Showing posts with label shipping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shipping. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Blangiardi defends $1B Ala Wai project, attorney general touts recreational marijuana plan, Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Defends $1 Billion Ala Wai Canal Flood Plan. The project will be funded by the federal government and the city. The city’s share would be about $375 million. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii looks to Massachusetts for guidance on legalizing recreational marijuana. Legalizing recreational marijuana in Hawaii may depend on the success of another state: Massachusetts. Hawaii’s attorney general has adopted that state’s system in her proposal for Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Change of federal law intends to help Native Hawaiians reclaim ancestral bones.
The federal government has made it easier for Native Hawaiian families to make claims for the return of iwi, or ancestral remains, currently housed in museums and other institutions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii’s first homeless ‘medical respite’ site closing as concept expands. After more than six months of housing and treating homeless patients discharged from Oahu hospitals, Hawaii’s first “medical respite” kauhale will begin shutting down Thursday and take the lessons learned to two new projects designed to expand to mental health issues affecting the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: Credibility of HPD ‘on the line’ as officers are being investigated for mishandling crash probe. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is responding to police body camera video that shows the actions of Honolulu police officers under investigation for mishandling a crash investigation involving one of their own. Hawaii News Now.

Community shares input on proposed Chinatown hotel. A proposed 15-story hotel in Chinatown now sits in the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting agency review process. KHON2.

Value of urban Oahu properties increases. While the overall assessed value of taxable properties on Oahu for 2024 didn’t skyrocket as it did a year ago, the city says the assessed value of homes in some parts of urban Honolulu are up by as much as 5%. Star-Advertiser.

TSA agents find anti-aircraft ammo in Thermos at Daniel K. Inouye Airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers discovered ammunition in a checked bag at the Daniel K Inouye Airport. KITV4.

Over 600 benches and tables installed in Honolulu parks. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation completed its “Let’s Meet at the Park” initiative Tuesday, installing more than 600 park benches and tables throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu. With the help of the Hawaii Fire Department, interisland freight shipper Young Brothers was able to reopen its facility and resume cargo operations at the Port of Hilo on Tuesday afternoon, averting a possible disaster for East Hawaii retailers, wholesalers and consumers during the busy holiday season. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Pahala gets access to high-speed internet service.
Pahala is the first Hawaii Island ZIP code to be fully enabled to receive Hawaiian Telcom’s high-speed fiber internet service. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

2 options mulled for Mud Lane, including evacuation route.
The Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee is mulling whether to request the county maintain Mud Lane or to open it up as an emergency evacuation route. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Electric, Solar Industry Eye Microgrids As A Way To Make Lahaina More Resilient. They would offer plenty of benefits, but it's difficult to build those systems and will need buy-in from the West Maui community. Civil Beat.

Four renewable energy projects slated for Maui. Hawaiian Electric will begin contract negotiations with developers of four renewable energy projects on Maui, that the company says “will further reduce Hawaii’s dependence of imported oil for power generation.” Maui News.

$354,000 grant approved for sediment removal and flood mitigation in South Maui.  The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a $354,000 grant to the Mālama Haleakalā Foundation for site assessment and preliminary design for a stormwater-detention basin at Kūlanihākoʻi in South Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Victims Fight To Keep Lawsuits On Maui. Score of cases have been removed from Maui state court to federal court on Oahu. An attorney says it's unfair to expect victims to have to travel for trials. Civil Beat.

Families Displaced By The Maui Fires Are Tired Of Shuffling Between Hotel Rooms. The American Red Cross says it is continuing to negotiate with hotel and condo properties to extend sheltering program contracts. Civil Beat.

SBA grants 45-day deadline extension for Maui disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a 45-day grace period from Monday’s deadline for Maui residents and businesses to apply for disaster loan assistance. Star-Advertiser.

All Lahaina wildfire zones reopened.
All 83 zones in the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area completed reopening Tuesday, over a week ahead of schedule. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending soars. Visitor spending eclipsed the $200 million mark for the 10th straight month in October, as tourists continued to pour record sums of money into the island of Kaua‘i economy while on holiday in 2023. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i hotels fare well in October. The average daily rate for a room jumped to $396 in October, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published monthly by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. That was up 8.3 percent from October 2022 and 56.1 percent from pre-pandemic October 2019. Garden Island.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Shipping firm seeks $25M bailout, 400 National Guard troops coming off COVID-19 duty, Honolulu poised to open salons, gyms, councilwoman's ex-cop husband arrested after alleged domestic abuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Young Brothers
Young Brothers ship nears Honolulu PC:Young Brothers
Young Brothers Seeks Financial Relief From Hawaiʻi. The inter-island shipping company says the COVID-19 slowdown has already forced the company to streamline operations and reduce operating costs. Big Island Video News.

‘Extremely dire’: Young Brothers seeks $25M in CARES funds to stay afloat. Interisland shipper Young Brothers is seeking $25 million in CARES Act funding from the state to keep the nearly 120-year-old company afloat amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Interisland shipping lifeline at risk of shutdown, Young Brothers says. Hawaii’s only regulated interisland ocean cargo company, Young Brothers LLC, is appealing to the state for a bailout it claims is necessary to avoid ceasing operations. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers asks state for $25M in stimulus funds to overcome ‘dire’ financial situation. Inter-island shipping company Young Brothers says it’s facing an “extremely dire” financial situation because of significant drops in cargo volumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is asking the state and the Public Utilities Commission for help to stay afloat. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers Asks For $25 Million in Aid. Young Brothers, LLC, a major shipping operation in Hawai‘i, announced Tuesday that it is seeking assistance from the state Legislature and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to alleviate an impending “cash crisis” brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers Seeks $25M in Financial Relief from State Amid COVID-19 Slowdown. Young Brothers, LLC today announced it is seeking assistance from the Hawai‘i legislature and Public Utilities Commission to alleviate an impending cash crisis brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Young Brothers asks legislature for $25 million from CARES Act funding. One the biggest inter-island shipping companies in the state is now considering some drastic cuts. Young Brothers claims it lost millions as cargo loads have dropped. KHON2.

