School superintendent snubbed for new standards panel, embattled IBEW chief retires, tax collections up, ethics panel demurs in Kenoi pCard case, Turtle Bay plans unveiled, new form of government going to Maui ballot, rail lawsuit dismissed, lifeguard pay at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren © 2016 All Hawaii News

In a high-profile snub that's raising eyebrows, the governor decided against appointing state schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi to a newly-formed task force charged with overhauling Hawaii's public school standards and testing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s general tax fund deposits rose 6.4 percent during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year when compared with the same period in the previous fiscal year, according to a statement released by the state Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News.

Brian Ahakuelo, the embattled leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, retired from his position Tuesday amid an investigation into the Hawaii union’s finances. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Some $43 million earmarked for critical sewage treatment projects is being held up by the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee because of concerns over the future of a substance and mental health treatment facility that is on land proposed to be used for expansion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit against Ansaldo Honolulu JV, a contractor for Honolulu’s $6.6 billion rail project. John McCaughey, a former employee, filed the complaint last year arguing the Italian-based company was putting its workers in danger by failing to hire enough safety workers. Civil Beat.

The head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says he hopes to have an updated financial plan by the end of the year. KHON2.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department slashed over half a million dollars for Honolulu’s Continuum of Care program participants even though Hawaii has the worst rate of homelessness in the nation. While the cutback is relatively small — a 5 percent decrease from $9.7 million last year to $9.2 million this year — HUD estimates the expiration of funds will remove funding for 465 homeless people who are currently relying on services. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort's expansion plans for the 880-acre resort on Oahu's North Shore include a 452-room hotel, two golf courses, a spa, a stables and a golf clubhouse, according to a map obtained by Pacific Business News.

The HCDA is proposing a $45 million redesign of the 53 acres it owns next to Kewalo Basin over the next 20 years. Hawaii News Now.

The state says new self-service machines at Honolulu International Airport have significantly reduced average customs wait times for passengers arriving from other countries. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics remained no closer Tuesday to hearing an ethics complaint regarding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s misuse of a county purchasing card a year after it deferred the issue. Tribune-Herald.

Two recent actions by the County Council have ratcheted the county’s potential bond debt a little higher. But county officials say the authorization to float another $78.6 million in bonds isn’t likely to affect the county’s credit rating, or the annual payment made to debt service, because it is unlikely the bulk of that amount will go out to a bond sale. West Hawaii Today.

The legal fireworks over the Thirty Meter Telescope are expected to start up again Monday as retired Judge Riki May Amano called a pre-conference hearing in Honolulu for the attorneys representing all parties. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year effort to improve connectivity between upper Puna’s numerous subdivisions enters a new phase this week. Members of an ad hoc committee formed to address the connectivity problem will vote tomorrow on a draft report to be used by the Hawaii County Council and agencies such as the Department of Public Works for future planning. Tribune-Herald.

Boat moorings, dengue fever, land purchases and construction updates. Those were a few of the offerings Tuesday night as Kona Sen. Josh Green, Kona Rep. Nicole Lowen and leaders from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources addressed a standing-room only crowd at the West Hawaii Civic Center Council Chambers for a legislative update. West Hawaii Today.

The goal was straightforward: Determine the existing and future needs of the Kona-Kohala business community. The result was a complicated one, summed up in the Workforce Needs Study released Tuesday by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After five months of deliberations, the Special Committee on County Governance recommended Monday that a new form of county government be placed on the ballot in November, though members remained deeply split in their support of a change. Maui News.

If Maui doesn’t sign off on a $1 million budget expenditure to pay an arbitration award, county officials say it could send everyone in the bargaining unit back to the table, based on their reading of a state attorney general’s opinion. So it wouldn’t just be the 55 lifeguards on Maui that would be affected, but several hundred public workers, including lifeguards on Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, plus state law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

Maui authorities are looking at ways to cut down on the number of people who become victims of financial crimes, an issue being dealt with in police departments across the state. Associated Press.

A 45-year-old man will receive $24,000 in damages from settlement of an age discrimination lawsuit filed against the Maui Police Department three years ago, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold two meetings on Maui this week, the agency announced. Maui News.

Some Maui County residents will receive a survey in the mail to identify how they use county parks and recreation facilities. Residents also may make recommendations for improvements to Maui County park facilities. Maui News.

Kauai

Transportation problems Kauai residents experience on a regular basis took center stage during the Community Advisory Committee meeting on Monday. Garden Island.

Hanalei Elementary School is growing. During a Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to approve a planning director’s report detailing the construction of two classroom portables on the school campus. Garden Island.

