Navy issues EIS for sonar testing, training; Ige reappoints three department heads; Pearl Harbor stays open amid federal shutdown; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale feeding, breeding zones. NOAA

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with training and testing in Hawaii-Southern California waters after re-evaluating potential environmental impacts of their activities. “These military readiness activities include the use of active sonar and explosives at sea off the coasts of Hawaii and Southern California,” according to the final EIS. Garden Island.

Read the Navy's Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement here.

Winter on Maui means it’s time for humpback whales. More than half of the North Pacific humpback whale population, estimated at over 20,000 strong, visit the waters of Maui Nui each year. Hawaii Magazine.

The year 2018 has been a record one for Hawaiian monk seal pups born in the main Hawaiian isles, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has reappointed leaders at three state departments, his office announced today, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Human Resources Development and Department of Taxation. Star-Advertiser.

Tatum takes over at HTA amid tourism challenges. Created by the Legislature in 1998, the tourism authority believes it’s found a power hitter in Chris Tatum. Star-Advertiser.

Court Cases Open Window Into Marshallese Adoptions. A lawsuit by a Kentucky couple alleges that an Arkansas attorney offered to fly a Marshallese birth mother to the U.S. despite a treaty that bars such travel. Civil Beat.

Japanese-Americans are more likely to accumulate fat in their liver and abdomen compared to other ethnicities. That's according to the latest research from the University of Hawaii's Cancer Center. Hawaii Public Radio.


YEAR IN REVIEW: The repercussions of Hawaii’s false missile alert are still being felt. Hawaii News Now.


YEAR IN REVIEW: Remembering this year’s record breaking hurricane season. Hawaii’s 2018 hurricane season was among the most destructive in years. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii taxpayers claim close to $86M in renewable energy tax credits in 2016. The state of Hawaii dished out $85.8 million in renewable energy tax credits in 2016, down from $98.6 million during the previous year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

As government shutdown drags on, nonprofits scramble to keep Pearl Harbor monument open. Despite the partial government shutdown, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is still open — thanks to the generosity of several nonprofits. Hawaii News Now.


Since the government's partial shutdown several Hawaii national parks have seen a shake-up in services. But places like the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, - a historic site that drew in just under 2-million visitors last year - according to park stats isn't one that's closing quietly. KITV.

Not Everyone’s Thrilled To Have A Film Crew In The Neighborhood. “Magnum P.I.” is generating complaints from businesses and residents about the way it commandeers streets and parking places. Civil Beat.

Fraud alleged in local trash company bankruptcy. A commercial refuse hauler that stiffed the city on $3 million in garbage disposal fees may not have actually dumped that debt obligation through bankruptcy two years ago. Star-Advertiser.


The trains may one day run on time, but the construction of the track certainly hasn't. At $8.3 billion, not including finance charges, the Honolulu rail project is the largest public works project in Hawaii history and, according to a policy analyst at the conservative think tank Cato Institute, "the most expensive per capita of any publicly funded rail project in the modern age." U.S. News & World Report.


Twelve parcels of land for sale, including the Willows, could change Moiliili neighborhood. KHON2.


Back in business: Ala Wai Community and Neighborhood parks re-open. Since October, the parks have been closed for crews to revamp the public areas. KITV.


With students out of school for winter break, families hoping to check out certain libraries are out of luck. Three Oahu branches are temporarily closed because of emergency work or other issues. Hawaii News Now.

State orders brothers to fix decrepit Kakaako roads or stop charging for parking. A state agency is ordering two brothers to either fix up the streets they claim they own in Kakaako or stop charging parking fees. Hawaii News Now.


A former U.S. Housing and Urban Development employee accused of collecting Section 8 rental assistance on properties she and her husband managed and controlled pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday to five counts of wire fraud. Star-Advertiser.


The new year means changes for some fishermen. Starting January 1, 2019, the Waikiki-Diamond Head shoreline will be off-limits for fishing. The ban will last for all of 2019. KHON2.


Firecracker permit sales drop in Honolulu for New Year’s. Firecracker permit sales are down this year with 3,000 fewer sold compared to last year, the Honolulu Fire Department reported. Star-Advertiser.


A couple of Nevada residents are suing to evict the people living in Duane “Dog” Chapman’s Portlock home because Chapman and his wife have allegedly defaulted on their house payments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim thanked Puna Geothermal Venture executives for a six-figure donation, a short time before the company was granted permission to cut an access road over the inactive lava channel that isolated the company’s power plant during the summer eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.