Young Brothers seeks financial relief from the state due to COVID-19 Slowdown. “We hope to avoid any disruption in service. Support from the state legislature would put the company on solid ground while we seek solutions," President of Young Brothers, LLC said. KITV4.

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Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Stop Virus Even If Economy Crumbles. A clear majority says it’s more important to stop COVID-19 from spreading than stop the economy from declining. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat-HNN poll: Amid state’s pandemic response, voters have negative view of Ige. A new Civil Beat-HNN poll found that 54% have a negative opinion of the governor. Just 1 in 5 have a positive view, while the rest said they weren’t sure. Hawaii News Now.

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400 Hawaii National Guard troops coming off coronavirus duty. The number of Hawaii National Guard troops on federal active duty for the coronavirus pandemic will drop early next week to 800 from 1,200 as part of a Pentagon “right-sizing” ahead of a “hard stop” set for June 24 for the deployment of almost 46,000 citizen soldiers nationwide, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige hopes to end interisland travel quarantine soon. Gov. David Ige hopes to end the 14-day quarantines for passengers on interisland flights “very soon” as a test for an eventual full reopening of out-of-state travel. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Says Interisland Quarantine to End ‘Soon’. Gov. David Ige implied Tuesday that the end to the state’s interisland travel quarantine will soon be rolled back and that reopening Hawai‘i to tourism won’t be far behind. Big Island Now.

Hawaii hits public health benchmarks, but reopening plan requires longer wait. Hawaii has hit all the public health benchmarks on a color-coded plan to reopen more parts of the economy with minimal disruption. Star-Advertiser.

State Issues Guidance For Hawaiʻi Restaurants In Time Of COVID-19. The State of Hawaiʻi is listing the various stipulations for dine-in service in order for restaurants to get back to business across the islands. Big Island Video News.

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State tourism forecast predicts it will take 6 years for arrivals to recover. As Hawaii's economy slowly begins reopening in phases, government officials are mapping out just how long it will take to return Island tourism, and the state economy, to what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

DBEDT Report: “It Will Take Six Years for Visitor Arrivals to Recover to the 2019 Level”. “It will take six years for visitor arrivals to recover to the 2019 level,” based on the 2009 great recession pace.  This is one of the facts and assumptions outlined in a 2nd Quarter 2020 report issued by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, which was used in detailing the outlook for Hawaiʻi’s economy going forward. Maui Now.

In 2019, Hawaii saw 10M visitors. This year, arrivals are projected to top out at 3.5M. As the governor seeks to reboot Hawaii’s economy, the question of how to reopen tourism safely remains unanswered. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s True Jobless Rate Is A Mystery. Neither the official figure nor the number of unemployment insurance claims offer a clear picture of how many here are out of work. Civil Beat.

Lack of Internet Access Creates Disparity Among Public School Students. Hawaii’s public school students have been learning remotely since March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, some elementary schools are having an easier time than others because so much depends on a student’s access to the internet. Civil Beat.

State issues strict new child care facility requirements to cope with COVID-19 threat. State officials released strict new guidelines Tuesday for Hawaii child care facilities that are operating now or plan to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also announced $11.9 million grant funding to try to stabilize and support child care operators. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidance for Child Care Facilities Puts Limit on Child to Staff Ratio at 9:1. The Department of Human Services has released new guidelines for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 to children, staff and families when resuming or continuing child care operations. The guidelines are based on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawai’i Department of Health. Maui Now.

As more parents head back to work, the need for childcare services in Hawaii grows. Hawaii’s Department of Services released new guidelines Tuesday for childcare providers that are resuming or continuing operations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Announces $11.9M For Child Care Providers. The deadline to apply the federal grant money is July 31. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige, Dept. of Human Services discuss guidelines for reopening childcare facilities. According to the state, these guidelines will set qualified childcare in place for the children of Hawai'i. KITV4.

The Other Coronavirus Crisis: Escalating Mental Health Problems. Calls to crisis hotlines and hospital admissions for psychiatric problems are up as the economy unravels and many feel isolated by public health restrictions. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 26: No New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii has gone three days without a new COVID-19 case. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Caldwell announces timeline to reopen hair salons, gyms and museums. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced plans to seek the governor’s approval to allow personal services — such as hair salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors — to resume Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Hair Salons, Offices, Gyms Will Reopen In Waves Starting Friday. Small gatherings can resume soon as Mayor Kirk Caldwell called on businesses to protect their customers. Civil Beat.

Mayor proposes ambitious timeline for reopening salons, museums and other businesses. Honolulu’s mayor has proposed an ambitious new timeline for reopening a number of “medium-risk” businesses on Oahu, including salons, museums and theaters. Hawaii News Now.

Restaurants Prepare For Dining On June 5 Under Conflicting Rules. Oahu restaurants can reopen on June 5 for dine-in services, although under state and city regulations and guidelines that sometimes conflict with each other, an issue that may prove challenging for the establishments and their customers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses prepare for reopening dates announced by City. City and County Mayor Kirk Caldwell has submitted a proposal to the governor’s desk to reopen barbershops and salons Friday, as well as the Honolulu Zoo on June 5th. He’s also proposing to reopen theaters and museums on June 19th. KHON2.

