Showing posts with label zoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoo. Show all posts

Monday, May 25, 2020

Military spending props up Hawaii's sagging economy, Biden wins state Democratic primary, aquarium collectors denied state approval, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
WWII vet Don Graves inspires trainees at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2020 All Hawaii News
As tourism stalls, military spending continues to boost Hawaii’s economy. One of the remaining pillars of Hawaii’s economy — federal spending, including military — continues to prop up the tourist-depleted Aloha State, with the Defense Department so far resistant to the devastating financial effects of the coronavirus, which have resulted in a jobless rate of 22%. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese American WWII vets and familes waiting on Congressional Gold Medal. The first regional ceremony was to be on Oahu on May 17 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. But the coronavirus outbreak led to a postponement of those plans, with the fall targeted for a Washington, D.C., recognition and a Hawaii ceremony weeks after that. Star-Advertiser.

At cemeteries across the state, a Memorial Day unlike any other. As the coronavirus pandemic persists across the globe, most of the big public Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe will be noticeably absent. Hawaii News Now.

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Economist outlines how long it could take for Hawaii to fully bounce back. In economic news, there’s a grim prediction from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.. They’re projecting that Hawaii’s economic growth will drop by 12.1 percent this year as a result of the pandemic and its lasting effects. Hawaii News Now.

59% Of Hawaii Households Lost Income Since March 13. Compared with other states, Hawaii had more households say they lost income and expect to lose more during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii residents wary of visiting malls, eating out. The survey by Honolulu-­based SMS Research & Marketing Service Inc. found that 70% of Hawaii adults are either “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about themselves or someone in their family getting sick with COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Other destinations set reopenings, but Hawaii tourism remains in limbo. That’s in sharp contrast to destinations around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, China, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Spain and Mexico — even Las Vegas and Florida — that have announced tourism reopening dates or are seriously moving toward them by setting public benchmarks and adopting standards for phased reopening. Star-Advertiser.

Contract delays sidelined investigators crucial to quarantine enforcement. Investigators with the Attorney General’s office have played a major role in the arrests of out-of-state visitors who violate the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement. But Hawaii News Now has learned that some of the AG’s investigators have been sidelined for more than a week due to bureaucratic delays. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, state health officials reminded the public that social distancing guidelines were still in effect, and large group gatherings were not allowed. Some people followed those rules, others did not. KHON2.

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Public libraries to launch Library Take-Out. The Hawaii State Public Library System announce Saturday the statewide launch of Library Take Out at 47 public libraries. West Hawaii Today.

‘Library Take Out’ System Launching Tuesday. The Hawai‘i State Public Library System has announced the statewide launch of “Library Take Out” at 47 of its 51 public libraries. Big Island Now.

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West Hawaiʻi Aquarium Fishery EIS Rejected. In a rare move, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted to reject the Environmental Impact Statement for proposed aquarium fishing in West Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

BLNR votes 7-0 against environmental impact statement for aquarium fishing permits in West Hawaii. The fishers, part of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, asked the Department of Land and Natural Resources for 10 of such permits for Hawaii island’s West Hawaii Regional Fisher Management Area, which they said was the site of nearly $1.3 million of the state’s commercial aquarium fishery in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR unanimously rejects West Hawaii aquarium fishing EIS. A proposed environmental impact statement — produced by aquarium fishers to reopen West Hawaii’s coastal waters to 10 commercial aquarium fishermen — was rejected in a 7-0 decision by the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

BLNR Rejects West Hawai‘i Aquarium Fishing EIS. Aquarium fishing with fine mesh nets in West Hawai‘i waters will remain shut down, at least for the time being. Big Island Now.

DLNR proposes $100K in fines for 3 alleged aquarium fish poachers. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing more than $100,000 in fines for three Big Island residents accused of poaching aquarium fish. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Schools Under Pressure To Provide More Data About Remote Learning. Civil Beat.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March, the Hawaii schools chief says 80% to 95% of students have consistent access to education material. Civil Beat.

