Showing posts with label seabirds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seabirds. Show all posts

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Death threats against Hawaii judge who blocked Trump travel ban, former HPD Chief Kealoha targeted in FBI probe, state socks away money for rainy day, Kauai mulls general excise tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Federal courthouse in Honolulu © 2017 All Hawaii News
Hawaii judge who blocked new Trump travel ban gets death threats. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson has been assigned a 24-hour protection detail after receiving numerous death threats for blocking President Trump's latest travel ban. Hawaii News Now.

courtesy U.S. District Court
Watson
Hawaii state government has tucked away enough in cash reserves to weather the next “moderate” recession, according to the economic research firm Moody’s Analytics. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Superferry? Hawaii Economic Association Panel Says, "No." It’s been nearly a decade since the Superferry made its inaugural voyage to Kahului, Maui.   And, the feasibility of another interisland ferry came up during the Hawai’i Economic Association annual conference last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Does This Guy Make Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz Nervous? Barry Myers is Trump’s nominee to head NOAA but the Hawaii senator says he is “questionable choice.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii has the 27th most competitive tax code in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s timeshare industry contributed approximately $5.3 billion in consumer and business spending in 2016, according to a recent study conducted by Ernst & Young for the American Resort Development Association Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday, but the Hawaii franchisee says the filing has nothing to do with the two local restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two Romano’s Macaroni Grill franchises won’t be impacted after the national chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Search warrant executed at Kealoha homes amid corruption probe. Criminal investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants at homes belonging to former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Wednesday morning, the latest turn in a years-long federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of Oahu's law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

FBI executes search warrant of Kealohas’ home as third police officer arrested this week. Federal authorities are making their case even more clear. KHON2.

Court documents filed by federal attorneys Wednesday indicate they intend to charge retired Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, as part of their two-year-long case alleging a criminal conspiracy at the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Key points in criminal filings. The criminal complaint filed Wednesday against Honolulu police Lt. Derek Hahn clearly identify retired police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, as alleged co-conspirators in the federal investigation into corruption within the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

An FBI affidavit unsealed in U.S. District Court today details how officers close to the former chief of the Honolulu Police Department allegedly conspired to frame the uncle of his wife. Star-Advertiser.

FBI Reveals New Details About The Alleged Honolulu Police Conspiracy. A police lieutenant is the latest arrest in the unfolding story of alleged corruption in the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Lt. Derek Hahn was released on a $50,000 signature bond this afternoon several hours after being arrested by FBI agents in connection with the federal investigation of retired HPD Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine. Star-Advertiser.

The FBI arrested Honolulu police officer Derek Hahn on Wednesday in connection with an ongoing federal corruption investigation targeting Hawaii law enforcement. Civil Beat.

Police Commission Chair is optimistic HPD will have new chief by end of month. Despite Police Commission Chair Max Sword recusing himself from the selection process, he was front and center Wednesday in reassuring the media that HPD will be under the command of a new chief by the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

Nominees to Honolulu Police Commission will not help choose new chief. Five days before the first day of interviews for the seven finalists for Honolulu Police Chief, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced two nominees to fill the vacancies on Honolulu Police Commission. KITV.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell nominated Wednesday two businesspeople to serve on the Honolulu Police Commission. Karen Chang and Gerard “Jerry” Gibson were nominated to fill the vacancies left by Luella Costales and Marc Tilker. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Names Two New Honolulu Police Commissioners. But the two won’t be on board in time to help with the selection of a new police chief, under the current timeline. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has nominated Jerry Gibson and Karen Chang to serve on the volunteer Honolulu Police Commission, pending confirmation by the Honolulu City Council. Pacific Business News.

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Stranded Waikiki fishing vessel raises illegal immigration concerns. Federal immigration officials are now investigating the fishing boat that ran aground with 20 people on board in Waikiki last week. Hawaii News Now.

Video: Honolulu rail cars go on test run. Local transit officials have released footage of Honolulu’s rail cars running under their own power for the first time on the elevated guideway. Star-Advertiser.

One of the city's four-car rail trains reached 40 miles per hour in a speed test Wednesday. And officials are optimistic that it will be able to soon reach its top speed. Hawaii News Now.

