Ige to select appellate court nominee, graduation party, church services raise COVID-19 cases, lumber at a premium, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

House construction in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

A slowdown in production compounded by high demand continues to raise building material prices through the roof in Hawaii. The Hawaii Lumber Products Association says prices are up 400% when compared to the same time in 2020. KHON2.

Ige To Select Nominee For Intermediate Court of Appeals. A prominent Maui attorney and the head of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission are among the names of six nominees looking to fill a vacancy on the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Governor defends push to reach 70% vaccination rate before ending restrictions. Gov. David Ige on Thursday defended his plan to end all COVID restrictions when Hawaii reaches a vaccination rate of 70%, saying the goal is doable. In fact, he thinks Hawaii can reach the benchmark by the end of summer ― optimism shared by a number of Hawaii experts. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department is awarded $24.5 million in CDC funding to tackle COVID-19 health disparities. State health officials say a $24.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will help boost efforts to address COVID-19 health disparities among underserved communities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

‘Better Than Nothing’: Doctors Urge High-Risk Patients To Get Vaccines. Patients with weakened immune systems should still avoid large crowds and take pandemic precautions even as official restrictions on masks and social distancing are eased. Civil Beat.

Coronavirus cluster report shows spread at Oahu graduation party, places of worship. COVID-19 cases are spreading during social gatherings. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 62 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 36,793. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 32 new cases on Oahu, 17 on Maui, 10 on Hawaii Island, two on Kauai, and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Police union hails decision by Oahu grand jury on fatal shooting. Leaders of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers came to the defense of their members on Thursday following a grand jury’s rejection of charges against three officers who shot and killed a 16-year-old in April. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health issues $828K fine for unlicensed care home. The state Department of Health has fined Island Promise Homes LLC $828,000 for allegedly operating an adult residential care home without a license, part of a larger effort in recent years to reign in an industry that has skirted health and safety regulations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH Will Test Sewage At 11 Dorms This Fall To Help Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks. Next semester the University of Hawaii Manoa will test sewage from 11 dorms to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus and track mutations of the virus. Civil Beat.

Oahu flood control projects get approval -- including one in the works for decades. The Wailele Stream project is slated to include improvements to the existing stream bed, along with construction of a new drainage feature and an overflow channel. The council approved $7.8 million as the city’s share of the project as a last-minute amendment to the city budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii real estate developer Peter Savio to offer condo-style ownership of solar farm. Entrepreneur Peter Savio announced today that he will build a solar farm on Oahu and sell off units of solar in a revolutionary manner – the same way he sells condominium units. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

This church is housing the homeless ― and cultivating hope ― on a Waianae farm. Headed up by Hawaii Cedar Church, it started as place folks could pitch a tent in exchange for working on the farm. But through donations the church’s vision evolved. Residents now sleep in 8-by-10-foot sheds. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

City and County of Honolulu still accepting applications for rental and utility relief program. The city began accepting up to 10,000 applications Monday evening, and as of Thursday there were still 4,000 applications available. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Taxi companies lose certificates: Pandemic thins taxi ranks even as demand grows. Taxi companies were already reeling from increased competition from ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft when they were dealt the next blow: an almost total shutdown of the economy by the coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

President of Southwest talks expansion during Hilo stop. As the carrier expands service to and from Hawaii, company leaders spent the week in the islands and visited Hilo on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

$200 Surcharge Added to $35 Citation to Deter Illegal Parking on Hāna Highway. Citing safety concerns and illegal parking along scenic and popular stops along the Hāna Highway, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation today began installing “no parking” signs reflecting a $200 surcharge in addition to a $35 parking violation at several spots along the winging road into East Maui. Maui Now. KITV4.

A small Maui town flooded with tourists looks to state, county officials for traffic control. With thousands of people visiting the historic town of Paia and drive the famous road to Hana, it can get bumper to bumper all along Hana Highway. Residents say they are long overdue for a bypass road. Hawaii News Now.

Online tool aims to inform west Maui of threatening waves. University of Hawaii researchers have developed an online tool that will inform the public when waves are expected to threaten west Maui shorelines, an area particularly prone to coastal erosion as sea levels rise. Associated Press.

Kauai

County receives $500K in federal HUD money. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced the release of $503,868 to Kaua‘i for houseless initiatives. The money, part of over $14.2 million in federal funds given to the state, came from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the American Rescue Plan. Garden Island.