Ookala residents frustrated by latest dairy discharge. On Monday, Big Island Dairy, which is set to cease operations next year, discharged nearly 600,000 gallons of wastewater into Kaohaoha Gulch. Tribune-Herald.


Report examines benefits, feasibility of basalt facility. A new study commissioned by the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems suggests the island could make a name for itself in this small but growing industry. Tribune-Herald.

Alii Drive culvert replacement project delayed. A county project to replace a deteriorating culvert on Alii Drive will get started a little later than previously estimated. West Hawaii Today.


Making Food More Affordable For The Hungry. Nearly 13 percent of Hawaii Island residents are “food insecure,” according to the USDA — well above the statewide average. Civil Beat.

21st Annual Mochi Pounding Set For Dec. 29 At Akiko’s. Traditional mochi pounding will return to the small village of Wailea this weekend, and the public is invited. Big Island Video News.


Maui

The South Maui Parking Lots Improvements Project will continue construction with the closure of Keawakapu Beach parking lot, at the corner of Kilohana Drive and South Kihei Road, on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Maui Now.

The comment period for the Kalaupapa National Historical Park General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment has been extended to Feb. 1. Maui News.


Maui’s law banning foam takeout containers goes into effect at the end of the year. The county law bans polystyrene foam food containers, which popular local plate lunches are typically served in. Associated Press.


Hale Kau Kau: 1.5 Million Meals and Counting. Today, South Maui’s only daily soup kitchen, Hale Kau Kau, served its 10,000th consecutive day of meal service. Maui Now.


Kauai

Kauai officials have agreed to pay $1 million to the family of a man who died after being hit by a police cruiser. Associated Press.

Kauai Medical Clinic recently broke ground on its new 7,900-square-foot facility at the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

The comment period for the Kalaupapa National Historical Park General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment has been extended to Feb. 1. Maui News.

Bankrupt Island Air grounded, taxpayers to fund Kealoha defense, Land Board allows Alexander & Baldwin to continue diverting streams, court rules in favor of Syngenta, Navy wraps up bombing meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2017 All Hawaii News

Complicated U.S. Relations Leave Veterans Without Full Health Benefits. This coming Veterans’ Day, we will likely hear stories of service from those who have been to the frontlines of war. As America honors those who served in the U.S. military, the conversation also centers on how the U.S. can serve its veterans.  HPR Reporter Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi shares the story of an often overlooked group of veterans who are hoping the country they served will return that obligation. Hawaii Public Radio.

100-year-old WWII veteran sparks bill for Pacific War memorial. A 100-year-old Oahu veteran has inspired a bipartisan bill to add a commemorative display honoring U.S. service members who fought in the Pacific theater to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which is home to the USS Arizona Memorial.. Star-Advertiser.

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Island Air, the state’s second-largest airline, said today its last day of service will be Friday after having exhausted all options to remain flying. Star-Advertiser.

Bankrupt Hawaii interisland carrier Island Air will cease all operations as of midnight Friday after having exhausted all its legal options to stay in business. Pacific Business News.

Island Air announces abrupt shutdown; 100s to lose their jobs. Cash-strapped Island Air, Hawaii's second-largest inter-island carrier, has announced it will halt all service Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Island Air to shut down after 37 years. KHON2.

Island Air to cease operations after Friday. Island Air says it will close operations as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday due to legal pressures imposed by its aircraft lessors. KITV.

Interisland air carrier Island Air announced it will shut down operations as of Saturday, significantly diminishing the number of interisland flights available. In a Thursday afternoon statement, the carrier said “all Island Air passengers must make alternative arrangements for interisland transportation, effective this Saturday, November 11, 2017.” Tribune-Herald.

Island Air said Thursday it will cease interisland service Saturday, having exhausted all options to remain flying. West Hawaii Today.

On Saturday at midnight, Island Air will end 37 years of service to Hawaii "due to legal pressures imposed by aircraft lessors." Big Island Video News.

Island Air announced Thursday it will close operations at midnight tonight. The move ends 37 years of service in Hawaii, leaves passengers scrambling to find flights for interisland transportation and puts 400 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Island Air to Shut Down After 37 Years. Maui Now.

Island Air ends 37 years of flying today. Airline to file for Chapter 7 Monday, Hawaiian offers help. Maui News.

Looking beyond Island Air’s last day: what happens next? Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Regulates Manicurists And Bartenders — Why Not Midwives? Several legislative proposals to license people who assist with births, often at home, have failed. Another may be coming next session. Civil Beat.

