Showing posts with label sovereignty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sovereignty. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Business groups push Ige to enforce law on Mauna Kea for Thirty Meter Telescope, big Obamacare rate hikes coming, Environmental Council seeks board members, floating windfarm coming to Oahu south shore, new rules for Big Island public land management, Maui deputy prosecutor seeks top job, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Big Island Video News
Mauna Kea TMT blockade, courtesy Big Island Video News
Nearly a year since a ceremonial groundbreaking took place atop Mauna Kea for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, progress remains stalled. On Sunday, fourteen pro-business groups expressed their displeasure over the lack of any headway and demanded Gov. David Ige provide “safe passage” so the $1.4 billion telescope can be built. The groups include various chambers of commerce as well as pro-union trade groups. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige has neglected to fill a number of vacancies on the state’s Environmental Council and members say that is crippling the agency. Civil Beat.

Obamacare is getting pricier for Hawaii residents. The state approved a 27.3 percent rate hike for Hawaii Medical Service Association’s individual members and a 34.4 percent increase for Kaiser Permanente members in Affordable Care Act plans for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has the highest average mortgage closing costs in the nation, driven, in part, by high third-party fees, according to a ranking by Bankrate.com. Pacific Business News.

Life of the Land, one of 28 intervenors taking part in the regulatory review of the sale of Hawaiian Electric Co. to NextEra Energy Inc., asked the two companies to provide a document log regarding discussions they have had to end the proposed acquisition. In their response, Hawaiian Electric and NextEra Energy said that “no such document has been created.” Pacific Business News.

With the vote to elect delegates for a Hawaiian constitutional convention just weeks away, critics say the way the election is being handled is flawed. Hawaii News Now.

Oct. 15 is the deadline for all Native Hawaiians to register to vote in the election of delegates to a constitutional convention, or aha. Civil Beat.

A year ago, the federal Department of the Interior, DOI, travelled throughout Hawai‘i soliciting comments on a path to Hawaiian nationhood.  Last week the DOI proposed a rule to facilitate governmental relations if Hawaiians form a unified government on their own. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Former state Energy Administrator Ted Peck has teamed up with a year-old, Oregon-based renewable energy developer on a plan to bring a 400-megawatt floating wind farm to a site 15 miles off Oahu’s South Shore. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators are demanding answers from Hawaiian Telcom about why repairs to rain-soaked telephone lines took weeks and even up to one month in some cases. Hawaii News Now.

Some people living in tents and tarps around the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center said Monday they have no idea where they’ll go when city crews move in this week to clean out the last and densest portion of the Kakaako homeless encampment. Star-Advertiser.

When it comes to overall driver satisfaction, Honolulu finishes dead last in a rating of U.S. metropolitan areas, according to data from the navigation app Waze. Civil Beat.

The city would be required to maintain vegetation along roads whose ownership is in dispute under a bill before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The senior enlisted sailor on the Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Michael Murphy was relieved of his duties in the wake of ship-based equal opportunity complaints, the Navy said today. Star-Advertiser.

It's no longer used for launching vessels. Instead, beachgoers use the boat ramp at Pokai Bay for parking, despite No Parking signs and police issuing parking tickets. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A land management fund that voters approved in 2012 will finally get rules to ensure proper disbursement and monitoring, thanks to a bill the County Council will consider Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Creating town or neighborhood centers, adding recreation facilities and paving roads are among the goals listed in a new Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Master Plan. Developed by a committee of HPP residents, the planning document is intended to improve services in the massive Puna subdivision and address issues that long have plagued its residents, including substandard roads. Tribune-Herald.

Work began Monday on chipping through the roughly 10-foot-thick layer of lava 500 feet long that overran Cemetery Road last October in Pahoa, Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

What began in 1941 as a small vocational school serving 183 students has ballooned into Hawaii Community College, with more than 3,000 students enrolled in 26 different programs. Tribune-Herald.

Romeo, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, is safe and sound after falling 20 feet into a ground crack Saturday evening in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

More than two dozen people gathered at Kahekili Beach Park on Maui over the weekend for the statewide “Bleachapalooza” event, organized to bring attention to the damaging effects of coral bleaching in the islands. Maui Now.

There’s now an easier way to volunteer your time, energy, expertise and resources to Maui nonprofits: Handsonmaui.com, a website built by the Maui County Department of Housing & Human Concerns’ Volunteer Center as part of its Get Connected program. MauiTime.

A free, interactive map displaying car break-ins, assaults and other crimes is available online, allowing Maui County residents to check the safety of their neighborhoods and to identify areas where they might want to exercise caution. Maui News.

Coqui frogs are small in size - but the impact of their presence is huge. That's been understood for quite some time on the Big Island of Hawai'i…but it's a growing and unpleasant discovery for some residents in upcountry Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Former deputy prosecutor Lisa Arin will officially declare herself a candidate for the office of Kauai’s Prosecuting Attorney on the steps of the 5th Circuit Courthouse at 12:30 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Gov. Ige goes paperless, auditor targets growing IT problems, Hawaii tourism dollars fly homeless back to mainland, online travel companies to pay $53M in back taxes, 209 vie for 40 Native Hawaiian delegate slots, Maui homeless next project, Big Island opposes NextEra utility purchase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii Governor's Office
Gov. David Ige goes paperless, courtesy Governor's Office
In an effort to get a grip on the growing cost of complex state computer projects, the state auditor has hired a private auditing firm to finally inventory how much state agencies are actually spending on information technology, and what the projects are designed to accomplish. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to make government more efficient, Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to start processing all documents electronically starting Thursday, according to a press release from his office. Civil Beat.

