Thursday, June 9, 2011

Hawaii lawmakers ranked, GOP cleared, multimember districts possible, developer sues state Land Use Commission, Historic Preservation, property exemptions under review, Hyatt employees to strike, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii GOP candidate James "Duke" Aiona (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
The state Campaign Spending Commission voted Wednesday to dismiss a complaint by Hawaii Demo­crats that alleged Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and the Republican Governors Association improperly coordinated advertising during Aiona's unsuccessful campaign for governor last year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General's Office has advised commissioners redrawing the state's political boundaries that they can consider going back to multimember legislative districts. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has hired a private company to bring the Historic Preservation Division into compliance with federal mandates and avoid losing up to $550,000 in federal grant money. Star-Advertiser.

Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter.

The former developer of a South Kohala project is suing the state Land Use Commission for $35.7 million. West Hawaii Today.

The Wahiawa elderly daycare center that misused $7.9 million in federal grant money refused to cooperate with federal investigators, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's acting mayor has signed a bill that should help the city make sure people are rightly claiming a property tax exemption given to those who own historic homes. Associated Press.

Unionized workers at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa — trying to gain leverage in stalled contract talks — have approved calling for a boycott of the hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a $564.73 million budget for 2012, with funds for road resurfacing, a new Kihei police station and the replacement of the county's aging emergency responder radio system. Maui News.

Servicing the island's fastest-growing district has Hawaii County spending nearly as much money on trash disposal as it did building recreational and public safety facilities. Tribune-Herald.

A Department of Land and Natural Resources representative said the state attorney general’s office plans to intervene in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceedings involving hydroelectric development in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Andy Irons' cause of death revealed. Hawaii News Now.

With a laid-back, local style charm, Hari Kojima taught several generations of island television viewers how to fish, cut fish and cook fish. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agriculture officials are asking for the public's help in spotting infestations of the stinging nettle caterpillar, which appears to have recently spread to Kauai. Associated Press.

The real estate arm of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced on Wednesday it has sold a Texas shopping complex and bought an office complex in Washington State. KITV4.

A grand jury subpoena for the identities of 33 people who posted comments to a story published on the Maui Time’s website could set a dangerous precedent for free speech, according to local attorneys. Pacific Business News

Family, friends and church members have come together tonight to pray for 54 year-old Tammy Nguyen, 24 year-old Amie Asuncion and 38 year-old Samson Naupoto. KHON2.

Small business, we are told, is the backbone of America—and Hawaii, too. According to the Small Business Administration, there are 120,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Hawaii one of the three freest states, tight times hit education, rest of state government, new CIO named, bridges need work, toxin found in monk seal, bird droppings plague Capitol, bin Laden burial ship on shore stop, more Hawaii news

Hawaii House courtesy photo
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie will likely have to exhaust the state's hurricane relief savings to balance the current fiscal year's budget, according to his finance director. Associated Press.

The security blanket known as the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund will likely be no more after July 1. KHON2.

Doing more with less was the theme of the legislative session that ended last month, a group of lawmakers said Tuesday evening in updating constituents in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Per-pupil money schools receive will be cut by nearly $8 million, and direct funding to popular programs such as learning centers and adult education will be eliminated as part of the state Department of Education's plan to tackle a $32.8 million budget reduction over the next two fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.

The new Board of Education had its first finance meeting today and voted to go with the Department of Education recommendation to subtract another $16.4 million from the budget. Hawaii News Now.

We’re only three meetings in, but the new appointed Hawai‘i State Board of Education is already being accused of discouraging public participation in its meetings. Civil Beat.

Years of neglect have created a problem at the State Capitol: bird droppings staining the famous building, a state official said. KITV4.

The aircraft carrier that buried Osama bin Laden's body at sea arrived in Hawaii Tuesday morning on its first stop on U.S. soil since its historic six-month deployment to Asia and the Middle East. KITV4.

Researchers from NOAA have discovered a potent and highly-debilitating toxin in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, a first-of-its-kind chemical finding that is now prompting investigations of other marine mammals in the state. Associated Press.

An experienced leader of government technology oversight, Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, was named Tuesday as Hawaii's first full-time chief information officer. Associated Press.

Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia has been named the state’s first chief information officer, effective July 6. Pacific Business News

Mercatus Report: Hawaii is 47th Least Free State. Hawaii Reporter.

The Waiahole Bridge is one of 34 bridges around Hawaii the state Department of Transportation hopes to rehabilitate or rebuild during the next five years at an estimated expense of $350 million dollars. Hawaii News Now.

The federal government has notified Honolulu officials that they may have to return $7.9 million if the city fails to act on possible misuse of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant monies.Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Councilman Rod Tam pleaded no contest Tuesday to new misdemeanor charges of campaign spending violations, but he will have to wait until August to find out whether he will spend time in jail.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Council is set to switch vice chairmen next week, with Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann handing the reins to North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago. West Hawaii Today.

The latest affordable neighborhood was dedicated today in Leeward O’ahu … the center of the state’s largest homeless population. Hawaii Public Radio.

A&B Properties has released for public review a draft environmental impact statement for Wai'ale, a master-planned community on about 545 acres in Central Maui. Maui News.

Corporate industrial agriculture is taking over food and farming on many different levels around the globe. Hawaii Independent.

A Hilo veterinary clinic has agreed to pay $101,000 to settle a federal sexual harassment lawsuit filed on behalf of eight former employees. Tribune-Herald.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Hawaii political shenanigans in hacked website, Honolulu councilman to be sentenced for stealing, military sticky issue in reapportionment, Supreme Court considers Native Hawaiian lawsuit, sharks and snow and more Hawaii news

Hawaii surf (c) 2011 All Hawaii News



A reinforcement swell arriving Tuesday should keep south shore surf at advisory levels with 8-foot waves through for a third day. Star-Advertiser.

In a joint research effort between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Tokyo, the Japanese National Institute of Polar Research, and the University of Florida, scientists have shed new light on the hunting behavior of tiger sharks by studying their swimming dynamics off the west coast of Hawai‘i Island. Hawaii Reporter.

The military has awarded a $62.7 million contract to a Honolulu company for the construction of a new laboratory and offices for the command that searches for, finds, and identifies the remains of Americans missing from past wars. Associated Press.

The state Reapportionment Commission is revisiting the question of whether nonresident military personnel living in Hawaii should be counted when the panel carves up voting districts this year. Maui News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider the state's challenge to a lawsuit by Native Hawaiians who want the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to seek adequate funding from the state. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education is once again disagreeing with the conclusions of an annual report on graduation rates across the country, which puts Hawaii in the bottom third of states for the number of students who leave school with a diploma. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s newest Community College Chancellor officially begins her job July 1st.Hawaii Public Radio.

A state lawmaker is called a "crook" on her OWN e-mail to constituents. KITV4.

The chief of staff to Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg hacked Rep. Kymberly Pine's website and government email account and is responsible for putting up postings and sending out an email calling her "a crook." Civil Beat.

When former City Councilman Rod Tam shows up for sentencing today on charges of stealing money from the city, he must also decide whether to contest new charges that he violated state campaign spending laws. Star-Advertiser.

The route to realign Saddle Road has been as winding and circuitous as the road itself. West Hawaii Today.

Officials at the state's unemployment office say a power surge was likely the reason why all 180 tele-claim phone lines were down Sunday. KHON2.

Vanpool Hawaii is losing its government funding, but its executive director said Monday the program will continue. Hawaii News Now.

The sight of Mauna Kea's white peaks can be startling to Big Island visitors during the winter months. But even longtime residents were taken aback when the mountain collected between 6 and 12 inches of snow and hail on Saturday, just two weeks shy of the summer solstice. Tribune-Herald.

A longtime state worker and former interim NELHA director takes over next week as the new executive director at the energy laboratory. West Hawaii Today.

It’s not a pretty situation. Hawaii imports approximately 85 to 90 percent of the state’s food supply. We have less than a seven-day food supply in our stores at any given time. Hawaii Independent.

Home sales and prices rose on Kauai during the month of May, according to data from the Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News

For the next couple nights, construction workers will be putting final touches in the new Wailua Bridge, affecting the traffic in the area while work is performed. Garden Island.

