Saturday, June 19, 2010

Just sayin' -- Subliminal messages in 'Lost'?

Is “Lost” a vile and reprehensible show sending subliminal messages that force you to keep watching anyway? That’s what one viewer claims in a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.

“… well into season 2, I decided that I dind't (sic) like Lost anymore because the plot had gone stupid and it was getting worse with each episode. Yet I feel an urge to keep watching anyway,” lamented a viewer from Norway who filed a complaint. “ Why? Am I getting fed some mind-controlling subliminal messages saying something like, ‘Watch Lost! Watch every episode! Don't leave us!’ or could it be worse?”

Most folks I’ve encountered are either rabid “Lost” fans, or they can take it or leave it. But there’s another small group out there who just can’t stand the Hawaii-based show’s nudity, partial nudity, cuss words and/or violence.

Not to mention the subliminal messages. You don’t have to run the video backward to see these messages, but, according to our Norway viewer, the World Trade Center, an upside-down man riding a bicycle and other subliminal messages are easy to see if you slow down the show.

“One of the messages in this very clip is, ‘God loves you ... ‘ I am sure that non-Christians would not like hearing that, that they may have been brainwashed by watching Lost,” the viewer continues. “I am a Christian and I don't like it, because this is NOT the proper method in which to spread Christianity!”

The hit ABC TV show might have signed off on its last season, but the complaints linger on. You can find them on the Government Attic website, run by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) group that, as it puts it, “rummages in the government attic,” to save government documents from the Washington D.C. bureaucracy, where things truly can get lost.

The “Lost” complaints document, titled “All informal complaints received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the television show 'Lost' between January 2003 and May 2010,” contains 15 complaints and runs some 30 photocopied pages.

The FCC duly logged all the complaints, assigned them numbers and codes, but generally found the complaints without merit, or as translated into FCC-speak, “Denial. Broadcast outside of subject matter definition.”

The government has redacted all identifying information about the complainant except the city and state, or country.

Oh, and it includes the mandatory butt-covering language: “The FCC receives many complaints and comments that do not involve violations of the Communications Act or any FCC rule or order. Thus, a complaint or comment does not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing by any individuals or entities named in the complaint or comment.”

I’ve taken the liberty of transcribing and/or describing the complaints below.


From Whitmore, Calif.
Two complaints about the Lost - character Sawyer
2-21-08 Lost! ABC/profanity (SOB)
Sawyer uttered “son of a bitch.” This is not the first time.
A follow-up complaint came from the same city about the 4/17/08 show, where Sawyer apparently said, “bastard.”

From Bear, Delaware: “This episode showed a man being hung and his murderer enjoying the action and destroying all evidence.”

From somewhere in Norway:
“I would like to report something 1 have found alarming in a "sneak-peak" of the new series of Lost, which I have found on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v 4bTvAUVPyLI. If that link does not work, the title is "New Lost Season 4 Sneak Peak!!! New Hatch!, The Orchid". The following are scenes that are flashed at lightning speed-subliminally-so you have to play at very slow speeds to find them ... At 0:39 there is a scene of a man watching you, at 0:49, is a scene of a building that looks a lot like building 7 of theWorld Trade Center just before it went down, however, Lost fans say it is some building owned by "the Dharma Initiative" which is supposedly in Narvik, Norway. Then, at 01:09 is a message saying, "God loves you as He loved Jacob", at 0 1 :42 is an upside-down image of someone riding a bicycle. These are four subliminal images in just two minutes! How many do they put in an hour-long episode? I don't like that. Isn't that illegal? I know these are just silly things, but I don't like what they could be doing. For example, well into season 2, I decided that I dind't like Lost anymore because the plot had gone stupid and it was getting worse with each episode. Yet I feel an urge to keep watching anyway. Why? Am I getting fed some mind-controlling subliminal messages saying something like, "Watch Lost! Watch every episode! Don't leave us!" or could it be worse? One of the messages in this very clip is, "God loves you ... " I am sure that non-Christians would not like hearing that, that they may have been brainwashed by watching Lost. I am a Christian and I don't like it, because this is NOT the proper method in which to spread Christianity! If 1 have not sent this to the proper department, please forward it to them. Please investigate.P.S. I am an American citizen, but I am currently living in Norway. That is why I thought of filing a complaint with You.”

From Rock Valley, Iowa:
“At the end of the commercial a topless woman is standing on the ocean front. Waves are crashing in the background. I thought the showing of nudity was prohibited on public channels, in any context?”

From Orange, Maine:
“There was a commercial on before the Rolling Stones preformed at the halftime show of the Super Bowl. It was a commercial for the TV show “lost.” Near the end they show the TV screen they are looking at in the commercial and you can clearly see a naked woman with both breasts openly exposed. I would think after the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction incident of years past they would have put an end to this. Thank you.”

From Lawrenceburg, Indiana:
“Jack and Sawyer were speaking to each other about another character that Sawyer had sexual relations with and Sawyer said to Jack ‘I screwed her,’ referring to having sex with her.”

From Lolo, Mont.:
“I’m disturbed by the graphic violence, physical and psychological torture displayed on lost to humans and animals in the 10/18 and 10/25 episodes. Beating Sawyer to a bloody pulp, killing a rabbit, using tasers on people, beating them with sticks. I loved this show and am angry that I have to stop watching it now.”

From McDonough, Ga.:
“I was trying to watch the Country Music Awards last night with my two children (8 and 10) when ABC kept running the commercial for Lost that comes on Wednesday night. The commercial showed and (sic) man and a woman in a steamy sex scene. They were standing up, kissing and pressed against each other while the man pulled the woman’s shirt off. They did not show nudity but you could see the sides of her breast. This is unacceptable for a commercial. They do this all the time. Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, any other show. The commercials and entirely too racy for children. It doesn’t matter what children are watching. I try to make sure that my children are not exposed to sexual material as much as possible. It makes me sick that I cannot even let my children watch a regular, clean TV show because I have to be careful of the commercials.  signed .. concerned parent.”