Meet Ollie, a courthouse facility dog who joined the Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney as the newest team member Tuesday. Garden Island.

Tax hikes mulled, statewide bag ban sought, Hawaii flunks Race to the Top, teacher union vote set, Lingle, Hannemann net union endorsements, yacht resumes Molokai trips, home sales mixed, $38M rail contract awarded, 75 Kauai County jobs unfilled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Gov. Linda Lingle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers on Monday endorsed former Gov. Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate, which gives the Republican a window into the blue-collar labor community that usually prefers Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

On Monday, the United Public Workers, Local 646 announced its endorsement of former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann to serve Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

The state plans to tighten spending rather than increase taxes to cover a predicted $19.3 million state budget deficit in fiscal year 2013, Hawaii officials said Monday. Associated Press.

Tax increases and other revenue-generating measures are being considered by the Abercrombie administration to deal with budget shortfalls expected to top $164 million in fiscal year 2014 and grow in successive years. Star-Advertiser.

The state's recently downgraded revenues forecast won't scrap Gov. Neil Abercrombie's financial plan for this year or next. Civil Beat.

The effects of newly downgraded tax revenue projections will be “minimal” for the current state budget but will be “quite considerable and severe” in future years, causing Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration to at least consider the possibility of future tax increases, Budget Director Kalbert Young said today. Hawaii Reporter.

State Budget and Finance Director Kalbert Young told lawmakers Monday the Abercrombie administration is drawing up a revised six year financial plan in order to deal with long-term deficits that rise above $300 million within the next four fiscal years. KHON2.

Hawaii missed major milestones during its first year of implementing reforms under a $75 million "Race to the Top" education grant, the U.S. Department of Education said. Associated Press.

In its first year of a four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant, Hawaii missed "the majority" of its education reform milestones, a new U.S. Department of Education report says. Star-Advertiser.

Several states that won a slice of the U.S. Department of Education's $4.3 billion Race to the Top competition have had to delay plans to implement ambitious reforms and two could possibly lose money if they don't get back on track. Associated Press.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association hopes to hold a ratification vote on a new six-year contract on Jan. 19. Star-Advertiser.

The tentative agreement reached by the state and the Hawaii State Teachers Association could help to save federal education funds. Hawaii News Now.

The Governor says a tentative labor deal with the teachers union should help the state secure $75 million dollars in federal "Race to the Top" money. KHON2.

With the legislative session gearing up, advocates are pushing for a statewide law to bring O`ahu into the mix and deal with some unforeseen problems the plastic bag bans created. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 10. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city has awarded a $38.8 million contract to Los Angeles-based AECOM Technical Services Inc. to design the rail transit project's airport segment. Star-Advertiser.

Judge: Civil Beat Can Blog Honolulu Rail Lawsuit. Civil Beat.

Honolulu officials have taken the first major step toward using the new belongings ban to remove homeless people from public sidewalks. Civil Beat.

Sun, surf and 24,000 cubic yards of sand; the state’s plan to replenish the shoreline along Waikiki requires large equipment to pump that sand from more than 1,500 feet offshore. KITV4.

State Sen. Donna Kim, a frequent critic of programs and activities at state airports, got an unpleasant surprise when she took the new shuttle service from Honolulu International Airport to her home in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's slow and uneven economic recovery appeared to rub off on Oahu's housing market last year, as median prices dipped a little on relatively flat buyer demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Big Island saw about a 15 percent decline in single-family home sales in December, but hardly any change in condominium sales, according to Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii USDA office will be closed as part of an effort to cut costs. KHON2.

Reimbursement for services -- particularly from Medicare and Medicaid -- will continue to be a top issue for Kona Community Hospital and West Hawaii physicians, a Big Island senator said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Ten Hawaii Island couples had applications for civil unions certified last week, according to the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui home sales were mixed in December, while prices for both single-family homes and condominiums were down by double-digit amounts, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Makawao Veterans Cemetery may reach capacity for burials in one and a half to two years, so plans are being laid for the purchase of a 10-acre adjoining property. Maui News.

The Wailuku copy and business center, Maui Business Etc, will be the site of a lunchtime “Coffee Talk with Mazie” on Wednesday, January 11. Maui Now.

Kauai

Single-family home sales on Kauai dropped more than 50 percent in December compared to the same month in 2010, according to Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

The Kaua‘i County Council in May approved — and funded — dozens of county job positions which have yet to be filled, Council Chair Jay Furfaro said Monday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Community College opened its classrooms Monday for the start of the spring semester. Garden Island.