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Joe Biden wins Hawaii Democratic presidential primary with 63% of ranked-choice votes. Former Vice President Joe Biden has won the Democratic presidential primary in Hawaii, surpassing the second place candidate by more than 25 percentage points, the Democratic Party of Hawaii announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Biden Clobbers Sanders In Hawaii’s Presidential Primary. Favorite daughter Tulsi Gabbard finishes fourth and is awarded no delegates in Democratic Party-run election. Civil Beat.

Joe Biden Wins Hawaii Presidential Primary Delayed By Virus. Joe Biden won the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s party-run presidential primary on Saturday, which was delayed by more than a month because of the coronavirus. Associated Press.

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Tracing California’s ‘Lost Tribe’ Of Hawaiians. A group of Native Hawaiians traveled to California 181 years ago. Their descendants are still connected to the islands in surprising ways. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 24: No New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. For the seventh time in May, no new cases of the coronavirus were reported. Civil Beat.

No new cases of COVID-19 reported Sunday.  Over the weekend, the state reported just one new case of COVID-19 on Saturday. There were no new cases on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee postpones action on measure to triple landfill distance. The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning, Planning and Housing Committee postponed action on a resolution that seeks to amend the county Land Use Ordinance to require the distance between a landfill and residential neighborhoods, resorts and schools be more than tripled, which could halt plans to expand Oahu’s only construction landfill. Pacific Business News.

Oahu home prices rise in May despite Covid pressure on sales, Locations says. Average single-family home prices on Oahu rose 6.5% during the first two weeks of May, compared to the same period last year, while sales declined by 13.6% during the same time, as Covd-19 restrictions — and the economic fallout and uncertainty — impacted the residential real estate market, according to research from Locations. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Prosecutors raid another Century Center massage parlor. On Friday, prosecutors seized records from Integrative Modalities of Honolulu, citing five of its female employees for violating the governor’s emergency proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

6 cited for coronavirus violations in raid at suspected brothel near Waikiki. Six people were cited Friday during a raid at a massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel while state emergency orders remain in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said today. Star-Advertiser.

Suspected brothel busted at Century Center. Dozens of condoms were found at the massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV4.


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Alleged chicken shooter among latest arrested for quarantine violations. A man who was seen in a social media video allegedly shooting a chicken with a spear gun has been arrested. He was among the latest arrests of alleged travel quarantine breakers. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo welcomes new ohana, two endangered giraffes named Neeliz and Sandi. The Honolulu Zoo said aloha to two new Reticulated Giraffes from the Albuquerque Biological Park on Thursday, May 21. KHON2.

Meet Neelix and Sandi, the Honolulu Zoo’s newest residents. This week, the zoo received a male and a female Reticulated Giraffe from the Albuquerque Biological Park. Hawaii News Now.

Archers disappointed that ranges still closed. For two months Clifford Smith and fellow archers have not been able to practice their sport, which is not one of the approved uses in newly reopened city parks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim announces June 1 reopening of churches, salons, restaurants. Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an emergency rule that reopens places of worship, personal services such as hair salons, and restaurants effective June 1. West Hawaii Today.

Churches, Salons, Restaurants Can Reopen June 1st On Hawaii Island. Mayor Harry Kim's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 5 will allow places of worship, salons, one-on-one services, and restaurants - including food courts but not bars and nightclubs - to reopen. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County to Reopen Medium Risk Businesses on June 1. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an order that will allow the reopening of personal services like hair salons, communal places of worship and indoor dining options at restaurants effective June 1. Big Island Now.

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University of California system has given $68M to TMT project. The University of California system, one of the partners seeking to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, has invested more than $68 million in the TMT project as of April 30, according to a UC financial report. Star-Advertiser.

$90M allocated for Daniel K. Inouye Highway project. A bill containing $90 million to extend Daniel K. Inouye Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway is awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature. West Hawaii Today.