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Promoter, alcohol vendor under investigation after large, illegal beach parties broken up on Oahu. The Honolulu Liquor Commission and law enforcement agencies are investigating two businesses that may have organized and profited from massive parties that violated COVID-19 emergency rules, liquor, and permitting laws, over Memorial Day weekend at Waimea Bay Beach Park and Kaena Point State Park. Star-Advertiser.

Giant batteries for electric grid are slated for Kapolei. Plus Power, announced Tuesday that it has been selected by Hawaiian Electric to develop what would be the largest battery system for storing electricity in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Battery Farm Could Replace Coal Plant. The proposed project would occupy eight acres near an industrial park. Civil Beat.

2 more candidates in mayoral, council race file nomination papers. Another mayoral contender has officially entered the race. Businessman Keith Amemiya filed nomination papers at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Amemiya Calls For Rejecting ‘Same People, Same Ideas’ In Mayoral Bid. The Honolulu businessman hopes to succeed Kirk Caldwell, who is completing his final term this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Retired detective arrested for allegedly abusing councilwoman. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor domestic abuse charge for an alleged Memorial Day attack on his wife, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy. Tribune-Herald.

Legislators talk CIP projects. East Hawaii will get its share of state capital improvement funds if the $5.1 billion capital improvement budget approved last week by lawmakers is signed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman triathlon in Kona delayed again due to coronavirus concerns. The 2020 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii triathlon, already postponed once because of the global coronavirus pandemic, has been pushed back a second time and is now scheduled to take place on November 21, the company said Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui mayor seeks approval for more businesses reopen come June 1. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has submitted a request to Gov. Ige to allow more businesses to reopen on the Valley Isle at the start of June. Hawaii News Now.

County eyes opening most businesses, facilities Monday. Mayor Michael Victorino said he’s planning the reopening of most county parks, fitness gyms, pools, recreation facilities, clubhouses, dog parks, playgrounds, along with restaurants and other food establishments, as of Monday, pending Gov. David Ige’s approval. Maui News.

Hairstylists, barbers, nail techs happy to be back. Hair and nail salons and barber shops are being “more cautious and careful” about how they operate amid COVID-19 as they adjust to the new Maui County health and safety rules required for reopening Monday. Maui News.

Increased Public Access in Haleakalā National Park to Begin Wednesday. The National Park Service today announced that it will begin increasing public access to Haleakalā National Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Junior Lifeguard program canceled, safety tips are online. The Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau would normally be hosting up to 600 keiki and junior lifeguard participants over the next few months. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor working on summer fun details. Kawakami says more information on the county’s summer fun program will be announced in the coming days. KHON2.

Bursting with regrowth. A Kaua‘i diver has reported a successful coral spawn on Kaua‘i, as well as new baby corals from about four inches wide to 12 inches wide in ‘Anini Bay. Garden Island.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Oahu newly homeless numbers increase, red light cameras, stiffer DUI laws mulled in Legislature, vacation rentals grow on Maui, drop on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless man along the Ala Wai in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News
Nearly 7,000 became homeless in 2019 on Oahu. Oahu was overwhelmed with 6,924 people who became newly homeless in 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Guidelines proposed for legalization of stun guns. Hawaii’s law tightly restricting possession of electric “stun guns” is being challenged in court as an alleged infringement on people’s Second Amendment rights, and state Attorney General Clare Connors is now proposing lawmakers strike it from the law books and adopt a new system to regulate privately owned electric guns such as Tasers. Star-Advertiser.

After 106 traffic deaths last year, lawmakers push for drastic changes to roadway laws. A push for safer streets seems to have gained some traction at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Medicaid Patients May Have Fewer Insurance Choices. The state’s decision to consolidate insurance plans could particularly affect people with limited incomes on the neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Case continues quest to change Jones Act. A trio of bills introduced Dec. 19 by Case seeking to exempt Hawaii from the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — better known as the Jones Act — haven’t yet been scheduled for committee hearings, but the veteran lawmaker remains undeterred in his effort to change the 100-year-old law. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Is Seriously Short On Census Job Applicants. Hawaii’s census response rate is among the lowest in the nation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Innocence Project To Host Prosecutor Candidate Debate. Five candidates are expected to participate in the Tuesday debate. Civil Beat.

Legal battle over e-signatures pursued amid effort to impeach Honolulu prosecutor.  Those wanting Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro impeached have taken their case to a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Oahu vacation rental units is shrinking. The number of residential vacation rentals on Oahu continues to fall, according to the latest monthly Hawaii Tourism Authority study released this week. Star-Advertiser.

What was once just a vision for Oahu’s homeless is now a thriving community. Kahauiki opened in January 2018 and just reached its 2-year anniversary. The Institute for Human Services hosted a Wellness Day for Kahauiki Village residents with various booths and services. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply looking to unload Haiku Stairs. "Due to mounting security costs and liability concerns, BWS is proposing to take down Haiku Stairs," part of the study reads. KITV4.

Homeowner wants to rebuild on Hibiscus Drive. One week after a fire and shooting in a quiet Diamond Head neighborhood left four people dead, including two Honolulu police officers, numerous onlookers visited the street, some to pay respects and others to get a glimpse of the destruction. Star-Advertiser.