A unit set up in the state Attorney General’s Office to combat Medicaid fraud has failed to communicate with federal authorities about its investigations and worked on cases that were not allowed under a federal grant, according to the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General’s office said Wednesday that online travel companies will have to pay $53.1 million in general excise taxes, penalties and interest stemming from litigation that began in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian vacation tab has arrived for nine online travel companies, and it’s a big one. The companies, including Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline, owe the state of Hawaii $53.1 million in general excise taxes, penalties and interest, the state Tax Appeal Court ruled. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s attorney general on Wednesday said the state has recovered more than $53.1 million in general excise tax, penalties and interest from nine online travel companies, following a final judgement by the state Tax Appeal Court. West Hawaii Today.

A federal research vessel returned to Honolulu on Wednesday after discovering perhaps a dozen species never seen before in an expedition exploring the coral reefs of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at greater depths than ever before. Among the discoveries was a possible new species of sea horse and a sea star previously not seen in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The list of delegates running in a election this fall to establish a way forward for Native Hawaiian self-determination includes a lot of names that will be familiar to many people. Civil Beat.

Some 209 candidates will vie for 40 delegate positions across the islands for the Native Hawaiian ‘aha constitutional convention that will work to form a Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

209 candidates are running for 40 spots to help form a Native Hawaiian government.  The long-awaited list of people wanting to participate in the landmark Na'i Aupuni election was released just one day after the Department of Interior announced a pathway toward federal recognition for Native Hawaiians -- which has some asking what impact, if any, it will have on the November vote. Hawaii News Now.

Throughout November of 2015, Native Hawaiians who have been registered by the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission will be able to vote for 40 delegates to attend an ʻaha, or convention, in which those delegates will convene for the purpose of working out the details of a new Hawaiian government and determining what relationship the governing entity would have with the Hawaiian community, as well as with the State of Hawai‘i and the United States of America.  Hawaii Independent.

What does it mean to be local in Hawaii? That’s a discussion we’re diving into in a new thread in our popular Connections section. It launches today with a podcast featuring former Gov. Ben Cayetano and a story by a young man who left his dream life in Hawaii because he didn’t feel local enough. Civil Beat.

Oahu
The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association pledged Wednesday to expand the Waikiki homeless outreach program that in the past 11 months served 355 people, including 115 who were assisted with buying airline tickets to leave the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s tourism industry and the state’s biggest homeless shelter operator are partnering to expand a program that flies homeless people back to the mainland. Civil Beat.

Fence built to deter homeless camp causes parking shortage near Honolulu Community College. Hawaii News Now.

Imagine a flood that raised the level of the Ala Wai Canal just seven feet. It's possible, and engineers are working on a way to keep those waters from overflowing into Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Traffic, street parking, drainage and loss of the community’s character were among the issues raised by neighbors at a public meeting Wednesday about the proposed Skyline Honolulu condominium on the slopes of Punchbowl crater. Star-Advertiser.

Eight schools with large numbers of military dependents in West Oahu will benefit from a $1.5 million federal grant aimed at expanding learning opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Star-Advertiser.

Alan Oshima, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Co., which is involved in a proposed $4.3 billion sale to NextEra Energy Inc., has met with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission eight times this year, more than he did in the three previous years combined, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

For more than a half century, the fountain at Kailua’s Pohakupu Mini Park has proudly welcomed visitors and residents into the Windward Oahu community. But for more than two years, it has sat in a state of disrepair. Its waters have gone from streaming to stagnant. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools isn’t selling its leased fee interest in the 677 Ala Moana Building nor is it looking to buy the landmark Honolulu high-rise, a spokesman for the trust confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Area residents who spoke during a public meeting were almost universally opposed to the pending acquisition of Hawaii Island’s electric utility. More than 300 people attended the meeting, with dozens waiting in line to speak to the PUC members. Tribune-Herald.

Hundreds packed the Hilo High School cafeteria Tuesday night for the Hawaii Public Utility Commission’s public listening session for the Hawaiian Electric Companies and NextEra Energy docket, a multi-billion dollar deal said to be one of the biggest economic transactions in state history. Big Island Video News.

A handful of Big Island residents spent Tuesday evening under a pop-up tent in the parking lot of Hilo High School giving out buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs and gray T-shirts emblazoned with “Own The Power.” Civil Beat.

Thirty-two candidates are running for seven positions as Hawaii Island delegates to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, or aha, set for early next year. In all, more than 200 candidates qualified for a total of 40 delegate positions, the organization in charge of the election and convention announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

A meeting opposed to the introduction of a marijuana grow site in Kohala included a strong current of local rule. West Hawaii Today.

A disagreement between the board that controls the roads in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and two quarry companies over expansion of mining activities in the neighborhood played out before a Windward Planning Commission panel on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

With construction on Kamehameha Avenue reaching an end after a year and a half of work, a host of smaller roadway projects continue in the Hilo area. Work on Manono Street and Kapiolani Street began earlier this year. A reconstruction project on Komohana Street is set to begin this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Kahului resident has filed a petition to have the Maui Planning Commission consider sugar cane smoke when evaluating special management area use permits for projects near and around shorelines. Maui News.

The Grand Wailea reached a more than $3 million settlement Monday with nonmanagerial food and beverage workers owed back wages dating back to 2006, said a member of the class-action lawsuit. Maui News.

It’s been nearly a year since tourism officials funded a plan to tackle Waikīkī’s homeless problem. Now they’re looking to expand the model to neighbor islands, starting first on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since the announcement Sept. 23 that Kaiser Permanente has been chosen to take over Maui's three public hospitals, some - including Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui - have questioned what that would mean for residents who aren't insured by Kaiser. Maui News.

The Maui County Farm Bureau announced honorees of its annual award celebration, who were recognized for demonstrating tremendous support for Maui agriculture. Maui Now.