Another new condominium tower has opened in Kakaako as the wave of development continues to break over the urban Honolulu area. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. on Wednesday marked the completion of the 317-unit Anaha in Honolulu, its second luxury mixed-use condominium tower in the developer’s Ward Village in Kakaako, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Pacific Business News.

Target opened its newest Hawaii store at Ala Moana Center on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based construction company Tunista Services LLC on Wednesday received a $7.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for operations, maintenance and support services at Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico. Pacific Business News.

Pride month hits Honolulu promoting equality, celebrating love. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The board charged with hiring the county Human Resources director will seek applications from the public, rather than limit its search to current county employees. West Hawaii Today.

A County Council resolution wants United States leaders to use diplomacy in dealing with the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb use growing exponentially for Ironman. Altogether, the company reported, arrivals to the island for the weekend netted Hawaii Island hosts $584,000 — about $350 for the typical host — with hosts in West Hawaii collectively earning $483,000, or $430 for the typical host during the event. West Hawaii Today.

Five more alala were released into the wilderness near Hilo last week, joining the six young Hawaiian crows that were introduced to the forest there at the end of September. Star-Advertiser.

Maui


Former worker slaps county with $1.63M discrimination suit. Robert Straub alleges he was fired when 71 years old and replaced by ‘substantially younger person’ Maui News.

A discrimination complaint involving an alleged denial of reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability was settled for $35,000 in July. Maui News.

Pharmlab Hawaii LLC in Kahului became the second independent laboratory in Hawaii certified to test medical marijuana produced by licensed dispensaries and is expected to begin analyzing material for content and safety by the end of the week, according to state Health Department and lab officials. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Finance announced it will be holding a real property tax sale on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 and will continue the sale on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 if necessary. Maui Now.

Kauai

At Wednesday’s county council committee meeting, members discussed the possibility of increasing the general excise tax by a half percent to provide essential funding for rebuilding infrastructure, repairing roads, reconstructing bridges and improving public transport. Garden Island.

Kauai Powerlines Are Killing 1,800 Seabirds A Year. An analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts that all colonies of two endangered bird species on the island could vanish as early as 2050. Civil Beat.

Shearwaters, Hawaiian Petrels could be wiped out in 30 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released an analysis that estimates 1,800 endangered seabirds on Kauai are killed by collisions with power lines every year. Hawaii News Now.

Three ao released at Lydgate Park. The ‘a’o, or Newell’s shearwater perched on Hana Montgomery’s hands flew right into the sand four or five times before it took to the skies Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

A scientific analysis completed for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity estimates that 1,800 endangered seabirds are killed by collisions with power lines on Kauai every year. KITV.

The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public meeting on Kauai regarding its proposal for training and testing that includes the use of sonar and explosives. Garden Island.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument could be spared, state sued over harbor lights, Lehua rat poison drop commences, special session on rail funding nears, Board of Regents poised to vote on Thirty Meter Telescope resolution, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

map
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument map
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said he’s recommending that none of 27 national monuments carved from wilderness and ocean and under review by the Trump administration be eliminated. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is on the list for consideration. Associated Press.

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House and Senate negotiators have tentatively agreed on a plan to bail out the city’s rail project by raising hotel room taxes statewide and extending the general excise tax surcharge on Oahu for another three or four years, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Star-Advertiser.

A decision to move forward with a special session to address funding for Honolulu’s rail project could be made Thursday. KHON2.

Saying they are frustrated with the city's failure to talk about new ideas on how to find money for rail, state lawmakers are looking to place tighter reins on money collected to pay for system's project $2.8 billion shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Could recent plunge in public transportation ridership spell trouble for rail? KHON2.

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Three conservation groups filed suit against the state Wednesday, claiming it has failed to address the harm to imperiled seabirds on Kauai, Maui and Lanai caused by bright lighting at its facilities in violation of the Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

Conservation groups today filed a lawsuit against the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for allegedly failing to address injuries and deaths of three species of critically imperiled seabirds.  The lawsuit claims the deaths and injuries are the result of by bright lighting at state-operated airports and harbors on Kauai, Maui and Lanai. Maui Now.