'We will never forget': Virus makes for different Memorial Day, but meaning unchanged. The Memorial Day ceremony regularly held at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery every year has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Upgrades coming to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Max the Catalina macaw is on break from his usual job of calling out to folks entering and leaving the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. These days, he’s chatting with construction workers while the zoo undergoes a $9 million renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Another employee tests positive for virus. A Maui Memorial Medical Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19, sparking concerns about a resurgence of cases at the hospital, though both Maui Health and state officials maintained that the cluster has been shut down. Maui News.

Veterans to be honored in spite of pandemic. Flowers will be placed at cemetery; Akaku to air prerecorded ceremony. Maui News.

$532.9M destined for state CIP projects in Maui County. Maui County’s state senators have announced that $532.9 million in capital improvement projects for Maui County have been funded for the current and 2020-21 fiscal years, and general obligation bonds have been set aside for various projects. Maui News.

Kauai


Communication breakdown. Kaua‘i councilmembers have expressed their frustrations over the lack of transparency of the mayor’s administration in responding to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Economic rebuild recommendations offered. The Kaua‘i County Council heard about 45 economic-recovery recommendations from Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Teams last week, including how to support local businesses, the importance of communications, the need for broadband and improved infrastructure and the long-term need to diversify the economy. Garden Island.

‘Like Black Friday in the pandemic’. Mel Dias was sleeping in the Kukui Grove Center parking lot fronting the Ross Dress for Less store Saturday night in anticipation of the store’s reopening Sunday morning. Garden Island.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Sex ed among Hawaii House keiki caucus priorities, senator seeks Roundup moratorium, county council to hear general excise tax plan, Lingle to teach at California college, Honolulu mayor pushes for bus ads, Kauai hit and run victim solves own case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Namaste rests in a bamboo thicket (c) 2014 All Hawaii News
Zoo-goers were saddened Thursday by the death of Namaste, longtime star attraction at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo &Gardens. Clayton Honma, county Parks and Recreation director, said the 15-year-old white Bengal tiger was euthanized Thursday morning because of complications from hip dysplasia. Tribune-Herald.

The state's bipartisan Keiki Caucus on Thursday announced a package of bills it plans to support this session, including measures that would help fund after-school programs and amend Hawaii's sex education law. Star-Advertiser.

A new report card evaluating Hawaiʻi's education policies and their effectiveness at improving the quality of education gave the state a C; still the 7th best in the nation. Hawaii Independent.

A popular weed killer would be pulled from store shelves under a bill a Big Island senator introduced. State Sen. Josh Green proposed a five-year moratorium on the sale and use of products containing glyphosate, a chemical found in common herbicides such as Roundup. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii House committee is wading into a longtime gambling debate — but not to consider legalizing it. The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday planned to debate a bill to add gambling to a list of offenses that can result in civil nuisance lawsuits. Associated Press.

Democrats in the Hawaii House and Senate presented a joint package of bills for the 2014 session on Thursday, with priorities including funding for seniors programs and addressing climate change and invasive species. Party leaders in the chambers said the bills address issues that are big concerns to many people across the state. Associated Press.

2014 House Committee Assignments and Appointments. Hawaii Reporter.

A national report card gave Hawaii an F grade for disaster preparedness and access to emergency care, ranking the state among the bottom 10 in the nation. The report card, released Thursday by the American College of Emergency Physicians, ranked Hawaii second in the nation, scoring an A grade, for its commitment to public health and injury prevention, with both low rates of chronic disease and fatal injuries. It also received a B-minus grade for quality and patient safety environment but scored a D-plus for its medical liability environment due to the lack of protections for the state's health care workforce. Star-Advertiser.

The misuse of a photograph in the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts collection has revealed improper and possibly illegal actions regarding the State’s art holdings. Hawaii Public Radio.

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News
Lingle (c) 2014 All Hawaii News
Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is returning to her alma mater this spring to teach an upper-division course on public policy in California State University, Northridge’s Department of Political Science. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's attempt to make a bus advertising plan acceptable to critics is failing to win over the nonprofit group raising the loudest objections. Caldwell unveiled an amended draft of a bill, making it clear that advertising "shall be restricted to the sides and/or back of city transit buses" and that "bus wraps" or "oversized, multi-sided advertisements" would be excluded. The new version also clearly excludes exterior advertising on transit vehicles, bus stops, benches and stations. Star-Advertiser.