Kauai

Five candidates from Kauai County have been cleared to campaign in an upcoming private election for Native Hawaiian self-governance. Garden Island.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Japanese visitors spark tourism rise, animal quarantine harms pets, Honolulu councilman wants men's room diaper tables, shipping declines, Office of Hawaiian Affairs forms sovereignty committee, Kauai animal shelter kill rate disputed, USS Arizona Memorial to reopen in a week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
visitor learns Hawaiian hula © 2015 All Hawaii News
April was the second month of 2015 that experienced a year-over-year climb in visitor spending and arrivals, largely due to a gain in domestic travelers and visitors from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hosted more visitors last month than in April 2014, and they spent more, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For the year, visitors are up but their spending is about the same as last year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of travelers visiting the islands climbed 2.3 percent in April over the same month last year as more tourists arrived from the western part of the United States. Data released by the state agency Thursday showed nearly 680,000 people visited the islands in April. Visitor spending rose 5.4 percent to $1.2 billion. Associated Press.

In a move to maintain its neutrality, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is handing off responsibility for the final stage of its nation-building campaign to a new group that will independently administer an election of delegates, convention and final ratification vote. Na'i Aupuni, a group of five volunteer and unpaid directors with ties to Hawaiian royalty, has been given nearly $2.6 million originally earmarked for the effort aimed at moving Native Hawaiians a step closer to self-determination as authorized by the state under Act 195. Star-Advertiser.

Despite vocal opposition and community concerns raised at OHA board meetings in late April, 2015, the board has decided to go forward with a nation building process spearheaded by a new organization: Na‘i Aupuni. Hawaii Independent.

Complaints of overheated and underfed animals getting sick at the state-run Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa have prompted the Legislature to take a closer look at how pets are housed and treated at the facility. Civil Beat.

In a private sector economic indicator, Young Brothers Ltd. reports a 1.9% decline in cargo shipments between islands during the first quarter, compared to the same time last year. Hawaii News Now.

The East-West Center, which has faced big funding threats in recent years as federal support for its programming dwindled, is about to start head-hunting for its first new president in nearly two decades. Longtime center President Charles E. Morrison is planning to leave his post in August 2016, at the end of his current contract. Civil Beat.

An ongoing dispute over the results of a recent Hawaii State Teachers Association election for president and other officers to lead the teachers union has made its way to the courts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city's top civil attorney said it's not up to the Honolulu Ethics Commission staff to determine the potential ramifications of a settlement agreement reached by the commission and former City Councilman Nestor Garcia. Star-Advertiser.

Time for a change? Lawmaker wants diaper changing tables in men’s restrooms. KHON2.

Punahou School has begun construction on a campus-wide overhaul project that is expected to be completed during the next decade, which includes building four two-story studios for elementary school students and a 20,000-square-foot learning commons for kindergarten through eighth grade. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the Navy aim to resume taking visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in a week, after a dock damaged by a wayward vessel is repaired. Associated Press.

The Navy said Thursday that it is uncertain if a hospital ship hit the dock of the USS Arizona Memorial as was initially reported. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation continues to develop plans to meet a budget shortfall of 50 million dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s selection of Ormat Nevada Inc. to build the next geothermal power plant in Puna received a positive recommendation this month from an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants to slice into Hilo Municipal Golf Course funds to hire three new transfer station attendants to help promote recycling programs. In a budget amendment to be considered Monday, Wille is asking that golfers and the community do more to augment the greens fees at the county’s only publicly funded golf course instead of relying on taxpayer bailouts. West Hawaii Today.

A new class-action lawsuit claims Hawaii Community College fraudulently collected “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in student fees throughout the past decade. Tribune-Herald.

A dangerous and crowded North Kona beach will have to wait at least another year for lifeguards. A push for funding to install ocean safety officers at Kua Bay fell short this past session. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ever since Samuel Thomas Alexander and Henry Perrine Baldwin planted their first sugarcane crop in 1870, there have been cane fires on Maui. But on Wednesday morning, a fire that was set near Kamali’i Elementary School by Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. inundated the campus and left some residents wondering whether a state permit system is working. KITV4.

Iao Stream will likely have its name restored to "Wailuku River," which dates back more than a century, following the state Board on Geographic Names' unanimous vote Wednesday night in favor of the move. Maui News.

Kauai

No more than 10 B&B permit applications will be reviewed per year under an ordinance change approved during a Kauai County Council committee hearing Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society has underreported the percentage of cats and dogs it euthanized for the last five fiscal years, a fact that has become the crux of a campaign launched by employees to oust the organization’s executive director. Garden Island.

Kauai was the leader of the four larger Hawaiian Islands when it came to visitor growth and spending through April. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, per person per day spending on the Garden Isle rose to $179, up 2.7 percent, and total expenditures reached $533 million, up 6.2 percent. Garden Island.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Hanauma Bay supporters seek funds, Kauai looks to body cameras for police, whales distressed by RIMPAC, Oahu land reclassified in flood zone, Maui mulls plan for Patsy Mink's school, election fallout and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News
Hanauma Bay © 2014 All Hawaii News
Frustrated members of Friends of Hanauma Bay said that they've tried repeatedly to determine whether a portion of the money from the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Fund is being siphoned off for other city parks. Now the City Council will consider asking the city administration to remove itself from the picture entirely. Star-Advertiser.

Whales beware. Naval exercises like RIMPAC cause clear harm and distress to marine life including dolphins, fish and especially whales. Hawaii Independent.

The state Elections Commission on Friday appointed three subcommittees to examine issues surrounding the 2014 primary election and the actions of the chief election officer, who faced heavy criticism over the decision to carry out two elections in a tropical-storm ravaged district on Hawaii island and the late discovery of about 800 mail-in ballots on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers and concerned citizens took turns Friday accusing Hawaii Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago of disenfranchising voters as Elections Commission members nodded and prodded him for answers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago tried to explain a host of problems that occurred during the recent primary election held in the wake of a tropical storm — from why a makeup election was held after initially telling voters of closed Big Island precincts they would be mailed ballots to why 800 ballots went uncounted on Maui. Associated Press.

The Hawai‘i Elections Commission is investigating the state’s primary. Nearly 70 people packed into the commission meeting on Friday, with several calling for chief elections officer Scott Nago to be fired. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator paid a controversial political scientist $25,000 to write a memo that calls into question the validity of OHA's nation-building effort, even raising the question of whether the office's trustees are committing war crimes by pursuing it. But the board apparently has not been swayed by his arguments. Star-Advertiser.

