahu. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Nonprofits Are Still Waiting For Millions Of Dollars In Needed Grants. The Legislature changed the Grant-In-Aid process this year and that’s keeping money from getting to the organizations that need it. Nearly $50 million in state grant funds isn’t getting to nonprofits that need them to run programs because of bureaucratic holdups and missing language from the state’s budget bill. Civil Beat.

In-person voting begins as election doubters organize to stake out drop boxes. A group called “Audit the Vote Hawaii” is organizing election doubters to stake out ballot drop boxes. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers vouch for Hawaii’s election security. Veteran election volunteers insist they’ve never seen any impropriety in the way ballots are handled at the state Capitol, several volunteers told the Honolulu Star-­Advertiser on Tuesday, the first full day that ballots were counted and processed ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii early childhood education needs upgrade. A new report indicates that pay and conditions for Hawaii’s early childhood educators must be improved dramatically in order to attract and retain enough added workers just to resolve the severe current shortage, not to mention expand preschool access to all 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032 to fulfill the state Legislature’s directive. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i getting fewer visitors, but more revenue. While hotels are still not as full as they used to be, properties are making more money. Hotel revenue is way up compared to numbers from 2019. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines loses $9.3 million amid Japan visitor lag. A continued lag in visitors from Japan to Hawaii and a protracted interisland fare war with competitor Southwest Airlines were among the headwinds that Hawaiian Holdings Inc., the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, faced before reporting a third-quarter loss. Star-Advertiser.

Amazon Will Use Hawaiian Airlines To Operate Cargo Planes. Hawaiian said it issued warrants that Amazon can exercise over the next nine years and acquire up to 15% of Hawaiian stock. Civil Beat.

Omicron variants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 detected in Hawaii. New omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, more immune-evasive strains that have driven COVID cases up in parts of Europe, are now present in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All eyes on Navy as first phase of massive Red Hill defueling effort kicks off. New video from U.S. Pacific Command showed the massive above ground tanks at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which can hold more than 5 million gallons of fuel, along with military members working inside the Red Hill tunnels. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Critics: State didn’t do enough to protect 2 young kids from horrific alleged abuse at foster home. Child welfare advocates are criticizing the state over the alleged sex assaults of two young girls at a foster home over a six-year period. The victims were 6 and 8 years old when the alleged abuse started. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Semisub owners charged with fraud. A couple that founded the Hawaii-based Semisub company has been charged with securities fraud, a felony, for misspending a good part of $28 million raised from investors, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

The Miske Files: Feds Say Phony Documents Built A Well-Known Pest Control Company Out Of Thin Air. Newly unsealed documents show the federal prosecutor’s story of how a then 26-year-old convicted felon created an $8 million enterprise. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tackling government inefficiencies: Cost of Government Commission makes recommendations. Streamlining the building permit process, cracking down on unpermitted structures, renegotiating the county’s composting contract, exploring public-private partnerships for wastewater processing and beefing up the Information Technology Department are the top recommendations of the Cost of Government Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

How The Candidates For Maui Mayor Would Shape Food Security And Agriculture. Boosting availability of affordable local food and combating invasive species are top issues for Michael Victorino and Richard Bissen. Civil Beat.

First-time council candidate challenges political veteran. In the race for the Maui County Council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, incumbent Alice Lee will face off against challenger and first-time candidate Noelani Ahia. Maui News.

New public-private partnership on Maui provides hope for affordable homes, but raises questions of fairness. A budget amendment that provides an $18 million appropriation to the Pulelehua affordable housing project in West Maui was approved unanimously by members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday in an 8-0 vote, with one member excused. Maui Now.

Maui County law to require animal-friendly lighting. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has signed a bill into law that will require many businesses and residents to change their outdoor lighting fixtures to reduce the kind of blue light, or shortwave light, known to result in injury and death to seabirds and sea turtles. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Improvements coming to Hanapepe Stadium. As part of the improvements, the existing food booth will be replaced by a new combined-use building containing a ticket booth, prep kitchen and concession area. Additional restrooms will also be a part of the project. Garden Island.