There have now been 557 cases of mumps in Hawaii this year. Hawaii has seen 557 cases of mumps in 2017, and 16 people have suffered from complications. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Don’t Ban Campaign Fundraising During Legislative Sessions. Some people seem to equate holding fundraisers during sessions to accepting bribes, but there’s a free speech issue here. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Taxpayers to fund defense team for ex-police chief, wife. Taxpayers will be funding attorneys to defend a former Honolulu police chief and his wife in a corruption case, a judge ruled Thursday. Associated Press.

Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his city deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will receive court-appointed attorneys in their public corruption case as early as next week, a federal judge ruled today after discussing the couple’s financial situation with them in private. Star-Advertiser.

Judge: Kealohas Are Too Broke To Pay For Their Own Defense. A federal judge will assign new, publicly funded counsel to represent the former Honolulu police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife will get taxpayer-funded attorneys to battle charges in a public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Judge approves court-appointed attorneys, taxpayers to fund Kealohas’ costly defense. KHON2.

Federal judge approves court-appointed counsel for Kealohas. A high profile public corruption case will soon be costing taxpayers. KITV.

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Is a ‘big house’ coming to your neighborhood? Plans in the works as officials weigh fixes. Honolulu’s mayor is asking his administration to take action as the “big house” trend continues to spread on Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu moving ahead with Blaisdell redevelopment, but questions linger for business. The City and County of Honolulu is moving forward with its plan to redevelop the 50-year-old Neal S. Blaisdell Center and plans to submit a draft environmental assessment in the first quarter of next year, but residents and business owners are concerned the plan won’t provide enough parking. Pacific Business News.

Despite high-profile sweep, parts of Nimitz Viaduct still overrun with squatters. As crews hired by the state work to clear massive piles of garbage from one side of the Nimitz viaduct, many of the squatters who created that mess are making themselves at home on the opposite side. Hawaii News Now.

Boat’s grounding points up risks of fishing fleet’s labor practices. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Despite Navy assurances that the military is using the latest science to protect marine mammals during bombing and sonar training exercises, most of the approximately 75 people attending a public meeting Thursday evening remained skeptical. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the owners of a lot in a Pepeekeo shoreline subdivision took their objection over a recently issued violation to the Board of Appeals. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii researchers need the help of Big Island residents to gather information about the natural cycles of breadfruit trees. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Arakawa ‘leaning very strongly’ at run at council seat. Mayor hasn’t ruled out bid for governor, lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Land Board: Alexander & Baldwin Can Keep Diverting Maui Water. Opponents say water drawn from streams by the Hawaii land company harm the environment. Civil Beat.

First Amendment right to record video of police officers at work at the center of a court case. Thomas Russo of media outlet Maui Time, shot the video back in 2012 and got arrested for it. KITV.

Kauai

Court rules in favor of state, Syngenta. A lawsuit calling for environmental review of Syngenta seed company operations was dismissed by Judge Randal Valenciano on Thursday. Garden Island.

Honolulu jail site selected, Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state over Mauna Kea management, Kealoha judge wants proof they can't afford lawyer, Sen. Kim announces congressional bid, high cost to retrofit high-rise sprinklers, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Concertina wire over Hawaii jail © 2017 All Hawaii News

Animal Quarantine Station site marked for new Oahu jail. The preferred location for Oahu’s new jail is the Animal Quarantine Station site in Halawa Valley, and the latest cost estimate for the project is $525 million, according to the project’s draft environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

‘Preferred’ Jail Site Currently Houses Animal Quarantine Station. The Halawa Valley project’s $525 million price tag includes $17.5 million for a new quarantine facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reveals preferred location for new Oahu jail. An underused animal quarantine facility near the confluence of two freeways on Oahu is the state of Hawaii’s preferred site for Honolulu’s new jail, a $525 million project that would replace the aging and overcrowded Oahu Community Correctional Center. Pacific Business News.

OCCC Relocation: $525M. The state reached a major decision-point in its plan to replace the outdated Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

State selects Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as preferred location for OCCC. Gov. David Ige announced on Wednesday that his administration has selected the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as the preferred site for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Construction at Halawa prison stirs up rats. Recent construction work at Halawa Correctional Facility has stirred up the rat population at the state’s largest prison, but Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda says the department has contracted with exterminators who have the situation under control. Star-Advertiser.

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Why Gov. Ige’s Secret Talks With Airbnb Have So Many People Upset. A backlash is brewing against a potential deal for the company to collect Hawaii taxes — in part, because no one knows what’s in the agreement. Civil Beat.

Donna Mercado Kim enters race for US Congress. Veteran State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim is making another run for U.S. Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Attack Warning Siren Tests Begin in December. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency will begin testing its Attack Warning Signal or “Wailing Tone” next month as they continue preparedness and consequence management plans related to potential attack scenarios. Maui Now.

