Showing posts with label zip lines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zip lines. Show all posts

Friday, May 2, 2014

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Turtle Bay protection approved, Cabanilla in trouble again, list narrowed for UH president, Hawaii council kills ethics bill, not enough oversight for $1B Honolulu rail contracts, Maui and Kauai battle budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


The Legislature closed its 2014 session Thursday with long, if not particularly lively, floor sessions in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a historic land-preservation deal Thursday after a last-minute debate on the final day of the 2014 legislative session. Associated Press.

The state House, swallowing deep misgivings, voted Thursday to give final approval to a bill that would authorize $40 million in state bonds to help preserve 665 acres of bucolic Turtle Bay Resort from future development. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature ended its 2014 session today.  But there was a critical last minute vote on a measure to preserve undeveloped North Shore land for future generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla
said Thursday that she hopes her close ties to a nonprofit that received a $100,000 grant from the state Legislature do not jeopardize the release of the money, which would be used for the upkeep of the Ewa Plantation Cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

House Majority floor leader Rida Cabanilla, D-Ewa, controls a non-profit that was awarded a $100,000 grant on April 25 from her peers in the Hawaii state legislature while the organization was out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. Hawaii Reporter.

Following a nearly yearlong search, the University of Hawaii has identified two finalists in the running to be the next president of the 10-campus system: the university's longtime information technology executive, who is serving as interim president, and the retired commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

As of this coming school year, all 5-year-olds will be required to attend kindergarten in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday marked the deadline for people to register with the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to participate in forming a sovereign governing entity for Native Hawaiians. And this time, it's final. More than 121,000 people of Native Hawaiian ancestry have signed up and been verified since the effort launched in the summer of 2012. The signature drive is called Kanaiolowalu, for the sound of people gathering. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, the online marketplace responsible for implementing President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act in Hawaii, enrolled 9,800 residents as of Wednesday’s final deadline for its first year of providing coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional contender Mark Takai has joined the political candidates vying for your attention during your favorite TV shows. Takai, who's running in the crowded race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat, recently bought his first 10 TV spots at a cost of $3,250. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation poised to dole out about $1 billion in contracts for the Honolulu rail project this year, the city Ethics Commission is worried that there isn't enough government oversight to ensure that private companies aren't given sweetheart deals. Civil Beat.

An Oahu business has shut down its Products Direct Sweepstakes machines after a federal judge ruled that use of the machines is gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu workers and residents are getting excited about the Walmart store that will open soon in the former Macy’s department store, especially since a couple of new signs have appeared on the building at the corner of King Street and Fort Street Mall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A County Council 4-4 deadlock Thursday killed an ethics bill that Mayor Billy Kenoi has pushed since taking office in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

The state budget approved by lawmakers provides $1 million toward extending Saddle Road to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Two million dollars of state funds will go toward upgrading and renovating the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy at the Keaukaha Military Reserve Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Conservation Alliance this week launched conservationconnections.org, what organization leaders hope will become the comprehensive, go-to site to find volunteer opportunities and conservation projects across the state. West Hawaii Today.

An election held last week for positions in the University of Hawaii at Hilo student government has been nullified and will be redone, university officials confirmed today. Big Island Now.

Maui

With a battle brewing over how to handle the county's fiscal 2015 budget, only 11 individuals showed up to testify on property tax rates during a public hearing Wednesday night before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

To save their homes from bright lights, noisy ball games, congested traffic and decreasing property values, Maui Lani residents proposed Tuesday that the state consider developing its Central Maui Regional Sports Complex in another location, but state officials said that would delay the project another seven to 10 years. Maui News.

Michelle Del Rosario, chairwoman of the Hawaii Independent Party. The co-founder of Hawaii's newest political party hopes to attract independent thinkers. Star-Advertiser.

A 20-year-old Maui woman fell approximately 150-feet to her death during a zipline accident near the Piʻiholo Ranch this morning, fire officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tough decisions, county officials say, lie ahead as they try to balance the county’s budget without an anticipated windfall from increased state tax revenues charged to visitor accommodations. Garden Island.