Three out of four candidates for Hawaii governor say they agree Hawaii’s health exchange is a mess, taxes are burdensome and leadership style in the state’s top office needs to change. The fourth — and most formidable opponent to each of the other candidates — was absent Friday during the first debate of the General Election after a disagreement with organizers. Associated Press.

PACs aim to build congressional rivals' name recognition. The race between Djou and Takai garners interest from the VoteVets organization. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: I’ve seen this parade before. Dozens of hopeful candidates from diverse walks of life, hopeful, excited, sporting banners and signs and buttons and T-shirts and stickers and websites, all believing this will be the election year that Hawaii elects more than a token representation of Republicans. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hundreds of property owners on Oahu have been told their land has been reclassified and is now in a "high-risk" flood zone as the result of remapping by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

Lately the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s finances have garnered a lot of attention as faculty members, students and the public speculate about the mysterious firing of Chancellor Tom Apple and its connection with his directive to freeze all hiring in an effort to stop the budget bleeding. Civil Beat.

With evacuated residents allowed back to their homes, Honolulu firefighters shifted their focus Sunday to stopping a massive brush fire from reaching the Honouliuli Forest Reserve — home to dozens of threatened and endangered species. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: City transit officials are tiresome in their dishonest attempts to blame citizen lawsuits for massive cost overruns that are shredding their promise to build Oahu's $5.26 billion rail line on time and on budget. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based solar energy firms RevoluSun and Distributed Energy Partners, which together have designed and built solar energy systems totaling more than 50-megawatts of energy in Hawaii since 2009, are restructuring to divide work for the residential and commercial markets. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The state of Hawaii depleted its Major Disaster Fund in response to Tropical Storm Iselle, according to a Thursday letter sent by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to President Barack Obama seeking federal assistance. Tribune-Herald.

A day after completing its two-week effort to restore power to upper Puna, Hawaii Electric Light Co. personnel continued to work with county crews and other agencies Sunday to clear debris left by Tropical Storm Iselle. Star-Advertiser.

He was a hotelier, a police commissioner, a County Council member, a state senator, a state representative and, more recently, a member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. But most of all, Robert “Bob” Herkes was a dogged fighter for the people. West Hawaii Today.

Tawn Keeney is determined that the Honokaa People’s Theater will not follow so many others of its kind into the twilight. West Hawaii Today.

There will be an increase in nighttime aircraft traffic over Hilo throughout this week due to runway repairs at the Hilo International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui officials are looking for ideas on how to repurpose a high school campus that was once home to Congresswoman Patsy Mink, its class valedictorian for 1944. Associated Press.

Pulama Lana'i continues to move ahead with development of a facility to convert salty groundwater to drinking water and for irrigation use. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department may become the first law enforcement agency in the state with all officers wearing body cameras. Garden Island.

County of Kauai officials say they would like to give nonresidential landowners more time to construct additional dwelling units on their property as the economy continues to recover. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Candidate, groups, try to delay election to decide Democratic victor for U.S. Senate, Native Hawaiians want Kerry to talk sovereignty on Honolulu visit today, $150M Honolulu rail bids to be opened, fired Maui trash chief appeals, Kauai mulls pay as you throw trash plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Photo by Tim Wright
U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in Puna, photo by Tim Wright
U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that she is considering legal action to stop Friday’s scheduled election on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Tuesday asked the state Office of Elections to delay Friday's vote in two Puna precincts that will decide the Democratic Senate primary battle with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and also warned that she will likely go to court to try to postpone the vote. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she plans to file an injunction to stop Friday's election. She is running in a tight Democratic primary race for Senate against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Associated Press.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she will file a lawsuit to stop the election from taking place in storm-ravaged areas this Friday. Her office confirmed the move late Tuesday. KHON2.
photo by Michael S. Zola
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in Puna, photo by Michael S. Zola

With power and communications still out in some Puna neighborhoods, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa says that now is not the time to hold an election. Hanabusa, who trails Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,600 votes in Hawaii's U.S. Senate race, said she plans to file a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court no later than Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to open a polling place Friday for two storm-damaged precincts in Puna were moving ahead Tuesday despite a threat of a legal challenge from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and criticism from other politicians and both major political parties. Tribune-Herald.

A new date has been set for voting in remote Hawaii precincts that were closed on election day by a tropical storm that clobbered the area, but it's unclear how thousands of voters will find out in time to cast ballots Friday. Associated Press.

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa may feel it’s necessary to be on the ground in Puna this week, but the other two members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have no immediate plans to visit the disaster area. Civil Beat.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visits Honolulu Wednesday where he will give a speech at the East-West Center in Manoa and meet with military leaders at U.S. Pacific Command headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

Kerry’s Visit a Chance to Answer Questions on Native Hawaiian Recognition. Will the Secretary of State address the single most important question raised in Hawaii since 1898. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is coming off a crushing defeat in the Democratic primary, but he is still head of state for four more months.  Now he's taking some heat for using a personal day Monday in the middle of a crisis in Puna following Hurricane Iselle. Governor Abercrombie was in meetings today and decided he will go to the Big Island Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Perusing the Financial Disclosures of Hawaii Gov Candidates. Ige and Aiona are boring compared to Hannemann. Civil Beat.

Primary Candidates Spent Over $3.4 Million on TV Ads Since May. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz was the biggest spender at more than $1 million, followed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie at nearly a half-million. Civil Beat.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds beneficiaries of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) that beneficiary households may request reimbursement for the actual dollar value of food destroyed by storm related power outages. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Wednesday plans to unseal bids submitted by contractors who want build the first nine westside stations for the city's $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Officials with the city and United Public Workers union announced a new agreement Tuesday that allows paramedics and emergency medical technicians to work longer shifts in exchange for shorter workweeks. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the Ward Warehouse retail center in Kakaako could be demolished in the second half of 2015 to make way for two condominium towers as part of a second phase of residential development at Ward Centers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As a nation turns its eyes to a rural community on the Big Island that will decide a U.S. Senate race, residents here sometimes struggle to name the candidates vying for their votes. Part of this has to do with the Aloha State’s aversion to electoral politics. A majority of residents don’t vote. And this is Puna, a place where people come to disappear. Civil Beat.