From Durham, N.C.:
“Dear FCC: In all my 25+ years of TV watching, I have never been inspired t complain to you until tonight. ABC’s season finale of Lost employed a plot device that has become too common on today’s television: the feel-good murder. It’s time you put a stop to it: when Sawyer killed one of the others tonight with righteous indignation, justifying himself by saying this is for when you took the boy off the boat – he succeeded in befriending the entire viewing audience. No doubt, all of America agreed with him. The just sentence for so bizarre a kidnapping as we witnessed on the high seas during season one was the death penalty. Regardless of the fact that this particular ‘other’ was so merciful that he choose to disobey orders and NOT kill the three good guys who carried out the anti’other’ operation with dynamite explosions; what I am arriving at is the following conclusion: it’s one thing when the TV airways ALLUDE to killing, for the sake of plot development. But it’s quite another when the airwaves teach the masses how and when to kill in order to gain a pleasurable senses of justice. It is likely, unfortunately, that tonight’s television entertainment will encourage unnecessary violence in our society. Please enact and enforce regulations that will prevent such a misuse of the public airwaves.”

From Kissimmee, Fla.:
“I wish to register a complaint to you against the ABC Television' network. While I am aware the ‘so-called’ adult language on network television has become more crude (and. sad1y accepted, even by your commission) an incident has occurred that I  must bring to your attention. I was highly offended by it and I hope that your organization will see fit to look into it. On the September 29th episode of the new series "LOST" at about, 45 minutes into the show, the Iraqi character, Shahid, very clearly  says the word f..k.! I played it back several times and it is unmistakable.    My family and I were mortified. This, of course, is a new low in television. After hiking up a cliff to try to get better reception for an airplane transponder this character is shocked and amazed when. the radio sudden1y comes to life. It is at this time when he utters ‘f..k!" I am certain that there are a hundred words or phrases that would have been appropriate other than that ·vulgarity. I have personally erased the ABC network from all of my TV sets. I hope that you will look into this matter and show some fortitute (sic). The network should be held accountable and be fined to the fullest extent. If your Commission allows this to slip by, then you are nothing but a pawn to the entertainment industry. The majority of the public does not want  to hear
F . . k on its airwaves!  It is unacceptab1e! ! !”

From Norfolk, Mass.:
“I wish to file a complaint against the ABC network for indecency. On January 12, 2005 at 8 p.m. ET, ABC (via affiliate WCVB channel 5 in Boston) aired the show Lost. During the broadcast a male character and his legal sister were shown French kissing and it was implied that they had sex. My wife, myself and my 8 yr old daughter were (up until last night) fans of this show and watched it weekly. We were disgusted that ABC would air such immoral filth during a family viewing time knowing full well that many children are fans of Lost. I demand that ABC be fined and be reprimanded for this outrage; I am confident that you will come down on ABC and punish them with a hefty fine. Please let us know if you have any questions."

Sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Just sayin’.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Maui to regulate aquarium trade, Mauna Kea telescope participates in major find, Djou reaching out on taxpayer dime, school calendar set, more communication coming to Molokai, more news

Maui County is on its way to becoming the first county in the state to regulate the collection of reef aquatic life and demand the humane treatment of the animals for both industry professionals and private aquarium owners.

A Maui County Council committee has approved a bill by Councilman Wayne Nishiki to set up an application and permit system to regulate the aquarium fish trade.

A small capsule that landed in South Australia early this week may contain a key to understanding pieces of Earth's early composition. And Mauna Kea's Subaru Telescope played a small part in getting the capsule home

A new 1.8-meter telescope has begun surveying the skies, looking for killer asteroids, the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy announced Wednesday.

Lihu‘e Airport first in state with all-body security scanner

First came the sparks, citizens outraged about plans to develop on the Kakaako shoreline area. They were blasting the consultants as they unveiled possible blueprints, some citizens are upset that some of the consultants the state hired are from the mainland.

Safeway Inc. intends to build eight stores in Hawaii within the next three years, while Walgreens Inc. has as many as nine island projects in the works.

The Department of Education posted its calendar for the 2010-2011 school year Thursday. There are no furloughs and all DOE employees will return August 2.

With little hesitation the Board of Education became one of ten states to support a nationwide effort to use Common Core State Standards in schools.

A $23 billion proposal to help states pay teachers and avoid layoffs faltered last month in Congress. And Democrats have since then been scrambling to find a backup plan.

Rep. Charles Djou said Thursday that videotape paid for by taxpayers dollars was taken off his campaign website as soon as his campaign office was made aware it violated U.S. House rules.

U.S. Rep. Charles Djou is taking advantage of one of the privileges of being in Congress: taxpayer-financed messages back home.

Deja vu. Deja Djou.

Hawaii Reps. Mazie Hirono and Charles Djou did not take part in the grilling of BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward, but they did express their views about the oil spill.

Having just solved a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, state leaders are expecting expenditures to exceed revenues for three more years, the House Finance Committee chairman told a Hilo audience Wednesday.

The state Legislature relied primarily on spending cuts to balance its budget this year, rather than raise taxes or fees.

Following a year of state furloughs, the Kaua‘i County Council approved, with a few exceptions, two-day-per-month furloughs of county employees during the fiscal year beginning July 1

Mobi PCS plans to construct six new cell phone antennas on the roof of Paddlers Inn that will improve service for Molokai customers.

Dennis Moresco doesn't get the opposition to the proposed Ooma development.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Plant Pest Control Branch on Wednesday released tiny parasitic wasps in an effort to control the stinging nettle caterpillar

Citing “a desperate need to reduce county regulation that is currently strangling small businesses and holding back literally thousands of jobs,” Paul Laub is running for the West Maui seat on the County Council.

Shortly after arriving on Maui earlier this week, young movie star Zac Efron went for a swim in front of his resort.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Kauai considers new form of government, Hannemann under investigation, Djou blasted for robo-calls, TV stations dispute who is 'undisputed news leader,' more news from all the isles

The Campaign Spending Com- mission says it will launch an in- vest- igation over a Pittsburgh fundraiser held on behalf of Mayor Mufi Hannemann's gubernatorial race.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann defended what was to be a campaign fundraiser in Pittsburgh last week as legitimate and "all done above board," but acknowledged that mistakes in planning "cast a cloud" over the event.

New fireworks in the governor's race, both men are accusing the other of shady fundraising.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has picked up the endorsement of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association in his campaign for governor.


