Showing posts with label parks and recreation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parks and recreation. Show all posts

Monday, December 16, 2019

University officials grilled over budget, Honolulu mayor signs plastics ban, Kauai woman, Mormon church, settle over child sex assault claims, Mauna Kea obstruction defense cites war crimes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News
UH Executive Salary Hikes, $2.7M Enrollment Contract Under Scrutiny. State lawmakers grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday about the university's spending, focusing on a $2.7 million consultant contract to increase enrollment and recent salary increases for UH vice presidents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senators question University of Hawaii officials over spending and raises. State senators grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday for hiring an outside firm to help recruit new students and giving his vice presidents raises when student enrollment overall has dropped. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Think UH Regents Are ‘Too Cozy’ With Officials. A Senate panel will be digging into university issues in the next month. Civil Beat.

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State employees say supervisors are spying on them with taxpayer-funded cameras. Over the course of the last year, an additional set of surveillance cameras have been installed at the state parole office on Alakea Street. Hawaii News Now.

State budgets $2.5M to replace state Capitol’s carpeting. The price tag for a project to replace the carpets in offices and meeting rooms on four floors of the state Capitol is approaching $2 million, with crews working seven days a week to get the first phase of the job finished in time for the Jan. 15 opening of the state Legislature, according to state Comptroller Curt Otaguro. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Single-use plastic ban becomes law on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Sunday signed into law one of the nation’s strictest bans on plastics, which will prohibit all single-use plastic plates, bowls, cups and serv­ice ware on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs Plastic Ban into law. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs one of the strictest plastics ban into law Sunday following a 7-2 vote on the City Council level earlier this month. KHON2.

Bill 40 signed into law, banning most disposable plastics on Oahu by 2022. Supporters say protests from Hawaii's food manufacturers and restaurant owners allowed them to work together to include exemptions for local businesses. KITV.

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Ala Moana park playground backers announce relocation. A nonprofit group that has been working to build an inclusive playground at Ala Moana Regional Park announced Saturday that it now will focus on building the playground at Kakaako Makai Gateway Park. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Playground Moving To Kaka'ako From Ala Moana. An inclusive playground planned at Ala Moana Regional Park will instead be built in Kaka'ako Makai Gateway Park, the group that lobbied for the project announced Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial playground planned for Ala Moana is headed to Kakaako. Supporters of a controversial playground at Ala Moana Beach Park officially announced Saturday that they are moving the project to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

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HART Reversed Course And Fired Embattled Employee. HART’s top executive has declined to say who advised the rail agency regarding former agency information specialist, Russell Yamanoha. Civil Beat.

Aiea Board Gives Its Blessing To Preliminary Plans For A New Jail. In a surprise move, after early indications they would oppose the project, the Aiea Neighborhood Board has given its blessing to the state’s next planning steps toward building a new jail in Halawa to replace the decrepit Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point cleaning up after eviction. The Naval Air Museum Barbers Point is busy clearing out exhibits and displays since getting evicted by the state over five weeks ago. KITV.

Spalding House’s closure brings mixed emotions, memories to those who loved it. The parking lot at Spalding House, the museum tucked away in Makiki Heights, has been packed this month as dozens of visitors walk its grounds one last time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County bill seeks to update energy code. Proposed amendments to the county’s conservation code intended to reduce power use and construction costs will be discussed at a county committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

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Attorneys Plan To Argue State Engaging In “War Crimes”. Attorneys representing some of the kupuna arrested on the Mauna Kea Access Road in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope plan to fight obstruction charges on grounds that are related to the occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

5-year window for state to reimburse Hawaii county for Mauna Kea law enforcement. It took the state and county to November 1 to sign their written agreement on how the state will reimburse the county for police overtime relating to the blockade. Hawaii News Now.

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With Highway 132 open, county officials focus on recovery efforts for other lava-hit areas. About 13 miles of public roads were inundated by lava during the eruption last year, including portions of Highway 132, Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Honuaula Street and Lighthouse Road. Tribune-Herald.

Kimball launches council campaign. Surrounded by a small but vocal crowd of supporters yelling out a paddler’s cheer, Heather Kimball on Friday launched her campaign for the open County Council District 1 seat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation Rental Fine Hikes to Take Effect. Beginning Dec. 27, illegal short-term vacation rentals will be fined $20,000, plus another $10,000 each day the operation continues. Maui Now.

Nonresidents Will Soon Have to Pay for Parking at Big Beach. Beginning the first week of January, nonresidents will have to pay $5 for parking at the Makena State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Friday. Maui Now.

