Showing posts with label surfing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surfing. Show all posts

Monday, January 23, 2023

More Native Hawaiians flee Hawaii for Vegas, thousands flock to Eddie surf contest, Gov. Green to deliver first State of the State today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Native Hawaiians flock to Las Vegas for affordable living. According to 2021 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the biggest growth of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander populations was in Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, and Sacramento County, Calif. The biggest decline of Native Hawaiian residents was in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Advocates Say It’s No Longer Whether Hawaii Should Charge A Green Fee, But How.
Hawaii's new governor supports a visitor-impact fee, and supporters say they're more organized than ever. But it will be up to state legislators to decide. Civil Beat.

Senators put Hawaii Tourism Authority in the hot seat again. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is headed for another rough round in the Legislature, but the stakes are higher this session, when for the first time, the agency’s future is entirely dependent on getting a share of general funds from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Green to deliver inaugural State of the State address this week.
The governor will deliver his speech at 10 a.m. Monday to a joint session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature in the House chamber at the state Capitol in Honolulu. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now

Proposed $1 Billion Hydrogen Fuel Hub Signals A New Start For Reenergized Hawaii Agency. Hawaii’s bid marks a fresh start for an economic development department that was plagued by challenges under former Gov. David Ige’s director, Mike McCartney. Civil Beat.

Darker window tint might be allowed on Hawaii vehicles.
Hawaii’s vehicle tinting businesses could see a boom if a bill becomes law allowing vehicle owners to have darker window tinting. Star-Advertiser.

‘One Health’ stresses link between humans, environment.
The health of humans is interconnected with the health of other animals, which are both interconnected with the health of the environment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Thousands flock to Waimea Bay to see Luke Shepardson win the ‘Eddie’.  The surf had blasted sand and water across Kameha­meha Highway. The Ke Nui bike path, in places, was inundated and sandy. The beach extended into Ehukai Beach Park’s parking lot. Pipeline, looking like rolling hills, was unrecognizable. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. KHON2.

For the first time, women compete in The Eddie Big Surf Competition. For the first time ever, women were included in the lineup to catch the monster waves out at Waimea Bay. KITV4.

Viewing of Kawananakoa’s casket draws crowd to Iolani Palace. 
Lines of people thronged the sidewalk in front of Iolani Palace on Sunday for a chance to pay their respects to Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, the first member of a Native Hawaiian royal family to lie in state for a public viewing at Iolani Palace in more than a century. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Police chief outlines goals; community survey to go live Feb. 1. After a private swearing in ceremony Jan. 11 for Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz in Hilo, the new Hawaii County top cop took the oath again in a public affair Friday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Bone dry: County spigots busy as E. Hawaii residents on catchment see tanks dwindle.
The prolonged dry spell that’s thus far been the story of the wet season on the Big Island’s windward side has caused long lines at the county’s public water spigots for residents who rely on water catchment. Tribune-Herald.

Update On Formation Of New Maunakea Authority.
The Hawaiʻi House Committee on Finance heard from interim members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Decommissioning of Caltech observatory on Maunakea summit on track for this year. It is one of two Maunakea telescopes currently in the final stages of the decommissioning process mandated in the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan. Big Island Now.

Coolant Leaks At Maunakea Telescope Investigated. Two fluid leaks from the chilling system of the UH 88-inch observatory on the summit of Maunakea are being investigated by the University of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Home sales slow in 2022: Interest rate hikes chill Big Island housing market.
Big Island real estate agents are hopeful the housing market will stabilize in 2023 after sales slowed in 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Octopus farm is ordered to halt illegal activity. The Kailua-Kona concern — which fell under a national media spotlight in December that suggested the operation and its methods were cruel to the octopuses — was ordered to discontinue its activities last week after the state Division of Aquatic Resources declared it was operating without required permits. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Incumbent Maui Councilwoman Alice Lee Won Seat. Her opponent Noelani Ahia had filed a lawsuit challenging the election. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill on residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale surfaces for review. A bill relating to residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale, will be reconsidered at the Maui County Council meeting on Jan. 27. Maui Now.


East Maui Residents Endured A Month Without Phone Or Internet After Storm. Hawaiian Telcom says the area is remote and rugged, making it more challenging to do the repair work. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Advocates for Native Hawaiian women, girls push legislators to tackle sex trafficking. Advocates address Kaua‘i councilmembers, law enforcement officials, service providers and community members during the public meeting prompted by the recent publication of “Holoi ā nalo Wāhine ‘Ōiwi.” Kauai Now.

Hawai‘i kupuna watchdog head says program in need of expansion. For some of Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable kupuna, a little-known government position known as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman can mean the difference between torment and safety. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Green pledges $100M to fight climate change, 'monster' surf expected tonight, Ellison traffic ticket shows lack of preferential treatment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2023 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Wolf moon ©2023 All Hawaii News
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green pledges $100M to fight climate change. Gov. Josh Green kicked off Hawaii’s Climate Action Week on Monday pledging to dedicate $100 million of the state’s $1.9 billion budget surplus to address climate change. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Pair of Hawaii lawmakers push for poker and sports betting.
Reps. John Mizuno and Daniel Holt on Monday touted a plan to introduce a bill that would permit only two types of gambling, poker and sports betting, at one establishment on Oahu not at a hotel, under a state license regulated by a commission. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Proposal would increase public funding for Hawaii campaigns. State Sen. Karl Rhoads plans to introduce legislation this year to help county, state and Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates raise more campaign money through public funds to ease their reliance on lobbyists and private donors with the goal of promoting “clean elections.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

1st Native Hawaiian woman nominated to lead DLNR facing opposition. A petition has been started to oppose Gov. Josh Green's nominee, Dawn Chang, to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Chang is a former deputy attorney general for the department, and previously served on the state Land Use Commission. She also started a company called Ku’iwalu Consulting.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Agency Is Racing ‘Against The Clock’ To Build New Preschools. The School Facilities Authority says it needs help to meet a June 2024 deadline to build and renovate up to 200 preschool classrooms. Civil Beat.