Hawaii’s newest con- gressman, Re- publican Rep. Charles Djou, was elected in a special election after campaigning for restraint in spending government money. Now he has offended some voters, by using taxpayer money for automated telephone calls that some say sound like campaigning.

The state Ethics Commission voted yesterday to fire Executive Director Daniel Mollway based on an investigative report critical of his work habits and management style.

Kaua‘i voters may be faced with a major decision next election that could have far-reaching implications in how the county is governed.

Is there something in the water here that makes it all but impossible for people with strongly held views to work out their differences?

The line of tired and weary pet owners can stretch out the door at the Honolulu Airport's animal quarantine office, and tempers occasionally grow testy.

In 2003, the Department of Transportation developed a plan to turn Hawaii into a bike friendly state.

The Board of Education is expected to adopt common national standards for Hawaii public schools today as part of a push to standardize what students across the country learn and better compare school performance.

Residential home sales rose 80 percent in May on Kaua‘i compared to last year, but the increase was based on an already “tiny number” in 2009, said University of Hawai‘i Department of Economics Professor Byron Gangnes.

Water rates will go up by as much as 8 percent starting next month for all except commercial farmers and ranchers after a temporary rate hike was approved Tuesday by the Hawaii County Water Board.

A new principal partner and possibly a different landlord won't stop Hu Honua Bioenergy from attempting to resurrect the Pepeekeo power plant, company President Rick McQuain said Tuesday.

Residents here brought new questions to Mayor Billy Kenoi Tuesday night, asking about topics from West Hawaii school impact fees to cross-island garbage hauling.

Mayoral Candidate Chris Hart is known as the “Man with a Plan” – a nickname justified by his extensive resume that includes serving under the Maui County Planning Department for two decades.

Staying true to his earlier pledges, former Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama, who held the Lanai residency seat for five consecutive terms, officially filed as a candidate Tuesday to enter the race and try to get back his old job.

A team of two students from Maui High School took ninth place at the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Final on Tuesday.

Molokai was awarded over $17 million to fund 21 capital improvement projects this year. The wide-ranging list includes repairs to schools, roadways and the island’s water system. 

ABC announced Tuesday it will produce a medical drama for prime-time TV in Hawaii.

Last week’s consolidation of Honolulu’s two morning dailies into a single organization was a loss on many levels, most of them already well-chronicled.

KHON2 News continues to be the undisputed news leader in all local and world newscasts and Hawaii’s television viewers again have chosen KHON2 as the station they prefer for all their news, information and entertainment.

Hawaii News Now: Sunrise is Hawaii's undisputed morning news leader, winning all half-hour periods between 5:00 – 8:00 AM and continuing a strong showing in its second book on KFVE.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wind energy plans progressing, school year extended, Hawaii teachers well-paid, Big Island looks to expand landfill, Inouye honored, dolphins born, die, more

A new emergency room for dolphins at the University of Hawaii at Hilo lost its first patient yesterday afternoon with the death of a critically injured striped dolphin found floundering on the rocks near the fishing village of Milolii.

A new Hawaii law requires at least 180 school days a year as the state tries to shed its reputation for having the least amount of instructional time in the nation

The AFT survey calculated Hawaii's average teacher salary was $51,916 in the 2006 school year; the national average was $51,009.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's chief opponents in the governor's race say he should answer questions and explain his recent trip to Pittsburgh to raise campaign funds.

Same-sex couples who are allowed to enter into civil unions would spend as much as $9.5 million on celebrations over the first four years of the new law, according to a new study.

Honolulu's mass transit project must overcome serious obstacles before groundbreaking.

A consultant is expected to be selected by the end of the month to compare the feasibility of expanding the Hilo landfill to trucking East Hawaii's garbage to West Hawaii.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann explained the city's furlough plan yesterday, noting that public safety and core city services such as TheBus and refuse pickup would be unaffected.

New 3-D movie technology coming to Oahu theatre

Hawaii's Sen. Daniel Inouye became the nation's second-longest serving U.S. senator last week.

On Thursday, the public will have another chance to decide on future development for the Kakaako waterfront.

Despite the combined efforts of three Neighbor Island leagues, the powers-that-be remain on Oahu, and it appears so will the marquee high school state tournaments. The Hawaii High School Athletic Association's Executive Council voted Monday to reverse a recommendation to include Maui and the Big Island in a rotation to host the Division I and II soccer championships.

The Department of Water Supply reduced production at the Olinda Water Treatment Facility on Monday because the reservoirs that feed the plant were nearly empty.


Sea Life Park Hawaii, one of Oahu’s favorite family attractions, has had a delivery from the stork in the shape of a baby dolphin and wants to get you to join the celebration!

NexGen Energy Partners LLC is seeking the Leeward Planning Commission's approval on a request to install a windmill at the Waikoloa sewage treatment plant.

Wind energy company First Wind has announced it will not pursue a proposed wind project on Molokai’s Hawaiian homestead land. The company is now negotiating with Molokai Properties Ltd., also known as Molokai Ranch, to build a similar wind farm on Ranch land.

About an acre of former sugar cane land near Palani Place in Hanama‘ulu was scorched during a brush fire Tuesday afternoon, a county news release states.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Improvements coming to Diamond Head, Honolulu train gets nod from feds, ignition interlock becomes law, rats panic parks, more Hawaii news

The state has started its much anticipated improvements to Diamond Head State Monument, including a new park-like pathway to the entrance to the Diamond Head trail and a new second trail down from the crater's summit.

A civil rights group is exploring the possibility of an economic boycott against Hawaii Business Roundtable members who supported a letter from the organization's executive committee urging a governor's veto of House Bill 444, the civil unions measure.

A final environmental study of Honolulu's planned 20-mile, elevated commuter rail line picked up a key federal endorsement and now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle for her review.

Full speed ahead, maybe.

The Federal Transit Administration has given the City's rail transit project the green light to proceed.

The Hawaii Republican Party is accusing national Democrats of a "flip-flop" because they're now supporting Colleen Hanabusa.

Drunken drivers will have to get ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles starting in January as the state tries to prevent repeat offenders from threatening the safety of other motorists.