Ige pressured to veto vacation rental tax bill, FBI investigates false tsunami alert, Kealoha trial to begin, Caldwell signs perks for affordable rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii vacation rental ©2019 All Hawaii News

Coalition Pressures Ige To Veto Vacation Rental Bill. A new television ad warns of legitimizing illegal vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Governor Mulls Passed Bills for Signature or Veto. Governor David Ige has one month to let lawmakers know which bills he intends to veto. His staff is currently reviewing other bills for him to sign or for passage without his signature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii has seen a 50% jump in tourists since 1989, but spending has remained flat. Last year, the state had a record number of nearly 10 million tourists. That’s a 50 percent jump in 30 years. But spending is unchanged at $18 billion. Hawaii News Now.

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PTWC, FBI investigating false tsunami alert over international system. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is investigating a false tsunami alert that startled some Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

It was not as widespread as the false ballistic missile threat of last year -- but it was just as fake. Just before 4:30 this afternoon, a false tsunami threat was spread around the world through official channels. KHON2.

Fake Tsunami Report Issued on Fabricated Large Quake. Authorities with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center are calling an email report that was distributed at around 4:33 p.m., a false tsunami message.   The email appeared to be from an email address at the warning center. Maui Now.

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Hawaii among states suing over Trump’s anti-abortion rule. Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined a coalition of 23 cities, states, and municipalities, in filing a lawsuit against a set of revised rules issued by the Trump Administration that the plaintiffs said would allow businesses and individuals to refuse health care on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions. Star-Advertiser.

Debate over abortion laws hits the streets of Honolulu with supporters and opponents. Hawaii activists rallied Tuesday both for and against new abortion laws sweeping across states on the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealohas’ trial set to start today. It’s put-up-or-shut-up time for federal prosecutors in the conspiracy trial of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

‘The Mailbox Trial’: Prosecutors prepare to make public corruption case against the Kealohas. In June 2013, a mailbox was plucked from its post in the middle of the night outside then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s home in Kahala. Hawaii News Now.

In what would be an unprecedented move, several Honolulu City Council members want to take the Honolulu Police Commission to court over whether the city should pay former Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal fees. In what would be an unprecedented move, several Honolulu City Council members want to take the Honolulu Police Commission to court over whether the city should pay former Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal fees. Star-Advertiser.

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Mayor signs Affordable Rental Housing Bill. Bankers, builders and housing advocates flanked Mayor Kirk Caldwell as he signed the Affordable Rental Housing Bill into law Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Affordable Housing Pilot Program Signed Into Law. A measure to promote the building of affordable rental units in Honolulu is now a law. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 7 Tuesday after it passed the City Council earlier this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

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It’s Too Soon For A Pedestrian Safety Commission, Council Panel Decides. Honolulu’s transportation chief says the city should first consider a newly released plan to protect pedestrians. Civil Beat.

There’s Still No Word On How Much Honolulu Rail Will Cost —To Ride. Interim service looms next year, but city officials don’t know what the fares will be, and no formal proposals have been made. Civil Beat.

Rezoning preservation land for Kaneohe homes draws community ire. A developer's proposal to turn Kaneohe preservation land into a housing development has cleared key steps toward re-zoning. KHON2.

Dillingham Ranch back on the market. A California company has put Oahu’s Dillingham Ranch up for sale after positioning the 2,721-acre property for subdivision with homes in the face of heated community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big boost for nonprofits: Council votes to increase grants to $2.5 million. Hawaii Island nonprofits could soon see a big boost in county grants, thanks to action Tuesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Why Bikini Islanders Bought Land On The Big Island. The Micronesians have been nomads since the U.S. tested nuclear weapons there in the 1940s and 1950s. Civil Beat.

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Power poles at Puna geothermal plant are ‘smoldering’. Four wooden power poles installed by Hawaiian Electric Light Co. a week ago along a new road opened by the Puna Geothermal Venture are “smoldering” due to residual heat from last year’s Kilauea Volcano eruption. Star-Advertiser.