‘Firework zones’ eyed following noisy, dangerous start to 2023. The state wants to work with the counties and first responders to establish “fireworks zones” in the wake of this year’s New Year’s celebrations, which resulted in a long list of injuries and one death. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Eddie Aikau surf contest set to begin Wednesday on Oahu. More than 20,000 people are likely to descend upon Waimea Bay on Wednesday as a giant North Shore swell is expected to allow “The Eddie” big-wave surf contest to run for only the 10th time in some 40 years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Real property tax assessment appeals deadline draws near. The deadline to dispute your real property tax assessment is this Sunday, Jan. 15, but some said they have had issues getting assistance from the city. KHON2.

Hawaii Kids ‘Connect These Dots’ To Understand Climate Change. From public schools on the Westside to private schools in Honolulu, teachers are finding creative ways to educate — and empower — students facing the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Iolani Palace Is Preparing For Hawaiian Royal Heiress Kawananakoa To Lie In State. The public memorial event is expected to be held later this month. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

$50K grant allows for upgrades to a tiny home community in Kapolei. Nareit Hawaii awarded a $50,000 grant to U.S. Vets to pay for a new kitchen, secure storage spaces, private mailboxes and air conditioners in the shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

COVID hospitalizations rise: HMC sees ‘typical bump’ in infections after holiday season. Over the holidays, Hilo Medical Center saw a bump in COVID-19 hospitalizations, increasing from a daily average of between five and seven patients to 18 patients on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR to consider bag limit increases for feral pigs. New hunting regulations that would double the amount of feral pigs a hunter could take each day in certain Puna forest reserves will once again be considered by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Annual Point-In-Time Count slated Jan. 23 to 27.  The annual Point-In-Time Count will take place later this month on the Big Island with volunteers and advocates working to provide a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in the community. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council member: Body cam video of Larry Ellison traffic stop shows no one ‘above the law’. Billionaire Larry Ellison was pulled over last year for a variety of traffic violations on Lanai, the island he owns. Hawaii News Now.

Pending lawsuit over vote counting protocols keeps major Maui County Council seat vacant. It has been one week since Maui County Council members took the oath of office. However, one seat remains vacant because of a pending lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

The Doobie Brothers’ 50th Anniversary Tour makes Maui stop, May 2. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents The Doobie Brothers in concert Tuesday, May 2 in the A&B Amphitheater & Yokouchi Pavilion. Maui Now. Maui News.

MEO Head Start application period for 2023-24 opens Feb. 1.  Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start, a 100% subsidized preschool program for low income families, will begin accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year beginning Feb. 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawai‘i State Senator Mike Gabbard (D-20) will join the Kaua‘i Climate Action Form for its latest virtual monthly meeting, scheduled for this week. Gabbard, who is chairman of the Hawai‘i Senate Agriculture & Environmental Committee, will be joined by activist Maya van Rossum. Kauai Now.

Head of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television steps down after 22 years. After 22 years at the helm of Kaua‘i’s sole community TV station, J Robertson is stepping down as managing director of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Hawaii government workers face twice-monthly furloughs, Maui surfer dies from shark attack, ethics board dings Kim on Mauna Kea access, quarantined travelers swamp Honolulu PD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from Governor's Office video
Gov. David Ige announces furloughs PC: Governor's Office

More than 10,000 state employees face furloughs in January. An estimated 10,160 state employees will face twice-a-month furloughs beginning Jan. 1 and the number will be even higher when Department of Education and University of Hawaii employees are included, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday as he struggles to balance the state’s budget and plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor To Furlough State Workers Beginning In January. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday he is imposing two-day-per-month furloughs for unionized state workers starting Jan. 1 to balance the budget, which amounts to a pay cut of slightly more than 9%. Civil Beat.

Under governor’s furlough plan, most state workers will see a 9% pay cut in 2021. Gov. David Ige announced the furlough plan Wednesday, saying it’s expected to save the state approximately $300 million a year and will be coupled with a host of other budget cuts to programs. Hawaii News Now.

State worker furloughs to start January 1. Thousands of state workers will be furloughed two days per month starting in January. KHON2.

Most state employees to be furloughed starting Jan. 1. Governor David Ige made the announcement Wednesday, noting that the state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for the next four years. KITV4.

Ige announces furloughs: State’s largest unions push back against cutbacks slated for Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 1, about 10,160 state executive branch employees will be subject to furloughs for two days out of every month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii State Employees To Be Furloughed Starting January 1. Thousands of state employees, including public school teachers, will be furloughed when the new year begins. Big Island Video News.

Most Hawai‘i State Workers To Face Furlough in January. Most state government employees will face furloughs beginning in 2021, as Hawai‘i faces massive budget shortfalls in the coming years. Big Island Now.

State to furlough 10K employees. The Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i are on the list of state agencies that will be implementing furloughs effective January 1, 2021. Garden Island.