As officials assess the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Iselle, it’s evident the Big Island’s agriculture industry has sustained a severe blow. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue to make progress on restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Iselle. An estimated 6,800 – or about eight percent – of customers remain without power, down from an estimated 8,100 on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurt by wind damage and power problems caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory nevertheless continues to operate with the help of distant U.S. Geological Service outposts. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island forestry and invasive species experts have been warning for years that albizia trees are a major threat to residents’ safety and property. Now, after seeing the devastation wrought by falling trees in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, they say they have irrefutable proof. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Former Maui County Solid Waste Division Chief Tracy Takamine is appealing a decision upholding disciplinary action that led to his firing last year, alleging that an investigation by the county was improper and unfair. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management has announced that beginning Aug. 1, budget constraints are anticipated that will curtail refuse pickup scheduling and landfill hours. This will affect all Maui County refuse account holders, refuse haulers, contractors and all those utilizing Maui County landfills. Maui Weekly.

The next phase of the Lahaina bypass project will build the roadway farther south, extending it from Hokiokio Place to a southern terminus near the former Olowalu landfill, state Department of Transportation officials said at a meeting in Lahaina last week. Maui News.

The much-discussed 600-unit housing project proposed by Alexander & Baldwin in North Kihei was approved by a unanimous vote of the Maui County Council on Friday, Aug. 1. Maui Weekly.

Maui Electric Company announced today that it is deploying boom trucks and other equipment to Hawai‘i Island today to assist Hawai‘i Electric Light in restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Cyclone Iselle. Maui Now.

Today is the deadline set to apply for the chief of police vacancy on Maui. The recruitment notice indicates that the job pays $135,000 per year. Maui Now.

Kauai

A measure now being considered before the Kauai County Council, Bill 2551, would implement a new waste management program, called pay as you throw, which aims to divert some waste from the Kekaha landfill and bolster recycling practices. It would charge residential and commercial customers incremental rates based upon how much they choose to throw away.  Garden Island.

A Kauai firefighter’s discrimination case was given a jury trial date on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. Bruce Chapin filed a civil complaint alleging discriminatory compensation and retaliation claims against Kauai Fire Department on May 9, 2013.Garden Island.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Honolulu council defers homeless bills, Abercrombie fighting to remain governor, GMO to stay on Maui ballot, Native Hawaiian governance delayed, tax office computer malfunction sends erroneous notices, Schatz spends six times Hanabusa, quarter of the population on Medicaid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki homeless sleep on sidewalk ©2014 All Hawaii News
The Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee voted Thursday to defer indefinitely three bills banning sitting and lying on sidewalks and two bills banning urination and defecation in Waikiki and elsewhere on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Two measures proposed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell that would ban public urination and defecation in Waikiki, as well as sitting and lying on sidewalks in the tourist district, were deferred indefinitely by the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday. Civil Beat.

The city's Zoning and Planning committee has voted to indefinitely defer two bills that would have made it illegal for people to sit or lie on public sidewalks. The council committee made their decision after grilling officials with the Mayor's office during a meeting Thursday at Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

Five bills that would have made it a petty misdemeanor to lie or sit on city sidewalks or go to the bathroom in public were unexpectedly shelved by the City Council's Committee on Zoning and Planning. KITV4.

Why is Neil Abercrombie in danger of becoming the first governor since 1962 to lose re-election? Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Abercrombie’s Official Schedule Smacks of Electioneering. Abercrombie is taking advantage of taxpayer dollars to glad-hand voters throughout the state. Civil Beat.

With just over two weeks to go until the Aug. 9 primary, gubernatorial candidate David Ige has finally released his first TV spot. Civil Beat.

The Lieutenant Governor’s race has been low key.  The candidates have not participated in any joint appearance or forum and it appears unlikely they will meet prior to the August 9 Primary Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

As primary nears, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz spends more than six times as much as challenger Colleen Hanabusa for ads running July 21 to 27 in Senate race. Civil Beat.

The League of Women Voters has criticized a Kim campaign tactic urging her supporters to take a picture of their ballot and post to social media. Hawaii Independent.

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is upset that an email sent from Donna Mercado Kim’s campaign headquarters “urged voters to take a photograph of their ballot to show they voted for her and share it on social media.” Civil Beat.

The state recently sent erroneous balance-due notices to taxpayers who had paid their taxes on time, highlighting ongoing problems with the Tax Department's faulty $87.5 million computer system. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has extended its timeline for establishing a Native Hawaiian governing entity by six months after many residents criticized the process as too rushed. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees announced Thursday a six-month extension to its nation-building effort, a move that will delay the election of delegates until January, the convention until April and the formal referendum until July 2015. Star-Advertiser.

New statistics released by the state Department of Human Services show about a quarter of Hawaii’s population relies on Medicaid. Hawaii Reporter.

Disclosures: Googling Hawaii’s Former Board Members. Online databases contain much of the information that former members of the Board of Regents and Land Use Commission may have wanted kept confidential. Civil Beat.

Capitol Hill Feasted on Hirono’s Hawaiian Hospitality. The senator's Hawaii on the Hill event gets rave review from Roll Call. Civil Beat.

More than three years after an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, a sign is returning home to a small fishing village after drifting thousands of miles across the Pacific to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A new Honolulu City Council bill would ban people under 21 years old from purchasing tobacco and electronic smoking products on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

One of the state's largest unions is funding an ugly battle over a city council seat. Aikea, which was founded by the hotel workers union, has sent thousands of attack mailers targeting Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga. Hawaii News Now.