Kalihi Elementary School is cutting back on single-use plastics thanks to a cafeteria upgrade. More than 500 volunteers worked together to improve the campus of Kalihi Elementary School on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Certain algae help Kaneohe Bay corals weather warmer seas. A unique algae may be helping corals at Kaneohe Bay become more resilient to climate change, but the algae might also cause the corals to eat less, according to a study by University of Hawaii researchers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Rate hike blasted: Opposition mounts to Young Brothers’ request for 34% increase. Hawaii Island residents have an opportunity to respond to the state’s only regulated interisland ocean cargo shipping company’s request for a 34% rate increase. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Chair Aila Grilled On Mauna Kea Access Road. DHHL chair William Ailā gave an update on the "final adjudication and compensation" for the contentious road leading to the summit of Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

More intervenors in PGV docket. Three organizations — Tawhiri Power, Hu Honua Bioenergy and Puna Pono Alliance — have filed motions to intervene in a docket before the state Public Utilities Commission regarding an amended and restated power purchase agreement between Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

Lifesaving equipment to reach firefighters sooner. When lifesaving equipment like Jaws of Life extrication tools are donated to the Hawaii Fire Department but then sit months in a warehouse until the paperwork is completed and the donation is formally accepted by the County Council, something needs to change. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Guards Had Suicidal Inmate Cuffed, Let Him Bleed To Death. A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that guards at Kulani Correctional Facility failed to render aid to a dying inmate and that it only came to light when another inmate came forward. Civil Beat.

Expanding for emergencies: ER at NHCH increases in size to 13,000 square feet. North Hawaii Community Hospital will quadruple its emergency room size with the opening of the new facility on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Maui Mayor Wants Federal Help With Island Sustainability. Civil Beat caught up with the mayor at a recent event in Washington, D.C., to discuss climate change, his hope to turn Maui into Hawaii’s food basket and the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Report: Maui Tops State in Vacation Rental Supply. In December 2019, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four Hawaiʻi counties at 293,000 unit nights–a 28 percent increase compared to a year ago, according to a report from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Maui parrotbill might wing it to the mainland following reintroduction setback. It was 13 years ago that the U.S. Forest Service formally recommended establishing a second population of the critically endangered kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, to significantly lower its risk of extinction. Star-Advertiser.

Conference held on Maui for prosthetics, orthotics. Losing a limb is one thing, but being crippled by insurance systems is quite another, according to athlete, amputee and advocate Nicole Ver Kuilen. Maui News.

Kauai

‘UFO’ defeated. Eight months after a large, metal object appeared out on the reef in the bay near Aliomanu, the unidentified floating object, nicknamed the “UFO,” was removed from the beach thanks to combined efforts of the state and the community. Garden Island.

Tax payments due soon.  County officials remind property owners that the second installment of real-property taxes for the 2019-20 tax year are due by Thursday, Feb. 20. Garden Island.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Construction boom, workforce shrinks, student scores lag, rail costs soar, Maui to ban commercial park activity on Sundays, HECO wins $638.5M Army contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Construction cranes dot Kakaako skyline ©2019 All Hawaii News
Construction industry spending will continue at around $9 billion until 2021, report finds. It’s a good time to be working in Hawaii’s construction industry. It’s so good that concerns are being raised about a labor shortage being on the horizon if some exceptionally big planned projects go forward. Star-Advertiser.

What’s up with Hawaii’s incredible shrinking civilian labor force? State figures for August put the civilian labor force in Hawaii at 656,800 people. That’s down by more than 20,000 from the same month in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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Test scores stall for Hawaii students. The academic performance of Hawaii public school students stagnated this year, with the proficiency rate in math staying flat and slight dips in language arts and science. Star-Advertiser.

How ‘Green Fees’ Might Offset The Hidden Costs Of Tourism In Hawaii. A growing number of tourism hot spots, ranging from Mallorca to Bhutan to New Zealand, are imposing new taxes and fees on visitors. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers faces customer, regulatory hurdles with 34% rate hike ask. Interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers says it needs an unprecedented 34 percent rate hike to survive. What could this mean for residents, businesses and the future of the more than century-old shipper? KHON2.

US Gives Limited Approval To Hawaiian-Japan Airlines Venture. Hawaiian officials expressed disappointment that the preliminary decision doesn’t give the two airlines with full antitrust immunity. Associated Press.

Oahu

HECO wins $638.5M Army contract. Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has been awarded a $638.5 million contract to own, operate and maintain the electrical distribution system for the Army’s 12 installations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

HECO Wins $639M, 50-Year Contract As Army Privatizes Its Electric System. Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. has been awarded a contract to own and  operate the electrical system for the U.S. Army's Oahu installations, a deal valued at $638.5 million over 50 years, the company said in a release Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu Rail’s West Side Station Costs Are Soaring. The HART board is poised to approve an $18 million deal to resolve about 150 construction claims. Civil Beat.

Major rail preparation work to kick off on Dillingham Blvd. next month. Rail officials say construction on Dillingham Boulevard is about to accelerate dramatically ― with hundreds of workers on the strip up to 20 hours a day. Hawaii News Now.

People unpaid and underpaid for rail move wait for make-good; Dillingham construction starts Nov. 12. KHON2.

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Acting prosecutor’s truth questioned after defending Katherine Kealoha’s actions. Did the head of the Honolulu prosecutor’s office lie to a city council committee? Hawaii News Now.

The Sun Is Setting On One Of Hawaii’s Last Legacy Estates. The Damon Trust spans much of the island’s modern history, with roots back to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

Heart Disease May Be Linked To Pesticide Exposure. A new finding has emerged from historic data from the Kuakini Medical Center Honolulu Heart Program, which began to track the health of about 8,000 Japanese American men on Oahu in the mid 1960s: pesticide exposure may increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Civil Beat.