Illegal Parking, Trespassing at Jaws Challenge Sparks Community Concern. Representatives from the Hana Highway Regulation committee say they received numerous complaints from Haʻikū residents regarding illegal parking and trespassing on private property during the contest on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Settlement reached in church suit. The Mormon Church has settled a lawsuit by a Kauai woman, who accused a missionary of molesting her as a child. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway closures begin today. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds the public of temporary full closures on Kuhio Highway at Mile Marker 1, the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge. Garden Island.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Tropical Storm Darby continues path toward Hawaii, Ige pledges another $12M to fight homeless, only Senate Republican faces challengers, incumbent advantage on Big Island, UH tuition to increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Fisherman in Ala Moana Park © 2016 All Hawaii News
City officials said Thursday it will take two weeks to repair a section of Ala Moana Beach Park Drive where a large sinkhole has been blocking the Ewa entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park since Tuesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Darby maintained its strong winds overnight as it continued heading west toward Hawaii island. As of 5 a.m. today, the center of Darby was located 390 miles east of Hilo and 595 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. Maximum sustained winds measured 60 mph as the storm moved west at 12 mph. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige plans to spend an extra $12 million this year to make a dent in the state’s homelessness crisis, outlining a three-pronged approach that includes expanding services, conducting sweeps of encampments and developing more affordable housing. Associated Press.

Armed with $12 million in supplemental funding to stem the state’s homeless crisis, Gov. David Ige unveiled a four-year plan Thursday that aims to reduce the number of unsheltered homeless people to “functional zero.” Civil Beat.

Governor details $12 million spending plan to tackle homeless crisis. KITV.

Gov. David Ige pledged Thursday to allocate $12 million to combat the issue. The plan is to get more people into permanent housing by building 10,000 affordable units in the next four years, expanding homeless outreach, and providing more funds for property storage and cleanup. KHON2.

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The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted Thursday to hold tuition flat across the 10-campus system for the 2017-18 academic year, a move that will delay the administration’s plans to begin upgrading campus facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Students at Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo will see modest tuition hikes in coming years. The UH Board of Regents on Thursday approved a three-year plan that starts in the 2017-18 school year and caps increases at 2 percent systemwide. Tribune-Herald.

In a case stemming from ballot shortages at precincts on Oahu and the Big Island in the 2012 general election, the state Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the state Office of Elections needs to establish rules through proper public noticing and hearing on the method it uses to calculate the number of ballots printed for precincts and how to handle ballots cast incorrectly. Maui News.

Valley Fever Risk Won’t Slow Flow Of Hawaii Inmates To Arizona. Hawaii may soon face legal claims over prisoners infected with valley fever, a disease endemic in the Southwest. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which has pending projects across Hawaii, is mum on what will happen with those projects following its termination of its proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., a spokesman for the Florida energy giant told Pacific Business News this week.

Oahu

State Sen. Sam Slom has held the District 9 seat representing East Honolulu for two decades, but a pair of Democratic candidates are spending thousands of dollars in hopes of unseating Hawaii’s only Republican senator. Civil Beat.

The State and City of Honolulu are implementing separate plans to address homelessness and affordable rental housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chief academic officer for the University of Hawaii at Manoa announced he is resigning from the post but said the decision was not a result of complaints lodged last year by faculty and staff over alleged bullying and racist and sexist behavior. Star-Advertiser.

The attorney for Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha wants the federal prosecutor heading a grand jury investigation dismissed from the case. KHON2.

The Navy held a lease-signing ceremony Thursday with Hawaiian Electric Co. for a 20-megawatt alternating-current solar farm at Pearl Harbor’s West Loch Annex that HECO said would be the second largest for photovoltaics in the state. Star-Advertiser.

A new 60-second radio commercial from the campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell “fact-checks” challenger Charles Djou and finds him wanting. Specifically, the spot refers to Djou’s statements on rail and homelessness. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

There’s a definite incumbent advantage when it comes to raising money for County Council elections. West Hawaii Today.

Citing violations ranging from poor land husbandry to evidence of a junkyard and the possibility of a cockfighting operation, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider a request to revoke the lease on a 10-acre Panaewa parcel. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission paved the way Thursday for construction of a 19-unit, single-family subdivision on the mauka side of Alii Drive across from the Alohi Kai Subdivision and Kamoa Point, allowing the applicant, Larry Smith of Royal Alii LLC, a five-year extension to meet conditional requirements set forth when the project was initially approved in July 2006. West Hawaii Today.

As Tropical Storm Darby continues to track toward the state, the Big Island could see heavy rain and strong winds as soon as Friday night. As a result, officials has begun preparations for the storm. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company was fined $600,000 by the state for violating air quality regulations. The state Department of Health said that the excess emission and reporting violations occurred from 2009 to 2014 in Puunene, Maui. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association is throwing its weight behind the plan to subdivide 120 acres on the Kilauea Plateau, but the group wants a seat at the table when it comes to developing the eight planned parcels. Garden Island.

The plan for the future of Haena State Park has been tweaked, and Saturday, the State Parks division and members of the Haena State Park Community Advisory Committee will host an open house to chat about the changes. Garden Island.