The appeal of a federal lawsuit seeking to stop Honolulu’s $5.16 billion rail project could stall work again if a judge doesn’t issue an opinion on the matter by late spring or early summer, the executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation warned the agency’s board Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has awarded two major contracts worth a total of $117.2 million to oversee construction of the city’s $5.16 billion rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

The Navy confirmed Thursday that jet fuel leaked from a tank at the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility, but local and federal officials say the city's water is safe to drink. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy confirmed Thursday that one of its massive underground tanks near Pearl Harbor has a leak and may have spilled up to 20,000 gallons of aviation fuel, raising concerns about potential drinking water contamination. Civil Beat.

Five homeless men have been killed on Honolulu streets in the past six months, prompting concern from the state's homeless coordinator about the dangers facing many who live without shelter. Star-Advertiser.

High-surf warnings continue today for the North Shore, with waves up to 35 feet. In Oahu, winter waves are expected today to reach heights from 25 to 35 feet on the North Shore, 15 to 25 feet on western shores, 1 to 3 feet on eastern shores and up to 2 feet on southern shores, the weather service said. It's of the biggest swells of the season so far. Star-Advertiser.

A rezoning plan for the "Live Work Play ‘Aiea" mixed-used development project at the former Kam Drive-In in Aiea received positive testimony before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday but will have to wait a month to advance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee is the next venue for a proposal by state mayors to allow them flexibility to add a 1 percent surcharge to the general excise tax. South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford has added a discussion of the proposal to the committee’s agenda for an 11 a.m. Tuesday meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center once again showed strong improvements in an annual report rating patient satisfaction. However, the hospital might see cuts of up to $60,000 this year from its Medicare reimbursements, as its scores continue to fall below other hospitals in the state and around the country. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty years ago, West Hawaii Explorations Academy opened its doors, offering project-based learning to West Hawaii students out of a temporary facility near Keahole Point. On Thursday, crews began pouring the foundation of a permanent facility for the public charter school. West Hawaii Today.

State attorneys are appealing a court decision that overturned Hawaii Ethics Commission charges against a Big Island charter school employee. Last February the commission fined Connections Public Charter School administrative assistant Eric Boyd $10,000 for 20 violations dating back to 2006. Civil Beat.

Maui

The US Department of Agriculture declared Hawaiʻi and Maui Counties disaster areas due to ongoing “severe” and “extreme” drought conditions. Kalawao County at Kalaupapa on Molokaʻi was also named a contiguous disaster county also eligible for federal assistance. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa asked state legislators Wednesday for more state agriculture inspectors to help combat the little fire ant, a stealthy invasive species confirmed to have made its way from the Big Island to Maui and Oahu late last year. Maui News.

Perry Artates, a former Maui Hawaiian Homeland commissioner and prominent labor leader, will spend 45 days in federal prison for his role in a mortgage fraud case that left a Maui family homeless. Hawaii Reporter.

A judge dismissed a case against a man charged with threatening to kill Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. But prosecutors are expected to refile the terroristic-threatening charge against Austin Gerard Jr. Associated Press.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning to build a new, nearly $5.7 million replacement administration building on an acre in Wailuku and next to The Maui News offices.

Maui police cordoned off a section of Papohaku Park in Wailuku on Thursday afternoon, but police on scene could not say what they were investigating. Two individuals with gloves were observed sifting through the contents of a dumpster and taking photographs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Unleashing a new law? Public weighs in on proposed county dog barking ordinance. Garden Island.

A victim of a hit and run accident one year ago found some closure from solving the case with her own detective work. Another chapter to the victim’s remarkable saga closed Thursday in 5th Circuit Court when the suspect was sentenced to probation during an emotional hearing. Garden Island.