Population of rose-ringed parakeets decreasing. Researchers have documented a decrease in one of the most invasive avian species worldwide on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum partners with the Las Vegas Raiders. Named the “Official Ultra-Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Koloa Rum will bring their award-winning rums to the global event’s destination, augmenting the stadium spectator experience. Garden Island.

Eleven sites mulled for new Oahu jail, more on Tulsi's visit with Trump, mourning Tsuji and filling his seat, tiny telescope headed for Maui mountain, Coco Palms seeks investors, Kauai sweep nets 39 violent fugitives, donor pulls funds over UH politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Scenic Diamond Head Road © 2016 All Hawaii News

What President-elect Donald Trump will actually do after he takes the reins of government in January from President Barack Obama remains to be seen. But nonprofit groups, lawmakers, government officials and others say Hawaii needs to remain vigilant about protecting its environment over the next four years. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was first on a long list of visitors and potential job seekers at Trump Tower Monday, but the Hawaii Democrat didn’t ask for a position in President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration and she was not offered one, her office said. Associated Press.

Hawaii Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York on Monday amid speculation that Gabbard is being considered for a high-level job in the Trump administration, including a possible appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Monday she met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York to discuss U.S. policies in Syria and on combating terrorists groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, but the Hawaii Democrat and Bernie Sanders supporter was mum on whether she and Trump talked about her joining his administration. Pacific Business News.

© 2016 All Hawaii News

A spokeswoman for a Hawaii congresswoman denied claims Monday her meeting with the president-elect was about an offer to join his administration. Garden Island.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made political waves Monday by sitting down with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard on Monday morning joined a long line of job-seekers mobbing President-elect Donald Trump at his headquarters in New York City, but her staff said Friday she’s not one of the ones looking for a post in the Trump administration. Civil Beat.
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Prisons vs. schools: The actual food cost of each meal for the Department of Public Safety costs taxpayers about $1.85, roughly 20 cents less than school lunches. KHON2.

Roderick Becker has been appointed comptroller for the state of Hawaii and director of the state Department of Accounting and General Services following the resignation last week of Douglas Murdock.Pacific Business News.

Oahu

There are 11 possible sites for rebuilding what is now Hawaii's most crowded jail.The state Department of Public Safety on Monday announced officials are eyeing sites in Kalihi, Aiea, Kalaeloa, Mililani and Waiawa. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety announced Monday an initial list of 11 sites identified for the redevelopment of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Eleven potential sites for a new Oahu Community Correctional Center were identified Monday by the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

Two Kalaeloa sites on a list of possible locations to rebuild the state’s largest correctional facility have raised community concerns because of the historical value of the parcels. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers of traditional taxicabs as well as Uber and Lyft vehicles sounded off with passionate testimony during a public hearing Monday on a proposed set of rules that would govern all of them under the single category of “private transportation companies and drivers.” Star-Advertiser.

UH arts donor pulls funding due to politics. Hawaii News Now.

A flaw in Farrington High School’s web security protocol caused users to get re-directed to a pornographic website, instead of being taken to one of the school’s many links.KHON2.

Hawaii leaders see win, lose, draw scenarios for rail under Trump. KHON2.

Some Hawaii residents are arguing against a proposed floating wind farm off Kaena Point, saying it could hurt wildlife and affect surfing prospects. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Foodbank's largest distributor of food to the needy is scrambling to find a new home, and warns that tons of perishable food could be wasted when operations cease on Dec. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Democratic Party members will mourn the loss of state Rep. Clift Tsuji as well as select nominees to replace him during the first weekend of December. Tribune-Herald.

It’s far too late to have any impact on the 2014 election, but the Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in January over a complaint questioning the residency status of Ron Gonzales, who unsuccessfully challenged Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille that year. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings in December on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s proposed rate increase for Hawaii island residents. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Community Aquatic Center could reopen as early as this weekend after crews complete repairs and maintenance work put on hold for the Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Questions about the status of Mauna Kea as ceded lands were disallowed during cross-examination on Wednesday, part of the ongoing the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The University of Hawaii is proposing another cutting-edge mountaintop astronomy facility — this time the world’s highest-contrast optical telescope — but instead of creating a new imposing structure like the Thirty Meter Telescope or the Inouye solar telescope, it would simply replace an old one. Star-Advertiser.