When it comes to creating bus stops, Mel Rapozo, chair of the Kauai County Council, wants to make sure they will be accessible for everyone. That’s why the council voted to defer a decision on passing a resolution that proposes establishing a bus stop on Kawaihau Road, west of Awa’a Place, near the Menehune Food Mart and the Kauai Athletic Club. Garden Island.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Hawaii deep-sea reefs explored, Mazie finding her mojo, Ellison buys another airline, ACLU sues Maui for sign ordinance, Kauai joins GMO battle, park fees increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA courtesy photo
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands coral reef NOAA photo
Exploration of deep-sea coral reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is just beginning but already has revealed a slew of species previously not known to inhabit the island chain. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers returned last week from a 26-day trip to four of the northwestern islands and the Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge with specimens of new species of deep-water algae and the first recorded specimens of black coral from Johnston Atoll. Star-Advertiser.

Shark tours are more valuable than shark soup, study finds. Hawaii News Now.

Deep-sea adventure captures humpback whales’ song off Kona. KHON2.

A bureaucratic scuffle between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the state Department of Health is leaving veterans unable to qualify for VA loans or refinance existing VA loans at lower interest rates. The VA has declined to approve home loans on properties with rainwater catchment systems in Hawaii because the state does not recognize the water as safe for drinking or food preparation. Star-Advertiser.

As Congress works to frame a sweeping immigration reform deal, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and 12 other female senators Thursday introduced an amendment they say would treat women more fairly as they seek to come to the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

In a church auditorium here this week, Senator Mazie Hirono enjoyed something of a rock-star welcome. At a female-rich rally on immigration, Hirono was introduced to more than a hundred women from across the country, including the president of the National Organization for Women, as a “champion” of women’s issues. The crowd cheered wildly and began chanting: “Ma-zie! Ma-zie!” Civil Beat.

Local Enough To Be UH Prez? Take Our Quiz! Civil Beat.

The executive director of a Kauai foundation trying to prevent drownings says rescue tube kiosks that have worked on the island are coming to other parts of Hawaii. Associated Press.

Friday Factoid: How Many Pesticides Are Licensed for Sale in Hawaii? Civil Beat.

State 6/21. Associated Press.

State roundup for June 21. Associated Press.

Oahu

A former Honolulu police officer faces possible state and federal drug charges after police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted separate raids at his Pearl City house through the past two months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii News Now has learned that the FBI is looking into the case of a 35-year-old Kaneohe man who died after he was arrested by police.

What’s the cost of restarting an oil refinery just two months after it was shut down? About $27 million, according to the new owner of Tesoro Corp.’s Kapolei oil refinery. Star-Advertiser.

Honey Bee USA Inc. has revealed more of its $20 million plan to redevelop a part of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor called Waikiki Landing with wedding chapels, restaurants, retail and office space, as well as a boat repair facility and fuel dock. Pacific Business News.

Repairs are under way for a historic downtown Honolulu building that houses the Hawaii Supreme Court. Associated Press.

HI Spy: Out of the Honolulu Weekly’s Ashes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Picking up art is not foremost in most customers’ minds as they rummage through the boxes and stacks of literary and musical goodies at the annual Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Book Sale. But this year’s sale, which begins Saturday, will include catalogs of paintings, prints and art books, according to Friends Executive Director Byrde Cestare. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Those graduation and birthday picnics at a park pavilion will soon cost you more — more than twice as much, in fact. The increases, along with hikes in property taxes, vehicle registration and weight fees and bus fares, all go toward balancing the county’s $394.3 million 2013-14 budget. West Hawaii Today.

The federal Department of Transportation is considering making a new agreement for regular scheduled service to the Waimea airport. Flights are guaranteed to the North Hawaii community through the federal Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes service to rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Health and various Hawaii County safety and law enforcement agencies, on Wednesday successfully completed investigations for ordnance at the Sandalwood subdivision area and along Kawaihae Road in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office announced Thursday afternoon releasing more than $134.7 million for capital improvement projects at Hawaii public schools, including $850,000 for work at two Big Island schools. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi has filed a lawsuit against the County of Maui seeking changes to laws relating to the display of signs on sidewalks and along roadways. Maui Now.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit against Maui County on Thursday, saying an ordinance placing restrictions on roadway sign-waving is unconstitutional. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Maui residents Chuck Carletta and Mele Stokesberry, who said police threatened to fine them for carrying signs in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Wai­luku in January. Star-Advertiser.

Two Maui residents are suing to change a county law prohibiting sign waving on sidewalks and roadways. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit Thursday in federal court in Honolulu on behalf of Chuck Carletta and Mele Stokesberry. Associated Press.

A divided Maui County Council voted down a request by Mayor Alan Arakawa's administration Wednesday to expedite a bill that would amend the current county budget to explicitly call for the demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office after the fact in an attempt to resolve a simmering dispute between the mayor and the council. Maui News.

The Maui County Council accepted a donation Wednesday of a personal watercraft and sled and approved some funding for the Department of Fire and Public Safety's budget shortfall this year. Maui News.

Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. has begun construction on its new transportation facility located on 10 acres of former sugar cane land in Puunene, according to an announcement Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai
Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser introduced an ordinance Thursday that would give authority to the county to govern the commercial use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms. Garden Island.