Federal court criminal hearings for violations and some offenses that occurred on Kauai can be now be heard quarterly at 5th Circuit Court. On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii held hearings in Lihue with U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang and courtroom manager Shari Afuso. The hearings were held in Courtroom No. 5, which is usually vacant at 5th Circuit. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Drones coming to Hawaii, noted taxpayer advocate Kalapa dies, Bloomberg fundraiser for Schatz irks Hanabusa, SHOPO aims to keep police discipline confidential, sinkhole swallows pickup, Obama hikes, golfs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii drone tests UAV
NASA Global Hawk drone, courtesy photo
Hawaii has been selected to be a test bed for increased drone flights as the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to create rules of the air and incorporate an ever-expanding number of the flying robots into the nation's airspace. Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon are part of a partnership that was picked to become one of six groups nationwide for the effort, with backers hoping the Aloha State will become a mecca for unmanned vehicle research, testing and certification, creating science jobs and adding millions to the economy along the way. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Aviation Administration included Hawaii as part of a partnership with the University of Alaska and the State of Oregon as one of six test sites that will allow drones to share airspace with commercial aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiʻi has been identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a test site range location for unmanned aircraft systems research. Maui Now.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a drone? It could be. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday six institutions where researchers will develop and test drones to fly. KHON2.

President Barack Obama had a full day of activity on his tenth day of vacation, starting with his morning workout before dawn and ending the evening at dinner with friends at Alan Wong's in McCully. The president and first lady were joined by other couples for dinner at one of Obama's favorite restaurants at about 8 p.m. Associated Press

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, dined with friends at Alan Wong's restaurant Monday night after the family went on a two-hour hike on Makiki Valley Loop Trail. Earlier, the president went for a morning round of golf with friends at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

It doesn't matter that they belong to President Barack Obama -- first family dogs Bo and Sunny had to go through Hawaii's strict quarantine procedures to travel to the islands for their holiday vacation. Associated Press.

Denby Fawcett: A Presidential Obama Center at Point Panic Is a Bad Idea. Civil Beat.

On Thursday evening, a mere 48 hours after he steps down as New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg will arrive in Hawaii to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) -- an appearance that Schatz's primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, is using as political fodder in an already heated race. Huffington Post.

The mayor of New York City will headline a Sen. Brian Schatz fundraiser in Kahala Thursday, something Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is using as political fodder. Hanabusa’s Senate campaign sent out fundraising appeals to supporters today and last week that condemn Schatz for spending time with Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire that “long championed deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Civil Beat.

The state has approved rate hikes for reinstated health plans that were set to be canceled today because they did not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The state Insurance Division said Monday that Kaiser Permanente Hawaii would be allowed to boost premiums by an average 9.2 percent for individual plans with 11,000 enrollees and by 5 percent for 26,300 small-business policyholders at their contract renewal dates. Star-Advertiser.

Relaxing marijuana restrictions around the country have some hoping there will also be changes to Hawaii's pot policies. KITV4.

The emotionally charged special session of the Legislature that led to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's signing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act was the top local news story of the year, but also dominating the headlines were shark attacks, including two fatalities, a massive molasses spill, the Christopher Deedy murder trial and GMO restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

The past year has been a strong one for Hawaii’s economy with tourist arrivals expected to set another record, although the pace of growth slowed. Construction picked up speed helped by a boom in Kakaako condo projects. The most notable property transaction of the year was Alexander & Baldwin’s purchase of most of downtown Kailua. The troubled launch of the Hawaii Health Connector and a slowdown in the growth of residential solar energy systems round out our major business stories of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii taxpayer advocate
Kalapa
Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since the 1970s, died Monday of unknown causes. He was 64. A respected economic voice in the halls of both the state Capitol and Honolulu Hale, he preached fiscal restraint by lobbying for fairness and equity in taxes, reduced government spending, and ensuring lawmakers and citizens alike understood the impacts that the measures introduced by state and county lawmakers had on regular people. Star-Advertiser.

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died Monday. He was 64. The cause of his death was not revealed. Pacific Business News.

Lowell Kalapa, well-known government watchdog who headed the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, died over the weekend, his office confirmed today. Hawaii Reporter.