Stanford Carr Development broke ground Monday on a $90 million residential neighborhood in Lahaina in West Maui, he confirmed to Pacific Business News.

A century-old park that’s hosted the fair, Richard Nixon and scores of tennis players young and old could be up for improvements in the future as the county works toward revitalizing Wailuku town. Maui News.

Hana Hwy (360) near mile marker 14 in Hana is closed to traffic in both directions due to a landslide across the road. Maui Now.

Kauai

The developers of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai are looking for investors for the project, which is scheduled to start construction in February and reopen in 2018 as part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. Pacific Business News.

Thirty-nine fugitives on Kauai were arrested as a result of a four-day, multi-agency operation that focused on finding people charged with violent crimes. Garden Island.

Coral damage minimal, Uber and Lyft to be regulated on Oahu, rail favored in poll, Maui's $600k garbage shortfall, alcohol coming to Wailua Golf Course, Yamane named Honolulu ethics director, polystyrene task force mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral with tropical fish © 2016 All Hawaii News

Most of the coral around Hawaii hasn’t changed dramatically, according to initial reports from researchers aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s ship, Hi’ialakai. Garden Island.

The tally of cases in the largest hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii in decades jumped by more than 45 percent in a week, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

The outbreak of Hepatitis A in the islands has now sickened 135 people, the state Health Department said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given Hawaii’s Department of Health $3.7 million to fight infectious diseases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to approve a bill that imposes new regulations on operators of Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing vehicles and, to a lesser extent, traditional taxicab drivers. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a bill to regulate ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft on an 8-1 vote Wednesday in a victory for taxi companies that ended months of discussion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill to regulate taxicab and internet-based companies today following a year of discussion and debate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voters Aren’t Happy About Rail, But Still Want It Fully Built. A majority of those surveyed say they want the route to go all the way to Ala Moana Center as originally planned. Civil Beat.

The wide range of prices for the contract to build the latest major stretch of rail has the Honolulu City Council chairman worried that costs could rise — and he wants to know what project officials plan to do to keep costs in check. Star-Advertiser.

Yamane

Onetime acting state auditor Jan Yamane this week was appointed executive director and legal counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Jan Yamane is the new executive director and legal counsel of the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

New Honolulu Police Commission member Loretta Sheehan said Wednesday the panel should exert more effort in investigating controversies involving police officers as well as Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who is the subject of a federal investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s nominee for a fresh face on the Honolulu Police Commission, former prosecutor Loretta Sheehan, was confirmed by the City Council on Wednesday morning — but not unanimously. Civil Beat.

Newly confirmed Honolulu police commissioner Loretta Sheehan says she wants the body to investigate mounting allegations against embattled Police Chief Louis Kealoha immediately. Hawaii News Now.

There’s a new member of the Honolulu Police Commission, and in the midst of a lot of questions about Chief Louis Kealoha’s leadership, Loretta Sheehan is not holding back her opinion. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is taking heat from his political opponents who say he hasn’t done enough to lessen homelessness and increase affordable housing in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s newest homeless shelter, scheduled to open in Kakaako in late September, uses a new approach designed to quickly get homeless families off the streets and into long-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have approved The Howard Hughes Corp.’s (NYSE: HHC) $20 million plan to upgrade Kewalo Basin Harbor in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, an official with the state confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Oahu Publications, the publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and a number of other Hawaii publications, trimmed its staff this week, eliminating eight nonunion employees who worked for several of the company’s titles, including MidWeek. Civil Beat.

A University of Hawaii engineering professor was arrested this afternoon for possession and distribution of child pornography. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sixty percent of Hawaii Island residents support building the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, according to a new poll. That’s almost identical to a poll conducted last October that found 59 percent of Hawaii Island residents and 62 percent of residents statewide in favor of the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents continue to show strong support for the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to a public opinion poll commissioned by the nonprofit that aims to build and run the $1.4 billion project atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

A resolution to create a packaging waste task force received mixed reviews Wednesday at a Hawaii County Council meeting two months after a proposed ban on polystyrene food containers was tossed in the trash. Tribune-Herald.

The winning bid for the single most expensive part of the ongoing $170 million Kona International Airport upgrade is now under protest. West Hawaii Today.