Molokai

American Safari Cruises (ASC) is resuming scheduled two-day stops to Molokai later this month after company officials, local protesters and state and federal authorities reached an agreement. Molokai Dispatch.

New quarter to feature volcano, Hawaii's homeless chief resigns amid allegations, revenue forecast lowered, Honolulu Council seeks water authority, criminal trial set in 2006 Ka Loko dam disaster, strategic military importance could help state dodge Pentagon budget ax, stricter Kona coffee labeling proposed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano caldera (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's East Rift Zone will grace the face of an America the Beautiful Quarter to be released this summer. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's homeless coordinator, Marc Alexander, has resigned effective today, less than a year on the job and just days after the state acknowledged receiving an allegation that he had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's homeless coordinator resigned "to attend to personal matters" two days after he was asked to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct as a priest, according to an anti-religion activist. Civil Beat.

Alexander made news in January, 2010 when he abruptly left the Catholic Church where he served as Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu to lead the effort to solve Hawaii's homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now.

The state Council on Revenues on Thursday scaled back its forecast for state revenue growth this fiscal year, which will reduce an anticipated surplus and require Gov. Neil Abercrombie to adjust his budget and financial plan. Star-Advertiser.

Council On Revenues Downgrades Hawaii Forecast By 3 Percent. Civil Beat.

The State Council on Revenues lowered its General Fund projection yesterday … 4 full percentage points less than what was forecast in September. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill aimed at curtailing the use of the Kona coffee name by coffee blenders will soon be introduced in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Gas prices are rising again after 11 consecutive weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Military in Hawaii: 'Bright Future Ahead' Civil Beat.

The confluence of China's military rise, a shift in global trade to the region, a budget crunch and the end of the Iraq war underscore the importance of a U.S. military presence in Asia and the Pacific -- but have not made the future any clearer for Hawaii-based military commands and the state's sizable defense industry. Star-Advertiser.

The big question on many people’s minds during The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii ’s 11th Annual Military Partnership Conference Thursday was how the United States’ focus on the Pacific would impact the Aloha State given the uncertainties with new leadership in North Korea, China’s increasing military and economic might, and impending defense cuts. Pacific Business News.

The state Office of Information Practices will  review the University of Hawaii’s refusal to release a full copy of head football coach Norm Chow’s employment contract. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for January 6. Associated Press.

The public memorial service for UH Manoa law professor Jon Van Dyke will be a week from Saturday on January 14th. KHON2.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council will soon start its push to end the Board of Water Supply's "semi-autonomous" reign over one of the island's most precious natural resources. Civil Beat.

The Federal Transit Administration is raising new questions about the financial plan for the $5.27 billion Honolulu rail project, and city officials are trying to find out exactly what new requirements the agency might impose before Honolulu can lock up federal funding for the project. Star-Advertiser.

Humpback whales spotted in Honolulu Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

State Ag Department Supports Hoopili. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Center closed patient care Thursday, according to HMC Chief Executive Officer Maria Kostylo. KITV4.

The Hawaiian Electric Company said it restored power shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday to about 45,000 customers in Waipahu, portions of urban Honolulu, Leeward and Windward Oahu, Aina Haina and Hawaii Kai after its largest generating unit on the system lost power. KITV4.

Dr. Greta Aeby and researchers at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology have discovered a coral disease called Montipora White Syndrome in waters of Kaneohe Bay. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture wants a permanent quarantine to prevent the spread of coffee berry borer, evident by its proposal available until today for comment. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo power plant and the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area made the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's newly released list of the state's top 10 industrial polluters for 2010. Tribune-Herald.

The state should make better use of the millions of dollars it receives in royalties from geothermal energy production on Hawaii island, according to a panel formed to study the alternative energy source. Star-Advertiser.

The Police Department's plan to operate 40 surveillance cameras stalled in the past year because of regulatory and procedural issues. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members on Wednesday expressed their support for the nomination of a pro-growth appointee to the Molokai Planning Commission. Maui News.

A proposal being discussed by the Maui County Council on Friday would give council committee chairs more flexibility to set the time limit for oral testimony at meetings. Maui News.

Six Maui schools were included on a list of 15 schools in the state that will share in nearly $15,000 in grants from Monsanto Hawaii. Maui Now.


Kauai

Attorneys in the James Henry Pflueger case have tentatively agreed to an October trial date regarding the criminal portion of the Ka Loko dam disaster of 2006. Garden Island.

As state Coordinator on Homelessness Marc Alexander resigned Thursday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced 44 people on Kaua‘i were placed into permanent housing during the 90-Day Plan on Homelessness earlier this year. Garden Island.