After residual underground heat caused four wooden poles on Puna Geothermal Venture property to smolder, the utility said it will immediately replace them with steel poles. Big Island Video News.

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Dolphin swimming ban under final review. Approaching and swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins is moving closer to being a thing of the past as federal officials work toward finalizing a rule outlawing the practice that’s created a booming tourism industry in West Hawaii and around the state. West Hawaii Today.

County OKs plans for former Hilo Lanes. The county approved a Hilo businesswoman’s plans to turn the former Hilo Lanes building into a fitness gym and commercial center. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County fears settling injection well case could lead to more suits, fines. Council members want county to settle, pull it from US Supreme Court. Maui News.

Conservation Leadership Program Accepting Applications. Applications are now being accepted for Na Hua Hoohuli i ka Pono, a service-learning program designed to help develop Maui’s next generation of conservation leaders. Maui Now.

Kauai

Pesticide pushback grows. While Kauai beekeepers celebrated the canceled registration of some pesticides in the Federal Register, some remain concerned about threats to their honey. Garden Island.

Former homeowners sue Bank of America. Three people who lost their homes on Kauai are suing Bank of America for purportedly using deceptive, unethical and illegal business practices to manipulate the outcome of foreclosure auctions. Garden Island.

Legislature begins conference committees, homeless efforts stall, few use cesspool replacement tax credit, Kauai water agreement restores stream, Maui audit shows post office demolition errors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislative conference committee, courtesy Sen. J. Kalani English

The Legislature’s critical conference committee period kicked off Tuesday at the Capitol with Hawaii lawmakers making earnest statements about how they have found a lot to agree on when it comes to the state’s $28 billion budget. Civil Beat.

The traditional Hawaiian value “hookipa” prompted state lawmakers to push a resolution to make Hawaii a sanctuary state, honoring Hawaii’s history as a home to a diverse group of immigrants who dramatically shaped the island state’s economy and culture. Associated Press.

Homelessness: A Lot Of Talk But No ‘Game-Changer’ At The Legislature. Some bills are still alive, with their fate to be decided in conference committees. Civil Beat.

There's nearly 90,000 cesspools across Hawaii, and many could be polluting our groundwater. That fact prompted the state to offer tax-credits to home-owners to clean up and clear out their sewage, but very few have switched to safer septic systems. KITV.

A new poll sheds light on some of the most controversial issues facing the state, and shows opinions aren't as divided as some might think. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Education closed out 19 employee misconduct investigations during the first three months of the year, resulting in six terminations and five resignations or retirements in lieu of termination, according to data shared Tuesday with the state school board. Star-Advertiser.

New school lunch program emphasizes fresh local fare made from scratch. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines said a shift in the wind blew it off course in February and resulted in the worst monthly on-time performance in more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

Federal legislation to improve tsunami detection and climate forecasting, long championed by Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Commentary: The United Public Workers, the union which represents some 13,000 state and county blue collar workers, including about 1,200 prison guards, believes the Department of Public Safety is violating the state constitution and state law by refusing to promote prison guards into supervisory positions if they have been suspended from their jobs within the previous two years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Commission said late this afternoon that it had received 38 applications for police chief, roughly 25 to 30 percent of them from out-of-state candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens are applying to be the next chief of the embattled Honolulu Police Department. Associated Press.

Under a new lease deal, the Missouri memorial will stay in Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

As sit-lie ban expands, businesses wonder: Where will volatile homeless camp go next? Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo Gym Closure Leaves A Town Feeling Sidelined. Residents are frustrated by the long wait to start a $3.12 million repair job on the damaged gym, which was a “safe haven” for kids. Civil Beat.

Manoa residents want their rough roads fixed, and some would rather not wait for the city to get around to fixing them. They’re offering to do the work themselves. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s time-of-use program, which makes energy use cheaper during the day and more expensive at night, is proving popular among retirees. Star-Advertiser.