The public will be afforded opportunity to speak on behalf of several types of endangered species, which may be harmed due to operations at two wind turbine facilities on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

A new crosswalk and flashing lights will soon crop up on Manawalea Street near the Montessori school in Kailua-Kona, with an assist from county property taxpayers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

To assist with a $600,000 budget shortfall, county fees may change in October for commercial businesses bringing uncontaminated greenwaste along with grease trap and contaminated cooking oil to the landfill. Maui News.

When Maui County voters head to the primary polls to cast their ballots for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, they'll have four candidates to choose from. Maui News.

The Commission on Water Resource Management will be performing work on the waterfall at the Waihe‘e Ditch siphon where it crosses Wailuku River*.  The Commission has asked Wailuku Water Company, LLC (WWC) to reduce the amount of water to Wailuku River, in order to perform the work and provide a safe work environment. Maui Watch.

Kauai

After a lengthy debate about depoliticizing the police department and policy making, the Kauai County Council Wednesday decided to expend up to $15,000 for special counsel to represent the police commission. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council referred a bill to committee Wednesday that would allow additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District, citing a need for fairness for other parts of the island. Garden Island.

A measure that would allow the sale of alcohol on Wailua Golf Course was passed on first reading by the Kauai County Council Wednesday, but some members of the public expressed concerns about promoting the intoxicant at a public facility. Garden Island.

Bob Bartolo was frustrated with traffic and finding labor for his business as he met with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard during “Tulsi in Your Town”at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige to unveil state budget today, Obama hikes on windy weekend, AH-64 Apache attack helicopter squadron coming to Oahu, Maui council hires attorney to fight mayor, Kauai landfill woes, low wages on the Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

AH-64D Apache Longbow, courtesy U.S. Army

When Gov. David Ige unveils his administration’s supplemental budget on Monday, the possibilities for exciting new programs or projects will be limited by Act 268, a groundbreaking law he helped craft in 2013. The new law requires the state and counties to bank hundreds of millions of dollars each year to pay for future public worker and retiree health benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Tax modernization is a key part of Gov. David Ige’s vision to make government more effective and efficient — in this case, finding ways to collect money that already should be coming into state coffers but, for various reasons, is not. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige will be releasing his outline for how he wants the state to spend its money in the upcoming year. Ige plans to submit his proposed budget to lawmakers Monday. Associated Press.

The state has had some trouble getting straight numbers from the Hawaii Health Connector, Gov. David Ige told Pacific Business News in a recent interview.


Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are applauding Hawaii’s take in the $1.1 trillion federal spending bill, which includes spending increases in nearly all categories for the Aloha State. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama spent a windswept Sunday hiking along a popular trail system and dining at one of his favorite Waikiki restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

On the second day of their holiday vacation, President Obama and the First Family went hiking Sunday morning on the Makiki loop trail at the Hawaii Nature Center. KHON2.

State honors Filipino immigrants. The young men, known as “sakadas,” were not the first Filipinos in Hawaii, but they were the first specifically recruited by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association to work on the plantations. Star-Advertiser.

Ulalia Woodside, a veteran of the conservation arena in the islands, has been selected as the next executive director of the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, succeeding Suzanne Case, who departed in April to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

2015 has been an active year in Hawai‘i’s business world.  From stories of development and planning to transportation and electricity, actions taken this year will help determine the future of the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A new AH-64 Apache attack helicopter squadron and hundreds of jobs at Wheeler Army Airfield are back on track with the passage Friday of a $1.1 trillion government spending bill. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu proposal to classify Uber and Lyft as taxicab companies, which was drafted with the help of taxi owners, would be among the most aggressive measures a city has taken to regulate ride-hailing companies, according to industry observers. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu council members want ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate more like taxi companies. Associated Press.

So many donations and gifts have been pouring into The Harbor this month that leaders of Hawaii’s largest and most unusual homeless community loaded up a truck Sunday afternoon with clothing and blankets to share with a church-run homeless camp a few miles away. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents earn less than their counterparts on the other Hawaiian Islands, an earning gap that remains even among people with the lowest education levels who typically land at the bottom of the pay scale, according to data released this month by the U.S. Census Bureau. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County in November continued to notch the highest rate of unemployment in the state. West Hawaii Today.

The statue of King Kamehameha the Great in Hilo has its spear again. The ihe was restored to the Wailoa State Park landmark in a rainy ceremony held Saturday at noon, with the help of the Hawaii County Fire Department ladder truck. Big Island Video News.