Judge ‘troubled’ as Island Air seeks cash infusion. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris expressed concern Wednesday about Island Air’s dire financial condition and gave the company a one-week extension to use its cash and provide more evidence of its financial situation before he decides how to proceed with the case. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ballard names 2 HPD captains as her top deputies. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard has named HPD captains John McCarthy and Jonathon Grems as her two deputy chiefs. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys ask to be removed from case; Kealohas to file financial disclosures. A federal judge has continued a hearing to Thursday morning on whether the attorneys representing Louis and Katherine Kealoha should be removed from the couple’s high-profile public corruption case. Star-Advertiser.

Judge To Kealohas: Show Me Your Finances. A federal judge says he won’t consider taxpayer-funded attorneys for the former Honolulu chief and his prosecutor wife until he verifies their financial situation. Civil Beat.

Kealohas claim they can't afford attorneys; judge says prove it. The Kealohas will have to turn over financial information before a U.S. District Court Judge will order taxpayer-funded attorneys for the couple fighting a 20-count federal indictment. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail costs cast shadow over Blaisdell plan. As the plan to make over the Neal S. Blaisdell Center moves ahead, one prominent state lawmaker continues to question whether the city should tackle that nearly $700 million endeavor before it finishes funding rail. Star-Advertiser.

Bringing the Blaisdell Center into the 21st century could cost $530M. Community members had their third and final opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on Wednesday evening. Hawaii News Now.

City holds final public workshop on Blaisdell Center Master Plan. KHON2.

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Fire safety panel recommends retrofitting sprinklers in 150 older Honolulu buildings. Five months after the deadly fire at the Marco Polo Building, an advisory committee formed in response to the tragedy is making a recommendation to the Honolulu City Council. KITV.

Here's what it would cost to retrofit high-rises with fire sprinklers. A residential fire safety panel led by Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves is recommending that only older residential high-rises with interior hallways should be required to install automatic fire sprinklers. Hawaii News Now.

New report whittles down older high-rises in need of new sprinkler systems. In the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire, the mayor called for older residential high-rises to be retrofitted with sprinklers. KHON2.

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North Shore safety, traffic frustrations continue with solutions overturned, unenforced. The bottleneck on Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach has long been a source of frustration for Oahu’s North Shore residents. KHON2.

Leader of Kakaako development agency resigning. Jesse Souki, head of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, notified the agency’s board and staff last week that he is stepping down Nov. 30 after one year on the job. Star-Advertiser.

NRG Energy seeks $350M in financing to build solar farms in Hawaii. NRG Energy acquired the three solar farm projects from bankrupt SunEdison last November. Pacific Business News.

Cat sterilization non-profit seeks new home after losing lease. After seven years, the non-profit CatFriends lost the lease for their facility in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

OHA sues UH over Mauna Kea; Attorney says agency willing to work with DLNR on new management structure. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Honolulu Circuit Court, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is alleging the University of Hawaii is in violation of its general lease for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and asks for the agreement to be cancelled. Tribune-Herald.

OHA sues to end UH’s stewardship of Mauna Kea summit. After threatening to go to court for months, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs finally pulled the trigger, accusing the University of Hawaii of aggressively developing the Mauna Kea summit for astronomy at the expense of its environment and cultural significance. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Sues State, UH Over ‘Longstanding Mismanagement’ Of Mauna Kea. The legal action follows a ruling allowing the Thirty Meter Telescope project to go forward on a mountain considered deeply sacred by many Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it is moving forward with its lawsuit over the management of Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

OHA: State incapable of giving Mauna Kea 'level of aloha' it deserves. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state, claiming "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement" of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

OHA sues state over management of Mauna Kea. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the state and the University of Hawaii for what the group calls the "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea." KITV.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state, University of Hawaii over Mauna Kea. The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii for what it calls “their longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea,” and seeks to terminate the university’s lease of the land on the mountain, which is home to a dozen observatories. Pacific Business News.

University Of Hawaii, State Respond To OHA Mauna Kea Lawsuit. Big Island Video News.

Memorial service, music program mark 100th anniversary of Liliuokalani’s death. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Navy expands zone limiting sonar testing around county. The U.S. Navy has expanded its no-sonar-testing zone around Maui County by about 50 percent, according to its latest draft environmental impact statement for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and California, officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Liquor department faces new gripes. Boys & Girls Clubs ‘Little Chefs’ not allowed with ‘Big Chefs,’ to receive awards on stage; no alcohol allowed at VFW luau. Maui News.