Furloughs for state employees to start Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that state employees will be furloughed two days a month starting Jan. 1 to offset an expected $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years. Maui News.

Most State Workers to be Furloughed Two Days Per Month Starting in New Year. The state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four fiscal years. Maui Now.

Full news release on how furloughs is here.

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Poll: Fewer than half of Hawaii residents plan to be vaccinated. Fewer than half of Hawaii residents currently plan to take a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to a University of Hawaii poll released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Survey: Many Hawaii residents remain uneasy about getting COVID-19 vaccine. Just 44% of the 616 people surveyed said they planned to take the vaccine when it’s available. Hawaii News Now.

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The Safe Travels Program is working but some want to add mandatory post testing. Lt. Gov. Dr. Josh Green said the State’s Safe Travels Program is working and that he reported his findings to the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Dec. 9. KHON2.

Senate hears mayors’ Safe Travels perspectives. County mayors made their case to the state’s Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 calling for modifications to the state’s Safe Travels program on Wednesday. Garden Island.

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DLNR Has Transferred More Than 19,000 Acres To Use For Agriculture. A program to make more state agricultural lands available for farming and ranching has made progress in the last decade, according to the head of the state agency in charge of those land transfers. Civil Beat.

UH and Hawaiian Electric Collaborate on ‘Green Tariff’ To Benefit Campuses and Community. The University of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Electric have collaborated on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its net-zero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 9: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii and 4 Deaths. Health officials reported 80 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 45 on Oahu, 12 on the Big Island, 15 on Maui and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Authorities overwhelmed with 20,000 in quarantine. Roughly 20,000 people are in travel-related quarantine on Oahu and authorities are unable to keep up with enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

City Council passes ‘surf equity’ bill for permits. Introduced in February by Council member Kym Pine, Bill 10 requires gender equity in the issuance of permits for sports activities by the Honolulu City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, in order to ensure the fair allocation of park facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Pipeline Masters Kicks Off Amid Virus Concerns. Hawaii’s biggest surfing competition of the year is underway on the North Shore. While the surf is up, so are concerns about Covid-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facing economic hardship, restaurants urge city to ease plastic utensils ban. In the final meeting for most of the current Honolulu City Council members, they urged the mayor and legislature to pay more attention to small businesses who are still struggling amid the ongoing pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Army Hospital Will Be One Of The Military’s First COVID-19 Vaccination Sites. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Tripler Army Medical Center will be one of military’s initial vaccination sites. Civil Beat.

Tripler Army Medical Center on O'ahu among first group of DOD locations to administer COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Defense will have just under 44,000 doses of the vaccine in its initial rollout. KITV4.

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3 finalists to build, design new Aloha Stadium announced. Three developer-led teams, all of which list some Hawaii-based elements, are finalists to present proposals for the building of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, according to a post on nased.hawaii.gov today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board rules Kim violated law in Maunakea case. Former Mayor Harry Kim violated the county code against unfair treatment when he allowed protesters to close the Maunakea access road to some people but not others, the Board of Ethics said Wednesday in a unanimous vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County ethics board rules against Kim in TMT case. The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday found former Mayor Harry Kim guilty of violating the county’s ethics code when he didn’t enforce the law evenly during the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protests. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mayor Kim Violated Ethics Code On Mauna Kea, Board Says. Harry Kim allowed for unequal treatment on the Mauna Kea Access Road, where he used county funds to lay gravel for the kūpuna opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Ethics Board says. Big Island Video News.

Fire commission gets budget update. The Hawaii Fire Department is on track to meet its 2020-21 budget, Deputy and acting Fire Chief Robert Perreira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Honolua shark attack victim dies. A 56-year-old Lahaina man died Wednesday after he was attacked by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday morning, according to a hospital official. Maui News.

Victim of shark attack in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies from his injuries. The 56-year-old Lahaina man who was bitten by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay died of his injuries today, according to a spokeswoman for the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Shark Bite Victim on Maui Succumbs to Injuries. It happened hours before the Maui Pro surf competition was set to get underway for professional women surfers. The event was subsequently suspended and beaches were closed for a mile in either direction from DT Fleming to Punalau “Windmills” Beach. Maui Now.

Surfer bit by a shark in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies after his condition deteriorates. The victim, a man in his fifties, was initially reported to be in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery but his condition quickly deteriorated leading to his death. Hawaii News Now.

56-year-old man dead following shark attack at Honolua Bay. Maui Memorial Medical Center has confirmed that a 56-year-old man who was surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday has died. KITV4.

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Maui Seeks Two Week Closure of Bars Amid Rise in COVID-19 Cases. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks, or until Dec. 26, 2020, to stem the recent double-digit increases in COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

Maui mayor requests approval to close bars for 2 weeks. Mayor Victorino announced Wednesday that he’s awaiting approval from Gov. Ige to shutdown all bars starting this Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County seeking bar closures amid rising COVID cases.  Maui County is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 until Dec. 26. KHON2.

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Court to decide how injection wells decision impacts county. A federal court in Hawaii will decide in the spring how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a lawsuit over injection wells in West Maui will apply to Maui County, an attorney in the case said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Behind the scenes of the Kaua‘i District Health Office. The Kaua‘i District Health Office was one of the first to provide translated educational COVID-19 materials. Garden Island.