The latest buzz from the Kauai Beekeepers Association is a plea to local government for more transparency and regulations on pesticide use. Garden Island.

State regulators have cleared the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to build a $42.2 million solar energy facility that would be the state’s largest. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai residents will experience an 11.2 percent water rate increase July 1. It's the third of four increases to pay for upgrades to the island's aging water system. Hawaii News Now.

Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at Kauai Raceway Park, also known as Mana Drag Strip, to mark the start of construction of a $1 million project to repair the facilities and resurface the pavement, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said. Star-Advertiser.

The deadline to provide input on phase two of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance update is June 28, according to county officials. The CZO, which regulates land use and development on Kauai, is being updated in two phases by the Planning Department with assistance from the consulting firm Helber, Hastert and Fee. Garden Island.

Lanai

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, who bought the island of Lanai a year ago and recently purchased Island Air, is now buying the Hawaii interisland airline go!, Pacific Business News has learned.




Thursday, January 10, 2013

Raises coming to public workers, Souki solidifies House leadership, top Honolulu cop gets rave reviews, early childhood education advances, tourism limited on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Aloha Festival parade (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Major events such as the Aloha Festivals, the Honolulu Marathon and the Pro Bowl Block Party are good for Waikiki because they attract visitors and improve quality of life for kamaaina, according to 85.6 percent of respondents in a recent survey. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO Mike McCartney is preparing for the upcoming legislative session by meeting with the Legislature’s money committees to discuss the HTA’s role in supporting the state's economy. Pacific Business News.

State Rep. Joseph Souki solidified his claim as House speaker Wednesday after a private caucus among Demo­crats. Star-Advertiser.

They want Joe Souki. That was the message a majority of Hawaii House Democrats sent Wednesday afternoon during a private caucus at the Capitol Building, according to lawmakers who attended. Civil Beat.

Attitudes toward marijuana and marijuana laws is the subject of a statewide poll, the results of which will be discussed during a presentation tomorrow in Honolulu. Maui Now.

Thousands of public workers are about to get a raise in an arbitration award sources tell KHON2 is imminent. KHON2.

Problems with the 2012 election and continued low voter turnout are sparking a number of legislative proposals this year. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday that it is unfair to expect public schools to meet more rigorous performance standards when so many children enter kindergarten unprepared because they have not attended preschool. Star-Advertiser.

The State of Hawaii is committed to giving its keiki the best opportunity for school success and a strong early childhood education program is a proven way toward that, Gov. Neil Abercrombie affirmed at a press conference today at Seagull School’s Early Education Center. Hawaii Reporter.

After listening to a group of chubby-cheeked preschoolers sing to him, the governor on Wednesday unveiled his plan to provide a publicly funded early learning program for all of Hawaii's 4-year-olds. Civil Beat.

State leaders want to give all kids a chance to succeed in school and they hope they can do that with an early start. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy wants to retire the Pearl Harbor-based USS Port Royal, the youngest Ticonderoga-class cruiser in the fleet and a ship with prized ballistic missile defense capability. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for January 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Commission gave glowing marks to Police Chief Louis Kealoha in his third annual evaluation, which was released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano says he plans to appeal a recent federal court ruling on Honolulu rail that will allow the $5.26 billion project to proceed. Civil Beat.

Decked out in jeans and a Hawaii Fire Fighters Association T-shirt, Mayor Kirk Caldwell shoveled hot-mix asphalt into a car-alignment-killing crater on Gulick Avenue in Kalihi Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Kirk Caldwell said he was going to get out from behind the desk and go into the public.  Potholes are one of the biggest things people complain about so he's taking the complaints about potholes and doing something about it. Hawaii News Now.

A community briefing on proposed revisions to the Oahu General Plan is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 14 at the Castle High School cafeteria, 45-386 Kaneohe Bay Drive. Honolulu Weekly.

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has released the 2013 affordable housing income limits, which are used to qualify purchasers and set prices for affordable units as part of Unilateral Agreement conditions adopted in zone change amendments. Hawaii Reporter.

Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu will nearly double the capacity of its emergency and operating departments when it opens in Ewa in February 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
The Big Island has once again been designated a natural disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of an ongoing drought and its impact on farmers. Tribune-Herald.

After reassurance from the county Finance Department that its borrowing of short-term promissory notes actually saved taxpayers money, the Ethics Board on Wednesday dismissed a complaint that the county bond transactions weren’t above-board. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council is sticking with a new mileage policy that allows members to receive $350 a month no matter how much they drive. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is starting his second four year term.  Following a close election, his first order of business now is the county budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state’s involvement in updating a whale sanctuary management plan has triggered the need for an environmental impact statement. West Hawaii Today.