Man On Trans-Pacific Voyage In Ocean Rowboat Rescued Off Maui. He was headed from California to China aboard an 18-foot vessel, according to the Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Progress made in converting old sugar cane lands. Half of company’s 36,000 acres may be leased more quickly than expected – A&B. Maui News.

Maui home sales jump 35% in October as prices rise. Home sales on Maui increased by more than 35 percent in October, when compared to the same month last year, while median prices rose for both single-family homes and condominiums, according to statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Sammy Hagar Lists Haiku Oceanfront Retreat for $3.3M. Maui Now.

Kauai

Navy outlines plans for future activity. Weapons and whales came head to head in Lihue Wednesday afternoon as the U.S. Navy presented its newest evaluation of the impacts training and testing activities have on the environment. Garden Island.

Housing, safety at forefront of county requests. On Wednesday, the county committee meeting began dialogue regarding the priorities for formulating the 2018 Kauai County Legislative Package. Garden Island.

Fat and molting, Kauai’s yearling Hawaiian Monk Seal RH38 has returned to Kauai waters after spending two months at Ke Kai Ola, a dedicated Marine Mammal Center hospital for monk seals on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

Navy holds first Hawaii hearing on missile test proposal, Honolulu police begin bodycam testing, Hagar selling Maui estate, Big Island bus ridership drops 30%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test in the mid-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo)

Some seek to block Navy's bid to continue training in Hawaii waters. In a public meeting Monday evening at the Oahu Veterans Center, the community had a chance to weigh in on the Navy's Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Hawaii News Now.

Environmental and cultural concerns expressed over proposed US Navy training exercises. The US Navy officials hosted the first of several public meetings in Hawaii regarding its Environmental Impact Statement on testing and training operations in the waters off Hawaii and Southern California. KITV.

A rare joint exercise of three U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups — a combination wielding massive firepower — will occur in coming days in the Western Pacific as part of a pressure campaign on North Korea by the Trump administration. Star-Advertiser.

Nuclear shelter-in-place plan could keep parents, students separated for days. As nuclear rhetoric and missile tests continue from North Korea, Hawaii emergency officials say be ready to “Get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned.” KHON2.

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Two months after U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced her plans to run for governor, candidates looking to fill her seat in Congress are starting to emerge. Star-Advertiser.

Events to mark 100th anniversary of the death of Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Hundreds of churches around the state are expected to toll their bells 100 times at 8:30 a.m. — the time of day Liliuokalani died on Nov. 11, 1917. Star-Advertiser.

Ancient Hawaiian Tradition Threatened by Invasive Bug. The hala or pandanus tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and is characterized by its long, sharp and spiny leaves. Those trees are now being attacked by an invasive predator. And the cultural practitioners whose traditions depend on hala are feeling the impact. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Seventy-seven Honolulu police officers Monday began testing body-worn cameras in a 30-day pilot project, making the Honolulu Police Department the last in the state to use the cameras. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Officers Begin Testing Body Cameras. HPD has outfitted dozens of officers with the technology as part of a 30-day pilot program. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department started testing body cameras Monday. KITV.

Criminal Case Against Kealohas Puts Brakes On Uncle’s Suit. The lawsuit filed by Gerard Puana will have to wait while the case against his niece and her husband continues, a judge rules. Civil Beat.

Defense attorneys in Kealoha corruption probe face heat over questionable practices. Legal experts say questions surrounding the attorneys for the former police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife are extremely troubling. Hawaii News Now.

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Waialua sunflower farm to hold open house. DuPont Pioneer, which recently merged with the Dow Chemical Co., held a media tour Monday at its 2,000-acre Waialua property, one of Hawaii’s largest farms. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Tent-Dwellers: A Different Kind Of Homelessness. People living in a roadside encampment receive an unusual amount of community support, because many of them are longtime residents. Civil Beat.

Carbon monoxide poisoning linked to 2 Marco Polo deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home prices creep higher. For single-family houses, October’s median sale price edged up 1.3 percent to $752,000 from $742,000 in the same month last year. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu saw a “healthy uptick” in the number of sales in October, compared to the same month last year, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium nudged up slightly, according to a report by Honolulu-based real estate firm Locations LLC. Pacific Business News.