Locked out? By prohibiting any consumption of beverage alcohol, ignition interlocks punish responsible guests and threaten your business.(AT ISSUE): An article from: Cheers

The state’s goal of laying an interisland undersea cable to carry energy from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu took a big step forward last week with the announcement that a California contractor will soon begin an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.

Helicopters Dropping Poison: Coming Soon To A Forest Near You?

Downtown Honolulu is just 30 miles away, but in remote Kahanahaiki, it feels like 3,000 miles.

Staff Sgt. David Flowers stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan on May 11, 2009.

Firefighters made "good progress" this weekend against a brush fire burning for a week above Maalaea, but it still remains 90 percent contained and not yet extinguished.

The Kaua‘i County Council recently passed a bill to allow wastewater fees to gradually increase over the next few years.

A federal Bankruptcy Court judge approved yesterday the potential sale of Hawaii Biotech Inc. and set a July 19 auction date for the financially troubled company that is conducting clinical trials to produce vaccines for dengue fever and the West Nile virus.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Hawaii tourism: Once they get here, then what? Rebound slow, but Oahu home prices up, more news from all the islands of the state

State officials looking to attract more tourists and boost the economy say cultural events, like this weekend's Pan-Pacific Festival, are a big part of Hawaii's tourism mix.

The HTA's spending shows that its focus is heavy on getting tourists on a plane but less on giving them something to do once they get here.

The annual Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa'u Parade was held Saturday morning on Lahaina's Front Street.

UHERO's economic forecast predicts it will take years before the state recovers from the 40,000 jobs lost since the recession began in 2007. But the report reveals Hawaii's economy is on the re-bound.

The crystal meth epidemic may have eased, but it is far from over, substance abuse treatment providers say, pointing to state figures that show most adult admissions to treatment centers in the islands continue to be for "ice" and that the number of people seeking help for crystal meth addictions rose last year.

State Commission on Water Resource Management Director Laura Thielen defended last week's decision by the water panel to order 12.5 million gallons of water per day - now diverted by ditches for sugar cane irrigation and other uses - back into West Maui Mountain streams.

Dozens of former baggers gathered at the Pearl Harbor Commissary yesterday, claiming they had been unfairly dismissed from their jobs.

For 68 years, no one knew who he was. He was buried at Punchbowl, another unknown casualty of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, but modern technology allowed U.S. Navy Fireman 3rd Class Gerald George Lehman to finally go home.

Getting a brand new home for under $250,000 is almost unheard of on Oahu.

According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, home prices on Oahu continue to climb.

Hawaii's poor business climate certainly has not helped many businesses survive the challenges of a sluggish economy.

Hawai‘i clearly defines a shoreline as the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during high surf season.

The 15th annual presentation of Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival will be Friday, Sept. 10, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Each year, the event brings together ranchers, farmers, restaurateurs and eager eaters to celebrate a bounty of locally produced food.

It’s easy to imagine why Laysan albatross parents have found the bluffs along Kaweonui Road here suitable nesting sites for their offspring generation after generation.

Samantha Monge Kaser is fulfilling a dream by heading to Yale University to study in one of its most esteemed programs: political science.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Just sayin' -- There's more to Hawaii than just Oahu

OK, I will admit it right up front. I am a haole. A malihini. A wahine.

But in some ways, I see myself as the King Kamehameha of the Hawaii media. My aim since I started this blog in 2008 has been to unite the islands. To remind that Oahu-centric state government and that Oahu-centric media that there are, at last count, at least eight separate islands making up the state of Hawaii.

I carry that goal forward as the neighbor island representative for the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter.

I’ve been accused of just using feeds to create All Hawaii News. Not true. Day in and day out, I read all the news from all the islands and then carefully – as a blogger later to the scene calls it – “hand-curate” each news item, arranged in, I hope, a readable format. I want All Hawaii News to be just that – all of the state news, no matter where it comes from. I’ve also added a feed, “What they’re saying about Hawaii,” to capture the latest national and international take on our state. That must have been a good idea, too, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I now reside on Kamehameha’s original island, Hawaii Island. But my three years on Oahu showed me time and again that those islands formerly known as “outer islands,” and now known by the friendlier, but no less alienating, moniker of “neighbor islands,” are still but an afterthought most of the time.

A source of food, yes. And soon, a source of electricity. A nice spot for a day-trip or vacation away from Honolulu, where the real action is. Just consider the snotty editorial from the Honolulu Advertiser, when it was in that kick-the-dog mood of its last days in existence.

And why worry about those neighbor islands? Oahu comprises 70 percent of the population of Hawaii. A healthy chunk, but not the end-all and be-all of all that is Hawaii. Are you listening, gubernatorial candidates? Our percentage can make or break your career.

But still that perception persists. Honolulu is where it’s at, the rest of the islands be damned. Even in the media, to work at one of the numerous daily papers on the neighbor islands is like being in the farm leagues. Maybe you can hope for something bigger, better, in the big city.

Even I, at the point of my career where I’ve been that, done that, I hear it that I am somehow to aspire to a job in Honolulu, that city I left not that long ago. But, there are all kinds of successful careers. I deliberately moved from covering state government for the 4th largest state in the nation to state government for the 50th largest. I then, not so deliberately, but it turns out no less happily, moved to the little Big Island to cover local government on a smaller scale. Turns out, it’s all the same thing.

But enough about me. Back to our islands. Back to how we’ve somehow become the Rodney Dangerfield of the state. No respect, no respect.

Even the latest tempest in the Honolulu media has brought that disrespect to mind. Ten years ago, when the Honolulu Star-Bulletin threatened to fold, we heard, “How sad for Hawaii to have only one daily newspaper and one editorial viewpoint.”

We’re hearing that same tune again about the buy-out of the Honolulu Advertiser and the new merged product, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Only one voice for Hawaii. Who are we kidding? Every major island in this state has at least one, and in some cases, two, daily newspapers. All islands also have at least one weekly and/or alternate newspaper. And then, there are the zillion bloggers on each island, each with their particular take on government and their well-thought-out or not-so-well-thought-out opinions as well.