Plans to build electric cars in 3 states stall. Associated Press.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Hawaii expects Japanese tourist rebound, direct flights to Mainland resume from Hilo, storms, sewage spill extend water warning, Tax Department hiring auditor, military comes a-calling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Senate Districts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

In an ideal world, Hawaii Island would emerge from the current reapportionment process with 3.82 seats in the state Senate and 7.79 seats in the House. West Hawaii Today.

Japanese visitors to Hawaii, the state’s biggest overseas market, should rebound to “normal” levels within a few months after a collapse following Japan’s March tsunami, according to Hawaiian Airlines. Star-Advertiser.

The murky waters stretching all along the windward coast has forced the state to issue a brown water advisory all the way from Waikane to Haleiwa Beach Park. Hawaii News Now.

More than 30,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Kaneohe Bay because of heavy rain Saturday and early Sunday, state health officials said. KITV4.

Just a few days after the U.S. Defense Secretary stopped in Hawaii, another high-profile visitor toured key military installations in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Taxation plans to hire an independent auditor to review its revenue reporting and accounting policies and procedures after systemic problems have been found in its reports. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Host Committee for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting has selected a company to design, produce and print signs and other materials for the event. Associated Press.

State attorneys are reviewing a campaign spending violation case to determine whether to file additional criminal charges against former City Councilman Rod Tam, who faces sentencing this week on charges of stealing city money. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor Peter Carlisle is redecorating his office for $7,351. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council, for the most part following a blueprint from the administration of Mayor Peter Carlisle, has approved an array of new and higher fees for city facilities and services on Friday. KITV4.

A group of Molokai residents have banded together in hopes that a proposed wind farm on the island will blow away. Molokai Dispatch.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s five-hour member meeting on Saturday drew a large crowd prepared with questions and comments about the co-op’s plans to explore hydroelectricity. Garden Island.

Hundreds gathered at the Kahuku High Cafeteria on Wednesday, June 1 to testify on plans for a new hotel in the area that is part of the larger Envision Laie development. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaiian Telcom sent an email to employees Saturday morning saying as many as 100 union and nonunion jobs could be eliminated as part of the company's ongoing restructuring. Pacific Business News

While the Lahaina Gateway Center is headed for a foreclosure auction Wednesday, several business owners said they don't expect they'll be affected by the sale. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council is considering an ordinance that would outlaw plastic check-out bags at Big Island businesses.West Hawaii Today.

After almost three decades, United Airlines returns to Hilo this week with direct flights to the mainland -- albeit under a slightly different banner than in years past. Tribune-Herald.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Hawaii governor proclaims gay pride month, Kauai prepares big gay pride festival, paddle-boarders, swimmers, surfers at odds, electricity hikes could pay for biofuel plan, Big Island bag ban hearings set, monk seal protection sought, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is applauding the governor for declaring June pride month. Associated Press.

While Kaua‘i is known for its sandy beaches, unparalleled beauty and aloha spirit, members of Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays and Lambda Aloha are creating another reason for people to visit Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii business leaders received a “wake-up call” Thursday from the new director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, who told them they need to help pay for public-private projects to drive the local economy. Star-Advertiser.

Residents on the Big Island are closer to having a portion of their electricity needs supplied from locally produced biofuel now that Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed Senate Bill 1347. Pacific Business News

The explosion of standup paddling in the islands has triggered complaints, first with swimmers, now with surfers. KITV4.

Many of those who frequent the sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay consider it a second home – a place to kick back and relax with family and friends. KHON2.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday proposed expanding federally protected zones — or critical habitat — for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal to include parts of the main Hawaiian Islands.Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle promised to get the city's financial house in order, but the City Council is challenging him on some of his key proposals. Civil Beat.

With approval of a Hawaii County budget now in the bag, County Council members are turning their attention to banning bags. Tribune-Herald.

A new survey says Hawaii residents are adjusting their spending habits because of high gas prices. Hawaii News Now.

our school systems are leaving the boys behind … starting in the earliest grades. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waters of Life Public Charter School on Hawaii island will be released from probation June 15 after spending three years under strict monitoring by the Charter School Review Panel. Star-Advertiser.

After years of community planning and reinvestment, the first changes of many are arriving in Kakaako. Hawaii Independent.

While US real GDP bottomed out in the second quarter of 2009 and is now back at its pre-recession level, non-farm payrolls only started picking up at the beginning of 2010, and they remain far below their previous peak. Hawaii Reporter.