Ige honors The Cliffs at Princeville, Department of Water. Gov. David Ige honored 20 businesses, venues, and events for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices in the Hawai‘i Green Business Program, which is apart of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and two honorees are from Kaua‘i. Garden Island.


Monday, December 7, 2020

Surf's up! Obama spotted golfing on Oahu, state orders COVID-19 vaccine, Maui prosecutor removed from office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo via Facebook PC:@michaelclarkphoto
Kohl Christensen dropping in on a giant messy wave at Pipeline on the north shore of Oahu. File photo via Facebook PC:@michaelclarkphoto

Warning-level surf expected into Monday. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai and the north-facing shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Pipe Masters could get green light Tuesday. A high surf warning is in effect for most of the state’s north and west facing shores through Monday evening. Surf heights are expected to reach 30 feet on north-facing shores and 20-feet on west-facing shores. KHON2.

Surf's up! The National Weather Service issued a high-surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of all the islands through 6 p.m. today. The northwest swell that arrived Sunday was expected to produce rapidly-rising surf along most north- and west-facing shorelines. Garden Island.

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Former President Barack Obama spotted golfing on Oahu. He was spotted Sunday afternoon at the Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua. KHON2.

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Hawaii DOH places its first order for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. State health officials say the order was for 4,875 doses, and is only a small percentage of the total number of vaccines the state expects to later request if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives the vaccine its stamp of approval. Hawaii News Now.

How This Doctor Is Influencing Hawaii’s Response To COVID-19. A Honolulu doctor critical of the state’s pre-travel testing program is gaining traction with policymakers. Civil Beat.

Several days after Kauai opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, Mayor Derek Kawakami says leaders of each county are calling on Gov. Ige for more required testing. In a county update Friday, he said the proposal is now before the governor. Hawaii News Now.

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Two More Hawaii Inmates Who Died At Saguaro Prison Had COVID-19, New Details Show. More than half of the 1,079 Hawaii prisoners at Saguaro have tested positive for COVID-19. Three have died from the disease. Civil Beat.

Public Safety faces calls to pause moving Hawaii inmates
to an Arizona prison. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 6: 105 New COVID-19 Cases And One Death In Hawaii. Health officials reported 105 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Sunday, including 87 on Oahu, six on Maui, five on the Big Island and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi open to idea of using federal aid to help commercial landlords. Business coalition spearheading commercial rent survey to estimate how great the need is for financial help. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Haiku Stairs management plan goes before the City Council. A private vendor would be allowed to shuttle up to about 150 people daily to the Haiku Stairs for guided hiking tours under a plan proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s bikeshare program is costing the city hundreds of thousands in lost revenue. In the report, Honolulu’s Acting City Auditor Troy Shimasaki said a lack of transparency and accountability in the city’s bikeshare program is costing the city $460,000 a year in lost revenue while the nonprofit Biki is generating more than $2.7 million in annual sales. Hawaii News Now.

'Why Is There So Much Red Tape': Honolulu's Relief Fund Creates Anxiety And Confusion For Some. Honolulu is still trying to spend down federal CARES Act funds by December 30 to help households impacted by the pandemic. But city relief hasn't come for months, with little to no explanation for some who applied. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Prosecutor-elect Alm looks to rebuild office as it continues to take heat. Despite the embarrassing corruption scandal uncovered during former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s trial, conviction, and last week’s sentencing, the City’s auditor has found that policies, procedures and controls have not changed significantly and more needs to be done. KHON2.

Kealoha Scandal Hasn’t Led To Major Reforms At Prosecutor’s Office, Audit Finds. The audit suggests that a Katherine Kealoha-type situation could very well happen again. Civil Beat.

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How famous surfers and wealthy homeowners are endangering Hawaii’s beaches. For decades, homeowners in Punalu‘u watched from large picture windows as locals sunned on the beach and dove for octopus amid the coral reefs of northeast Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu home sales stay strong as buyers bid up prices. Strong demand by buyers bidding above asking price helped push up the median resale price of single-family homes on Oahu to $872,500 in November, the second highest ever. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Aloha, Harry: Hawaii Island mayor leaves office after decades of public service. 81-year-old Mayor Harry Kim is arguably the most significant political figure in Hawaii Island history, having served two terms as mayor from 2000-2008 and another from 2016 until Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim ends third term as ‘voice of authority’. Kim’s term was to end by noon today. He served 36 years in public service — 24 years as a civil defense administrator and 12 years as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

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Lava recovery plans released: Council members say action is needed now. Three long-awaited documents that aim to guide Hawaii County’s recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano — a recovery and resilience plan, an economic recovery plan, and a volcanic risk assessment — have been released. Tribune-Herald.

County Releases Kīlauea Recovery Plan. The plan is a strategic document that will continue to guide recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, along with two supporting documents – an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan. Big Island Now.

Kilauea Recovery Effort Continues With More Funding, Plans Finalized. Along with the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan have also been released. Big Island Video News.

Succession of events led to 2018 Kilauea eruption
. The volcanic pressure that preceded the 2018 Big Island eruption was building for years, but it was a relatively rapid and cascading succession of minor geologic processes that led to one of Hawaii’s most destructive events in 200 years, a new study has found. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Prosecuting attorney removed from office. Don Guzman to challenge decision. The Maui County Council voted unanimously on Friday to remove Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman over violence in the workplace claims, affirming a council committee decision about a month ago. Maui News.