He never held an elected office but Lowell Kalapa was one of the most influential voices in the state Legislature. Kalapa, executive director of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died at his home. He was 64. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering My Friend Lowell Kalapa, a personal remembrance of Kalapa from a Civil Beat columnist and close friend. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Castle & Cooke Hawaii said Monday the company has had inquiries from people who want to live in Koa Ridge, the 3,500-home development it will build in central Oahu. In a statement, Castle & Cooke said it will proceed with the development despite a Dec. 23 state Supreme Court decision invalidating a 2010 Land Use Commission approval of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s politically powerful police union wants to intervene in a public records lawsuit in order to protect the identities of 12 Honolulu officers who were suspended for 20 days or more after committing serious acts of misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo Director Jeffrey Mahon announced last week that he is resigning, less than six months after starting the job. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A short list of three candidates to finish state Rep. Denny Coffman’s unexpired term is on its way to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, culled from nine Democrats who submitted applications for House District 5 representing West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Since the newest segment of Saddle Road — also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway — opened, letter writers and callers to the Tribune-Herald have complained police are operating a speed trap on the east-west traffic artery. Hawaii Police Department statistics indicate there will be fewer speeding tickets written on the Saddle this year than in 2012, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Tribune-Herald.

sinkhole
Heavy rains drenched Hawaii island's Windward coast Monday morning, scattering runoff and debris across the area -- and even causing a Paauilo Mauka road to collapse beneath a truck, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes even Mother Nature likes to end the year with a bang. The Big Island’s strongest storm of the season pounded windward areas Sunday and Monday with heavy rain, rolling thunder and countless flashes of lightning that put on a show that could rival even some of tonight’s celebrations. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii woman whose last name is 36 characters long has finally gotten the whole thing to fit on her driver's license and state identification card. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has a surname that consists of 35 letters plus an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. Associated Press.

Maui

Expeditions, which operates the only ferry service between the islands of Maui and Lanai, is seeking to build a new $2.7 million vessel that would replace one of its existing ferries. Maui News.

Despite having an information kiosk burn down in March and then having the former refuge manager leave her post in July, the small four-person refuge staff at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge has dealt with challenges this year and "learned more about the refuge" in the process. Maui News.

Kauai

Storywise, it’s been quite a year. Everyone probably remembers Bill 2491, the back and forth, the Mana March, the veto, the override, the threats. And who can forget Jeff Horton, who punched a shark in the nose and lived to tell about it? Lots of people wanted to hear Horton’s story, too, No. 9 on our list. Media agencies from New York to San Francisco, including Diane Sawyer’s office, called The Garden Island looking to cover the surfer after TGI ran its story. Garden Island.

Molokai
A Woman Attempts to Rebuild Ohana Broken by Fear of 'Lepers'. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Drone can't patrol Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii judges low paid, no state preschool, new airline coming, environmentalists rally against development bills, path cleared for rail transit, Maui bug patrol returns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aircraft over Honolulu Harbor (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The state Department of Transportation's Harbors Division has been unable to use an unmanned drone aircraft purchased with $75,000 in federal grant money to provide security at Honolulu Harbor because it falls within restricted airspace near Honolulu International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's state judges are among the lowest paid in the nation — and their salaries won't be improving anytime soon given legislative pay cuts that have been extended through the end of next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii remains among a minority of states without a state-funded preschool program, according to a new report that also shows spending for preschool programs in other states is declining. Eleven states didn't offer state-funded programs in 2011, up from 10 in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

Banning or charging fees for plastic bags at the check-out counter could be having unintended consequences. Civil Beat.

Several measures moving forward at the capitol would exempt state and private-partnership developments from environmental and planning rules. Opponents rallied at the capitol ahead of Tuesday's votes on four of the bills. KHON2.

The state Legislature has taken another step toward adopting labeling protections for Hawaii-grown tea after recently leaving the issue to steep. Tribune-Herald.

What Do Hawaii Lawmakers Have Against Ethics Code? (commentary) Civil Beat.

If you care about holding government officials' feet to the fire when it comes to public records, you should be concerned about a bill the Hawaii Office of Information Practices is pushing at the Legislature. (commentary) Civil Beat.