In response to a lawsuit filed by environmental activists over the death of endangered birds, the state Department of Transportation says their facilities don't violate any environmental regulations. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is facing a lawsuit over lights at its airports and harbors. KHON2.

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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that police officers working off-duty jobs at private events may not qualify for legal protection. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Community Foundation today will bring together more than 200 island nonprofit organizations to prepare for potentially devastating cuts in federal funding under the Trump administration. Star-Advertiser.

State civil defense officials say they are prepared to add air-raid sirens to monthly exercises as early as Nov. 1, but will meet with mayors before setting a date. Tribune-Herald.

The advent of Donald Trump on the national stage has had a galvanizing effect on many Democrats in the country, and none more so than U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is running for re-election in 2018. Civil Beat.

The who’s who of Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensary program will be meeting today. The Medical Cannabis Working Group has been meeting every month for the past year. This will be the first meeting since dispensaries have opened. Hawaii Public Radio.

During a hearing at the state Capitol Wednesday, Department of Health officials weren't able to provide lawmakers with a clear timeline for the certification of medical marijuana testing labs. Hawaii News Now.

Pasha Hawaii has ordered the construction of two new ships that will join its Hawaii-Mainland trade lane. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Building several hundred affordable rental apartments on state land in the Liliha- Palama area is now likely 15 months or more away from getting started, pushing back construction from what had been an anticipated start late last year. Star-Advertiser.

Kunia Village, an affordable rental housing development reserved for farmers and their families making less than 60 percent of the area median income, has been completed. Pacific Business News.

The city could start cracking down on sleeping along Oahu streams. After an increase in homeless along our waterways, a bill to block this type of illegal camping advances at the Honolulu city Council. KITV.

Oahu’s Cheapest Source Of Power Is About To Go Away. How HECO plans to replace that electricity for Oahu customers is still unknown but Hawaii’s last coal-fired power plant intends to shut down in just five years. Civil Beat.

The Caldwell administration is considering switching back to a call-in, by-appointment-only system for bulky item trash pickup on Oahu, Environmental Services Director Lori Kahikina said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Valuable crime fighting tool credited for a decrease in crime in Oahu neighborhood. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines and the Honolulu International Airport have each scored top spots in a new ranking by free travel service RewardExpert. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

With the Thirty Meter Telescope project nearing a key regulatory hurdle, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents is expected to reassert its commitment to the stewardship of the Mauna Kea summit in a resolution on the board’s agenda today. Star-Advertiser.

A foam food container ban will be back on the table next month, following a unanimous endorsement by the county Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Amazon.com Inc. said it has no intention of pulling the Kindle online book series “Peter Boy: Hawaii’s Most Notorious Case of Child Abuse and Murder” from its website. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved the Wao Kele o Puna Comprehensive Management Plan during a Resource Management Committee meeting on Oahu Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s efforts to draw more students to its Hale Alahonua residence hall appear to be paying off. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Agricultural shipments from Kahului Harbor were down 40 percent in the second quarter with interisland shipper Young Brothers blaming the closing of Maui’s oldest and largest farming cooperative at the end of June for the severe drop-off. Maui News.

With talk of the impeachment of President Donald Trump stirring on Capitol Hill, Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz addressed the possibility of the president’s removal from the White House a couple of times Tuesday during a town hall meeting before a mostly progressive crowd of about 150. Maui News.

Maui Family Support Services will receive $1.3 million for its Early Head Start program, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced last month. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College registered a slight uptick in enrollment as it began the fall semester Monday with 3,318 students enrolled, up from 3,298 a year ago. Maui News.

Kauai

The state proceeded Wednesday with the first of three rodenticide bait drops in the latest effort to eradicate rats on a tiny island off Niihau. Star-Advertiser.

The clouds cleared around Kauai and Niihau Wednesday morning and the Lehua Island restoration project began. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources began aerial application of rodenticide today in an attempt to control the rat population at Lehua Island, an area managed as a State Seabird Sanctuary. Maui Now.

Molokai

Molokai Planning Commission Chairman Rob Stephenson said Tuesday that he hasn’t made a decision yet on how he’ll respond to the calls for him to step down from his post. Maui News.