PacRim Marketing Group, one of the largest public relations firms in Hawaii, is rebranding following its acquisition by Vector, Inc., a Tokyo-based communications firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Substance abuse programs, elderly transportation, domestic violence and Native Hawaiian health care took top billing Tuesday as a Hawaii County Council panel recommended disbursing $1.5 million to 85 community nonprofits. West Hawaii Today.

Kolekole Park has been closed due to lead levels in excess of safe amounts, according to Mayor Harry Kim’s office. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Medical Center received a top grade from the nonprofit Leapfrog Group — a leading proponent of patient safety. Tribune-Herald.

Veterans troubled over newly tapped director of Hawaii VA health system. West Hawaii Today.

Moanike‘ala Akaka, longtime Hawaiian activist and advocate, former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and a founding mother of the renaissance of Hawaiian language and culture in the 1970s, died Saturday at Hospice of Hilo Pohai Malama Facility after a monthslong battle with cancer. She was 72. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A 47-page audit was released today by the Maui Office of the County Auditor on the demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui Now.

Another 6 megawatts — enough for possibly 850 residential rooftop photovoltaic systems — will become available for hookup to the grid on Maui, according to Maui Electric Co. Maui News.

VIDEO: Support Waiehu Golf Course Rally. Maui Now.

Controlling snail and slug populations is one of the most important steps in fighting the spread of rat lungworm disease, health and agricultural experts said Monday evening during a meeting at the Haiku Community Center. Maui News.

The new California owners of the Safeway and Longs Drugs-anchored Lahaina Cannery Mall on Maui plan to spend $18 million to renovate the 15-acre mall that will include nearly doubling the size of the Safeway store, the company said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

In a move all sides are calling historic, the Hawaii State Water Commission on Tuesday approved a mediated settlement that restores tens of millions of gallons of water a day to the Waimea River on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

In what’s being dubbed a “historic” agreement, groups representing cultural, environmental, agricultural and development interests have reached a settlement in a longstanding dispute over the diversion of millions of gallons of water on the west side of Kauai. Civil Beat.

After more than 100 years, water is being returned to the Waimea River. Garden Island.

Access and safety at Kee were among the top concerns at the Hanalei School Cafeteria on Tuesday, as community members gathered to hear updates about the Hanakapiai Bridge project and the Haena State Park Master Plan. Garden Island.

The state has cited a 39-year-old Lihue man after he allegedly tried to pry open the shell of a live Hawaiian green sea turtle using a knife and rock. Star-Advertiser.

Two gardeners said they were evicted from Kalihiwai Community Garden because they refused to sign a contract they claim didn’t match their original agreement. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle Corp. and majority owner of the Hawaiian Island of Lanai, is looking for someone to run the operations of the 21 resort residential properties he purchased three years ago near the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers grill Obamacare health exchange head, Trump developer sued, campaign finance in federal court, Awana fined again, truancy can't be stopped, Oahu charities get grants, Hawaii County can't help department head, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Connector briefing courtesy House majority

The head of the $205 million Hawaii Health Connector pledged to get medical plans and prices on the state’s health insurance exchange by Tuesday, two weeks after the Oct. 1 scheduled start of open enrollment. Executive Director Coral Andrews apologized Wednesday for the software problems that continue to plague the website where consumers were supposed to be able to compare policies, get rates and enroll as of last week. Star-Advertiser.

It's been more than a week since the Hawaii Health Connector launched with a major glitch -- no way yet for consumers to compare and buy health insurance and avoid federal penalties. On Wednesday, lawmakers grilled them about what went wrong, while the Connector says a fix should be up within a week. KHON2.

One week after the debut of the Hawaii Health Connector, its Executive Director sat before a Senate Health Committee, apologizing and asking for understanding. KITV.

A three-judge federal appeals panel on Wednesday heard a challenge to Hawaii's campaign-finance law, questioning lawyers about the ban on political contributions by state and county contractors and the spending threshold for triggering disclosure requirements. Legal experts caution against reading too much into the judges' questions at such hearings. But the judges did appear skeptical about claims that the contribution ban on contractors, passed by the state Legislature in 2005 in response to the "pay to play" scandals, is unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser.