But enough about them too. Because, it’s all good. No matter which island it is, lucky we live Hawaii. Just sayin’

Friday, June 11, 2010

Kamehameha festivities on all islands, HSC: shoreline belongs to the public, cables from Molokai and Lanai to feed power-hungry Oahu, brushfires on Hawaii, Maui persist, more news from all the isles

President Obama signs King Kamehameha Day proclamation

This year marks the 200th anniversary of King Kamehameha's unification of the Hawaiian Islands, and Honolulu festivities that kick off today to celebrate the monarch will be accordingly bigger, breathing new life into gatherings that have in recent years struggled to secure funding and volunteers.

With the theme “E Ho‘okahi Ka Mana‘o, Ho‘okahi Pu‘uwai, Ho‘okahi Ke Aloha” (Be of one mind, one heart, one love), Lahaina’s Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa‘u Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a will be held Saturday, June 12.

The public owns lands formed along the Hawaii's shoreline decades ago that are now above the beaches, according to a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling this week that left intact a lower court's decision.

Most sectors of Hawaii's economy are starting to grow again but it will take years to recover the tens of thousands of jobs that were wiped out during the recession.

Six more Hawaii state parks will soon begin charging parking or entry fees to visitors and tour companies

Hawaii is planning to lay power cables along the ocean floor to connect yet-to-be-built wind farms on the gusty and rural islands of Molokai and Lanai to power-hungry Oahu.

The state administration is moving ahead with its long term plans to use less imported oil to meet Oahu's power needs.
The state Com- mission on Water Resource Man- agement has ordered 12.5 million gallons of water per day be restored to the Na Wai Eha streams, about one-third of the water that was being considered for restoration a year ago.

Honolulu City Council members said a proposed ban on smoking at Oahu bus stops will address a loophole in city law.

Plumes of smoke began billowing into the air in the subdivision of Ocean View late Thursday afternoon.

Maui firefighters appeared to have gained the upper hand Wednesday in battling a wild-land blaze that had consumed an estimated 5,800 acres of brush in the West Maui Mountains above Maalaea.

The state's leading business organization is urging Gov. Linda Lingle to veto House Bill 444, the civil unions measure.

Hawaii County's first Furlough Friday is just three weeks away, and department heads are attempting to minimize the effect on the public.

Big Island taxpayers spent $470,000 extinguishing three fires in South Kona earlier this year, Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday.

Nearly four years after earthquakes damaged West Hawaii reservoirs, the completion date for one of the most severely damaged locations has been pushed back -- again.

In October, Hawaiian Airlines will begin a twice-weekly, nonstop service between Kahului and Las Vegas

The farm-worker-housing bill seemed to have reached the end of its rope Wednesday.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

County budgets moving forward, tech tax break resurrected, massive Maui fire getting under control, Kauai planners looking at barn, more top Hawaii news

The city's $1.82 billion operating budget - balanced in part on a tax increase for landlords and others who own property they do not live in - heads to Mayor Mufi Hannemann for consideration as one of his final acts before resigning to run for governor.

Homeowners in Honolulu now fall under two categories: occupants or non-occupants. If you're the latter expect to pay an additional 16-cents for every $1,000 of value on your property.

West Hawaii will soon be paying a greater share of the cost of county government, thanks to County Council votes taken as the clock ticked toward 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Mayor Billy Kenoi will sign the $376 million Hawaii County budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's budget passed through the County Council early Tuesday morning with no major amendments, but Kenoi didn't back off from defending the virtues of his plan Tuesday evening.

Get ready for more Furlough Fridays, Hawaii County style.

The Honolulu City Council has appointed the replacement for Charles Djou.

No sooner had Lee Donohue taken his seat on the City Council than he was being asked to decide on a property tax rate increase for a new class of property owners.

Every winter, Honolulu Weekly anticipates the coming legislative session with the fervor of football fans. We discuss line-ups, make predictions and revisit the play-by-play of the previous session’s wildest victories and ugliest defeats

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona vetoed a bill yesterday that would have prevented investors from claiming high-technology tax credits for three years to help with the state's budget deficit.

Nuns Evicted From Public Housing

State wildlife officers shot and killed four bulls Wednesday inside a Big Island forest reserve.

Hundreds of Hawaii hotel workers, members of Local 5, held a loud rally in the heart of Waikiki Wednesday.

Hundreds turned out for a day-long vigil and rally in Hilo Wednesday in remembrance of Catherine Dingle, a Mountain View woman who died after she was stabbed along Hilo's bayfront on May 29th.

The latest tax collections have a bit of good news for the state's budget.

It's difficult to resist the temptation to request a table for two when entering Neil Abercrombie's campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse — and maybe order the Wagon Wheel Sampler Platter as an appetizer.

A wildfire that has burned an estimated 5,800 acres was reported 75 percent contained, according to a Maui County news release.

Every now and then the Kaua‘i Planning Commission is faced with a decision to approve a mansion on agricultural land

Driving 25 mph or less through roadway construction zones — especially during the weekend or evening when no workers are present — might be frustrating, but it is the law, according to county and state officials.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Honolulu City Council takes up budget as other counties raise taxes, prison inmates hungry, farmers dry, wasp to tackle stinging caterpillar, monk seal protected, more Hawaii news

The Hawaii County Council is finding it more palatable to raise property taxes than cut spending.

There was a great deal of saber rattling but little slicing of Mayor Billy Kenoi's budget in a marathon Hawaii County Council meeting Monday.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced Tuesday that she would allow the Maui County Council's 2011 budget to become law without her signature.

Although they are unsure of who will emerge as the newest Council member, City Council leaders say they do not expect the newcomer to affect the vote on the city's $1.82 billion operating budget.

Statewide, farmers are struggling to keep their crops irrigated and are using more water, planting fewer crops or letting crops die because of extreme drought conditions that started nearly a year ago—and are only getting worse.

State workers on Tuesday released a wasp in hopes of trying to control the nettle caterpillar that has plagued Hawaii plants.

A 13-state survey of honeybee colonies could have a profound effect on how Hawaii Island bee- keepers manage their hives, a state agriculture official said Monday.

Hawaii prisons nearly ran out of food for inmates in May and are now asking for an exemption to state procurement rules to speed up purchases.

The Teach For America program may double the number of teachers on the Big Island, federal program officials said Monday.

The civil unions bill before the governor, should it take effect, may mean people who take advantage of the law would owe more taxes.