You could say that politics runs in Arryl Kaneshiro’s blood. His father, Daryl Kaneshiro, after all, served on the Kauai County Council for six terms between 1998 and 2010. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will install a fence to protect Kauai forest from the Na Pali Coast up to the Alakai plateau. The project in the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve will control invasive weeds like Australian tree ferns and remove pigs and goats. Associated Press.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Hawaii zipline regulation costly, University of Hawaii wines and dines Honolulu newspaper staff, tries to silence critics, Land Development Corp goes back to public hearings, four Hawaii names on Boy Scout sex abuse list, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

hawaii auditor
Hawaii zipline, Hawaii auditor report photo
A state proposal to regulate zip line tour companies in Hawaii would cost $400,000 to set up and $350,000 to implement each year, with unclear benefits to making rides safer, Hawaii's state auditor said Thursday. Associated Press.

Zipping thousands of feet over ravines is inherently risky, according to a new state audit on ziplines and canopy tours. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii zip line
Umauma zipline courtesy Damontucker.com
Hawaii’s auditor has issued a report critical of a plan to regulate the state’s zipline operators, saying they are “basically self-regulating,” and it would cost the state up to $400,000 to establish an inspection and permitting system. Big Island Now.

Full auditor's report on ziplines.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former governor Linda Lingle will square off on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 8 p.m. through 9 p.m. on KITV

A once-secret Boy Scout list of child sex abuse suspects includes several cases in Hawaii. KHON2.

A state corporation formed to raise revenue through public land development will be going through a second round of statewide hearings about its proposed rules after being blasted by critics in the first round. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii's Board of Regents meet in closed-door executive session Friday afternoon to discuss the future of embattled UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has not yet released documents related to the annual evaluation of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, despite a legal opinion that her evaluation and the president's performance expectations are public records. Star-Advertiser.

An analysis of almost five years of University of Hawaii Athletics Department expense reports that were reimbursed by the UH Foundation shows wining and dining of Honolulu's daily newspaper. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple attempted Thursday to clarify his testimony to a Senate panel last week when he said nearly all UH coaches "thanked him" after the removal of Jim Donovan as athletic director. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents could face criminal or civil penalties if they disclose to media or the public information they learned in closed door meetings. Hawaii Reporter.

When asked her thoughts on the ongoing controversy surrounding fallout from the botched Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa told PBN reporters and editors that the community ultimately should be the ones who decide whether the self-governing structure currently in place is the best model. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s statewide gas price held at $4.41, the same average as last week, despite slight increases in several areas, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

Two cannons dating to Hawaii's turbulent revolutionary days are back in the hands of the Hawaii National Guard 117 years after they were first delivered to the governmental militia. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 12. Associated Press.


Oahu

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye has formally thrown his support behind Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano spent about $30,000 this week on his first TV ad buys since the primary election. Civil Beat.

A union-backed group is exploiting a loophole to spend almost $600,000 on behalf of mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell. Hawaii News Now.

Questions about bidding procedures taint a $142 million affordable housing deal that is the crowning achievement of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council voted 6-2 on Thursday to give the OK for Mayor Peter Carlisle's plan to sell the city's 12 affordable rental complexes for $142 million despite reservations raised by people from Chinatown and a competing developer who said the plan would force 700 tenants from their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Despite several concerns, the Honolulu City Council voted Thursday to pass a resolution approving a deal for the city to sell its affordable housing units to a private developer. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council’s Transportation Committee held a discussion Thursday about the federal government’s new Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21, as it’s more commonly called. KITV4.

Hawaii

The candidates for Hawaii Island Mayor debated the issues during a televised forum. KHON2.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has set aside $100,000 to remove a large container from a remote Ka‘u shoreline. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will take an offer for an alternative route to Papaikou Mill Beach under advisement, but it will need more details before making a decision, Chairman Dominic Yagong said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Film Office is making it possible for residents' properties to have a starring role as a location for an upcoming movie or television production. Maui News.

It was youth versus experience - and a few agitated exchanges - as Democratic state House candidate Kaniela Ing met side by side, and sometimes face to face, with Republican Rep. George Fontaine of South Maui. Maui News.

A group of volunteers on Maui spent National Public Lands Day caring for the historic Mokuʻula site in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

A portion of Kaua‘i’s energy needs will soon be met from burning woodchips. Green Energy of Kaua‘i received this week  a $72.9 million loan guarantee to build a $90 million state-of-the-art facility to burn woodchips from trees grown and harvested on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Kauai’s small, member-owned electric utility is quickly becoming a leader when it comes to renewable energy. By the end of 2014, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative expects to be generating 35 percent of its energy from sources such as solar, biomass and hydroelectric. Civil Beat.