Awana

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to fine state Rep. Karen Awana $8,590 for campaign finance violations. The fine — Awana's fourth since 2011 — was for filing false or inaccurate disclosure reports, untimely deposits of campaign contributions and failure to keep campaign finance records. The representative was urged to pay the fine within a year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday fined state Rep. Karen Awana for the fourth time since 2011. The four-term Oahu Democrat had just paid off the last $800 that she owed from previous fines, completely draining her campaign account this week and paying a portion out of pocket. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Campaign Spending Commissioners sanctioned Rep. Karen Awana on Wednesday, issuing the maximum fine of $8,590 against her for 54 violations of the state’s campaign spending law. Hawaii Reporter.

Teachers, in many cases, can't do much about frequently truant students. That is because few schools have a mandatory attendance requirement and teachers are expressly prohibited from grading students based on attendance. It might seem surprising, but the Hawaii Department of Education doesn’t specify a minimum number of instructional days that middle and high school students must be present in order to be eligible to pass their courses. Civil Beat.

In 2043, Honolulu will probably be off-the-charts hot — permanently. Oahu’s residents and its unique, fragile ecosystem will likely enter a scorching new reality with grave impacts to the natural environment. That’s according to a University of Hawaii study on global warming that started as a graduate-level course project and now is getting national attention. It pinpoints the probable dates for when cities and ecosystems around the world will regularly experience hotter environments the likes of which they have never seen before. Star-Advertiser.

Climate change will begin within a generation, according to a study published Wednesday by researchers at the University of Hawaii. The UH group determined that the world's climate will change sometime in the year 2047. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii’s Michael Liu said his team of astronomers’ latest discovery of an exotic young planet not orbiting around a star will lead to more discoveries in the future. Tribune-Herald.

The number people in Hawaii suffering liver damage linked to taking a dietary supplement for weight loss or muscle gain is now at 30, with the majority of cases on Oahu, state Department of Health officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Some 20,000 civilian Department of Defense employees in Hawaii -- and more than 350,000 workers nationwide --- shouldn't have been ordered off the job last week due to a new law that provided for funding for their pay, according to Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Members of the military have been neighbors in the islands since long before Hawaii was a state. And today, they continue their presence around the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Eleven Oahu nonprofit agencies learned Wednesday they will get a slice of the city’s $5.1 million grants-in-aid pie because of a City Council decision to increase the number of organizations selected to benefit from the new fund. Forty-one other nonprofits that had already been awaiting grants found out their slices of the pie will be considerably smaller than expected under the plan proffered by City Council Chairman Ernie Martin and approved Wednesday with a 7-1 vote. Star-Advertiser.

Donating to charity is supposed to be a fuzzy, feel-good experience. This hasn’t been the case at Honolulu Hale. A protracted political debateover which nonprofits are worthy of taxpayer subsidies has soured relationships inside city hall. It’s also raised questions about equity and fairness. Civil Beat.

One month after 233,000 gallons of molasses spilled into Honolulu Harbor, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials are continuing to evaluate the full scope of damage to coral, fish and other marine life. Star-Advertiser.

One month after 233,000 gallons of molasses spilled into Honolulu Harbor, researchers have learned a little more about its impact on the coral and underwater ecosystem, but studies are ongoing to determine the full scope of damage. Hawaii News Now.

The buyer of four units at the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk is suing the developer, Los Angeles-based Irongate, for breach of contract, claiming the developer failed to return the excess deposits and refused to instruct the escrow company to release the funds, according to a lawsuit filed recently in 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Last night members of the Ko‘olau Loa communities from Kahuku to Ka‘a‘awa came to the Kahuku Intermediate School cafeteria to give testimony on Bill 47 before the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee, chaired by Ikaika Anderson. If passed, the bill would put the Ko‘olauloa Sustainable Communities Plan into place. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Although the mayor appointed her and the County Council confirmed her to head the Department of Environmental Management, Bobby Jean Leithead Todd must go it alone defending her qualifications for the position before a 3rd Circuit Court judge. Judge Ronald Ibarra on Sept. 26 denied Hawaii County’s motion to intervene in the challenge to Leithead Todd’s job that was filed by Councilwoman Brenda Ford, who represents South Kona and Ka‘u. West Hawaii Today.