A harsh but unassuming aa lava field that contains one of the island’s most significant historical sites is “just inches” away from being forever in public hands. The $4.25 million needed to buy the 47-acre Kuamoo Battlefield and Burial Grounds in Keauhou has now been raised. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers operating with expired land licenses have signed new 15-year agreements with the buyer of some 6,000 acres around Pahala and Naalehu, of which the Moaula coffee lands are a portion. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council Committee of the Whole voted 6-1 Friday to recommend hiring a special counsel for representation or a second opinion in council disputes with the administration of Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Maui's only veterans cemetery is quickly running out of space, and veterans fear it could run out of room by early next year if expansion work is not resumed soon. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted 7-1 Friday to give final approval to the repeal of a section of an ordinance regulating ocean recreational activity permits. Maui News.

Kauai

Like a giant rubbish bin stuffed to the brim, Kauai’s landfill is nearly chock-full. It’s a several hundred million dollar problem with a solution as clear as it is complex: The island’s 81,000 tons of annual waste need a new burial ground. Garden Island.

Kauai County officials are drafting an environmental impact statement for a new landfill to replace the one in Kekaha that is expected to reach capacity in about 10 more years. Hawaii News Now.

The county is asking for input on how to elect councilmembers through a four-question survey available online. It’s not a new issue. In fact, the question was on the ballot in 1982, 1996 and 2006: “Do we elect members of our County Council with the current at-large system where the entire island votes for all seven members, or switch to a districting system?” Garden Island.

Lanai

Maui County officials are seeking a private developer to build 400-unit affordable housing project on the island of Lanai. Associated Press.

10K Hawaii restaurants inspected, Michelle Obama dreaming of a Hawaii Christmas, ivory sale ban sought, Honolulu pCards curbed, woman dies trying to smuggle meth into Maui in her vagina, Kauai looks at raising general excise tax, ethics on the Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green pass on Hilo restaurant © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s 18-month-old, color-coded food establishment inspection program temporarily shuttered three businesses and ordered them, along with 2,102 others, to fix multiple “critical violations” — but now all are back up and open for business, the state Department of Health’s Sanitation Branch announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health recently completed inspections of virtually all of Hawaii’s more than 10,000 food establishments statewide to ensure they are in compliance with the rules of the state’s food safety code. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Sanitation Branch has completed 10,000 inspections on food establishments statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Michelle Obama is marking the days off the calendar for her favorite holiday tradition: traveling with family and friends to Hawaii. The first lady said the family trip to President Barack Obama’s home state dates back more than two decades. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige reiterated his stance on liquefied natural gas, saying that shipping in this type of fuel as a replacement for oil for power generation in Hawaii is an unnecessary diversion of resources, and that the focus should be entirely on renewable energy investments. Pacific Business News.

One of NextEra Energy Inc.’s primary consultants helping the Florida energy giant secure approval for its proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. charges between $650 to $700 per hour for consulting services during the past five years. Pacific Business News.

It’s big. It’s bold. And it faces an uphill battle in a Legislature known for being fiscally conservative — especially in election years. The Hawaii State Teachers Association’s recent proposal to raise the state’s general excise tax to fund a broad swath of education reforms is also the kind of dramatic action that new union leaders promised when they won the union election last summer in an upset over more experienced and entrenched union leadership. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are expected to push for a statewide ban on the sale of ivory when the legislative session begins in January, in an effort to help curb the illegal slaughter of elephants in Africa. Star-Advertiser.

The 2016 legislative session is a little more than one month away and a number of lawmakers say homelessness will likely take center stage. But other issues will be considered again next year, including banning ivory sales in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

On Monday, the Humane Society of the United States held a forum at the state Capitol to talk to lawmakers about passing a prohibition during the 2016 legislative session on the sale of ivory. Civil Beat.

The state's Land Board has approved a request to provide additional assault rifles and shotguns to conservation officers. Hawaii News Now.

Margaret “Peggy” Leong has spent the last eight and a half years working as a parish administrator at St. John Vianney Parish in Kailua. But for the past two weeks, Leong has had a very different job: Taking the reins of Hawaii’s newly minted medical marijuana dispensary program at the state Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is considering a proposal that would expand the definition of taxicabs and taxi companies to include Uber and Lyft. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council members no longer will be able to use city-issued purchase cards to pay for travel and travel-related expenses under a “precautionary” policy change announced by Council Chairman Ernie Martin last week. Star-Advertiser.