Consumer concern about genetically modified, or GMO, fruit remains strong, and last year’s big papaya industry news hasn’t resulted in bigger shipments from Hawaii to Japan — at least not yet, as Hawaii growers are charting a new course for transgenic papaya in Japan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Nearly a year after public discussion about the urgent need for a major overhaul of Kahului Airport's 71-year-old, 7,000-foot main runway, state Department of Transportation officials remain undecided about which repair option to choose and how long Maui's air overseas lifeline would need to be closed, if at all. Maui News.

The National Park Service has named Natalie Gates as the new superintendent of Haleakala National Park. Star-Advertiser.

Natalie Gates has been named as the new superintendent of Haleakala National Park. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Park is planning to rebuild 153 feet of wall, within the next three to four weeks, cemetery officials said this week. Maui News.

Maui's largest photovoltaic system and the island's first commercial-sized carport photovoltaic system will be dedicated by Mayor Alan Arakawa at 9 a.m. Monday at the Kihei Aquatic Center, a county announcement said. Maui News.

Kauai

It is still legal to drink alcohol late at night in county parks. What apparently is an oversight caused late-night prohibition in county parks to be omitted in the current version of the County Code. Garden Island.

The Department of Water announced it will hold four public meetings to allow community members to comment on a possible new rate structure for its Water System Development Fee. Garden Island.

A cluster of portable restrooms in Po‘ipu Beach Park have left some visitors questioning its sanitary condition. Garden Island.

Molokai

Representatives from the state, American Safari Cruises and the Molokai community signed an historic "Molokai Community Agreement" outlining visits to Molokai. KITV4.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Hawaii residents getting older, Maui's Haleakala summit trail may reopen after 70 years, Honolulu City Council considers raises, Hawaii County Council debates geothermal fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 all rights reserved
Older beachgoers on Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older grew more than three times faster than the rest of the total state population from 2010 to 2011, according to a state analysis of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Supreme Court decision requiring the state to fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will do little to help the struggling agency in the short term. Civil Beat.

The State Historic Preservation Division wants to hear from residents as they craft a new historic preservation plan. The office is seeking input from residents on how to best define and set priorities for  historic preservation statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fifty-three percent of Hawaii’s public high schools’ Class of 2011 enrolled in college for the fall semester following their commencement, an increase of three percent over the previous years’ graduating class enrollment, according to a new study released Wednesday by the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

With a little more than a week remaining in the school year, public school teachers will begin voting today on a proposed contract offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January and that Gov. Neil Abercrombie says has no legal standing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

This election season, a number of public employees are also working to help their boss get re-elected, raising the question of whether it's fair for people who are collecting a public paycheck to also work for a political candidate who has opponents. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan's value lies not in the paper on which it’s recorded, but in the collective and ongoing actions that happen after, officials with the state Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program and its Honolulu-based consultant SSFM International said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians set the model for sustainable aquaculture, with traditional fish ponds, a Sierra Club member said Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration and Honolulu City Council members have less than six weeks to decide whether to accept pay raises awarded to them by the City Salary Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents are expected to approve the next chancellor for UH's flagship Manoa campus today, with a proposed salary of $100,000 more a year than his predecessor. Star-Advertiser.

Concrete pouring for rail-column foundations has been underway in West Oahu for weeks. Today the first up-close look was allowed. KHON2.

The holes are dug and now concrete is being poured on the Honolulu rail transit line. Hawaii News Now.

The embattled Wahiawa elderly care center at the heart of a federal investigation for alleged misuse of $7.9 million in federal grants has been awarded money from the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The effort by St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to sell two shuttered medical facilities on Oahu that it recently took back in bankruptcy has attracted an offer from a partnership led by someone very familiar with the properties in Liliha and Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

The operator of four Hawaii hospitals has agreed to allow more than half of its compensation increases be tied to performance standards, starting in two years. Hawaii News Now.

Modest improvements in Oahu's job market were reflected at the WorkForce job fair Wednesday at Blaisdell Center, which attracted more employers and a higher quality of applicants than the same event a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department special agent accused of fatally shooting a man at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki in November claims he was performing his duties as a federal law enforcement officer and is therefore immune from prosecution under state law, according to records filed in the case this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Proposed amendments to the Big Island’s geothermal royalty policy cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A charter amendment to give the County Council more say in how taxpayer money is spent faces an uphill climb following a deadlock vote Wednesday by the council’s Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Hikers may be taking the old trail to the summit of Haleakala for the first time in seven decades later this year following an agreement approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday in Honolulu. Maui News.

Former governor Linda Lingle returned to the Valley Isle on Tuesday for the opening of her Maui headquarters in her campaign for US Senate. Maui Now.

Kauai


The Kaua‘i Marathon caused some stir among some residents last year when the Kaua‘i County Council approved substantial subsidies for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 2. Garden Island.

Syngenta Seeds brought the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive to a healthy close Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Agency on Elderly Affairs has scheduled another round of the popular workshop series for older adults titled “Better Choices, Better Health” Garden Island.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Park fees for Akaka Falls, Hilo radio station among first to gag Limbaugh, big bill day for Hawaii Legislature, Abercrombie signs emergency declaration as rain pelts islands, tobacco fund raided, National Guard musters, more Hawaii news

Akaka Falls (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Division of State Parks has initiated a new five-year contract with Makai Parking Inc. for the collection of entry fees at Akaka Falls State Park. West Hawaii Today.