Building a new police station in Kaunakakai, capping vacation rentals on Molokai’s east end and finding ways to ease tax burdens on kuleana land owners are just some of the goals for Molokai as the island’s updated community plan nears completion. Maui News.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Tsunami's effect on seabirds, Hirono to undergo second cancer surgery, Kauai missile test fails, Honolulu rail budget approved, Kona homeless camp nears sweeping, Maui golf course under review, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy NOAA
Albatross in Northwest Hawaiian Islands, NOAA
A new study takes a closer look at the tsunami’s devastation in the islands suggests the episode is a window into the future of what seabird populations face in a world of climate change, sea level rise and increased storm surges. Star-Advertiser.

A recent study examined the impacts of a 2011 tsunami on birds in the Pacific -- and the results aren't favorable for wildlife. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige is facing a political quandary as he nears Monday’s deadline for deciding the fate of a bill that would eventually end the catching of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is experiencing another round of king tides, the highest tides of the year, which usually occur around the winter and summer solstices. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Mazie Hirono invited Island News to talk about her health issues as she deals with stage four kidney cancer. She'll soon undergo surgery to remove a rib where a second tumor was found. The senator expects a full recovery. KITV.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove a lesion on her seventh rib where a second tumor was found by doctors. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is preparing to undergo another surgery in her ongoing battle with stage four kidney cancer. Hawaii News Now.

A lawmaker is asking the state attorney general to consider litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers over the opioid crisis that has resulted in overdose deaths and addictions. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmaker urges Hawaii to take action against makers of addictive painkillers. KHON2.

The Department of Education says there’s currently no policy on how schools are told to deal with a student with head lice. KHON2.

Hawaii continued to see drops near or above 20 percent in new foreclosure lawsuit filings during March and April, according to the latest data from the state Judiciary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii-based nutrition and health products company Cyanotech Corp. on Thursday reported a net loss of $1.2 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, for the fiscal year that ended March 31, compared to a loss of $4.4 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, for the previous year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu rail’s operating budget will increase 11.5 percent to $34.9 million from $31.3 million for the next year, according to a budget approved Thursday by the board that oversees the troubled development. Civil Beat.

In 2015, amid mounting costs, Honolulu rail leaders boasted that their efforts to obtain lower bid prices were paying off. A decision to break up a big nine-station construction contract into three smaller ones trimmed the price of that work by more than $40 million. Star-Advertiser.

At a Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board meeting Thursday, members were confronted by critics about inflated ridership projections. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is paying back $1.45 million in federal funds spent to upgrade a senior housing complex after an audit raised questions about how the money was spent. Civil Beat.

Sandwiched between a couple homes off Ohai Street in Wahiawa is a homeless encampment with a notorious reputation. Hawaii News Now.

Bikeshare Hawaii will launch Biki, Honolulu’s new bikeshare program, on Wednesday at the state Capitol. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Word of a county plan to permanently relocate homeless from the Old Kona Airport Park has made its way down the beach and into the bush, falling on the ears of many who would be made unwilling wayfarers by the proposal’s execution. West Hawaii Today.

A bill allowing farmers markets at several Hawaii County parks needs more time to ripen, the County Council decided Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA requires the County of Hawaii to close large cesspools in Pahala and Naalehu. Big Island Video News.

Big Island low-income senior citizens will no longer receive fresh weekly produce deliveries. Civil Beat.

A Big Island Juggler With Leukemia Faces Deportation. Graham Ellis has been teaching circus skills to island children since 1981. Now he’s being swept up by Trump’s tougher new immigration rules. Civil Beat.

Maui

The Council’s Parks, Recreation, Energy and Legal Affairs Committee will host a meeting next week to consider options for the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Maui Now.

A project to install a recycled wastewater irrigation system at Waipuilani Park in Kihei is concerning condominium residents, who irrigate a portion of the park themselves and say that the project is a needless cost to the county. Maui News.

Kauai

A new defensive missile that could one day defend Hawaii against North Korean attack failed to intercept a target Wednesday night in a test off Kauai, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said it failed to intercept a ballistic missile during a test off Hawaii. Associated Press.