A judge granted a motion to remove claim against a landowner in the case against a genetically modified seed grower on West Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Mounting discoveries of historic Native Hawaiian burials have created challenges for Kawaiaha‘o Church and the city's planned rail line in Kakaako, and now a third construction project in the area must deal with the sensitive issue. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

U.S. Senate candidates face off in Honolulu, campaign in Hilo, mixed economic forecast, Big Island zipline maker at fault, Japan won't dump radioactive waste in Northern Marianna Islands, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono
U.S. Senate candidates squared off today in the first of only five debates between the Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of prog­ress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case did not wait terribly long to try and score debating points against Mazie Hirono at a candidate forum Tuesday on tourism. Civil Beat.

It was a first for the candidates vying for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka's seat. Tuesday, they participated in a forum together at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. KHON2.

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Linda Lingle
There aren’t many Republicans in the Democratic stronghold known as Hilo, but almost 200 came out Tuesday for the headquarters grand opening and birthday bash for former Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. West Hawaii Today.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle mingled among her East Hawaii supporters at the opening of her Hilo headquarters. Tribune-Herald.


The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept a 12 percent growth forecast for the fiscal year that ends June 30, but lowered the revenue projection for next fiscal year, which will prompt the Abercrombie administration to scale back state spending. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept its revenue growth projection for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, at 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues revised its State General Fund revenue forecast today…with mixed reviews on what to expect in the months and years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

A 2011 state law meant to generate as much as $220 million in new tax revenues has fallen far short of target, causing the state Council on Revenues today to forecast a 2.2% drop in next year’s total tax take. Hawaii Reporter.

The Council on Revenues forecasts the state has about $100 million less to work with next year. KHON2.

Japanese investors appear to have abandoned plans to dump millions of tons of debris from last year's tsunami disaster on a pristine island in the Northern Mariana Islands. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

A federal review completed last month found Honolulu has improved its city bus and Handi-Van services since their last federal evaluation three years ago, but there's still work to be done. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Peter Carlisle said Tuesday that his support for the city's rail proj­ect is "unequivocal," drawing a brighter line than former managing director Kirk Caldwell, who has called for a review of the proj­ect's station locations, architecture and visual impact. Star-Advertiser.

Anthony Guerrero Jr., a retired vice chairman of First Hawaiian Bank   and chairman of the board of Oahu Transit Services, has joined the board of Move Oahu Forward, a group of Honolulu business leaders who support the city’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

Officials have set their sights on Hawaii's military housing for a new program they hope will cut energy waste and save the government nearly a half-million dollars a year in electricity costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Seven candidates for Hawaii County Council on the Big Island are taking advantage of public financing through a three-election-year pilot program in its second year. Civil Beat.

South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford has big plans for the site of a new community college at Palamanui. West Hawaii Today.

Tradewinds Forest Products LLC recently started harvesting eucalyptus trees planted in Hamakua in the late-1990s to send to Asia. West Hawaii Today.

The builder of a zip line course in Paukaa near Hilo, where one worker was killed and a co-worker critically injured when a tower collapsed Sept. 21, failed to ensure ground anchors and a guy cable system could support the weight of a tower, zip lines and human riders, the state said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state has accused the builder of an East Hawaii zip line platform that collapsed last year, killing a construction worker, of serious violations of workplace safety laws.Tribune-Herald.

Richard Crowe, co-founder of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s astronomy program and astronomer-in-residence at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, was killed Sunday in a bizarre Jeep accident near Chinle, Ariz. He was 60. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $250,000 for the Nahiku Community Center. Maui News.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said "the true test of our patriotism" is taking care of our soldiers in battle and at home. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. Garden Island.

It couldn’t have started in a worse place, said a volunteer who helped fight a brush fire in a remote area in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve Monday. Garden Island.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Case renews challenge against Hirono in U.S. Democratic Senate primary, Obama supports Honolulu rail project, state won't regulate ziplines, hospital closures concern two islands, Kauai mayor releases $161M budget, gas keeps going up, more Hawaii news for web and smartphone

U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case and wife Audrey (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
With the primary election less than five months away, Ed Case is trying to get Mazie Hirono to come out of her protective congressional bubble. Civil Beat.

Owners of Hawaii's popular zip lines, under increased scrutiny since a man plunged to his death last year, won't be placed under state supervision — at least for now. Associated Press.

The state Attorney General has warned lawmakers that a bill meant to punish protestors who engage in disorderly or disruptive behavior at the Legislature may be constitutionally defective. Hawaii Reporter.