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DOE staffer with COVID-19 visited 3 Maui schools; no closures planned. A Department of Education employee who visited three elementary schools on Maui has tested positive for COVID-19, but no cases have been identified on the campuses and the schools remain open. Star-Advertiser.

Three Maui Elementary Schools Connected to Positive COVID Case Involving HIDOE Employee. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education reports that it was made aware of a COVID-19 case involving an employee who visited three Maui campuses — Pu‘u Kukui, Pōmaika‘i and Kula Elementary schools — between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Maui Now.

3 elementary schools connected to positive COVID case involving Maui HIDOE employee. The Hawaii Department of Education confirmed Saturday, an employee who visited three Maui campuses, tested positive for COVID-19.  KITV4.

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Maui County Temporarily Shuts Down Lava Rock Bar & Grill for Physical Distancing Violations. The County of Maui Department of Liquor Control shut down the Lava Rock Bar & Grill in Kīhei for a 24-hour period this weekend after physical distancing violations were observed during an enforcement operation conducted in conjunction with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui County is expected to get 16,000 doses of COVID vaccine. Maui County is expected to receive about 16,000 doses when the COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Hawaii, with the first doses administered to health care and emergency workers, Mayor Michael Victorino said on Friday. Maui News.

Lee Imada reflects on 40 years with The Maui News. Long before he became an award-winning journalist for his hometown paper, Lee Imada wanted to be an astronaut. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanapepe bridge rehab coming
. Construction and rehabilitation of the 1911 Hanapepe Road bridge over the Hanapepe River won’t be able to start until the makai bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway is completed, but the process has already begun. Garden Island.

Families move into Kealaula on Pua Loke. The first several families have moved into Kaua‘i’s first transit-ready communities project, Kealaula on Pua Loke Supportive Housing Development, in late November. Garden Island.

Feds offering up to $20K for info on 2 seal deaths on Kauai. Federal wildlife officials are offering up to $20,000 for information regarding the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals that occurred within two months of each other. Associated Press.


Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Interim Honolulu councilman chosen, LoPresti challenges state Senate election results, Southwest Airlines closer to Hawaii route, Big Island council advances tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Surfing Waikiki PC: Tor Johnson Hawaii Tourism Authority
State lawmakers consider commission to tie surfing back to its Hawaiian roots. Has the sport of surfing strayed from its roots? A State Surfing Commission would help connect the culture. KITV.

Former state Rep. Matt LoPresti is asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider his challenge of election results in his close contest for a state Senate seat, saying he recently learned the Honolulu City Clerk included 126 invalid ballots in the vote tally in his race. Star-Advertiser.

These Lawmakers Think The State Should Charge $20 To Unblock Porn Sites. The ACLU argues the bills, which would require manufacturers to place blocking devices on computers and phones, are unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says increase to minimum wage ‘definitely’ happening this year. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat Sues To Get Teacher Misconduct Records. The Hawaii Department of Education has refused to turn over much of its information regarding the  disciplining of employees accused of wrongdoing. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers say they're open to tougher punishment for repeat and first-time DUI offenders. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are urged to stop sales of flavored e-cigs and tobacco. State health officials and lawmakers are pushing to ban flavored tobacco products in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Candy flavored tobacco hooks kids.” That’s what the Hawaii Public Health Institute is warning through a new public display. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers are working to reduce waste by preventing restaurants from giving out single-use plastic straws. The bill was co-introduced by Representative Roy Takumi and Representative Linda Ichiyama, and would not completely ban plastic straws, but would require full-service restaurants to provide them only if requested by a customer. KITV.

Long-distance flight test indicates Southwest getting closer to Hawaii routes. Southwest Airlines is expected to carry out a long-distance test flight to Hawaii on Tuesday, an indication that the carrier is getting closer to beginning its long-awaited service to the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines performing validation flights for Hawaii routes. Southwest Airlines is getting one step closer to beginning passenger service to Hawaii. KHON2.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday voted to recommend former city transportation chief Mike Formby to be the temporary District 4 representative, pending resolution of the Trevor Ozawa-Tommy Waters election conflict. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Likely To Appoint Mike Formby As Interim Member. A council committee votes unanimously for the former city transportation director and congressional chief of staff to fill in until the Ozawa-Waters special election. Civil Beat.

Former congressional chief of staff tapped for vacant council seat. Mike Formby served as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and was also previously the acting executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Hawaii News Now.

Mike Formby favored to fill interim city council seat. KHON2.

By a vote of 8 to 0 Monday Honolulu City Council passed a resolution recommending interim representation for the District 4 seat. Former City Department of Transportation Services Director, Mike Formby was the pick for the interim position. KITV.

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Ala Wai Flood Control Project under fire. The project includes a stand-alone debris catchment, three multipurpose detention areas in open spaces through the developed watershed, and concrete flood walls averaging 4 feet high along one or both sides of approximately 1.9 miles of the Ala Wai Canal, including two pump stations. Star-Advertiser.

The state is in the process of creating a high-resolution map detailing how a tsunami would affect coastal areas on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials said today that work on an extensive repaving project in the Manoa Valley area is scheduled to begin next Monday and will involve more than 30 roads, including Oahu Avenue, Old East Manoa Road and Woodlawn Drive. Star-Advertiser.

Sara King of Ala Wai Elementary School, who has wanted to be a teacher ever since she was little, was singled out Monday as among the nation’s best with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A doubling and 10-year extension of the county’s general excise tax moved forward Monday on an 8-1 vote after the County Council Finance Committee heard dire warnings of property tax hikes and service cuts from Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County officials are considering another tax increase, and are taking a look at increasing the General Excise Tax surcharge that just went into effect in January. Big Island Video News.