Five projects with a combined price tag of nearly $70 million are on tap with the state’s Department of Transportation that may alleviate some congestion in the Wailua/Kapaa Kuhio Highway Corridor. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a Notice to Proceed to Acquire and Cultivate Marijuana to Green Aloha Ltd. Wednesday, becoming the first and only production center on Kauai to receive the go-ahead. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces the dates for the opening of the black-tailed deer hunting season on the island of Kauai. Garden Island.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Hawaii tourism strong, Ige announces Electronic Records Day, state rainy day fund increases, lax oversight at UH-Manoa, Maui mulls tiny houses, Kenoi jury selection starts today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hapuna Prince resort © 2016 All Hawaii News
August provided a strong finish to a record-breaking summer for hotels, and industry leaders say momentum should continue well into next year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has adopted a new budget reserve policy that seeks to sock away $680 million or more in the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund in the years ahead, creating a cash pool for future emergencies that would be far greater than any amount the fund ever held before. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige today is expected to electronically sign a ceremonial proclamation. The “eSigning” of “Electronic Records Day” in Hawaii will mark the state’s first paperless proclamation by a governor. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Elections conducted a logic and accuracy test Saturday morning of the vote counting system that will be used in the November 8 General Election. KHON2.

Overfishing? Hawaii Longliners Want Even More Tuna. Critics say the fisheries council is ignoring the reality of overfishing if it allows longliners to continue current practices. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State Rep. Andria Tupola is seeking a second term, contending her education and commitment to community service prove she is fit to represent District 43. But Stacelynn Eli maintains that her own experiences as a lifelong Waianae Coast resident and former legislative aide make her the right candidate for the job. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii said Saturday that it recommends that a state House of Representatives candidate whose party qualifications had been challenged now be offered membership. Cedric Gates, a candidate for District 44 seat representing Waianae, Makaha, Makua and Maili, defeated incumbent Jo Jordan in the Aug. 13 primary, making her the only incumbent to lose in that election. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu has sold its first-ever green bonds, with the money raised to be used to refinance debt that was originally sold to pay for the Honolulu Program of Waste Energy Recovery, or H-POWER, in Kapolei. Pacific Business News.

Kuhio Avenue in large respect has been the grungy back street of Hawaii’s premier vacation destination that tourists never see in postcards. That’s changing, however, in a momentous way with several big real estate redevelopment and renovation projects concluding in recent months and more to follow. Star-Advertiser.

The over-budget Honolulu rail project may never end up reaching the Ala Moana Center, but the city is still moving forward with a bus system that was originally envisioned to take rail riders from the mall into the tourist mecca of Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Lax oversight and outdated procedures are to blame for several financial and operational deficiencies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s student housing branch, an internal audit has found. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The theft trial of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi will commence today with jury selection. This marks the first time a sitting mayor in Hawaii has been tried on criminal charges in nearly 40 years. Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi was tried on a bribery charge in 1977. Star-Advertiser.

A Hilo man serving a life sentence without parole for a violent underworld clash on Oahu over control of illegal gambling that left two men dead of gunshot wounds and another man critically injured has taken to social media in an attempt to gain his freedom via a pardon from President Barack Obama. Tribune-Herald.

State and county officials are encouraging residents to register — and vote — following a "dismal" primary showing. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council candidates involved in run-off contests on the general election ballot focused on the county budget during a recent forum in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

The ongoing realignment work on the easternmost portion of Saddle Road continues on budget and on schedule. The project began in April and is expected to be complete in August of next year, weather permitting. Tribune-Herald.

Results from the first-ever prevalence study for exposure to rat lungworm disease in the United States are in, with Puna showing noticeably high exposure rates. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Differing views over the scope of work allowed under an emergency permit at the Wailuku River in ‘Īao Valley led to a small demonstration that resulted in a work stoppage at the site of Wailuku Water Company’s diversion on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Maui Now.

A Maui County Council investigative group has recommended action, including the possibility of allowing “tiny houses,” to increase the islands’ inventory of affordable housing. Maui News.

Maui’s coral reefs are in trouble. Many of the hazards are complex and global — climate change and ocean acidification, for example — but there is a simple step we can take to protect coral: read the label on our sunscreen. Maui News.