Allegiant Air, a low-cost, Las Vegas-based airline that primarily serves small cities, is entering the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

A contractor may soon be able to move forward with construction of a key support facility needed to build the $5.27 billion Hono­lulu rail proj­ect, but rail opponents say the plans for the "precast" facility could be the basis for new court challenges. Star-Advertiser.


Honolulu bus stop (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The city says soaring costs are to blame for a consolidation of bus services this summer. KHON2.


230 signatures and counting.That's how many bus riders are demanding that the City not change the current #14 route. KHON2.


A higher profile in Asia and the Pacific is in the works for Fort Shafter and within the ranks of the Army with construction of a new 330,000-square-foot headquarters under way as well as an effort to upgrade the three-star command to four stars. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Zoo's accreditation has been renewed after exhibit upgrades, more staffing and new signage were put in place in response to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums deferring renewal a year ago because standards were not being met. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

Motorists frustrated by construction delays along the Hamakua Coast can expect to soon to get some relief. Tribune-Herald.

A burned-out motor that caused the breakdown of a South Kona well is causing the county Department of Water Supply to issue health advisories and a voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.


Mauna Kea (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Mauna Kea remains one of Hawaii's treasures. It's a center of both science and spirituality. HPR's Noe Tanigawa recently made a special trip to Mauna Kea...beginning at the home of a family in Waimea with unique ties to the sacred mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County has a state entomologist again after the position was lost to budget cuts in 2009. Associated Press.

Using a net, Mach Fukada swept over grasses and plants in a wetland area off a parking lot at Kanaha Beach Park last week. Maui News.

The County of Maui, Department of Public Works proposes to conduct roadway repairs to a section of Kahekili Highway between Mile Markers 15 and 16 in the Kahakuloa district of Maui. Maui Now.


Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will hold an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Fire Department on Monday asked for new staff members and better equipment for the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

The county Civil Defense Agency asked the Kaua‘i County Council on Monday for a reduced operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Garden Island.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Tourists prefer Neighbor Islands, $198 roundtrip to Japan draws crowds, Hawaii Dems reject ex-Lingle staffer, private school tuition rises, Legislature protests high shipping costs, Democrat Hannemann courts Guam GOP, more Hawaii news for web and smartphone

Hawaii black sand beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii visitor surveys, handed out on airplanes, show a growing number of visitors intend to spend their entire vacations on a single neighbor island. Hawaii News Now.

Average hotel room rates in Hawaii rose 4.7 percent last week, year over year, while occupancy rates increased by 4.8 percentage points, according to Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. Associated Press.

On Sunday, H.I.S. Hawaii travel agency released its lowest deal ever to Japan, $198 round-trip flight on Hawaiian Airlines to Osaka, tax included. The agency said that same flight can average $1,100. KITV4.


Mufi Hannemann
Democratic Congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann held a fundraiser March 21 with prominent Republicans on Guam. Civil Beat.

Laura Thielen is denied opportunity to run as Democrat for state Senate. KHON2.

A new provision in the charter school reform bill would exempt the public charter school system from the state Ethics Code, despite a recent auditor's report that lambasted a few charters for unethical and improper spending and employment practices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov Remains Defiant on HSTA Standoff. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature on the Downhill Slide. Hawaii Reporter.

The state House has passed a resolution protesting routinely higher retail shipping costs to Hawaii and Alaska. Associated Press.

Hawaii's largest private schools will increase tuition by 3 to 6 percent in the 2012-13 school year, with increases at several schools slightly larger than what parents paid this school year. Star-Advertiser.

A decades-long dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs came to a close Friday with applause, a standing ovation and lots of hugs. Associated Press.

The census asks all Hawaii residents for their martial status.  Ten Hawaii communities were listed in the census. KITV4.

Oahu

Most city department heads would get 3 percent raises in the coming fiscal year under recommendations made by the Hono­lulu Salary Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Councilman proposes total ban on Kailua commercial vendors. KITV4.