Invasive thrifts spread on Oahu, prompting officials to call for drastic measures. Worried that an invasive insect will ravage Oahu’s native naio population as it did on Hawaii island, state officials are now urging people to remove healthy naio trees from their gardens before they become infected. Star-Advertiser.

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A suspected brothel in St. Louis Heights is raided by authorities. Authorities zeroed in on a St. Louis Heights home suspected of operating as a brothel. Hawaii News Now.

Investigators carry out search warrant at St. Louis Heights residence suspected of operating as a brothel. Investigators with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney carried out a search warrant Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at a residence on St. Louis Heights suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV.

St. Louis Heights residence investigated after prostitution complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Despite delays caused by hot lava rock, Highway 132 could reopen next month. Paving on the reconstructed portion of Highway 132 has been completed, and the county Department of Public Works anticipates opening the road in November. Tribune-Herald.

HVO scientists explain how lava flows cool. The lava flows near Highway 132 could take decades to completely cool down, according to scientists. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy, the company that plans to burn trees to produce energy using the refurbished and refitted Pepeʻekeo power plant, is actively courting the community for support, as environmental activists continue to fight the project. As Hu Honua, aka Honua Ola Bioenergy, drills deeper injection wells, the company juggles DOH, PUC approvals and neighborhood improvement projects. Big Island Video News.

Stepped-up DKI Highway enforcement nets 591 citations, six arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 591 traffic citations and arrested six suspects for 10 offenses on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Sept. 26-Oct. 2, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Pool Scheduled to Reopen This Month. Kona Aquatics Center is set to reopen this month after it was forced to close indefinitely for repairs in March. Big Island Now.

Maui

County to halt all commercial activity at parks Sundays, holidays. New permit restrictions to take effect in about 30 days. Maui News.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. The move could help preserve affordable units for about 250 tenants. Civil Beat.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that the state has completed its transaction to acquire the land under Front Street Apartments on Maui. Maui Now.

State buys land under Maui apartment complex in bid to keep it affordable. The state purchased the land for $15 million. Hawaii News Now.

New bridge over Wailuku River mulled by County Council. Council members say new crossing needed to advance housing projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Historic County Building illuminated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Historic County Building at night is lit with pink lights through October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Garden Island.

Friday, April 26, 2019

Trump Jones Act waiver could save Hawaii shipping billions, scrambling at state Capitol as legislative session nears end, UH volleyball coach Wade accused of sexual misconduct, Maui mulls $832M budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson shipping courtesy photo
Possible Trump waiver to Jones Act watched closely. The Trump administration is said to be considering a 10-year waiver to the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged vessels to deliver natural gas to Puerto Rico — and possibly nationwide — creating the latest dust-up over the controversial century-old maritime law. Star-Advertiser.

A Flurry Of Deal-Making At The Hawaii Legislature As End Of Session Looms. Stay tuned. More decisions are coming Friday, the deadline for bills to clear conference committee. Civil Beat.

State Senate poised to accept a proposal to allow vacation rental platforms to collect Hawaii taxes. The state Senate appears poised to accept a bill tonight that would authorize vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state, a development that triggered a last-minute lobbying push at the state Capitol today by the hotel industry and the hospitality workers union Unite HERE Local 5 to try to block the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to Expand DUI Law Dies. State lawmakers chose to kill a bill that proposed expanding Hawaii’s impaired driving laws after they failed to reach an agreement on the measure in the waning hours of conference committee hearings Thursday. Civil Beat.

Stricter DUI penalties may be on the horizon. The Legislature is set to pass a bill that would significantly stiffen penalties for drunken driving offenses, including making it a felony if a driver is convicted three times of driving under the influence within 10 years — a charge that carries the possibility of up to five years’ imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed to $19.7 million of extra funds for positions and other programs at state departments over the next two fiscal years. The agreement reached Thursday in House Bill 116 is in addition to a $16 billion spending plan lawmakers approved in March. Civil Beat.

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Funding passes for multiple construction projects. Hawaii lawmakers unveiled a state construction budget for the next two years that totals more than $3.4 billion in projects to be funded with state, federal and other funds, including injections of funding into affordable housing, airport projects and school construction. Star-Advertiser.

$3.4 billion budget agreed for renovations, repairs, construction, land acquisition statewide. Over $3.4 billion was agreed on by the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Conference Committee today. The bill for the 2020-2021 fiscal years will now move to the full House and Senate for a final vote. KHON2.

House & Senate Committee Agree on $3.4 Billion CIP Budget. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Big Island Now.

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Fight Over Coffee Labeling Stalls at State Capitol. Hawaii’s coffee farmers have failed again to gain additional protections for their crop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Internal affairs case opened after Public Safety’s head trainer accused of puffing up resume. The Public Safety Department has launched an internal investigation the head of training for more than 1,000 deputy sheriffs and corrections officers statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As HMSA Changes Doctors' Pay To Lower Costs, State Isn't Monitoring. Some of Hawaii doctors say they are struggling financially under the Hawaii Medical Service Association's new payment model, arguing it is exacerbating the state's serious physician shortage and extending wait times for patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

The leadership team of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations held a roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Josh Green on April 23, 2019 at the State Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green asked Hawaiian homeland leaders to identify two sites per island where his office and homestead associations can collaborate to build kauhale, or transitional group homes and affordable rentals. Maui Now.