Editorial: The whole local-government “pCards” chronicle provides an excellent illustration for the expression, “You can have too much of a good thing.” Star-Advertiser.

In an exclusive interview, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he's tried and failed to convince the police chief to speak publicly about the FBI investigation into him. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation opened a newly dedicated roadway Monday that it said that will “facilitate the efficient movement of goods through Honolulu Port facilities, while easing congestion on surface streets for the public.” Civil Beat.

Homeowners: Among the Christmas cards and holiday packages, expect to get something sobering in the mail this week. The city has started sending out real property assessments for 2016, and – no surprise – they’re higher than in 2015. Hawaii News Now.

Property values on Oahu are on the rise. So, what does that mean for property owners? KHON2.

Three Kaiser High School graduates are working to overcome voter apathy and get their classmates at the University of Hawaii more involved in solving local and global issues, starting with getting them to vote. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

In an unexpected move, the County Council on Monday breathed new life into a bill aiming to enlarge the county Board of Ethics. West Hawaii Today.

Measures limiting lifeguards’ liability, giving counties more authority to regulate vacation rentals, loosening the Sunshine Law and requiring safety checks for mopeds are among a package of seven proposals approved by the County Council on Monday to be sent to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Chad Keone Farias, Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa complex area superintendent, said he and others worked during the weekend to try to get a handle on a spate of fighting and arrests on campus, meeting with police, state Department of Education psychologists and counselors and state Department of Health professionals. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Department of Health is reporting three more cases of locally acquired dengue fever on Hawaii Island. As of Monday, December 14, state officials say there have been 149 confirmed dengue fever cases identified, an increase of 3 cases from the previous Friday. Big Island Video News.

Maui
          
The state Department of Transportation will discuss proposed improvements to the Hana Pier during a public meeting at Helene Hall on Thursday. Maui News.

Kahului Airport restrooms get a new look. The airport began to upgrade the 21-year-old facilities around two years ago. Maui News.

A woman accused of trying to smuggle meth into Maui is caught by police in California then later dies. But it wasn't your average drug bust. Police discovered the California resident hid the drugs in her vagina. Hawaii News Now.

On a calm February day off the coast of Maui, whale researcher Jim Darling cut the engine on his boat, dipped an underwater microphone into the ocean and caught a sound he'd never heard before in 30 years of research. Scientists report new sound that could be coming from humpbacks. Maui News.

Kauai

The cost of your plate lunch could be on the rise, as well as many other daily purchases, if a proposed one-half percent increase to the general excise tax passes through the county’s chain of command. The issue arose this year after the state Legislature granted counties the right to establish a one-half percent surcharge on the GET. Counties have until July 1 to enact an ordinance that would increase the tax from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2027. Garden Island.

The FAA announced Monday it will require that aircraft, including drones, be registered to make it easier to identify owners and educate amateur aviators. Operating a drone is kind of scary, but it is fun said Kasey Nakashima, a Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School student, Monday. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian elections ongoing despite lawsuits, internal strife; tile workers set to strike; no solar for Molokai; Honolulu audit slams no-bid taxi contract; Hawaiian 'king' threatens force on Mauna Kea; Maui council defers decision on NextEra opposition; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian protest © 2015 All Hawaii News

The deadline for Native Hawaiians to sign up for a chance to run as a delegate to next year’s Na‘i Aupuni nation-building convention has passed, but officials handling the election aren’t saying who or how many people put their hat in the ring. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, at a crossroads, is caught in a power struggle. Mauna Kea, ceded lands and internal battles occupy the quasi-state agency as Native Hawaiian nation-building looms. Civil Beat.

An election for delegates to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention will proceed as planned, despite a challenge in federal court. West Hawaii Today.

The accounting and consulting firm KPMG LLP has landed a $26 million nonbid contract to add new functions to the state Department of Human Services’ KOLEA computer system to meet federal demands that the state quickly comply with the national Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Hawaii Masons Union, specifically ceramic tile and marble setters are planning a statewide strike Monday. KHON2.

The renewable energy technology that presents Hawaii the greatest potential for environmental impacts is utility-scale renewable energy, including wind and solar, according to the Hawaii Clean Energy final programmatic environmental impact statement by the U.S. Department of Energy, released on Friday. Pacific Business News.