Hawaii revenue projections unchanged, Oahu beaches make list, hotel occupancy edges up, citizenship sought for Filipino children of WWII vets, Maui sovereignty group members indicted, rat lungworm up on Big Island, more news

Hawaii Council on Revenues (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's recovery from the global economic recession is expected to continue in coming years and slowly begin a shift toward expansion, the state's top economists said Thursday in issuing a static economic forecast for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

The State Council on Revenues met this afternoon for the first time since the Governor called them in for an emergency meeting, March 29th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's government is bringing in enough money to avoid additional spending cuts to programs and services, lawmakers said after receiving an updated report on the state's finances. Associated Press.

A national public pensions expert says the changes Hawaii lawmakers approved for new state and county employees are in line with what other states are doing to reduce their pension liability. Civil Beat.

Contracts for several public sector unions expire June 30 and so far only the Hawaii Government Employees Association has ratified terms of a new contract. KITV4.

Five members of a native Hawaiian sovereignty group on Maui are being accused of luring unsuspecting clients with bold talk and official looking documents. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii has reintroduced a bill that would allow the children of Filipinos who fought with the U.S. during World War II to join their U.S. citizen parents in the United States. Associated Press.

The state plans to boost its enforcement of fisheries laws with the help of donations from nonprofit organizations. Associated Press.

2 Oahu beaches make annual list of the nation’s top strands of sand. Associated Press.

Hawaii hotels’ average statewide occupancy rate was 72.5 percent for the week ending May 21, up 2 percentage points compared to the same week last year. Pacific Business News

The results for the City and County of Honolulu’s all-digital Neighborhood Board elections are in. Hawaii Independent.

Officials of Maui County nonprofit organizations and programs that saw their funding potentiallly reduced or eliminated Tuesday reacted with surprise, disappointment and even anger at the Maui County Council's action in the final stages of the budget process. Maui News.

A new teaching tool was unveiled at Bishop Museum on Thursday and the hope is that it will also pay the bills. Hawaii News Now.

A new state educational incentive program has come to Molokai to help students excel rather than simply meet the status quo. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered state flags at state offices, agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of the late lawmaker and judge Hiroshi Kato. Associated Press.

For the second time in two weeks, the state has replaced tattered flags at one of the state's most famous landmarks after KITV 4 News asked questions about the flags' bad condition. KITV4.

The Kaua‘i Academy of Creative Arts Summer Program has added new artists and instructors to their 2011 program. Garden Island.

Cases of rat lungworm infection have made a disturbing resurgence during a typically slow time of year for the disease. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii astronomers used advanced optics technology and a gravitational lens to catch a clear glimpse of a spiral galaxy 9.3 billion light years away. West Hawaii Today.

Mayors want more

HONOLULU – Hawaii’s four mayors knew better than to pass the hat around the Capitol this year, but they still had plenty of other requests during a joint session today of the House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee.

The money committees also heard more details about the dismal economic forecast from members of the Hawaii Council on Revenues,. The council last week settled on a prediction of a 3-percent drop in revenues for the 2009 fiscal year ending June 30 and a one-percent increase for FY10, starting July 1. That’s about $125 million less to spend in 2009 and about the same the following year over the past spending pattern.

The numerous charts were bright, but their message certainly wasn’t.

Instead of a lot of money, the mayors of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and the City and County of Honolulu are seeking changes to current statutes to allow them to do their jobs easier. The mayors several years ago formed the Hawaii Council of Mayors to present more of a unified message to the Legislature.

This year, the Council of Mayors endorsed seven priorities:

• Making permanent the government liability laws enacted in 2007 – the “Sacred Falls law,” to keep public lands open by lowering the risk of lawsuits.

• Representation on the boards of the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund and the Employees’ Retirement System.

• Exclusion of teachers from the counties' contributions to the ERS.
  

• Clarifying when a county will provide legal representation to a police officer

• Help preventing homelessness

• Protecting and encouraging farming.

• Stimulating the economy

The Hawaii State Association of Counties, a nonprofit group formed by the county councils of the four counties, identified four priorities:

• Extending the 45-day window for a legislative body to approve, approve with modification, or disapprove an affordable housing project to 90 days.

• Exempting local governments from state procurement laws and give local governments discretion to use cooperative contracts.

• Allowing counties to conduct criminal background checks on taxi drivers and applicants for taxi driver’s certificates.

• Requiring the state to transfer a portion of the fines and forfeitures collected for uncontested traffic infractions to the county in which the violations occurred.