The Honolulu Zoo has won re-accreditation one year after it nearly lost that status from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Hawaii News Now.

With heavy, above-ground construction set to start any day, rail opponents have revved up their criticism of the $5.2 billion project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The layers of categories and exemptions in Hawaii County’s tax policies lead to confusion among property owners and potential inequity in taxation, an independent audit has concluded. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald on Friday selected a 10-acre site on Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway to house the long-planned Kona judiciary complex. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Airshow Invitational will go on, just not this year. West Hawaii Today.

Surface flows of smooth pahoehoe lava from Kilauea Volcano continued to progress Sunday across the pali and upper coastal plain of the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle
Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is proposing to eliminate the county's grant to the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association for 2013, moving the funds instead to an open-ended appropriation for small-town planning services. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa proposed the allocation of funds for the design of a Central Maui Sports Arena and Civic Center in Wailuku, and a Central Maui Aquatics Center in Kahului. Maui Now.

Honolulu is shipping three retired, 18-year-old public buses to Maui to help with the Valley Isle's fast-growing public transportation system. Maui News.

Kauai

About 300 people gathered in Kapa‘a on Sunday to exchange seeds and plants to grow more of their own food. Garden Island.

A same-sex couple announced last week that they tied the knot at a Hanapepe church. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i counters close 2012 whale season. Garden Island.

John Burger, an environmental coordinator at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana, will speak on  “Environmental Conservation at PMRF: Managing and Protecting Resources” at a free lecture at the Hanapepe Public Library at 6 p.m. Thursday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui will get a taste of Molokai next week. It’s all part of the annual Maui County Agricultural Festival. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 30 years of service with the Maui Police Department — 28 of which were served here in Molokai –Sergeant Detective Eugene Santiago is retiring. Molokai Dispatch.

As the Molokai community continues to determine its future and where tourism fits into the economical equation, the Aha Kiole, a resource management group, has compiled the results from a series of community meetings and surveys. Molokai Dispatch.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Clinton stresses East-West ties in Hawaii, Big Island residents challenge DU, zoo booed, more news


Video Link to Clinton's speech.


Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking yesterday at the East-West Center, said the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in Honolulu will give Hawai'i a chance to showcase its unique diversity, its "aloha spirit," and its prime location as a hub between East and West.

Hawaii has a chance to showcase its diversity and act as a model for the region when it hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum next year, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said yesterday at the East-West Center in Manoa.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took a barge tour of Pearl Harbor yesterday, stopping briefly to lay a wreath in the shrine room of the USS Arizona Memorial.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made a major policy speech in Honolulu on Tuesday at the East-West Center in Manoa about America's future relationship with Asia.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is here in Hawaii, but she's not kicking back she's kicking off a 10 day trip aimed at strengthening and mending relations with countries in the Asia Pacific region.

A group of architects who have worked on Honolulu 's planned rail project yesterday said they support plans to build the $5.3 billion train on an elevated guideway.

The two largest land animals in all of Hawaii are at the center of a lifestyle dispute.

Hawaii legislators are working to change state law before business owners are slapped with a 1,000 percent increase in unemployment insurance taxes.

Four Hawaii residents, including three from the Big Island, are challenging the U.S. Army's application to possess depleted uranium.

Neil Abercrombie struck back against critics of his decision to resign his seat representing the state's 1st Congressional district and creating the need for a special election this spring in front of a friendly crowd of campaign supporters Monday morning.

Hawaii County developers have pledged $108.5 million for infrastructure to accommodate population increases caused by their developments, but so far, only $8.1 million has found its way into county coffers and only $3.6 million has been spent.

On the heels of legislative and public calls for a ban on fireworks statewide, Maui County law enforcement officials and lawmakers offered an assortment of views on regulating the popular and traditional practice of ringing in the new year with a bang.

Following a tsunami, Maui will get a glimpse of "Hereafter" this week - all thanks to movie magic.

For the second time in as many months, the Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday rejected a petition arguing North Shore landowner Joseph Brescia has not complied with permits in building his single-family residence on top of multiple known burials at Naue.