The state Public Utilities Commission issued an order Thursday that gives the media access to cover the upcoming evidentiary hearing of the proposed NextEra Energy-Hawaiian Electric Industries merger. Civil Beat.


NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries have clarified who they are paying as consultants in their proposed $4.3 billion merger deal. Civil Beat.

For decades, a recurring criticism of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has been how long it takes the three appointed members to make decisions on energy, transportation and telecommunications issues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Ewa Beach developer hit with about $27 million in damages over the decision to build a recreational lagoon rather than a marina says it will continue to pursue its city application to complete the last undeveloped phase of the Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei project. Star-Advertiser.

The same company has run the taxi concession at Honolulu Airport for more than a decade without going through a competitive bidding process, eliminating competition and possibly cutting into state revenue, according to the state auditor and others. Star-Advertiser.

A growing pool of local car owners have embraced ride-hailing since Uber and Lyft raced into the state’s ground transportation market. While neither private company will provide driver counts, both are ramping up at a steady clip. Without a government regulatory structure in place in Hawaii, ride-hailing companies have fewer barriers to entry than traditional taxi jobs and provide easier opportunities for drivers to earn money. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.’s subsidiary is demolishing the existing home on an oceanfront parcel on Kahala Avenue that the company purchased in 2013 from Japanese businessman Genshiro Kawamoto, a company spokeswoman confirmed to Pacific Business News.

City crews are planning to clear more sections of the large homeless encampment in Kakaako. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced the plan Friday. KITV4.

Metered parking spaces in Kaka‘ako and downtown Honolulu were temporarily transformed on Friday into public spaces. It’s part of a national initiative called Park(ing) Day, meant to promote awareness of the importance of parks and green space in urban areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The TMT International Observatory is sticking with the same timeline for completing its giant telescope on Mauna Kea despite protests that have halted land clearing at its construction site for nearly six months and a legal challenge before the state Supreme Court, according to one of its board members. Tribune-Herald.

A man calling himself the king of Hawaii didn’t have the support of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents when he threatened to send armed “royal marshals” to defend them, according to a protester. Tribune-Herald.

A third law enforcement move was made overnight related to recent protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, according to an announcement made early Monday by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Although no arrests were made because campers vacated the area last week, DLNR and Hawaii Police Departments officers disassembled and removed the large tent that protesters had erected near the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. Hawaii News Now.

An engineer with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources hopes that a remake of regulatory processes at the federal and state level will allow improvements to move more quickly at Kawaihae Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Plumeria Road residents whose homes were damaged by flash flooding are in a state of limbo, waiting for answers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council deferred action Friday on a resolution opposing NextEra's purchase of Hawaiian Electric Cos. Maui News.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner told a group of scientists, academics, defense officials and contractors Friday that the university's foray into astronomy and space surveillance began at the summit of Haleakala, before Science City was established and before telescopes atop Mauna Kea. Maui News.

Construction design flaws and repeated brown-water incidents prompted Maui County to issue one of its longest stop-work orders for a construction project earlier this year for a development in Kapalua. Maui News.

Proposed Launiupoko residential project looks to mix it up. Most of the 200-unit subdivision would be larger rural lots but 50 to 75 parcels would be for workforce families. Maui News.

It's been a rainy summer for Maui.  Nine tropical storm systems have approached the islands so far this season, often bringing heavy downpours.  The rain has helped ease some of the drought conditions in southeast Maui, but for ranchers, it also brings a new set of problems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

More than 100 endangered seabirds recently required care after falling from the sky due to lighting issues at Kokee State Park. Associated Press.

The world of farming and farming as a career is highlighted during the GoFarm Hawaii classes at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

After a month as president of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Mark Perriello has been asked one question more than any other: “What is your vision for the chamber?” Garden Island

Molokai

The Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans has been looking into installing solar panels on the roof of the new Veterans Center. But vice commander Longie Dudoit who was trying to get quotes on the project has hit a road block and he has been told by Sun Electric that solar panels cannot be installed on Molokai at this time. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii's early voting push intensifies with Hurricane Iselle, Tropical Storm Julio, looming, GMO labeling candidates listed, ethnicity in politics, HECO gets no-bid contracts for Oahu solar, state cracks down on ride-sharing, legislative reshuffle could help counties' TAT chances, super Pac funding on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iselle 5 a.m. Aug. 6 courtesy NOAA National Weather Service

Party leaders urged residents to take advantage of early voting this week as storm preparations continue for tropical weather systems headed toward the islands ahead of Saturday's primary election. Star-Advertiser.