A nonprofit developer trying to build rental loft housing on state land in Kakaako for low-income artists has overcome a big financing hurdle to put the roughly $37 million project in good position to break ground next year. Star-Advertiser.

An initial phase of rental housing for low-income seniors in Mililani Mauka is poised to break ground soon after a state agency provided key tax credit financing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Japanese developer of a $31 million redevelopment project at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki is looking to start construction on the long-planned venture in late September, the project developer’s attorney told Pacific Business News on Thursday.

The first women on Virginia-class attack submarines in the Pacific will serve on the USS Texas and USS Mississippi at Pearl Harbor starting in fiscal 2016, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Construction of the Pahoa District Park will begin in less than two weeks, Hawaii County announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

A fish farming technology company plans to begin construction of a huge, untethered and highly automated spherical pen for farming yellowfin and bigeye tuna off the Kohala coast. West Hawaii Today.

The Food Basket will make local produce available to all residents through its new community supported agriculture program, beginning next month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

GMO initiative will appear on Nov. 4 ballot; council defers. Maui County Council members declined to take action Thursday on a voter-initiated bill to impose a moratorium on genetically engineered crops until they can be proven safe. Maui News.

A bill seeking a ban on the use and sale of polystyrene disposable food service containers in Maui County comes up for review before a council committee on Monday. Maui Now.

A popular Hawaii train tourist attraction on Maui is set to close after 45 years in business. Associated Press.

End of the line for ‘important part of the history of Maui’. Lahaina Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad has taken some 15 million passengers through West Maui on its iconic "Sugar Cane Train" ride since 1969. Its last riders will be going aboard Aug. 1. Maui News.

An affordable rental multi-family apartment project is proposed for construction on eight acres of land in the South Maui community of Kīhei. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council voted down two charter amendment proposals that would have let voters determine whether public access and open space projects should receive more taxpayer money and if the council vacancy process should change. Garden Island.

Though Kauai County tax officials acknowledged that they do not know how many island residents saw increases on their tax bills, some county officials say another look at recent reforms to county tax laws must be taken to find equitable solutions. Garden Island.

Monday, July 14, 2014

RIMPAC war games continue, Maui tourism data questioned, Kauai officials want pay hikes, Interior Department reconsidering Native Hawaiian sovereignty rule, Abercrombie scraps debates, condo association rules tighten, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo by U.S. Nanvy
The Indian navy Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate INS Sahyadr, U.S. Navy courtesy photo
Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises in Hawaii are many things to many nations in an increasingly interconnected world. RIMPAC provides the ability to work in large ship formations at sea. For the United States, this year it's a chance to develop better military-to-military working relationships with China, which is participating for the first time. Star-Advertiser.

For both Norway and the U.S. Navy, the firing of a Norwegian Naval Strike Missile during Rim of the Pacific war games was a big deal. Star-Advertiser.

The Interior Department will not pursue a rule creating an administrative mechanism for recognizing a future Native Hawaiian government if the consensus from written and oral testimony is against that path, an agency spokeswoman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has backed out of three of the four AARP Hawaii debates with state Sen. David Ige before the Democratic primary. Star-Advertiser.

David Ige and Neil Abercrombie may be longtime Democratic elected officials, but they have clashed repeatedly in recent debates over leadership, policy and the direction of the state. A Civil Beat examination of the campaign finances and spending patterns of the two candidates also reveals dramatically different politicians. It’s entirely lopsided, with the governor raising and spending millions of dollars compared to the senator’s very modest donations and expenditures.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, bidding to win election to the job to which he ascended, raised $357,000 over the past six months, according to his campaign finance report. Star-Advertiser.

With less than a month to go before the Aug. 9 primary, state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, a veteran campaigner, and human rights activist Kathryn Xian, a political newcomer, are the U.S. House candidates who are stepping away from the pack on key issues. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s a look at the week’s most interesting and important developments in Hawaii’s election campaigns. Associated Press.

The Candidate Advisory Council for the University of Hawaii has begun the recruitment process for six seats on the Board of Regents after two more resignations. Four of the seats need to be filled immediately because the resignation of regents Saedene Ota of Maui County, Carl Carlson of Hawaii County, Tom Shigemoto of Kauai County and John Dean of Honolulu County. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii condominium owners got some help from the Legislature this year in monitoring how condo association boards manage their property and finances -- a sometimes delicate issue that can divide neighbors. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed three members to the seven-member Board of Land and Natural Resources. The governor said Friday the appointments will fill seats vacated by two members who resigned and another whose term expired. Associated Press.

Rise in human trafficking impacts Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for July 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

If city Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary Nicole Velasco had her way, all 437 seats on Oahu's 33 neighborhood boards would be filled. Star-Advertiser.

A staffing shortage forced the city's Emergency Management Services division to close ambulance units Saturday night and Sunday. The shutdowns occurred after two paramedics were injured in an accident at Ala Moana Center Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island could do more to improve mass transit and bolster rideshare programs. That’s according to a new study prepared for the Kohala Center by the Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment, which called for increased carpooling and clearer county bus schedules. West Hawaii Today.

A new study released this week points to something Hawaii County drivers know already: the roads are in bad need of repair. But there is an additional threat to the state’s transportation system on the horizon — the possibility of a 28 percent cut in federal reimbursements for road projects. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Is There a Conflict of Interest in Hawaii’s Startup World? A venture capital firm's first two investments, supported with public funds, are in companies owned by the firm's founders. Civil Beat.

The veracity of the data used by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to compile reports about Maui’s tourism industry has been the subject of a complaint, delaying reporting for several months. Maui Now.

A county Board of Ethics complaint has been filed against Maui County Council Member Don Guzman for allegedly conducting private business on county time by assisting former mayoral candidate Neldon Mamuad in his last-minute bid to file his papers to run for office last month. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa issued a gag order to all county employees, including civil service and appointed staff, barring them from communicating directly with members of the County Council and their staff. Maui Weekly.