Local census officials expect to complete door-to-door census taking within the next week, capping a surprisingly efficient enumeration effort more than a month ahead of schedule and potentially boosting overall census participation in Hawaii to more than 80 percent, compared with just 64 percent 10 years ago.

Why National Standards Won't Change Hawaii Schools

Plastic caps and lids can now be recycled

 Hawaii has tough- ened penalties against people who harm en- dangered species, in particular against those who would harm the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

Hawai‘i boosted the penalty Tuesday for those who harm the en- dangered Hawaiian monk seal after three of the marine mammals were found killed on Kaua‘i and Moloka‘i in recent years.

A legislative panel is set to hear how the state has used federal economic stimulus funds.

The Maui County Council's Planning Committee on Monday agreed to "slog ahead" with the Maui Island Plan, after being warned that it will be difficult to meet the council's Oct. 18 deadline to pass the bill.

Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe on Tuesday dismissed a citizen challenge of the planned widening of Kuhio Highway in Wailua.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Haole in Hawaii, insurance commissioner leaving, newspaper union argues severance pay, bees to be counted, more news from around the state

Kaua‘i Nonviolent Communication will soon host its first ever “conscious community dialogue” to answer the often controversial question: “What does it mean to be ‘haole’ in Hawai‘i?”

Brothers Mike and Alec Sou own and operate Aloun Farms in Kapolei, one of the largest agricultural operations in the state. They each face five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty last January to charges of human trafficking.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced it will conduct a survey of 13 states, including Hawaii, looking into honey bee pests and diseases.

This summer, the Board of Education will be weighing the fates of four rural schools being considered for possible closure, a touchy prospect that communities are mobilizing to fight.

Gov. Linda Lingle addressed more than 300 members of the American Chamber of Commerce yesterday in Shanghai.

Economists say the worst is over. But is that really true?

J.P. Schmidt, who has regulated Hawaii insurers since 2003, is leaving his post as state insurance commissioner at the end of the month.

Two construction companies have been fined for a deadly tower collapse last year in Kapolei, but some lawmakers expressed concern that the fine was so small it sends the message that safety isn't valued.

About 20,000 tons of trash sits unmoved, stinking and drawing flies at Campbell Industrial Park.

Grievance regarding severance pay headed for arbitration

My strongest impression arriving at the University of Hawaii at Hilo 12 years ago was the enormous potential at the university, in the community and across the state.

The northern portion of the Mamalahoa Bypass is now open to traffic in both directions for 12 hours a day, seven days. This new agreement was finalized and made last week between Hawaii County and Hokulia developer 1250 Oceanside Partners, said Mayor Billy Kenoi Sunday.

Maui County firefighters were still trying to wrangle a 2-acre brush fire under control Sunday evening on the hillside far below the Kaheawa wind farm.

A group on Kaua‘i is working on a plan to help the homeless.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Media merger starts today, EPA, Maui at odds over water, city, counties continue budget debates, more

The sun is climbing high, but business is still bustling for the 60 vendors at the farmers market in the shady Kapiolani Community College parking lot behind Diamond Head.

Saturday was a great day to hang out at the beach with that special someone, and a pair of monk seals were no exception.

The final chapters of Hawaii's two largest newspapers have been written and Monday, the new Star-Advertiser makes its debut.

The merger of century-old rivals into today's new Honolulu Star-Advertiser should bring readers a stronger newspaper, with more muscle for investigative reporting and a deep perspective on the state that both papers helped shape.

The lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender community took part in a 20-year old tradition in Waikiki Saturday, but their focus is on the future.

Hawaii Family Forum, a Christian group that has been one of the loudest voices against civil unions, must limit its lobbying activity to keep its tax-exempt, charitable status with the Internal Revenue Service.

Top of mind for many who participated in Saturday's 20th annual Honolulu LGBT Pride Parade was the fate of House Bill 444, the civil unions measure.

Gov. John A. Burns, a devout Catholic who attended Mass every day, felt his reputation was being unfairly tarnished. He was the subject of warnings, even threats, from clergy and lay members of his own church.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Maui County to conduct water sampling and testing off West Maui, saying two studies found "substantial evidence" that wastewater injected into the ground was seeping out of submarine springs off Kaanapali.

State Attorney General Mark Bennett, considered a strong possible candidate to be the next Hawaii chief justice, is not seeking the job, leaving Associate Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald as the leading contender for the post.

With popular programs such as Summer Fun and the Royal Hawaiian Band saved, the City Council now turns its attention to property taxes, the main source of income for city operations.

Hundreds of volunteers took to the streets of Chinatown and got dirty, picking up trash and painting over graffiti.

A major road project gets underway Monday in Hawaii Kai.

Box jellyfish invade the south and west shores of Oahu.

Much of the Big Island has been in extreme drought for nearly a year, according to the National Weather Service.

Making tea is a painstaking process requiring a great amount of patience, time and love, but experts say Hawaii's tropical weather and acidic soil provide fertile ground for specialty teas to become a new agricultural industry in the state.

In 1810, Kamehameha the Great unified the eight major islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Just sayin' -- End this paralysis by analysis. It's past time to move into the Internet world.

I was privileged to be in a big room with a lot of smart people last week, and, naturally, the subject of Hawaii’s economic future came up.

The event was the Pacific Congress on Marine Science and Technology PACON 2010 at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, and scientists from around the world were there to discuss, among other things, the state of the planet’s oceans and new technologies in measuring and evaluating ocean data.

Soon I began hearing a familiar refrain: Why can’t Hawaii create a knowledge economy? Why indeed? We live on the most beautiful islands on the planet. The weather is consistently moderate. Rich people like to live here. You know, smart people wish they could afford to, too.

We’ve got state-of-the-art telescopes. We’ve got some good research going on in our university system, even though it has a long way to go to rank among the country’s best. We’ve got a huge military presence that should bring, if not the great minds, at least the necessary infrastructure.

So why can’t we develop this knowledge economy?

Back in the late ‘90s, I was in a chat room with someone from Malaysia, who described his country as a “jungle with computers.” Malaysia was one of the earliest adopters of an aggressive online community, and, in 2009, this tiny country – split in half by the South China Sea -- has achieved a 67.5 percent Internet penetration. That compares favorably with 76.2 percent for the whole of  North America.