A vision for Maunakea. While law enforcers are preparing a response to anticipated protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, Mayor Harry Kim is talking to stakeholders, has assembled a committee of Hawaiian cultural leaders and released his vision statement for the mountain’s future. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim’s vision statement for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

No Aloha So Far For A Puna Spaceport. A public meeting Wednesday is the next chance for residents to hear about the idea of launching about 24 rockets a year. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui visitor numbers keep climbing each year with over 3 million expected in 2019. Maui News.

Affordable Housing Presentation at MNHCOC Networker. The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce welcomes Howard Kihune, Jr. and Sandra Duvauchelle to make a presentation at their next general membership meeting on Feb. 12 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. Maui Now.

A free public lecture on Maui wildfires will take place this week at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at the Maalaea Harbor Shops on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai celebrated one year of the county’s transition to 100 percent Electronic Plan Review services on Friday. Garden Island.

Rushing To Save Kauai’s Ohia Trees From A Deadly, Fast-Spreading Disease. Rapid ohia death, which has felled hundreds of thousands of the environmentally and culturally important trees on the Big Island, was first spotted on Kauai in May. Civil Beat.

Female employees of the Kauai Marriott Resort want to add sexual harassment and retaliation charges to the class-action lawsuit filed against their employer last year when a coworker’s phone was allegedly found recording women in the hotel’s employee locker room. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Japan Airlines returns to Kona, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell unpopular in poll, Kauai cuts auditor funds to balance $202M budget, murderers among work-release inmates, Portlock owner wants $2M for surf spot access, Big Island testifiers oppose gas tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Ige, state and Japan Airlines officials, courtesy photo
Japan Airlines will resume daily nonstop service between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Kona International Airport at Keahole this fall — a move that is expected to add millions of dollars to the state’s economy and shore up Kona’s status as an international port of entry. Star-Advertiser.

Japan Airlines will resume nonstop flights between Tokyo and the Kona airport on Hawaii Island this fall after a seven-year absence, providing $84.2 million in annual visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Direct flights from Japan to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will be re-established after a seven-year absence. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Aviation Administration is providing more than $10 million in federal funding to two of Hawaii's airports to enhance operations and runway safety. The two airports that will receive the money are Kahului Airport on Maui and Hilo International Airport on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency released video footage today of the successful intercept of an intercontinental ballistic missile target during a test over the Pacific Tuesday, the agency said. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing set for Navy officer formerly stationed in Hawaii who shared military secrets. Associated Press.

Convicted murderers are among the inmates who are out in the community working while finishing their sentence. KHON2.

The state has received a $2.5 million payment from Volkswagen as part of a national settlement with the automaker. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive a direct payment of $2.5 million from Volkswagen as part of a multi-state settlement, state Attorney General Doug Chin and state Office of Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins said on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The 2017 Central Pacific hurricane season gets underway today. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s largest carrier of interisland ocean cargo extended a more than four-year stretch of fairly level delivery volumes with roughly flat first-quarter results. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers, Ltd.’s intrastate cargo volumes between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports were flat for the first quarter of 2017, up only 0.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016, according to the company’s quarterly cargo volume report. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Bankers Association elected its officers for the new fiscal year, beginning Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In Hawaii, an island oasis for Democrats, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is about as popular as Republican President Donald Trump. And it looks like Caldwell might have the rail project to blame for it. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Takai was remembered Wednesday as a “true Pacific warrior, a true patriot and a true statesman” at a ceremony renaming the Pacific Warfighting Center on Ford Island in his name. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a gate blocking access to a lane that leads to a popular Portlock beach estimates the city would need to pay more than $2 million to condemn the lane to keep it open. Star-Advertiser.

Corals Are Dying At Hawaii’s Most Popular Snorkeling Spot. Climate change is heating the ocean and causing stronger and longer coral bleaching events at Hanauma Bay. Civil Beat.

A state board overseeing real estate development rules in Kakaako decided Wednesday to take more time to analyze proposed changes to a long list of affordable-housing production requirements. Star-Advertiser.

The decades-long erosion of the shoreline just outside the city’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant leaves the facility’s outfall pipeline in a precarious situation where “failure or damage to the outfall could have catastrophic health, environmental and economic consequences,” according to an environmental report made public by the city last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health's Clean Water Branch is advising the public to avoid waters near a Punaluu stream due to a contamination alert. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to accommodate the growth of Waianae High School’s Searider Productions, the state Department of Education plans to expand the program’s facilities into a full-fledged complex. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Almost every one of the more than dozen residents addressing the County Council at a public hearing Wednesday on a gas tax increase was opposed to the idea. West Hawaii Today.

Roughly twenty Hawaii Island residents testified Wednesday at a public hearing on a possible series of fuel tax increases on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Smuggled into US as a teen, respected Kona farmer now faces deportation to Mexico. Hawaii News Now.

Several years ago, Hawai'i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth started a program on the east side of the Big Island aimed at working with young offenders. It links actions and consequences – and it’s been so successful he wants to start a similar program on the west side. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of 25 conservation managers, cultural practictioners and government representatives in the Kulani tract of the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve for a ceremony to offer the Hawaii creeper a boost: its traditional name, rediscovered after decades. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Commission may hear public comments this month about how the Department of Liquor Control processes permits for one-day fundraising events, while commission action on repealing controversial rules changes has been put off until July at the earliest. Maui News.

Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport will receive over $10 million in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance airport operations and runway safety on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Maui’s Kapalua Bay Beach in West Maui earned the number 2 spot on Dr. Stephen P Leatherman’s 27th Annual Top 10 Beach List. Maui Now.

South Maui rescue tubes ready. Maui News.

Hawksbill and green (honu) sea turtles begin their 2017 nesting season along Maui beaches in June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Auditor’s office, overtime cut from spending plan. The Kauai County Council unanimously approved a $201.5 million budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 Wednesday. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge has ruled in favor of a Southside resident after a decade’s long tussle over a new subdivision. Judge Kathleen Watanabe recently ruled that the state, County of Kauai and the Eric A. Knudsen Trust violated laws preserving and protecting Hawaiian rights and cultural resources when the developer’s Village at Poipu Phase One subdivision was approved in 2009, according to a release from the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. Garden Island.

Two of Kauai’s endangered seabird species are in peril, according to a study released Wednesday by the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project. Garden Island.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Huge Hawaii surf competition slows Internet, interrupts workday, Big Island senator's residency questioned, rail conflict of interest lawsuit dismissed, 25% cigarette tax hike advanced, rocker Hagar helps Maui school, China to join RIMPAC, Native Hawaiian convention wraps up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

screen grab
Screengrab World Surf League ‏@wsl  Ross Clarke-Jones on an amazing wave!
The waves at Waimea Bay rose like angry, 60-foot monsters Thursday, ripping surfboards from their leashes and sending spectators scrambling out of the wash as the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau finally went off for only the ninth time in 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

Was your Internet connection downright sluggish on Thursday? You can probably blame it on the Eddie big-wave contest. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday was an unofficial holiday for many Hawaii workers who were glued to their screens watching big-wave surfers take off on monster swells. Star-Advertiser.

A key state Senate committee advanced a bill Thursday to increase the state’s cigarette tax despite objections from smokers who say that extra tax burden will weigh most heavily on low-income residents. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of the last day of the Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, foes held their own aha on Oahu on Thursday night to speak out against the Maunawili gathering. Star-Advertiser.

The Other Aha: Hawaiian Independence Backers Make Their Case. Aha Aloha Aina 2016 rejects the Nai Aupuni process for self-governance and insists on pushing for “real” independence. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing a bill to ban employers from accessing employees’ personal social media accounts. So far, more than 20 states have banned employers from snooping in employees’ personal accounts. About a dozen others are considering similar bills this year. Associated Press.

Two victims’ rights measures are still alive this session at the Hawaii Legislature, and one of them was passed with amendments by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday.Civil Beat.

China, while criticizing the U.S., says it will participate in RIMPAC. Star-Advertiser.

The legislature is advancing a bill to crack down on illegal mopeds.  Some lawmakers say this could be the year for passage of strict requirements. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Hawaii economic group says the state’s expansion remains on track thanks to a bustling construction sector, but global conditions this year could derail growth. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents are more likely to have a college degree than their mainland counterparts, but may not be reaping the same economic benefits of higher education, according to statistics analyzed by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Virginia Crandall tossed a lawsuit Thursday that sought to invalidate a number of Honolulu City Council votes on the municipality’s controversial $6.6 billion rail project that were made under questionable ethical circumstances. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit that sought to invalidate key Honolulu City Council votes cast for the rail project was dismissed in state Circuit Court this morning. Star-Advertiser.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to invalidate Honolulu City Council votes on the city's $6 billion rail project over conflict of interest claims. Associated Press.

Hanauma Bay will reopen to the public on Friday now that the preserve’s bathrooms have been fixed, according to the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

The city and HART broke ground today on the first group of rail stations for the Honolulu Rail Transit System -- the Don Quixote store, West Loch and Leeward Community College. KITV4.

The mother of a boy who disappeared from school and was found hours later in Waikiki, is suing the Department of Education. KHON2.

Hawaii Electric Co.s' top half-dozen executives all earned more than a half-million dollars in salary and other remuneration in 2015, with the head of the company taking in nearly three times that amount, according to Hawaiian Electric Industries’ recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Kai Kahele, recently appointed by Gov. David Ige to fill the Hilo state Senate seat of his late father, Sen. Gil Kahele, holds a low-cost state land lease for oceanview property in West Hawaii that is legally required to be his primary residence. But Kahele, 41, instead listed the Keneki Place, Hilo, home he now co-owns with his mother as his residence when he entered his name for consideration for the nomination to the seat vacated by his father’s passing. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo Circuit Court judge officially remanded the Thirty Meter Telescope’s land use permit this week, setting the stage for another review by the state Land Board and a new contested case hearing for the proposed project on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to raise the speed limit on Saddle Road cruised past the state Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Thursday the selection of Lino Kamakau as Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Hawaii Island branch chief. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rocker Sammy Hagar Helps Longtime Montessori School Expand. Maui Now.

Maui County has agreed to pay $7,500 to settle a lawsuit brought by a man who served more than 20 years in prison for a sexual assault conviction that was later dismissed. Associated Press.