The Waikiki Health Center says it has acquired a clinic that provides prenatal and postpartum medical and social services to women who have or have had addiction issues. Associated Press.

The city is providing new visuals of the design of the rail cars for the mass transit project. KHON2.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza on Wednesday denied a motion by former Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala to dismiss a long-running lawsuit that seeks to invalidate his term in office. Maui News.

A wildlife that burned hundreds of acres of state land on the Kona side of the Big Island is fully contained. Associated Press.

A bill intended to resolve noisy-dog complaints has become Hawaii County law -- quietly. Tribune-Herald.

Not allowing DW Aina Lea to proceed with construction, despite a Land Use Commission ruling against the project, will cause the developer to break promises to the community, lose goodwill it had with its foreign investors and delay the opening of affordable town houses, attorneys argue. West Hawaii Today.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Honolulu called most overdue for hurricane, Oahu rail support split, Legislature's conflicts of interest, Honolulu, Hawaii County councils finalize budgets, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii -Hilo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie Wednesday released funds totaling $26.86 million for capital improvement projects at various Hawaii school campuses. Pacific Business News

For over 1,000 years, the Hawaiian people produced enough food to support an estimated population of one million. Today, 85 to 90 percent of Hawaii’s food is imported. Hawaii Independent.

A state legislator says his vote against a fee for all single-use checkout bags is unrelated to his side job as a lobbyist for plastic companies. Civil Beat.

Despite concerns over hungry homeless people, the state's 90 day plan is not changing. Hawaii News Now.

A city-commissioned poll conducted last month showed that 57 percent of people on Oahu support the $5.3 billion rail transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Through spending restrictions, cuts, user fee increases and tax hikes, City Council members say they have achieved a balanced budget that trims about $7 million from Mayor Peter Carlisle's $1.93 billion proposal for the 2012 fiscal year, which begins next month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Council passed an operating budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year on Wednesday, and Mayor Billy Kenoi is not happy with it. Big Island Video News.

Despite talk about the need to cut spending, the Hawaii County Council is increasing, ever so slightly, the cost of running Hawaii County government. Tribune-Herald.

Some Hele-On bus riders will have to pay $1 each way starting July 1, following a Hawaii County Council vote Wednesday re-establishing a bus fare. West Hawaii Today.

Attorneys for victims of data security failures at the university said they are not satisfied with the release of a long-secret consultant's report. KITV4.

Veteran police officer Marie McCauley was named one of two deputy police chiefs Wednesday, the first woman to ascend to the second-highest rank in the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

A girl killed Tuesday by a rockfall on a Kipahulu hiking trail has been identified as 8-year-old Sophia "Sophie" DeLoria of Launiupoko. Maui News.

Hurricane season begins today and Honolulu has been placed at the top of the list for “Hurricane Overdue Cities.” KHON2.

June is the start of hurricane season here on the islands. The Hawaii State Civil Defense is making sure that it learns from other natural world disasters.Hawaii News Now.

Five years after the initial assessments, the sagging Pono Kai resort seawall may be within a few months of receiving a face lift. Garden Island.


Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Military fuels 18% of Hawaii economy, visitor spending up, Abercrombie signs $42M raid on hurricane fund, Hawaii County police to get radios, electric car rebate unpopular, Honolulu kills recycling subsidy, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Military in Hawaii courtesy photo

The U.S. military pumped up to $12.2 billion into Hawaii in 2009 — or more than 18 percent of total spending in the islands, according to the first study of its kind in nearly 50 years, scheduled for release today. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday. KITV4.

Amid mounting Western Pacific political tensions and an impending visit to Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reaffirmed Tuesday the nation's commitment to having a military presence in East Asia. Honolulu Advertiser.

The Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon is due to deploy to the Western Pacific. Associated Press.

A new Hawaii license plate will soon be available for family members of fallen military personnel. KHON2.

A veterans group is collecting a photograph for each of Hawaii's service members who died in the Vietnam War. Associated Press.

Visitor spending in Hawaii increased 17.8 percent to $4.1 billion in the first four months of the year compared with the same time last year, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority statistics released Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today authorized a $42 million raid from Hawaii’s Hurricane Relief Trust Fund. Hawaii Reporter.