Do we even know what the Internet penetration is in Hawaii?

I couldn’t find it. But I’m betting it’s low: “Comparisons of broadband speeds rank Hawaii among the slowest in the nation. Speed Matters, a project of the Communications Workers of America, ranking Hawaii 47th in the country in 2009, up from 48th in 2008,” said West Hawaii Today earlier this year. “The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will use a $1.9 million federal grant to map broadband availability in the state.”

You know what? I think it’s high time to move beyond the mapping and the study stage. We already have studies gathering dust on shelves in the cumbersome bureaucracy that is this state’s government.

How about this one?

The Hawaii Broadband Task Force disbanded in late 2008 after publishing a 74-page report detailing four major recommendations necessary for Hawaii to achieve broadband capability comparable to the world’s leaders:
  • Broadband is Vital to Hawaii: The task force recommends that Hawaii establish an aggressive and forward-looking vision that positions the State for global competitiveness.
  • Driving Broadband Deployment: The task force recommends that the State consolidate all relevant regulatory and permitting responsibilities in a new, one-stop, broadband advancement authority that promotes Hawaii’s policy objectives and provides advocacy at all levels of government.
  • Maximize Hawaii’s Connectivity to the World: The task force recommends that Hawaii aggressively promote the landing of new trans-Pacific submarine fiber in Hawaii, including a shared access cable station that reduces barriers to fiber landing in Hawaii.
  • Stimulate Broadband Adoption and Use: The task force recommends that Government lead by example in demonstrating the value of broadband to our citizenry, deploying broadband services to the public, and ensuring that we do not leave behind the economically disadvantaged members of our communities who may be inhibited from full participation in the 21st century.
OK, there’s the plan. Anyone read it lately? Better yet, anyone created steps toward implementation? Anyone throw some money into it? What are we waiting for?

We could move forward now. Or we can stay forever in this mode of paralysis by analysis. Just sayin’.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Maui seeks to regulate aquarium trade, kingmaker Inouye stays out of gubernatorial primary, Ku statues return to Hawaii, Big Island in budget turmoil, more

Maui County's coral reefs and colorful fish are under assault by permitted collectors - and outside poachers - who capture the fish to sell to aquarium owners across the globe, according to two Maui County Council members who presented bills on Wednesday to regulate the industry here.

From different corners of the world, the last three Hawaiian god or "Ku" statues known to exist have been brought together at Bishop Museum—two of them after an absence of more than 160 years.

History was made yesterday as the Bishop Museum debuted three ancient kū brought to the Islands from England and Massachusetts .

The White House on Thursday announced the dates for next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu.

Senator Dan Inouye has no plans to throw his endorsement behind any candidate in the primary race for Governor.

A bill sitting on Gov. Linda Lingle's desk that seeks to strengthen prostitution laws by recognizing some prostitutes as human trafficking victims has drawn strong criticism from prosecutors and law enforcement, raising questions about whether the measure, if passed, would ever be put into use.

Hawai'i has the lowest gun death rate in the country, according to figures released this week by the Washington-based Violence Policy Center.

The price of summer school is going up. The Board of Education has agreed to raise next year's tuition by $30, to $190.

Six East Honolulu residents survived the first cut in the Honolulu City Council's selection of a ninth member.

Charlie Wedemeyer, one of Hawai'i's finest athletes, who defied the medical world with his 34-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease, died yesterday morning in California.

Parents, principals and faculty of Haleiwa showed a united front as they spoke out against a proposal to shut down their school.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday lashed out at "minority members" of the County Council for their eleventh hour budget amendments and said he'd "certainly veto" a budget containing them.

Should the County Council make deep cuts in the county budget that threaten core government functions, Mayor Billy Kenoi is ready to veto it.

Gov. Linda Lingle signed into law Tuesday a bill making it easier for police to enforce traffic laws on private subdivision roads that serve the public.

As Puna Geothermal Venture struggles to meet its contract with Hawaii Electric Light Co., a group met for the first time Wednesday to begin evaluating the potential for geothermal energy to serve as the primary source of electricity on the Big Island.

Geothermal is safe, clean and a gift of nature to residents of the Big Island, members of the 11-member Geothermal Working Group said.

Kaua‘i County Council members constantly deal with ordinances to improve the island’s ability to sustain itself regarding oil dependence.

In 1810, Kamehameha the Great unified the eight major islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

State panel considers homeless problem, some Advertiser reporters picked up, gay pride coming to Waikiki, counties mull tax hikes, more top Hawaii news

What does it say about the state Legislature when only two lawmakers showed up for a hearing on dealing with Hawaii's growing homeless problem?

Placing time limits on public housing and revisiting the idea of buying one-way plane tickets to send homeless people back to the mainland are among the ideas lawmakers might consider next year as they search for cost-effective ways to manage the state's growing homeless problem.

As service providers report increases in homelessness, and with no new funding to address the situation, some lawmakers yesterday said the state needs to crack down on people who abuse the system and needs to start asking tough questions, such as whether residents should have preferences for services over new arrivals.

Some state lawmakers are trying to get a better understanding of just how many new homeless people are arriving in Hawaii every year.

The new Honolulu Star-Advertiser will welcome more than two dozen soon-to-be-former Honolulu Advertiser employees come Monday, the day the new broadsheet format debuts.

The news behind the scenes at the Honolulu Advertiser isn't good.  Nearly four out of five people in the news department will be out of work after this weekend when the paper merges with the Star Bulletin.

Veteran journalists will soon be joining the ranks of the unemployed as Honolulu becomes a one newspaper town after this weekend.

In a state that generously flaunts rainbows on its license plates and storefronts, denizens of Waikiki may not notice the spike in rainbow-colored accoutrements that’ll pervade street corners this week.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is asking the state Supreme Court to resolve a $200 million dispute with the state.

More than 3,500 acres of lowland forest in the Wai'anae Range that are a prime source of O'ahu's drinking water and home to dozens of endangered species are now protected thanks to a purchase involving a federal, state and private partnership.

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has issued an executive order to establish surfing reserves at two of Hawaii's most beloved surfing areas.