At least for now, open agricultural burns by Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. will go on as planned after a 2nd Circuit judge granted the state Department of Health's request Wednesday to strike a motion by a Maui group and Maui residents to immediately halt cane burning while a lawsuit on the matter is pending. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission ruled Wednesday that the proposed construction of a homeless campground near the entrance of Lahaina town would require a district boundary amendment, which would undo the project's current application for a special use and conditional permit before the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Shipments between Honolulu Harbor and the three Maui County ports were down in 2015, compared to the previous year, according to intrastate shipper Young Brothers. Maui News.

Kauai
Kauai police evacuated a Lihue home and neighboring properties this morning after a man found a 60 mm mortar round at his father’s home, Kauai County police said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Police gave the “all clear” Thursday night after a bomb scare in a Lihue neighborhood. Garden Island.

The Kauai Community Alliance outlined plans Wednesday to help about 350 homeless people on the island. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thirty Meter Telescope could leave Hawaii; lawmakers mull general excise tax hikes, GMO fish bans, $100M for cool schools; charter school head to resign; Honolulu police has backlog of 1,500 untested rape kits; geothermal contract nixed; Maui sugar layoffs looming; lobbyist disclosure bill on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

artists's conceptual drawing
Conceptual drawing of Thirty Meter Telescope, courtesy photo
Thirty-Meter Telescope project officials say they’re beginning to review possible sites outside Hawaii, and say they could pull out of the state if they don’t get a clear path to approval soon. Hawaii News Now.

Ed Stone, Thirty Meter Telescope executive director, said in an interview Wednesday that the $1.4 billion project will need assurances from the state that it can obtain a permit for unhindered construction on Mauna Kea no later than September 2017 — or it will take its next-generation telescope to another mountain. Star-Advertiser.

When state Sen. Roz Baker announced in her committee room Wednesday that her colleagues had agreed to a plan to increase the general excise tax to help long-term care providers, supporters applauded and issued heartfelt thanks. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that would provide the tens of millions of dollars needed for Gov. David Ige’s aggressive plan to cool 1,000 public school classrooms by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers say they don't want genetically engineered fish grown in the islands. Lawmakers are moving forward with a bill to ban farming genetically engineered fish, which critics dub "frankenfish." KITV4.

The head of a state agency tasked with implementing sweeping legislative changes to Hawaii’s charter school system is resigning in the midst of pushback from school leaders who say they are being over-regulated. Civil Beat.

The House Transportation Committee unanimously passed a measure Wednesday to require annual inspections and registration for mopeds. Civil Beat.

The state Health Department’s selection process for medical marijuana license applicants is layered in secrecy. The department won’t identify the people who are deciding who will get the coveted licenses, and it also won’t say who appointed those people to a selection committee. Civil Beat.

The state is remaining tight-lipped about details surrounding its budding medical marijuana dispensary program — and so are most of the applicants. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty days into generally amiable regulatory hearings about NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries, the tone of the hearings has become decidedly less civil. Civil Beat.

The regulatory hearings regarding NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., recessed on Wednesday and are scheduled to resume on the last day of the month for one week, the chairman of the Hawaii Public Utilities said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department has 1,500 rape kits dating back more than a decade that haven’t been tested, a spokeswoman for the department confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

More than 1,000 rape kits are sitting at the Honolulu Police Department’s crime lab, waiting to be tested. KHON2.

The State dedicated a refurbished rental building overlooking historic Pearl Harbor today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of spectators gathered at Waimea Bay early Wednesday for “The Eddie,” but the monster waves that were expected didn’t arrive on time — prompting organizers to cancel the competition’s highly anticipated run. Star-Advertiser.

City officials say a “no tolerance” parking ban will be in place along all streets and road shoulders in Lanikai this Presidents Day weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Nevada’s Ormat Technologies, which was awarded a contract by Hawaii Electric Light Co. to develop a 25-megawatt geothermal energy project on Hawaii’s Big Island, has withdrawn from contract negotiations with the utility, HELCO said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

After a year of negotiations, Ormat has withdrawn from contract talks with Hawaii Electric Light Co. for providing the next 25 megawatts of geothermal power on Hawaii Island, the utility announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative has produced a plan that it says could satisfy nearly 100 percent of the Big Island’s electricity needs with renewable energy before 2045. Civil Beat.

Puna Councilman Dan Paleka was cleared by the county Board of Ethics on Wednesday to accept a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with a nonprofit group on alternatives to incarceration for the mentally ill. West Hawaii Today.

A new dengue fever risk map shows the Captain Cook area of South Kona has been downgraded from “red” – or high risk – to “orange” – or moderate risk for acquiring the mosquito-borne disease. Big Island Video News.

Three years after it closed its doors for renovations, the 18-hole oceanside golf course at Kona Country Club is now open for business. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Style Cafe, a popular Hilo restaurant will pay more than $53,000 in unpaid wages and damages to employees after being found in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Warren Haruki, chief executive officer of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., sees Maui at an “inflection point” and talked to Pacific Business News about some of the challenges that will face Alexander & Baldwin Inc. after sugar.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., which will be shutting down operations at the end of the year, has announced its first set of layoffs. Ninety-five workers will lose their jobs on March 7, company officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kauai residents testified against proposed legislation that sets up regulations for lobbyists on the island at a public hearing on Wednesday, and the County Council received 55 written testimonies on Bill 2614. Garden Island.

By Tuesday afternoon, thousands of dead fish were reported along the beaches, according to Don Heacock, Kauai district aquatic biologist with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The aquatic carcasses were also reported at the mouths of Kinikini Ditch, which follows along the Pacific Missile Range Facility, and MacArthur Park Ditch. Garden Island.