A possible burial site is likely the cause of the latest delay in the Kawaihae Road intersection work at Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

August's continuing trend of lower occupancy coupled with higher daily room rates in Maui resorts is part of a "stabilization" of the tourism market on the island, said the executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau. Maui News.

County officials have announced a fall schedule for restroom repairs at four park facilities 0n Maui. The repair work will result in the closure of restrooms at respective locations, with portable toilets provided for public use during the repairs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s recommendation that the Kauai County Council defer Bill 2491 for two months stirred up a wide range of reactions Wednesday. If passed in its current form, the bill would require Kauai’s largest agricultural companies to disclose the presence and use of genetically modified crops and pesticides. It would also establish buffer zones around schools, hospitals, homes and other areas, and require the county to conduct a study on the health and environmental impacts of the industry. Provisions deleted from the bill last month include those that would have prohibited open-air testing of experimental pesticides and genetically modified organisms, established a permitting process and placed a temporary moratorium on the expansion of GMO fields. The Kauai County Council will resume its discussion of Bill 2491 at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the History County Building. Garden Island.

Representatives for CVS Longs Drugs overcame public opposition and a 13-hour meeting Tuesday to secure a set of permits from the Kauai Planning Commission to build a 23,200-square-foot retail store in Kapaa. Garden Island.

The coastal and nearshore areas surrounding the privately-owned island of Niihau may be considered for inclusion in the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Molokai

Five members from Sisters of the Sacred Hearts from Rome, Italy — the same Catholic congregation as St. Damien — arrived on Molokai Thursday, Sept. 27, as part of their trip to visit other Sacred Heart provinces across the world. Molokai Dispatch.

Making medical marijuana mainstream, Hawaii tradewinds less frequent, electric rates increase, special funds scrutinized, Honolulu on the hook for mismanaged nonprofit money, Hawaii Island courts lack sheriffs, Closed for 20 years, Coco Palms still a tourist draw, Godzilla, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii medical marijuana roadside sign (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is likely to sign two bills on his desk aimed at making marijuana a more mainstream medicine, according to Sen. Josh Green, D-Kona, a physician who, as chairman of the Senate Health Committee, has been working on reforming the state’s 13-year-old medical marijuana law. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a Hookena medical marijuana patient who was arrested at Kona International Airport when he tried to take his pakalolo on a flight to Honolulu. In a 30-page ruling issued Friday, the Supreme Court majority ordered a lower court to acquit Geoffrey Woodhall, stating that state law, while unclear and contradictory, nonetheless allows for the transport of marijuana by individuals carrying a state “blue card” certifying they are medical marijuana patients. West Hawaii Today.

Experts say the island breezes, called tradewinds, are declining, a drop that's slowly changing life across the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii regulators have issued three orders affecting rates and the ratemaking process for Hawaiian Electric Co. and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co., in response to increased frustration by ratepayers for high electric rates and poor customer service. Pacific Business News.

The typical monthly electric bill on Oahu went up $3.13 and $3.17 on Hawaii Island as Hawaiian Electric Co. increased a supplemental fee it gets to pay for a shift to more renewable energy and greater energy efficiency. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Finance Committee is re-evaluating the use of special funds in the months leading up to the next legislative session. Associated Press.

State health officials say they're looking into hepatitis A infections that have struck at least three adults, including one person on Oahu who was hospitalized. All three consumed frozen berry products from Costco and became ill sometime between early and late May, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Since retiring from the Senate, Daniel Akaka has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he issued a statement today mourning the passing of former colleague, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, with whom he served for over three decades. Civil Beat.