Popular surf areas along Waikiki and Sunset Beach have been designated surfing reserves under an executive order that Gov. Linda Lingle said highlights "the importance of protecting, nourishing and developing Hawaii's world famous surf sites."

Lieutenant Gov. James “Duke” Aiona recently urged nonprofits across the state to enroll in the 2010 Summer Youth Employment Program and receive help from young workers immediately through September 30.

Leave Kaaawa alone - that's the message from parents in Windward Oahu as the Board of Education considers a plan to close Kaaawa Elementary School to save money.

Insufficient funding is the cause of delays in constructing the Ocean View-Kahuku water system, said the manager of the county Department of Water Supply.

Mayor Billy Kenoi wanted to know how County Council members can cut his proposed $376 million budget.

Despite a land title cloud cast by litigation, a Waikoloa affordable housing project is progressing and homes should be ready to sell by fall.

WAILUKU - Condominium owners turned out Tuesday to oppose legislation that would push thousands of units into a higher property tax classification, saying it would be an unfair burden and could drive more condominium units into foreclosure.

The 2010 Census is well underway and census takers are canvassing the Big Island right now to get the best up-to-date information about the population of the U.S. The census is used to determine many important factors from legislation representation to federal grant money.

A veterinarian who had earlier treated some of the 16 horses seized from Lara Butler-Brady by Kaua‘i Humane Society officers Sunday said Tuesday all of the horses should survive.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Hawaii peace activist captured by Israelis, Lingle not ready to decide on civil unions, only 26 Advertiser editorial employees picked up by Star-Bulletin, Kauai considers eminent domain to get beach access, crowd seeks open city council seat, more top state news

Dozens of hotel workers turned out for a hearing to discuss the future of a redevelopment project in Waikiki.

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday said she would likely take the full amount of time she has available to consider whether to sign, veto or allow a civil-unions bill to become law without her signature.

Honolulu peace activist Ann Wright was one of about 700 people taken into custody by Israeli defense forces after a raid on a flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza left nine people dead, friends of Wright's confirmed.

A Honolulu woman was among seven hundred activists taken into Israeli custody after soldiers raided a flotilla carrying relief supplies to Gaza.

Hawaii's primary election is more than three months away but The Outdoor Circle, a leading civic group, said Tuesday it's already receiving complaints about political signs that are too big and up too soon.


Ed Case says he will not run for any other political office this year.

Count a former police chief and three former state lawmakers among the 27 East Honolulu residents interested in filling the temporary vacancy in the City Council District 4 seat created by Charles Djou's election to Congress.

Only 26 editorial employees from the Honolulu Advertiser will be hired by the new Star-Advertiser. That will leave about 100 workers at the Advertiser without jobs.

When the Kaua‘i County Council disclosed recently that a portion of Waipouli would be acquired through eminent domain, or the county acquiring property needed for the path either through friendly or unfriendly acquisition actions, the reaction was instantaneous.

State agricultural officials will accompany Gov. Linda Lingle on her two-week trip to Asia to sign an agreement with the Chinese government to develop procedures for exporting Hawaii agricultural products to China.

Kaua‘i Fire Department and state Airport Crash Fire firefighters spent several hours the afternoon and evening of Memorial Day battling a pesky brush fire near Lihu‘e Airport.

A fledgling nonprofit has set a goal to establish a charter school in Keanae.

Kulani Correctional Facility (KCF) on the Big Island, which was closed last year for financial reasons, specialized in just the sort of rehabilitative services that Bronson Nunuha and others weren’t receiving at Arizona’s Saguaro Prison.

He's been a farmer for 10 years now, but Al Santoro sometimes still sounds like a naval intelligence analyst.

Unity in remembrance was a theme of Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery.

It is a moment both to prevention and preparation and, significantly, to perpetually honor island veterans.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Mufi "Hannemanns it up" with a medley of hits during Hilo campaign HQ opening



Gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann at the opening of his Hilo campaign headquarters on Tuesday.

Flags, lei, drum beat and floating lanterns mark Memorial Day events, gubernatorial race, filling Honolulu Hale priorities as Case bows out, horses seized by Kauai Humane Society, more state news

Drum beats echoed from the sacred dancing circle and onto the banks of Waiakea Pond on Saturday.

Total bankruptcy filings jumped 34.4 percent in May over the year-earlier period.

Hundreds turned out for the Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe Monday afternoon.

With a peach-colored sunset as a backdrop and aided by gentle trade winds, more than 2,000 candle-lit lanterns representing the souls of the departed made their way from the Magic Island end of Ala Moana Beach Park into the Pacific.

More than 40,000 people watched some 2,000 floating lanterns drift to sea last night from Ala Moana Beach, ferrying wishes of healing and peace and honoring those who have died under hardships.

Five battle-tested political veterans are already at the starting gate for the special election to replace Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who announced last week that he will resign July 20 to run for governor.

The Honolulu City Council is expected to pick the next member for Hawaii Kai as early as Thursday if five of the eight members can agree on the right person.

With Democrat Ed Case out of the September primary election, the challenge for Hawaii Democrats is to get Case's supporters to back Colleen Hanabusa.

With the departure of Ed Case  from the Democratic primary for Congress, all eyes turn to the gubernatorial contest between Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former Congressman Neil Abercrombie.

The state Campaign Spending Commission has launched an investigation into Nuuanu City Councilman Rod Tam’s campaign expenses.

Sixteen emaciated and dehydrated horses have been rescued from a Lihue property.

The Kaua‘i Humane Society seized 16 horses in emaciated and dehydrated condition from a property in off Ma‘alo Road here Sunday after investigating calls from concerned people about “skinny” horses, said Dr. Rebecca Rhoades, KHS executive director.

A 47-year-old Mountain View man faces charges in the stabbing death of his wife following an attack Saturday night in Hilo.

Calling Kihei Public Charter High School a laboratory of innovation, Gov. Linda Lingle said graduates only needed to heed the words of their own student speakers to guide them in their future.



Jonah Ke‘eaumoku Kapu is a man of passion, willing to stand by his convictions and walk the talk to make a difference.

Oak Park Chimney Corporation is currently installing 17 carbon steel tension bands around the Pioneer Mill Smokestack to stabilize it.