The state still has nearly $1.3 million to dole out in rebates for electric cars. And it has just four months to do so. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has signed into law a bill that eliminates a 2-decade-old subsidy aimed at encouraging private companies and nonprofit organizations to recycle. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council will hold off a proposal to collect more money from parking meters at city parks, particularly Kapiolani Park. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to allow the installation of parking meters at Oahu City and County parks sailed through the public hearing process at City Hall. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bolstered by an endorsement from Hawaii's police union, the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a policy requiring take-home radios for police officers. West Hawaii Today.

A state agency has signed off on a request by a private radiology company to bring an MRI scanner to West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded a $100,000 grant to the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Liko Ae Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program. Pacific Business News

The University of Hawaii at Manoa and Auckland University of Technology have agreed to a student and staff exchange program as well as to work together on research. Associated Press.

Completion of the new Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project will greatly improve the quality of life for Kaua‘i residents and enhance our visitors’ experience by helping to relieve traffic congestion along Kuhio Highway, according to the state Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and a coalition of resource managers on Hawaii Island are still seeking information from island residents about the invasive axis deer. Hawaii Independent.

A rockslide killed an 8-year-old Lahaina girl Tuesday afternoon in the Oheo Gulch area, Maui County officials reported. Maui News.

How many hikers got lost Monday on the Captain's Trail in Puna? Sixty, according to an eye-popping news report that made electronic headlines statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Hawaii prison inmates to remain on Mainland, Maui cleans up police department, homeless grow 6%, Abercrombie plans third veto, Molokai group forms to fight wind farm, drinking water safe, education audit taking shape, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Sen. Daniel Inouye (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said Tuesday he expects the fate of a contentious American Marine base in southern Japan will be decided next month. Associated Press.

Although Gov. Neil Abercrombie has said repeatedly he wants to halt out-of-state incarceration of Hawaii prison inmates, the state is finalizing the award of a new, three-year contract for Mainland imprisonment of up to 2,000 convicts. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is planning to use his veto pen for the third time since taking office. Associated Press.

Oahu’s drinking water was tested earlier this year to determine if it was safe to drink. Since then, tests have been conducted statewide to determine if we have a public health issue or concern. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tens of thousands of people packed Ala Moana Beach Monday night for the 13th annual Shinnyo-en lantern floating ceremony. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's homeless population grew by just over 6 percent in the past year, according to a new survey released by the state's Department of Human Services. KITV4.

The Hawaii State Board of Education's audit plans are beginning to take shape with a freshly inked charter document, two task forces to investigate policies and a call for a better systemwide strategic plan. Civil Beat.

The acronym IAM represents “I Aloha Molokai,” a newly formed working group comprised of Molokai residents opposed to the proposal to develop a 200 megawatt industrial scale wind power plant to serve the energy needs of Oahu. Molokai Dispatch.

A new pair of fences in the remote wilderness of Kaua‘i will reportedly protect the island’s primary source of water and one of the most important biological diversity hotspots in the Hawaiian archipelago. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is awarding $4.3 million to 12 organizations tasked with improving education, health and income of Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Decorated Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth has not decided if she will run for elected office again. But if she does, it will not be for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s average price for regular gasoline fell 16 cents from a week ago to $4.14 per gallon, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report and PBN research. Pacific Business News

City Councilman Stanley Chang says the outcry from residents about a bill that would substantially increase the price of metered parking at Kapiolani and Aala Parks has not fallen on deaf ears. KHON2.

Ex-Maui officer, once called a hero, pleads guilty in theft, sex extortion. Maui News.

Hawaii County is nearly finished ridding Mountain View Gymnasium of lead paint, but neutralizing hazardous materials at other park facilities will cost millions and take years to finish. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii motorists should be aware: Road work on Palani Road and Henry Street may snarl traffic starting in June. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Health has reinstated First Commercial Kitchen LLC’s permit to operate. Pacific Business News

Friday, May 27, 2011

Hawaii revenue projections unchanged, Oahu beaches make list, hotel occupancy edges up, citizenship sought for Filipino children of WWII vets, Maui sovereignty group members indicted, rat lungworm up on Big Island, more news

Hawaii Council on Revenues (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Hawaii's recovery from the global economic recession is expected to continue in coming years and slowly begin a shift toward expansion, the state's top economists said Thursday in issuing a static economic forecast for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

The State Council on Revenues met this afternoon for the first time since the Governor called them in for an emergency meeting, March 29th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's government is bringing in enough money to avoid additional spending cuts to programs and services, lawmakers said after receiving an updated report on the state's finances. Associated Press.