Lahaina Harbor on Maui is going to be getting a new ferry pier. It’s designed to ease congestion, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources revised its plans after hearing from the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Several County of Kauai department heads say they will seek pay raises for themselves and other higher-ranking employees. They say the raises will bring the county’s salary scale up to par with other counties and match the worth of their growing responsibilities. Garden Island.

A lot has changed, Daynette “Dee” Morikawa said, since she was elected to her first term in the state House of Representatives. Garden Island.

The new slate of Kauai Farm Bureau officers and board of directors represents more than 200 years of combined farming experience, said Jerry Ornellas, outgoing president. Garden Island.

Molokai
Molokai Has the Most to Lose, But Least Say in GMO Debate. A November ballot initiative could shut down its biggest employers, but the island's population is dwarfed by voters elsewhere in Maui County. Civil Beat.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Rapes on campus, Hawaii candidates take to the airways, Big Island monk seal dies from fish hook, Oahu home prices hit record, former Maui mayor making comeback, Kauai newspaper goes 7 days, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
University of Hawaii at Manoa © 2014 All Hawaii News

Is UH Doing Its Part to Combat Sexual Assaults on Campus? Critics say the University of Hawaii's approach to sexual violence ends up discouraging victims from reporting incidents. Civil Beat.

Several Pacific island officials are opposed to President Barack Obama's proposal to create the world's largest marine sanctuary in the Central Pacific, which would greatly expand protected fishing areas. Star-Advertiser.

The National Marine Fisheries Service on Thursday classified as endangered and threatened four distinct populations of a shark species whose fins are favored as an ingredient in shark fin soup. Associated Press.

With just five weeks to go before primary elections, campaigns in Hawaii are picking up speed. Associated Press.

At 9 p.m. Monday most Hawaii voters will have their first chance to see and hear from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as they debate the issues side by side. Civil Beat.

VIDEO: Schatz, Hanabusa Agree On Jones Act. Big Island Video News.

Commentary: Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is using the attention he's getting as a victim of negative campaigning by Pacific Resource Partnership to fuel his own negative campaign against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Cayetano, who backs U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa against Schatz, demanded that Schatz fire Andy Winer as his chief of staff because Winer advised PRP in its campaign against him for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

About the only thing Neil Abercrombie and David Ige seemed to have in common during a debate in Honolulu Thursday night were colorful aloha shirts. The incumbent governor and the state senator who is challenging him in the Democratic primary disagreed on many of the issues discussed live on PBS Hawaii’s “Insights.” The arguments were especially heated over who deserves credit for the state’s economic recovery and whether the administration or the Legislature was more fiscally responsible. Civil Beat.

A new campaign video offers a personal look at Gov. Neil Abercrombie, from his first impression of Hawaii when he arrived as a university teaching assistant in 1959 to his fondness for Japanese cinema and Hawaiian music to his emotional bond with Agnes "Aggie" Kalaniho‘okaha Cope, his hanai mother. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i’s 1st Congressional District had the only Asian-majority in the U.S. for decades …a distinction it now shares with San Jose, California.  But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the seven candidates vying for the democratic nomination in the primary election are reaching out to the district’s Asian majorities from Waipahu to Hawai’i Kai.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A plan to create pedestrian walkways and other improvements along the main commercial strip of historic Haleiwa is advancing four years after the city appropriated more than $2 million for the long-envisioned project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu median home price rises to record $700,000. Low interest rates and rising personal income are among the factors driving up demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As the United States celebrates its declaration of freedom from Britain’s tyranny this Independence Day, it continues to illegally occupy Hawaii — an independent nation that deserves self-determination and restoration by its people — Native Hawaiian testifiers said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Mostly forgotten heiau may be last left in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A monk seal pup that was found bleeding from the mouth two days ago on the Big Island has died.  Marine mammal experts have confirmed that the seal pup's death was caused by a fishing hook. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Former Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana is looking to return to politics with a bid for the state House seat representing Central Maui against incumbent Justin Woodson. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Brewing Co. and other small Hawaii producers of beer, liquor and wine rejoiced Saturday as Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill that removes and increases manufacturing caps on their yearly productions. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is moving forward with revised plans to build a new pier at Lahaina Harbor for interisland ferries. Maui News.

Kauai

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will be providing drive-thru voter registration services in the parking area fronting the Historic County Building and Annex Building from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 9 and July 10. Hawaii Reporter.

Damaged Coco Palms building torn down. Garden Island.

The Garden Island newspaper announced today that it will bring back its Saturday edition beginning July 12.  Editor-in-Chief Bill Buley said he and his staff are “thrilled to again be putting out a print edition every day.”

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Department of Interior meetings highlight Native Hawaiian gripes, Schatz, Hanabusa continue debates, Abercrombie signs bills easing youth punishments, state departments face budget cuts, environmental activist says cars fire-bombed, few women on Honolulu Police force, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii Rep. Faye Hanonhano sings at DOI meeting © 2014 All Hawaii News
In the heart of Keaukaha, one of the most Hawaiian communities on one of the most Hawaiian of the islands, speakers were polite but firm: They will create their own government, thank you very much. More than 130 people signed up to testify Wednesday evening to a panel of Department of the Interior, Office of the U.S. Attorney General and other Obama administration officials. Hundreds more crowded into the Keaukaha Elementary School gymnasium to listen. West Hawaii Today.

Native Hawaiians on Hawaii island got their first of three opportunities Wednesday night to yell at federal officials for even considering the idea of starting a process to create a new relationship with a future Native Hawaiian government. Department of the Interior officials moved their two weeks of hearings to Hawaii island Wednesday, but the angry sentiments they heard echoed previous sessions on Oahu, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Video: Rep. Faye Hanohano testifies at the DOI Hearing in Keaukaha July 2, 2014, including a rousing heart-felt singing of Hawai`i Pono`i with the whole crowd! Nanci Munroe.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is holding meetings around Hawai’i, asking how the federal government should be involved in creating a Hawaiian nation.   Should the interior secretary propose establishing a government to government relationship with Hawaiians and help set it up? Or should the DOI leave it to the state, with possible federal requirements?  Some who have been studying the issue say, neither. Hawaii Public Radio.