The chairwomen of the Hawaii Republican Party and the Democratic Party of Hawaii today issued a joint call for voters to cast their ballots early to ensure their safety as Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Julio bear down on the state. Iselle could threaten the eastern coast of Hawaii Island as soon as Thursday and Julio may bring dangerous conditions on Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Abercrombie Implores Supporters to Get Out the Vote. Upbeat at his final campaign rally before Saturday's primary, Hawaii governor recalls that no one expected him to win 40 years ago, either. Civil Beat.

Hawaii candidates who support GMO labeling , pesticide disclosure and restriction. Hawaii Reporter.

Ethnicity as a common denominator in Hawai’i elections is not as pronounced as it once was in the 1950s and 60s. But as Hawaii Public Radio’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, ethnicity is still viewed as an important characteristic in local political races.

Hurricane Iselle is weakening. The eye is not as apparent and the storm is not as symmetrical as it was 24 hours ago. KHON2.

Hawaii island, Maui County and Oahu are under a tropical storm watch and the entire state is covered by a flash flood watch as two hurricanes east of Hilo Wednesday pack a potential one-two punch of heavy rain, high surf and powerful winds.Star-Advertiser.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Oahu as weakening Hurricane Iselle continues on its path towards the Hawaiian islands. Forecasters issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Big Island of Hawaii earlier Tuesday and Maui County late Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Iselle continues to churn menacingly from the east, weakening as it encounters Central Pacific wind shear and cooler waters but still is expected to be capable of unleashing flash flooding, tropical storm-force winds and ocean surge starting Thursday afternoon in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Iselle continues to make its way toward the Hawaiian islands and is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it hits the Big Island and Maui County on Thursday before it progresses across the archipelago Friday. Civil Beat.

State officials are closing scores of recreation areas that could be affected by rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees or high surf touched off by the arrival of tropical storm Iselle. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is used to preparing for tropical storms — stock up on water, toilet paper and other essentials and wait. But actually getting hit with systems like the two approaching the islands? Not as much. Associated Press.

Hawaii Disaster Team Ready for Anything. With a hurricane and tropical storm approaching the islands, local emergency personnel are training for widespread casualties. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels are preparing for Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Julio, which are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Islands starting Thursday, by testing generators, stocking up on bottled water, first aid kits, flashlights and other supplies, as well as canceling reservation fees for guest and setting aside rooms for employees. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. may now move ahead with contract negotiations with six solar energy developers on Oahu whose projects total 210 megawatts after state regulators approved the state’s largest electric utility’s request to forgo the competitive bidding process for the projects. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is cracking down on two ride services that entered the Oahu market in June, ordering them to stop picking up and dropping off passengers at Honolulu International Airport. Civil Beat.

Criminal proceedings against an aerial advertising company and the pilot it hired to fly banners over Oahu will be held later this month. Star-Advertiser.

Students call for investigation into Apple’s termination. ASUH and GSO have sent a letter to Governor Abercrombie requesting a formal investigation into the firing of Tom Apple. Hawaii Independent.

Lawyers for the state and murder defendant and federal agent Christopher Deedy told the jury in closing arguments of the U.S. State Department special agent's retrial Tuesday that they do agree on several points. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Upcoming leadership changes in the state Legislature could be good news for counties seeking to increase their share of hotel taxes, the Hawaii County Council learned Tuesday at a meeting with several state legislators. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s battle against the little fire ant will get a little more bite with a unanimous vote Tuesday by the County Council Finance Committee to accept $375,000 from the state Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. West Hawaii Today.

Kamehameha Schools officials have taken another step toward demolishing the shuttered Keauhou Beach Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

County emergency responders were busy preparing Tuesday as Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Julio continued their march toward Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council candidate Ka'ala Buenconsejo has the backing of two super political action committees based in Honolulu that independently have spent more than $130,000 in mailers, radio ads and media consultation for the first-time political candidate seeking to unseat Elle Cochran for the West Maui residency seat. Maui News.

Maui Continues Preparations for Iselle’s Stormy Weather. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor industry officials on Kauai say they are worried that recent property tax rate hikes approved by the Kauai County Council will deal a blow to one of the island’s main economic drivers: tourism. Garden Island.