Ward Village condo sales aid developer’s profit. Howard Hughes Corp. earned $27 million from condominium sales at Ward Village in the third quarter, according to a financial report the company published Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has sold nearly 90 percent of the 1,381 condominium units the developer is building at its Ward Village community in Honolulu and last month repaid a $195.3 million construction loan on the Waiea and Anaha towers there, the company said Monday in its third quarter earnings report. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

House Finance Committee checks in on state investments in West Hawaii. Members of the state House of Representatives Finance Committee were in town Monday to take a closer look at some of the projects they’ve recently funded throughout West Hawaii, including the major overhaul at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island bus ridership has dropped by almost a third over the past four years, mostly due to unreliability of an aging fleet, consultants said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Talks Vacation Rental Rules. Local and state lawmakers discussed possible regulations for the growing vacation rental industry during last week's county council committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Demolition of Uncle Billy's Pagoda Hotel uncertain. A hotel sitting vacant in Hilo will remain that way for at least the near future. Hawaii News Now.

October home sales soar on Hawaii's Big Island. Home sales on Hawaii’s Big Island soared in October, with increases of more than 25 percent from a year ago for both single-family homes and condominiums, but the median price of a condo fell by more than 25 percent, according to data provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Cyanotech earns $475K in second quarter. Hawaii island microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. more than quadrupled its fiscal second-quarter profit in large part through a $900,000 reduction in legal fees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Victorino to run for mayor. Former Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino officially announced his intention on Monday to run for mayor in what is shaping up to be a competitive battle in 2018 to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Kaanapali development met with resistance from Maui residents. Hundreds of people packed Lahaina Intermediate School Monday night to question the landowners and developers behind the Kaanapali Golf Courses Revitalization Project. Hawaii News Now.

Puunene Shopping Center filling up. Planet Fitness, Massage Envy and Ulta Beauty to open outlets on Maui. More retailers are flocking to the Puunene Shopping Center with pet store Petco opening its doors Monday and farm-to-table restaurant Fork & Salad slated to open early next year. Maui News.

Rocker Sammy Hagar is selling the 10-acre Maui estate he bought more than 20 years ago after searching for a place to relax in Hawaii following a world tour with Van Halen. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC issues request for qualifications for solar-hydro project on Kauai's west side. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative last week issued a request for qualifications for its Puu Opae Energy Project on the Garden Isle's west side. Pacific Business News.

Kauai condo sales nearly double in October, median prices up by double digits. The number of condominiums sold on Kauai in October nearly doubled, when compared to the same month last year, while sales of single-family homes rose by more than 30 percent and median prices in both categories increased by double digits, according to data provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Kids can earn money, recognition on the floor of the state House of Representatives, and a chance to mingle with legislators through a statewide contest running now through Jan. 31. Garden Island.

Officials expect traffic nightmare for Trump visit, first female police chief sworn in, Thirty Meter Telescope appealed to state Supreme Court, legislative panel holds ocean health meeting today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump hotel in Waikiki © 2017 All Hawaii News

Honolulu city and state officials warned residents and visitors to expect massive rush-hour traffic delays Friday and possibly Saturday during President Donald Trump’s visit to Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is warning that President Donald Trump’s stopover in Hawaii on Friday will cause “major traffic delays” along the motorcade route and in the state’s largest tourism district — Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

The president's visit Friday is expected to cause significant traffic delays thanks to road closures along his motorcade route and in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Police Department warn the public to expect traffic delays as President Donald Trump makes his first visit to Hawaii as President of the United States. KITV.

City officials discuss potential traffic issues ahead of President Trump’s visit to Honolulu. KHON2.

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Some of the Hawaii State Legislature is talking about ocean health today in an informational briefing for the House of Representatives Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings are beginning to reflect slowing growth in the state economy and are now on pace to exceed last year’s total. Star-Advertiser.

Taiwan on Wednesday was added to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program, which will allow Taiwanese visitors to apply for expedited customs clearance at Honolulu International Airport and 53 other airports in the United States. Pacific Business News.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. reported a net loss of $500.000, or 3 cents per share, for the third quarter, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or 13 cents per share, for the same quarter in 2016. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A new era for the Honolulu Police Department began Wednesday with the swearing in ceremony for its 11th chief, Susan Ballard, who replaced recently indicted former Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Officers Hope New Chief Will Clear Away ‘Dark Cloud Over HPD’. Susan Ballard is sworn in as Honolulu’s police chief to a chorus of praise as the department looks to move beyond the Louis Kealoha years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s first female Police Chief was sworn into office today at HPD Headquarters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's first female police chief was sworn in to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday. Chief of Police Susan Ballard was officially named HPD's 11th chief. KITV.

Honolulu’s new top cop took the oath Wednesday morning to protect the City and County. KHON2.

Three former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit were back in U.S. District Court on Wednesday to answer to charges filed against them in last month’s indictment of former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Three Officers Plead Not Guilty In Honolulu Police Corruption Case. The charges relate to the alleged framing of a man at the behest of the former police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu police lieutenant, an officer and a retired major pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges alleging they helped former Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife frame a man. Associated Press.