Candidates running in a closely watched Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate checked their tone Wednesday night in a forum at Sangha Hall in Hilo. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said that he will not go negative in the campaign, but U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa came across as ready to fight. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa used a debate Wednesday evening to outline their leadership abilities, with Schatz describing the relationships he has built so far with Senate leaders and Hanabusa saying she has proved she can earn the trust and respect of her colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

Social Security Takes Center Stage at Second US Senate Debate. Sen. Schatz and Rep. Hanabusa also tangle over military training on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa faced off Wednesday in their only Big Island showdown. Held before a capacity crowd at Sangha Hall in Hilo, the 90-minute debate exposed few major policy differences between the top Democratic candidates. Tribune-Herald.

US Sen. Brian Schatz and US Rep. Colleen Hanabusa squared off tonight in Hilo as they looked to garner support for their bids in the Democratic primary to fill the remaining term of the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. Big Island Now.

The Abercrombie administration is restricting discretionary spending by state departments by 10 percent, or about $14 million, as a precautionary step until the economy has shown measurable signs of improvement, the state budget director said. Star-Advertiser.

The public will likely have to wait longer than promised before gaining free and easy access to the inspection reports of more than 1,600 long-term care facilities in Hawaii. Despite an 18-month lead time and receiving all its requested funding, there are doubts that the state Health Department will be ready to start posting inspection reports online by Jan. 1 as required by law, according to government officials and lawmakers. Civil Beat.

Life sentences without parole for minors are now abolished in Hawaii. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill Wednesday recognizing that children convicted of first-degree murder should be treated differently than murderous adults. Associated Press.

A bill Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Wednesday, Act 201, attempts to improve the juvenile system by reserving the 56 beds at Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility for serious juvenile offenders and diverting less serious offenders to group homes or other private institutions. Abercrombie also signed a law that bans sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a pair of bills Wednesday aimed at juvenile offenders. One, House Bill 2490, will focus space at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility on Oahu for the state’s most serious young offenders while strengthening probation practices to better manage those who committed lower-level offenses. The other, House Bill 2116, eliminates the sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for juvenile offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Tanning salons are no longer for minors in Hawaii, according to a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The act, which began as House Bill 611, makes it illegal for a tanning salon to allow a person younger than 18 to use any tanning equipment. Star-Advertiser.

Election watchdogs are concerned Hawaii's new law, which allows same day voter registration by the year 2018, will heighten the chances of voter fraud here. Hawaii Reporter.

Inspectors with the Hawaii Department of Health this month will begin assigning color-coded placards to restaurants across the state intended to inform diners of any food safety violations.Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A man known for his environmental investigations in Hawaii says his cars were fire bombed overnight, and the victim says he believes he knows who committed the crime. Hawaii News Now.

Is aerial advertising in Hawaii legal or against the law? According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Aerial Banners North is allowed to fly despite a city ordinance against aerial advertising. The FAA said Wednesday that the company was granted a certificate of waiver that trumps any law on the state or county level. KHON2.

Less than 24 hours after Honolulu police swept the sidewalk of homeless camps across from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kaakako, the same stretch was filled with 20 tents again Wednesday, as some UH employees said the homeless make them uneasy after hours. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Department Pushes to Increase Number of Female Officers On the Force. One in 10 cops in Honolulu are women. The department aims to boost their numbers to nearly one in eight — for good reasons, deputy chief says. Civil Beat.

More than half of the Honolulu Police Department's 2,000 officers have begun turning in their Smith & Wessons for Glock 17 semi-automatic handguns. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center's massive redevelopment project that eliminated 2,000 parking stalls is putting a damper on this year's Fourth of July celebration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County voters will get an opportunity in the Nov. 4 General Election to decide whether the county clerk should serve a four-year term, even though council members are elected for just two years. The ballot amendment passed 7-1 Wednesday by County Council is a compromise from the original bill that would have had the clerk serve a six-year term and be removed only for cause. West Hawaii Today.

If the state’s Commission for Water Resource Management decides to designate the Keauhou aquifer a water management area, well owners and developers are looking at a potentially lengthy and expensive process to determine who has the right to use water in the area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii cable customers stand to benefit from a planned merger of Oceanic Time Warner and Comcast Corp., according to a joint filing by the companies. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Neldon Mamuad may have lost his court appeal to remain on the ballot - yet his name still will be on the ballot. Maui News.

With a list of conditions, the Maui County Council's Land Use Committee on Wednesday recommended approval of community plan amendments and zoning changes to allow for the development of A&B Properties' proposed 600-unit housing project in north Kihei. Maui News.

Work continued on the Kahului Airport access road last week. Construction on the Puunene Avenue to Hana Highway side of the project is nearing 50 percent completion, according to Derek Inoshita of the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

The events stadium being built at Lahainaluna High School in West Maui will be named in honor of Sue D. Cooley, its primary benefactor and part-time Maui resident, the state Department of Education announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Health is urging people to stay out of Wailua River and Bay following a landslide near Mount Waialeale earlier this week. Garden Island.

This week’s public meetings on Kauai to discuss whether the federal government should pursue federal recognition of Native Hawaiians were dominated by emotional and often angry testimony from dozens of community members. Garden Island.

When it came time for the public to comment on a report on how to address the island’s feral cat population, Kauai County Councilman Mel Rapozo said there certainly was no dearth of it. Garden Island.

Molokai

Across Hawaii, tensions are rising as the federal Department of Interior (DOI) proposes establishing a Native Hawaiian government. Last Saturday, Molokai residents joined in the widespread opposition. The slick floor of Kaunakakai Elementary School cafeteria was strewn with symbolic red ribbons, also pinned to the shirts and blouses of dozens of community members to show their disapproval. Molokai Dispatch.