New West Broadcasting announced today that it is discontinuing the Rush Limbaugh program on KPUA AM 670 in Hilo, Hawaii effective immediately. KPUA.

Hilo radio station KPUA-AM 670 was among the first in the nation to pull the plug on the nationally syndicated Rush Limbaugh talk radio show after Limbaugh called Georgetown University law school student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute." Star-Advertiser.

Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul will be on the ballot in Hawaii March 13 as the state Republican Party hosts its first-ever presidential caucuses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Diverts Millions In Tobacco Settlement Funds. KITV4.

Job creation and economic development remain key priorities as lawmakers near the midway point of the 2012 legislative session. Associated Press.

House Bill 1033, which, according to House Minority Leader Gene Ward, recently had its contents “gutted and replaced” by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, would create a state bank that would put Gov. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, as its chairman. Hawaii Reporter.

Months after pulling its most-favored-nation card, the Hawaii Government Employees Association has gotten the state to equalize pay benefits for some of its members, matching deals struck with the United Public Workers union. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Attorney General said it wrote off salary over payments of 260 current and former state employees worth $882,639 between 2001 and 2010. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa professors are raising concerns about the loss of a federally funded fisheries cooperative, which will move to UH-Hilo, leaving the system's flagship campus without a fisheries program. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education won't be taking over statewide school bus operations anytime soon, based on what officials have learned from an emergency takeover of 12 school bus routes in Kailua-Kona seven years ago. Civil Beat.

State senators are marking Education Week by inviting students to submit questions over email, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. KHON2.

The Hawaii Geographic Coordinating Council launched its 3-day conference today … looking at how we can solve problems using digital data available on the internet …which increases tenfold every 5 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii Army National Guard were told to prepare for possible deployment. KHON2.

Oahu

The primary election is about five months away, and the controversial Honolulu rail project is as unpopular as it's ever been. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has a long way to go if it wants to win the confidence of Honolulu voters. Civil Beat.

Daniel Grabauskas appears to be already hard at work for HART, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation , even though he was just named the rail transit agency’s executive director last week. Pacific Business News.

Historic Designation Adds Red Tape To Tantalus Projects. KITV4.

Hawaii

While a majority of county departments are seeing their budgets shrink for the coming fiscal year, some will have moderate increases. Tribune-Herald.

Five sparkling new Chevy Volt electric cars had been set aside at a Hilo dealership even before an invitation for bid for electric cars went out from Hawaii County government last week. And, they’re in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s preferred color. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Finance Director Nancy Crawford has canceled purchase orders totaling $42,499 that Council Chairman Dominic Yagong had issued to outside attorneys to represent the legislative branch in grievances with fired Elections Office employees. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police seized $18,207 in cash, 17 illegal video gambling machines and gambling records in a raid an on alleged gambling room in Kona Friday, police said. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui Electric Company has appointed Sharon M. Suzuki as the company’s next president. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui jumped nearly 22 percent in February, going from $440,000 last year to $535,000 last month. Pacific Business News.

Melanie Boudar sent over at least 600 pounds of chocolate to the Philadelphia International Flower Show last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Disaster declaration follows sewage spill, evacuations and road, school closures. Garden Island.

Governor Abercrombie signed a disaster proclamation on Friday authorizing the state Department of Transportation to begin emergency highway repair work on Kuhio Highway near Kilauea town on Kaua'i in response to a partial collapse of a 15-foot-diameter culvert running beneath the highway.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i Acting Deputy Police Chief Mark Begley was named to the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board to oversee the development, integration and maintenance of services statewide. Garden Island.


Friday, December 10, 2010

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie celebrating election, storm system still over the state, human trafficking case gears up, senators heading to Taiwan, DLNR wants parks money, Big Island tops in poverty, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing that lawmakers set aside an annual $50 million over five years to fix the "deplorable condition" of state parks. Star-Advertiser.

A line of heavy showers and thundershowers has now moved over Maui, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the Valley Isle until 7 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health tonight issued a Brown Water Advisory for the islands of Kauai and Oahu due to heavy showers. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean safety officials on Kauai and Oahu Thursday warned the public to beware of Portuguese man-of-war that turned up. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau officials report that Portuguese man-of-war were found Thursday morning at Po‘ipu Beach Park, Garden Island.

The state was bracing last night for heavy rain -- and even some hail and snow -- as a winter storm soaked Kauai and began to work its way down the island chain. Star-Advertiser.

Ground has been broken on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island for a new headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Regional Center. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie hosted an sold-out inaugural ball Thursday for 1,800 supporters. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie celebrated his inauguration Thursday night with a top-notch gala in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appear today and Saturday in Lanai City and Lahaina, respectively, as he fulfills a pledge to celebrate his inauguration with supporters statewide. Maui News.