Three men arrested in the conspiracy case against the former Honolulu police chief pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday. KITV.

Two new members to the Honolulu Police Commission were approved unanimously by city council Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council approved Wednesday two new members to the Honolulu Police Commission. KHON2.

Commentary: It Turns Out We Owe Chuck Totto A Big Thank-You. Federal indictments in the Honolulu police corruption case vindicate the former ethics director but raise questions about the Caldwell administration. Civil Beat.

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Vacation rental issue moves to planning department. After hearing more than an hour of testimony, City Council members voted to approve four resolutions directing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration to come up with bills for them to consider. Star-Advertiser.

Pineapple has been gone for over a decade, and vegetable crops disappeared this year. Now, fallow fields between Mililani and Waipio are about to produce homes in a $2 billion project called Koa Ridge in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Castle & Cooke Hawaii plans to break ground Thursday on Koa Ridge, its long-delayed $2 billion master-planned community that will add 3,500 homes along with commercial space, an elementary school and a new hospital in Central Oahu. Pacific Business News.

A preliminary search for state-controlled land parcels on Oahu where possible “safe zones” could be established for homeless encampments turned up no vacant sites. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR to hire salvage company to remove vessel near Kahala Resort. The DLNR says they plan to hire a salvage company to remove a 25-foot sailboat that ran aground Tuesday on the reef at Maunalua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of a giant telescope planned to be built on Mauna Kea are appealing the state Land Board’s approval of the project’s construction permit to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Associated Press.

Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha wants to save Kahaluu Beach Park from the sea. Almost 10 years after a conceptual master plan was created for one of the island’s most popular beach parks, Kanuha was successful Wednesday getting fellow members of the County Council to agree to put $600,000 into the budget to plan and design park improvements. West Hawaii Today.

The county is rethinking plans for a popular Kona beach park. During the Finance Committee meeting, Kona councilmember Dru Kanuha introduced a bill to fund the planning and design of future improvements to the park. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim did not agree with the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply’s decision to keep quiet on the failure of two North Kona deep wells in the first half of October, but he did accept it. West Hawaii Today.

A bill to amend the county water plan for the Keauhou Aquifer in Kona has been withdrawn, after the community voiced concerns. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County won’t be getting a time extension yet for completing its master plan for a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

A plan for a county park in Puna’s Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision is moving forward. Big Island Video News.

Aquaculture in Hawaii just got a $149,972 infusion for research and industry support, and it’s being used to develop a way for small businesses and individuals to get a piece of the shellfish industry. Garden Island.

Maui

Land use change for Makila Kai project in trouble. A 49-unit housing project in Launiupoko, containing a mix of residential workforce housing and market-rate agricultural lots, was essentially halted Wednesday. Maui News.

Navy schedules hearing to cover training impact. The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public hearing from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School for its draft environmental impact statements for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and Southern California. Maui News.

Longline fishing industry scrutinized for hiring of foreign fishermen. The Hawaii Longline Association has jumped into a legal fight they say threatens their livelihood. Longliners oppose a Maui fisherman's complaint against the state. Hawaii News Now.

Island visitor counts continue on record-breaking pace. A total of 2.1M visitors arrived by air on Maui in the first nine months. Maui News.

Maui Health System, the new operator of three isle hospitals, is reversing its controversial policy to charge as much as $672 for a private postpartum room for new parents at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

District 12 of the Democratic Party of Maui will host a presentation to discuss Medicare on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pukalani Pool Multipurpose Room. Maui Now.

Kauai

There were eight fatal vehicle crashes on Kauai’s state roads in 2016, more than double the number in 2015, according to new data from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

Power was still out in some of Kauai’s North Shore Wednesday evening as a swollen Hanalei River caused the closure of Kuhio Highway and blocked access for repairs. Garden Island.

Biotech, GMO spotlighted at national agriculture conference in Kona, Navy trims sonar use in whale lawsuit settlement, Honolulu allows extra units in residential neighborhoods, Hawaii County settles panhandler, urinalysis lawsuits, Schatz weighs in on NextEra plan, Kaui parents protests oust principal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii GMO researcher, courtesy photo

As lawyers defending Hawaii County’s ordinance regulating genetically modified crops work toward an Oct. 1 deadline to file their final brief, a key attorney challenging the new law is scheduled to speak about the issue at a national gathering today in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Biotech companies have spent at least $160,000 to sponsor a four-day national convention of state agricultural officials hosted by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in Kailua-Kona this week. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy agreed to limit its use of sonar and other training that inadvertently harms whales, dolphins and other marine mammals off Hawaii and California in a settlement with environmental groups approved Monday. Associated Press.

Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals swimming off the coasts of Hawaii and Southern California will be more protected from the Navy’s use of sonar thanks to a settlement Monday. Two cases brought by environmental groups were resolved in federal court after a years-long battle to limit the military’s sonar training and testing as well as its use of explosives. Civil Beat.

The Navy agreed to limit its use of sonar and other training that inadvertently harms whales, dolphins and other marine mammals off Hawaii and California in a settlement with environmental groups approved Monday. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said he wants the state Public Utilities Commission to focus on NextEra Energy Inc.’s renewable energy and cost-cutting capabilities when deciding whether the Florida-company is fit to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. Star-Advertiser.

There’s been plenty of press about Hawaii’s first-in-the-nation policy of “100 percent renewable energy by 2045″ but a lot less talk about what the law really means, especially its loopholes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s highest earners are working in the medical field, according to a recent report by American City Business Journals, but there's a catch. When you consider the high cost of living in Hawaii, it can actually be challenging to attract professionals to work in the health care sector, experts say. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s insurance premiums are on the rise, and it’s due to a combination of circumstance and new federal regulations, according to a new report by the Hawaii Health Information Corp. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Under a bill signed Monday by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, homeowners with residential and agricultural lots are able to put up accessory dwelling units if they meet certain criteria. An ADU is a second smaller housing unit, either attached or detached, that can be rented out to either family members or outside parties. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers say it could be the change that opens up to 20,000 places to live on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed what's called the "Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill" into law on Monday. Some are calling it a game changer in the battle against homelessness. KITV4.

A measure to address affordable rental housing on O’ahu was signed into law today at a bill signing ceremony. Hawaii Public Radio.

The brother of a Waipahu man fatally shot by police is suing the Honolulu officer who he says is responsible for the death, alleging that the officer didn’t follow proper procedure for handling people with mental illness. Civil Beat.

The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot will close Tuesday through Friday and again Monday through Sept. 23 for repaving in an ongoing $2.7 million improvement project. Star-Advertiser.

State crews, including 70 inmates, began a cleanup of the homeless encampment beneath the H-1 freeway viaduct Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Officials are planning to clear a second section of the large homeless encampment in Kakaako. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday that the next phase of the camp clearing will happen Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

If you hike the popular Koko Head Crater Trail, it’s common to see a few bees, but lately hikers say there are a lot more. KHON2.

Hawaii
Hawaii County has agreed to pay $80,000 and rewrite its panhandling laws to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Kailua-Kona man. West Hawaii Today.

Little did Justin Guy know that holding a sign that read “Homeless Please Help” on a Kailua-Kona street corner would spark a free speech case resulting in changes to the law that protects everyone’s First Amendment rights on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The ACLU-assisted settlement in a houseless Hawaii County man's free speech case has lead to revisions of several ordinances now found to be unconstitutional. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii County will pay $115,000 and cease the requirement of urinalyses and other medical screenings as a condition of employment for most positions under a federal lawsuit settlement announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

An 'ahu or altar that was built along the Mauna Kea summit road has been bulldozed by a Mauna Kea Support Services (MKSS) employee. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A public briefing on health care initiatives by Gov. David Ige that include a waiver from the federal Affordable Care Act and improved services for behavioral health and long-term care will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. Maui News.

RAM Reports Good News for Real Estate Buyers. Maui Now.

Flash floods stranded 20 hikers last month on the Commando and Bamboo trails in East Maui, including one man who was caught on camera being swept 30 feet down the side of a waterfall. Maui News.

Kauai

Step one, done. That’s what the Save Hanalei School group said about Superintendent Bill Arakaki’s decision to remove Hanalei Elementary principal Lisa McDonald effective Monday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Air Force said it is still working to address a lighting issue at its Kokee station that has led to more than 120 fallen endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Kauai’s chicken die-off has scientists trying to rule out avian influenza. Necropsy to test for bird flu and botulism. KITV4.

The next phase of the Hauaala Road project in Kapaa near the Kuhio Highway intersection will begin this week. One lane of the roadway will be closed Wednesday and Thursday to allow reconstruction work to take place. Another is planned for next week. Traffic will be contra-flowed during the lane closures. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Ferry has adopted a new sailing schedule. The owner says this month’s changes will help stop the financial “hemorrhaging” the ferry has seen in the last two years.  But not everyone is happy about the new plan. Hawaii Public Radio.