Ed Case: Some PAC Money Is OK As Long As He Knows Where It’s Coming From. As Democrats renounce corporate PACs, the Hawaii congressman still takes their cash so long as their interests align with his own. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Volleyball Coach Accused Of Sexual Misconduct. A nonprofit organization that investigates sexual misconduct for the U.S. Olympic Committee has been looking into allegations that University of Hawaii men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade engaged in sexual misconduct with a former female player. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii stands by volleyball coach accused of misconduct. The University of Hawaii is standing by volleyball coach Charlie Wade as it reviews allegations of misconduct against him. Star-Advertiser.

'Bows volleyball coach ‘strongly denies’ allegations of sexual misconduct. The head coach of the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team “strongly denies” decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct that have resurfaced in recent days. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa responds to allegations against men's volleyball coach. A week ahead of the National Championship tournament, UH men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade is accused of possible misconduct against a female athlete. KHON2.

UH men's volleyball head coach under investigation for sexual misconduct. Trouble for the head coach of the top-ranked UH Manoa men's volleyball team. Charlie Wade's under investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport regarding an allegation of misconduct with a female athlete. KITV.

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Cost of repairing convention center’s roof soars to $50M. That’s almost double what Hawaii Tourism Authority had anticipated it would cost to complete the circa-1998 center’s largest deferred maintenance project. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo split over changes to park. Waimanalo residents are being asked to show up at a community meeting tonight to voice support or opposition for athletic fields and other planned improvements at the 75-acre Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest. Star-Advertiser.

Estranged wife sues Honolulu police officer and HPD. The estranged wife of a Honolulu police sergeant charged with abuse has filed a civil lawsuit against him and the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Over 8 years, nearly 62,000 more people left Oahu for other counties than came in. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lifeguards have been funded for Kua Bay. Six years after legislators began the effort to bring full-time life-saving personnel to the North Kona state beach known for its beauty and danger, funding was included in the state budget for lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Cardiac funding bill stalls. A bill that would further fund Hilo Medical Center’s interventional cardiac program has stalled in the final stages of the legislative process. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects special election. Citing the cost and prospect of a low turnout, the Charter Commission on Thursday rejected the idea of a special election devoted to charter amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Here’s how to watch Merrie Monarch 2019 on air or online. The biggest event in the hula community is here. This week, hula halau across the state will take the stage and compete for top honors in three nights of competition at Merrie Monarch 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council committee releases $832M budget and tax proposals. Budget invests in environmental programs, tourism impacts, is $51M more than mayor’s. Maui News.

Maui County hotels led the state overall in revenue per available room at $337, with an average daily rate of $428 and an occupancy rate of 78.6%. The first quarter of 2019 data was compiled in the latest Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai


Tourism takes downward turn. Kauai had 123,730 visitors in March, down 1.3 percent from March 2018. For the first three months of the year, Kauai has welcomed 333,961 visitors, down 1.4 percent from the first three months of 2018. Garden Island.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Hurricane Lane assessment, schools, shipping, postal service resume; impact fees for Honolulu schools, constitutional amendment would change taxation process, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flooding in Hilo town. PC: Tracey Niimii www.tnphotographyhawaii.com
Lane poured record rainfall on East Hawaii. The preliminary total for Mountain View, subject to final quality control, is 51.53 inches of rain between noon Wednesday and 4 a.m. Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Government officials on Sunday began their assessments of the damage inflicted upon Hawaii Island from Hurricane Lane. Tribune-Herald.

Southern end of the state mopping up 'devastation' left by Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Ports reopen, cargo operations resume statewide as Lane leaves. Matson Navigation Company has resumed full cargo operations to all of its Hawaii terminals following the Hawaii State Department of Transportation's reopening of Big Island ports to commercial operations Friday and Oahu, Maui and Kauai ports Saturday morning. KHON2.

USPS delivers mail Sunday after Tropical Storm Lane. KHON2.

What Killed Hurricane Lane? Scientists agree high southwest winds helped save Hawaii. “They took its head off,” one says. Civil Beat.

Public schools statewide to open today. All public schools statewide will open today with the exception of four in Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

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In addition to deciding whether the state should hold a constitutional convention, Hawaii voters on the Nov. 6 general election ballot will be asked to consider a precedent-setting change that would move some of the county’s exclusive power to charge real property taxes to the state’s domain. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Hirono acquires fire, while Schatz, as Hawaii’s senior senator, develops diplomacy. Star-Advertiser.

Isle coffee production plunges, report says. One of Hawaii’s premiere crops, coffee, had a disappointing last season with a drop in sales as reduced production overshadowed higher prices, according to a recent federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Saving Hawaii’s Pig Farms. This once-fading island industry is coming to life again thanks to local tastes and strong cultural demand. Civil Beat.

A network of Hawaiian-focused schools is hoping to significantly expand the number of Hawaiian speakers in the state by making language lessons available on Duolingo, a popular free education app. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Developers to pay school impact fees for new homes built in urban Honolulu. Those looking to build a home in the areas between Kalihi and Ala Moana should know that starting Oct. 1 — construction is going to come with an added cost. Hawaii News Now.

Residential builders will have to pay $3,864 as a school impact fee for each new housing unit constructed along the Kalihi to Ala Moana urban corridor starting Oct. 1, a big discount from the $9,374 estimate two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Water Supply crews are responding to a water main break in Ewa Beach on Monday morning. Honolulu police said one southbound lane of Fort Weaver Road is closed near Keoneula Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Wailana Coffee House, the iconic 24-hour family diner in Waikiki, will close at the end of next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Making county spending more transparent is the aim of two charter amendments scheduled for the Nov. 6 general election ballot. One measure requires public notice and a chance for public input before raises are granted top county officials, while a second requires a financial impact statement be available to the public for any future charter amendment on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

For at least five years, the Hawaii Police Department has been looking at ways to fund a body-worn camera program for its officers. However, with a “status-quo” budget, the department keeps coming up short. West Hawaii Today.