Next Tuesday, seven Democratic state senators will leave for a weeklong visit to Taiwan for meetings, tours and conferences. Civil Beat.

In the following letter dated December 6 to State House Speaker Calvin Say, a group of 18 Democratic representatives call for a “leadership compromise” in order to embrace open and inclusive decision-making and address larger Hawaii issues in the coming 2011 Legislative Session. Hawaii Independent.

The Big Island continues to lead the state in the percentage of poor people, especially poor children. West Hawaii Today.

The Honolulu mayor and the new governor are expected to meet soon to talk about rail, as the city awaits the state's approval of the environmental review. KHON2.

The U.S. Justice Department in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations is interviewing up to 100 more witnesses in preparation for convening another grand jury in the Global Horizon/Manpower human trafficking case to issue super ceding indictments.Hawaii Reporter.

A new affordable rental project for seniors is taking shape in Ewa. KHON2.

A Honolulu police officer was arrested on a shoplifting charge this week, the fifth officer to be arrested since September. Star-Advertiser.

The week after Thanksgiving turned out to be the softest hotel week of 2010, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported Friday. Hawaii News Now.

The City Council must now approve the new man chosen to lead the Royal Hawaiian Band. Hawaii News Now.

Another Hawaii County Council member is being accused of illegally mistreating a member of the public. Tribune-Herald.

Fire officials are proposing a 2 percent budget increase for fiscal 2011-12 amid the department's preparation to open bidding to construct the long-promised $9 million Makalei Fire Station, Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County spent nearly $500,000 leasing a bulldozer it sold in 1991 to use at the Hilo Landfill. West Hawaii Today.

While Molokai has advanced healthcare facilities and a broad choice of providers compared to other small islands, health care professionals agree there’s still room for improvement. Molokai Dispatch.

A few short years ago, if one went to a West Side community meeting on upcoming legislative issues, or on how funds could be spent in the district, or even increased for new projects and programs, the topics were mostly predictable, although still important and needing discussion. Lahaina News.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Waikiki Beach makeover, Big Island doctor shortage, electric vehicles and other Hawaii news of the day

The most popular beach in Hawaii is due for a partial makeover. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle is releasing a $140,000 appropriation for a training program on the Big Island to help relieve a worsening statewide physician shortage, especially in rural areas. Star-Advertiser.

Doctor Raymond Fodor has a problem not found on any X-ray. Hawaii News Now.

The status of Hawaii's physician shortage could reach critical condition in the next 10 years.KHON2.

Hawaii's largest bank is saying it hasn't taken a position on a civil unions measure pending on Gov. Linda Lingle's desk. KITV.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday brushed aside pointed criticism from the governor's chief of staff on the city's policy on homelessness, saying it's a "laughable joke" to say the city hasn't done enough to address the issue. Star-Advertiser.

The city set a July 19 as an eviction deadline for homeless families camped out near the beach at Maili Point. KITV.

The state is moving ahead with plans to begin charging nonresidents and commercial tour vehicles at least $10 per vehicle to park at Iao Valley State Monument. Maui News.


Hawaii is considered ideal for electric vehicles because the size of the islands limits driving distances and it has some of the highest gas prices in the nation. Civil Beat.

Timed to coincide with the arrival of a flotilla of ships from Pacific nations for the biennial Rim of the Pacific naval exercises, a U.S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile successfully intercepted its intended target during a test Monday night. Garden Island.

Next week, Hawaii will mark one year of extreme drought and it looks like there's no relief in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers grilled state officials Tuesday over taxpayer dollars spent to put a damper on airport security fines. KHON2.

Officials at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture say a common pest is becoming more noticeable. KHON2

The Department of Water Supply needs to tighten its internal controls because an employee was able to steal more than $78,000, an audit released Monday says. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that makes numerous changes in the Puna Community Development Plan is headed to a County Council committee with a negative recommendation from the Windward Planning Commission. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A new transitional housing project in West Hawaii means more units available for families in need, but will provide less than half the number of units Hawaii County officials have said they planned to build at the site. West Hawaii Today.

Maunaloa Elementary School has passed the second of four hurdles in the community’s effort to keep the school open. Molokai Dispatch.

The Kaua‘i County Council has again deferred a bill that would allow farmers who meet certain criteria to build up to three farm-worker houses on their properties. Garden Island.

Patrons and friends of the 55-year-old Lahaina Public Library — which badly needs refurbishing — will get a chance to show their support next month, when the Royal Lahaina Resort and Rotary Club of Lahaina host a first-of-its-kind fund-raiser. Lahaina News.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Paddleboarders, swimmers at odds, Kauai utility faces EPA sanctions, counties contemplate cuts, congressional election looms, more top Hawaii news

The state installs a boundary of buoys in an effort to resolve the fight for space between paddlers and swimmers at Ala Moana Beach Park

The buoys were placed in a row just off-shore as a way to prevent conflict in the water, only they instead caused some confusion.