The Governor’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative is geared toward reducing Hawai’i’s prison population to save 9-million dollars by the end of the next fiscal year. Dog Chapman and other Bail Bond providers say they were not consulted and now oppose an early release provision in a bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's teachers union wants to meet with federal education officials who will visit in about two weeks to monitor the state's progress on Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

The state Department of Education has not yet decided whether it will take ground beef containing an ammonia-treated filler dubbed "pink slime" off Hawaii school lunch menus, but is stressing that the meat product is safe to eat. Star-Advertiser.

Money legislation has been all over the map this session, ranging from proposals for a state-run bank and a tax on sugary drinks to hiking the minimum wage and granting employers a payroll tax break. Civil Beat.

More than 70 students are visiting the Capitol on Friday to testify on bills relevant to Hawaii's youth. KHON2.

State lawmakers are looking at ways to make it harder for minors to smoke cigarettes in Hawaii. KHON2.

A national, non-profit transportation group hit the road - and found nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's major highways and thoroughfares have deteriorated. Hawaii News Now.

The statewide average price of gasoline in Hawaii rose by 2 cents this week to $4.44 per gallon, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu's leading hospitals are confirming that the December shuttering of Hawaii Medical Center facilities in Ewa and Li­liha has placed tremendous stress on their facilities through higher occupancy, overflowing emergency rooms and longer waiting times for noncritical patients to receive attention. Star-Advertiser.

The Obama's administration supports the city's rail transit project and "will continue to work through whatever issues need to be worked through," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The interim director of the city's rail project said Thursday it would be cheaper to start construction now on support columns for the elevated system than it would be to delay construction, and said that would be true even if the city were forced later to rip down the columns. Star-Advertiser.

"City Put Itself in a Pickle": Another Internal FTA Email Surfaces; Outlines Dispute Between FTA, City Over Honolulu Rail. Hawaii Reporter.

The state auditor said the Stadium Authority has failed to provide leadership over the stadium's popular swap meet, its largest revenue source, according to a report released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Build rail infrastructure with the risk of tearing it down, or wait for federal money and legal challenges to be resolved? That was among an hours-long debate at Honolulu City Council today. KHON2.

Some vendors at the state’s Aloha Stadium swap meet have failed to pay or underpaid state taxes. Hawaii Reporter.

Two city departments will together look to hire an emergency contractor to clean up mold and lead at Honolulu Hale — an operation that is expected to cost taxpayers at least $100,000. Civil Beat.

Former Governors Make Rare Appearance At Land Use Commission. KITV4.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is making changes to improve safety and security for residents at Mayor Wright Homes, a public housing complex in Palama. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

North Hawaii Community Hospital’s chief executive says no decisions have been made about the future of the Waimea Women’s Center, despite internal reports saying two nurse midwives may lose their jobs. West Hawaii Today.

State Land Board member accused of conflict of interest. Hawaii News Now.

A robot called Benjamin survived gale force storm 26-foot waves, defied turbulent mid-ocean currents, crossed the thrashing Alenuihaha Channel and stayed on course, Thursday becoming the second vehicle of its kind to travel more than 3,200 nautical miles — without human assistance. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa was no cakewalk in 1794, when the first party of European explorers reached its summit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Native Hawaiian leader who played a key role in preventing the continued exhumation of hundreds of Native Hawaiian burials at Honokahua, Maui, died Thursday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Maui County Council's Policy Committee voted 5-0 Wednesday to recommend the rejection of the nomination of Wailuku businessman John Noble to the Maui Redevelopment Agency. Maui News.

The Kahului Airport master plan, including a longer main runway, will take years of public effort before a shovel hits dirt for the major pieces of the more than $1 billion, 20-year-plus plan, said Jeff Chang, engineering program manager for the state Department of Transportation Airports Division. Maui News.

For the Maui Island General Plan, the momentum shifted Wednesday in favor of those who want more details in the plan, rejecting arguments from Department of Planning Director Will Spence, who has maintained that too many details would defeat the purpose of the document as a "general" plan and make it a nightmare for planners to administer and for members of the public to sort out. Maui News.

A proposal to set a 10 p.m. ban on entertainment, music and dancing at the Kihei Kalama Village was voted down today, but could resurface again in six months if noise complaints persist. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Thursday released his budget for Fiscal Year 2013. His administration is proposing to spend $161.2 million in operational expenses between July 1 and June 30, 2013. The budget represents a $24.63 million, or 14 percent, reduction from the current fiscal year, according to Carvalho. Garden Island.

Pohaku kohala unearthed during recent rains. Garden Island.