Kailua-Kona sees new businesses, developments coming up. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Four Lahaina Schools on Maui Closed on Monday, Aug. 27. Four public schools in Lahaina in West Maui will be closed to students on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 as the community deals with the aftermath of large brush fires that burned thousands of acres of land and destroyed at least 21 structures. Maui Now.

Lane aftermath. Storm dumps heavy rain, leaves power outages, damaged roads. Maui News.

West Maui residents focus on rebuilding after firefighters contain 2K acre blaze. The destructive fire that broke out in Lahaina early Friday morning is finally 100 percent contained, Maui county officials said on Sunday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire leaves homes in ashes, lives shattered. At least 21 structures damaged or destroyed. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa talks about the brush fires. KHON2.

Haiku residents describe moments massive crack in road opened. With the bulk of the concentration focusing on West Maui fires, residents in Upcountry Maui are still dealing with the flooding damage brought by Lane. KHON2.

Kauai

On Kauai, it’s back to normal. With the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane, Young Brothers anticipates resumption of its 12 regularly scheduled weekly sailings starting today. Garden Island.

Builders return to Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Not all the workers were present Sunday when work resumed on the developing Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Officials say an Alabama man was fined $1,500 for touching a Hawaiian monk seal as well as harassing a sea turtle on Kauai, and then posting the videos on social media. Garden Island.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Ige says he can beat Hanabusa, Muslim files civil rights lawsuit against Hawaiian Telcom, Merrie Monarch participants can't stay overnight at gyms, gun range measure passes, artist fights to keep airport mural, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA
Hawaiian monk seal, Kaimana, NOAA
New photos of Kaimana, the Hawaiian monk seal removed from Waikiki, show her doing just fine on her own. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige says he can beat Hanabusa in a potential 2018 match-up. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige Talks Schools. The governor is pleased with the selection of the new superintendent, but says he played no role in her selection or the ouster of her predecessor. Civil Beat.

Close to 1,000 students enrolled at the University of Hawaii’s community colleges stand to benefit from a new state-funded scholarship designed to eliminate cost as a barrier to higher education. Star-Advertiser.

An Iranian-born Muslim has filed a federal civil rights suit against Hawaiian Telcom, saying he was fired on the basis of his national origin, race and religion. Civil Beat.

Letter spurs Fukumoto to urge GOP to change. State Rep. Beth Fukumoto says she’s hoping to turn a personal attack she recently received through a profanity-laced letter from a self-­proclaimed supporter of President Donald Trump into a teachable moment. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Education said Thursday that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the shortage of commercial driver licensed drivers on Kauai and Maui qualified to operate school buses. Garden Island.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education reports that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed drivers on Maui and Kauai. Maui Now.

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The parent company of interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers Ltd. intends to launch a new shipping service between the mainland and Hawaii that would go head-to-head with two existing competitors that bring the vast majority of goods to the state. Star-Advertiser.

New shipping company to enter U.S.-Mainland-Hawaii trade route. TOTE, a transportation and logistics company, is entering the Hawaii market. Pacific Business News.

New competition is on the way for shipping between the Mainland and Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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The U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday it was now searching up to 50 miles off Hawaii for five soldiers missing after their Black Hawk helicopter crashed during nighttime training. Associated Press.

Crews find 'significant' wreckage, but no sign of 5 on downed chopper. Hawaii News Now.

The search for the missing five crew members of an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has expanded to 50 miles from the shore due to “swift and dynamic currents” in the area, Coast Guard officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Increasingly worried family members Thursday identified a second crew member of the five missing from an Army Black Hawk helicopter that went down at sea off Kaena Point on Tuesday night as an urgency was added to the search-and-rescue mission now entering its fourth day. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The 10-member board overseeing the Honolulu Rail Project met today to consider actions it needs to take following a public information hearing Monday on additional funding for the 8.2 billion dollar project. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants the Honolulu Police Commission to speed up its search for a new police chief, and he suggests the hiring process “should be shortened by choosing the new chief from one of the qualified leaders currently serving in the department.” Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit groups that clean up beaches, parks and trails are being told they can’t dispose of their trash at most refuse centers, even though those are open to residents. Civil Beat.

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Internationally renowned marine artist Wyland is fighting Hawaiian Airlines over the future of two murals he painted 18 years ago on the Airport Center building on Ualena Street. Star-Advertiser.

Marine life artist Wyland is locked in a legal battle with Hawaiian Airlines over the ownership of two Hawaii whale murals the artist painted nearly 20 years ago on the sides of an office building owned by the airline near Honolulu International Airport, and said the airline has threatened to begin painting over the murals as soon as Friday. Pacific Business News.

Well known Hawaii artist Wyland is in a battle with Hawaiian Airlines over the potential removal of two landmark murals near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KITV.

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After community outcry from unhappy residents and business owners, the city is scaling back the curb extensions in Chinatown. Hawaii News Now.

It has been less than two months since Biki – Honolulu’s bike sharing business launched. And now, a car sharing business is set to launch in Kaka‘ako by the end of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu has been named the most livable city in the U.S. and one of the top 20 worldwide, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has informed the Merrie Monarch Festival it no longer will be allowed to house halau competing in the festival’s hula competition to stay in county gymnasiums. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Mayor has alerted Merrie Monarch Festival organizers that overnight stays at county gyms is now prohibited. Hawaii News Now.