The surf world is in mourning. Hawaiian waterman Marvin Foster has died.

Important clean energy projects have opened a rift in Hawaii's environmental community.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was informed Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Justice has obtained an indictment of the cooperative for violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The central Pacific should see only two or three tropical cyclones this hurricane season — fewer than normal — but federal and state officials yesterday pleaded with everyone to be ready for the Big One.


U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka met Wed- nesday with Solicitor General Elena Kagan regarding her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hannemann campaign official says mayor will run for governor

State elections officials began counting the ballots in the special election for Congress yesterday while the top candidates made last-minute appeals to voters.

Hawaii elections officials on Wednesday reported that 46 percent of the ballots in the special election for Hawaii's congressional race have been returned.

In Hawaii's winner-take-all special election to fill a 1st Congressional District vacancy, candidates are struggling before Saturday's deadline to increase voter turn out.

The election of either Charles Djou or Colleen Hanabusa in this Saturday's Congressional District 1 election would put into motion a process leading to a short-term replacement.

A proposal to build the world's largest telescope atop Mauna Kea has cleared another hurdle.

The state is feeling more optimistic about the strength of the economic recovery.

Big Island homeowners fearful that a neighbor's tree may fall onto their property and cause damage or injury don't have many places to turn.

When longtime residents of this small town needed a road paved, they did what families here have done for years -- they contacted their county councilman and asked. And asked. And asked.

Some Hawaii County Council members say they want greater assurances a reorganized Transportation Agency won't cost more before they approve it as part of the budget.

Maui fire officials and their supporters made a last-ditch effort Tuesday to oppose funding cuts for the county's fire and rescue helicopter, but County Council members stuck with their plan to trim $90,000 from the program.

As far as massacres go, the one that occurred in Hilo on Aug. 1, 1938, was mild, resulting in 50 injuries and no deaths.

Charlene Prickett said her friends are going to make her a T-shirt that on the front reads "FHB -- fucking haole bitch, the lady at the end of the street," and on the back, "My friends call me Charlene."

Friday, May 14, 2010

You don't have to be married to live on a boat, crowds gearing up for camping trips, congressional election tit for tat, windmills coming to North Shore, Furlough Fridays soon no more, monk seal dies, more news

A long running controversy over live-in boat rules at state run harbors, may soon be resolved.

Dozens of people across the island are sleeping on sidewalks and in city parks -- not because they are homeless, but because they are trying to get their hands on camping permits for Memorial Day weekend.

The state land board is poised to accept $350,000 in federal drug eradication funds.

A critically endangered juvenile female Hawaiian monk seal was found dead at Glass Beach near ‘Ele‘ele and Port Allen on May 6, but the cause of death has not been determined, said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Coordinator Jeff Walters

Hawaii's hotly contested special election to fill the 1st Congressional District seat vacated by Democrat Neil Abercrombie is moving into high gear nine days before ballots are counted May 22

"The election is pretty much over." That is the quote that sparked controversy in the special election for Congress. Charles Djou made the comment to a Washington DC reporter on Tuesday, but now says he's been taken out of context..

A political stalemate blocked efforts to restore furlough days to this year's public school calendar in Hawai'i, but the Board of Education may not have to rely on Gov. Linda Lingle's largesse next year.

Imagine there were no Furlough Fridays. Imagine if you try. Imagine that the teacher is in the classroom and the students are there, too.

The state yesterday fined the city and the company that operates the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill $424,000 for violating their permit.

The North Shore is known for big surf, but could become famous for something else, Oahu's first wind energy farm in two decades.

The state Public Utilities Commission has approved a power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Electric Co. and the developer of a Kahuku wind farm project, described as the largest of its kind on O'ahu.

Buying a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or trading in an old refrigerator for a newer energy-efficient model could pay off for Hawaii consumers.

The former manager of two Honolulu city parking garages in Downtown Honolulu will no longer fight charges that she stole about $250,000 in parking fees over a two-and-a-half year period

A state judge refused yesterday to dismiss theft charges against the wife of state Sen. Fred Hemmings.

A Maui County Council committee voted unanimously Wednesday to ban the use of hand-held mobile electronic devices, including cell phones, while driving.

Garden Island newspaper Publisher Randy Kozerski was driving to work yesterday when he saw a dark cloud ahead — at first thinking it was a "weird cloud," then realizing it was smoke.

More than $400 million in highway projects have been proposed by various government agencies, including Hawaii County, for 2011

An apparent misunderstanding over access to the beach below the old Papaikou sugar mill has put surfers on one side of the fence and landowners on the other -- literally.

The Maui Planning Commission took action Tuesday to advance a new Maui Bus transfer center at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center and a new McDonald's restaurant in Lahaina.

Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity officials in a press release stated their pleasure with receipt of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant of $58,745 to assist in operation of the island’s only emergency homeless shelter.

The Pioneer Mill abandoned the sugarcane fields of Lahaina in 1999, and the browning of the once verdant slopes of the West Maui Mountains began.