Kauai

Climate change and overfishing in Hawaiian waters could be having an affect on the populations of Newell’s shearwater seabirds, according to the Kauai Community Cat Project. Garden Island.

Food truck owners agree that the mobile establishments are an easy first step into the restaurant business. Garden Island.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Bill encourages native tourism, feds seek ocean noise measures, lights off for seabirds on Kauai, new hepatitis A case in Honolulu restaurant worker, PUC kills solar array plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii luau © 2016 All Hawaii News
A bill to help native peoples showcase their cultures in travel, recreational and tourism initiatives, and to give native peoples greater input into national tourism planning, has been approved by Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Fish Council Votes Against Ocean Protection Measure. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council was only of only two U.S. organizations to oppose a broad new conservation measure. Civil Beat.

30 by 30 is a new conservation target for the state. Governor David Ige wants to protect 30% of the island's critical watersheds, and effectively manage 30% of our near shore waters by the year 2030. KITV.

The federal government says a new strategy to address the issue of noise in the ocean will better protect the safety of marine mammals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap on Tuesday. The agency says the roadmap will guide it in managing ocean noise and its effects on ocean life through the next 10 years. Associated Press.

With the release of a formal strategy on Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is aiming to minimize the effects of ocean noise on marine life. Star-Advertiser.

Governor David Ige announced last week that he would like to double food production in Hawai’i by 2020, and subsequently extended that deadline to 2030.   The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i hosted a forum to address that issue. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Federal investigators appear to be closing in on Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine, in an ongoing public corruption investigation stemming from the 2013 theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Critics say the mayor is missing chances to bring in new Honolulu police commissioners to push for reform at the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii’s flagship Manoa campus ranked No. 169 out of 310 public and private four-year institutions nationwide, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 Best Colleges rankings. Star-Advertiser.

Whole Foods has suspended buying fish from the Hawaii fish auction amid concerns over the labor practices of some fishing vessels. KHON2.

James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach in West Oahu, the largest high school in Hawaii, is set to get some relief from its overcrowding issues. The state Department of Education said a 27-class building estimated to cost between $37 million and $38 million is currently in the design phase and should be ready for bids by the end of this year, Pacific Business News has learned.

When it comes to improving Hawaii’s aging stock of prisons and jails, all sides agree on one thing: One way or another, the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center, a century-old jail in Kalihi, will have to be replaced. But the state may be getting ahead of itself in moving forward with a plan for a new OCCC. Civil Beat.

A food service worker at Harbor Restaurant at Pier 38 who was on the job as recently as Monday has come down with hepatitis A, according to the state Health Department. Star-Advertiser.

The recent opening of a contra-flow lane on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli is generating a mixed response: Some area residents are pleased that it eases the westbound afternoon commute, while others are frustrated and concerned about eastbound traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A new classroom building is being proposed at Kealakehe Elementary School in anticipation of increased enrollment at area schools. West Hawaii Today.

The state Public Utilities Commission halted the construction of 6.75 megawatts of solar power on Hawaii island by suspending the application of a needed transmission line on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

DNA proves wild pigs’ pedigree; Research finds ancestry of animals can be traced back to Polynesians. Tribune-Herald.

A group of Native Hawaiians, fishermen and divers made known earlier this week its intention to restock marine life at the recently established Kaupulehu Marine Reserve, where a 10-year no take period was implemented out to a depth of 20 fathoms, or 120 feet. West Hawaii Today.

The former Hilo Hattie building at Prince Kuhio Plaza is being torn down to make way for new commercial space. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Current construction on locked gates that would restrict vehicle access to Kanaha Beach Park at night isn't sitting well with fishermen, who say the gates will deter night fishing at one of the most easily accessible fishing grounds on Maui's north shore. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Water Supply is recommending customers in the Central and South Maui areas to boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from flooding. Maui Now.

Kauai

Artificial lights are mesmerizing for many of Kauai’s endangered seabirds. Starting Thursday, experts are asking people to keep outside lighting to a minimum for their safety for the next few months. Garden Island.

Happy dogs, and owners, too. Users of the dog playground say maintenance, cleanliness has improved. Garden Island.