More than a dozen Hawaii public schools are receiving state of the art lab equipment, thanks to a program out of UH Manoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for June 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

Potential kickbacks, conflicts of interest and mismanagement of federal grant funds mean the city of Honolulu will have to pay back nearly $8 million it gave to an embattled nonprofit in Central Oahu that serves the elderly and developmentally disabled adults. Civil Beat.

How much in city operational dollars should go to Oahu nonprofit groups and how such funds should be divvied up are at the core of a clash between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council leaders before Wednesday's final vote on the city's $2 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Two bills Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan is pushing would require helmet wearing when skateboarding on city streets and sidewalks, malls, parks and public places.  One of the measures carries a $25 fine per citation. Hawaii News Now.

A Shinto shrine in Kalihi is being threatened with legal action for posting a YouTube video of what it calls the brazen theft of $1,000 worth of amulets representing good fortune. Star-Advertiser.

Tesoro Hawaii's plan to lay off most of its Kapolei refinery workers, which was delayed last month as the company negotiated with a potential buyer, was set in motion Monday with a first group of employees getting notices that they would lose their jobs within three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures confirmed Monday what local actors, hopeful extras and industry insiders have been whispering about for months: The latest remake of the "Godzilla" franchise will be filming in July at several Oahu locations. Star-Advertiser.

This summer, if you want to know whether the Ala Wai Canal meets the state’s standards for safe recreational use, you'll probably have to test it yourself. That is because the city plans to stop testing one of the most heavily used inland bodies of water in the state for dangerous bacteria levels even though the canal is among the most polluted. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A combination of vacations and sick workers left West Hawaii’s four courts with just one sheriff Monday morning. The severity of the shortage Monday was just indicative of a broader problem, West Hawaii attorneys and court officials said. Department of Public Safety officials said they were bringing sheriffs from Hilo to Kona to fill in the gaps, but acknowledged that they have had trouble for years filling all of the West Hawaii vacancies. West Hawaii Today.

Waikoloa has been put on the map, literally. The West Hawaii community was added to the Federal Aviation Administration’s flight maps last month, after previously being designated as a settlement. Tribune-Herald.

Utility customers will see a 1.6 percent increase to their Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO) bills as the result of annual adjustments approved last week by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely removed a grenade on Monday from the shoulder of Hansen Road, which was reopened after being closed for about a day, police said. Maui News.

Firefighters remained at the Central Maui Landfill Monday morning, battling a compost fire reported Sunday afternoon that has delayed residential trash collections and closed the landfill and recycling operations. Maui News.

Maui County fire fighters are still on the scene at the Central Maui Landfill Refuse & Recycling Center, where a blaze at the EKO Compost site has closed down operations today and possibly tomorrow. Maui Now.

At first glance, it isn't readily apparent how Maui County's reviving economy is affecting the islands' real estate market, which struggled through the recession with low prices and a glut of foreclosed properties. Maui News.

Kauai

In an effort to increase awareness about its recycling programs, Kauai County launched its “What Goes Where” campaign Monday. Garden Island.

Armed with a machete and a heck of a sense of humor, Bob Jasper gives visitors and locals a snapshot of the property that helped put Kauai on the forefront of Hawaii’s visitor industry decades ago. “Coco Palms has got to be the most famous hotel in the South Pacific,” he said. “It has been shut down for over 20 years and folks still want to see it.” Garden Island.

Molokai

Big Wind was the nickname for the state’s energy plan that included 200-megawatt wind farms on both Molokai and Lanai to supply energy to Oahu via an undersea cable. In the latest plan, Molokai Properties Limited , also known as Molokai Ranch, had planned to lease 11,000 acres of land to wind company Pattern Energy to build 70 400-foot tall wind turbines. But that plan fell through when the Ranch called off the deal in February, announcing their decision not to renew the lease agreement. Molokai Dispatch.

Young Brothers, Limited, the intrastate cargo company serving Hawaii, released its numbers for their first quarter of this year, and the findings could reflect how Molokai is doing economically. Molokai saw a slight increase in its general and agricultural outbound cargo and a minimal decrease in inbound freight.  Meanwhile, larger islands showed more notable decreases. Molokai Dispatch.