The county Game Management Advisory Commission is shooting for a quick solution to the lack of gun ranges on the island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply believes it can restore service to the Honokohau Deepwell by some time early next week. West Hawaii Today.

Repair and reinstallation work on the Honokohau Deepwell will continue through the holiday weekend, water supply officials report. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mutual insurance company Sentry has agreed to a five-year deal with the PGA Tour to become the title sponsor of the Tournament of Champions golf event at Kapalua Resort on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Famed voyaging canoe Hokulea makes Maui first stop on ‘Mahalo’ sail around state. Maui News.

Hokulea Stops at Olowalu Reef, Announced as “Mission Blue Hope Spot” Maui Now.

While some progress was reported Thursday in easing suspended public school bus services on Maui, the battle for public opinion escalated. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers aren’t entirely in agreement on a proposal to tax neighbor islands to pay for the Honolulu rail project. Garden Island.

Connecting the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path from Kapaa Town to Lydgate Park is a step toward the project’s full vision, according to organizers. Garden Island.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Ige mulls aquarium collecting ban bill, no charges yet for airport dog shooting, Hawaiian actors vie for Kamehameha movie, shipping firm considers Hawaii route, 40 apply for Kauai auditor, 30-day reprieve for immigrant coffee farmer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Manini and other fish © 2017 All Hawaii News
A bill that would place a moratorium on all aquarium fishing in Hawaii — except for those operators already in possession of permits — is awaiting the signature of Gov. David Ige. West Hawaii Today.

According to the latest "Out of Reach" report by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Hawaii's average two-bedroom renter needs to earn $35.20 per hour. Hawaii News Now.

Another company said it is making a run at starting a Hawaii cargo shipping service that would break up a market duopoly and could benefit consumers. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at a Philadelphia shipyard are building vessels for a new shipping line that will soon enter the Hawaii market. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of professional and aspiring Native Hawaiian actors answered a casting call Thursday night in hopes of playing the role of King Kamehameha in an upcoming movie called “The Islands.” Star-Advertiser.

Auditions for the upcoming movie "The Islands" were held at the Japanese Cultural Center Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Criminal charges will not be filed, at least “for now,” against a private security officer who fatally shot a family dog at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on March 28, state Attorney General Doug Chin said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Pedestrians caught looking at mobile electronic devices, including cellphones, while crossing the street could be fined under a bill before the Honolulu City Council.  Star-Advertiser.

A state board trying to overhaul affordable-housing requirements in Kakaako will hold a new round of public hearings after suggesting additional tweaks to proposed rule changes at a meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Under pressure from developers and other opponents, a state board charged with managing development in Kakaako has rejected rule changes intended to make sure certain housing units always remain affordable. Civil Beat.

People Who Have The Most to Gain From Rail Are Still Skeptical. Even at the route’s western edge, where residents face daunting traffic congestion to get downtown, the transit project’s support is spotty. Civil Beat.

Repaving work on Date Street near Kapahulu is almost complete, but a few intersections are missing important markings like crosswalks. KITV.

Residents say removal of crosswalks makes busy street dangerous for pedestrians. KHON2.

Turning seven acres agricultural land into residential lots, to build homes. That's the plan for a property owner in Haleiwa. KITV.

State health officials confirmed seven more cases of the mumps on Oahu this week. This brings the 2017 total to 96. KITV.

What was touted for decades as 20 of the “finest lanes in Hawaii” for bowling could soon become someone’s new dining table, butcher block, workbench or something else made from the alley floors of Waialae Bowl. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel could again be up for grabs. The state Land Board will consider today whether to auction the land lease for the Banyan Drive property at a later date. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii island coffee farmer who entered the United States illegally from Mexico nearly three decades ago has been granted a 30-day reprieve on a deportation order. Associated Press.

The government gave Andres Magana Ortiz 30 more days in the U.S, but there is a possibility the father of three could still be sent back to Mexico. KITV.

Starting today, about 100 companies from around the globe will be represented on the Big Island as part of a four-day event aimed at selling Hawaii as a prime spot for meetings, conventions and incentive trips. Tribune-Herald.

It’s likely the sentencing of Peter Kema Sr. for the 1997 death of his 6-year-old son, Peter Kema Jr., won’t happen today as scheduled because authorities continue to look for the boy’s remains and because Kema hasn’t yet been given a polygraph test to determine if he told the truth about where he left the boy’s body. Tribune-Herald.

A magnitude-5.3 earthquake centered near the 61g lava flow on Hawaii Island startled a tour group Thursday morning, as they hiked out to see the volcanic activity. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Pukalani Country Club has put up 455 solar panels that can generate 220-megawatt hours of power for the Maui Electric Co. grid, the golf course general manager said. Maui News.

Wailuku Water Co. hopes the state Public Utilities Commission approves its proposed sale of about 4,500 acres in the next two to three months to survive mounting losses that threaten to close the company, its president said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Despite advertising in multiple publications and online and interviewing applicants, the county auditor position has remained empty for nearly two years. Garden Island.

The Planning Department is recommending the Planning Commission approve the General Plan Update when it meets Tuesday. Garden Island.

An energy project on the Hawaii island Kauai could set the island on a track to surpass the new goal of 70 percent energy generation from renewable resources by 2030. Associated Press.

Tropic Care Kauai 2017 gets underway Monday. Garden Island.

Molokai

E. coli bacteria has been detected in an East Molokai water source, the Ualapue Shaft, according to the county Department of Water Supply. Maui News.