A national public pensions expert says the changes Hawaii lawmakers approved for new state and county employees are in line with what other states are doing to reduce their pension liability. Civil Beat.

Contracts for several public sector unions expire June 30 and so far only the Hawaii Government Employees Association has ratified terms of a new contract. KITV4.

Five members of a native Hawaiian sovereignty group on Maui are being accused of luring unsuspecting clients with bold talk and official looking documents. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii has reintroduced a bill that would allow the children of Filipinos who fought with the U.S. during World War II to join their U.S. citizen parents in the United States. Associated Press.

The state plans to boost its enforcement of fisheries laws with the help of donations from nonprofit organizations. Associated Press.

2 Oahu beaches make annual list of the nation’s top strands of sand. Associated Press.

Hawaii hotels’ average statewide occupancy rate was 72.5 percent for the week ending May 21, up 2 percentage points compared to the same week last year. Pacific Business News

The results for the City and County of Honolulu’s all-digital Neighborhood Board elections are in. Hawaii Independent.

Officials of Maui County nonprofit organizations and programs that saw their funding potentiallly reduced or eliminated Tuesday reacted with surprise, disappointment and even anger at the Maui County Council's action in the final stages of the budget process. Maui News.

A new teaching tool was unveiled at Bishop Museum on Thursday and the hope is that it will also pay the bills. Hawaii News Now.

A new state educational incentive program has come to Molokai to help students excel rather than simply meet the status quo. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered state flags at state offices, agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of the late lawmaker and judge Hiroshi Kato. Associated Press.

For the second time in two weeks, the state has replaced tattered flags at one of the state's most famous landmarks after KITV 4 News asked questions about the flags' bad condition. KITV4.

The Kaua‘i Academy of Creative Arts Summer Program has added new artists and instructors to their 2011 program. Garden Island.

Cases of rat lungworm infection have made a disturbing resurgence during a typically slow time of year for the disease. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii astronomers used advanced optics technology and a gravitational lens to catch a clear glimpse of a spiral galaxy 9.3 billion light years away. West Hawaii Today.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hawaii shoots for the moon, collects federal money for small business, has the worst drivers, tiger sharks attack surfers, former Hawaii County mayor dies, counties finalize budgets, more news

Theresa Fernandez rode a wave in to Lyman's Wednesday afternoon, turned her board around and was paddling out again when she felt something bump the board. West Hawaii Today.

A shark specialist says two Hawaii Island shark-biting incidents — involving bitten boards, not humans — in a span of four days at the same surf spot in Holualoa Bay were caused by tiger sharks. Star-Advertiser.

Fifty years after President John F. Kennedy's famous speech committing the country to landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth, the state and NASA announced a new partnership aimed at involving Hawaii in the next phase of the agency's manned and unmanned exploration of the moon and deep space. Star-Advertiser.

The Governor marked the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s speech to land an American on the moon and return him safely to Earth within a decade … with a historic announcement for Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Federal grant will help encourage venture capital investment in small businesses in Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaii drivers are among the least knowledgeable about the rules of the road, according to a study by GMAC Insurance. Bloomberg.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono seems to bristle every time a reporter raises the 2002 race for Hawaii governor — the race where she barely edged Ed Case in the Democratic primary and lost to Republican Linda Lingle in the general by 4.5 percentage points. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard will announce today that she will run in the Democratic primary for Congress to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has replaced the man he put in charge of the police department’s preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Honolulu this fall. KITV4.

In a sharply divided vote Tuesday, County Council members scrapped a plan to increase the minimum property tax - but they cut deeply into a number of programs in order to make up for the lost revenue. Maui News.

After months of review and weeks of fine tuning, Kaua‘i County Council approved the $269 million fiscal year 2011-2012 budget Wednesday, though not unanimously. Garden Island.

The Honolulu City Council is moving forward with a proposal that would tighten requirements for receiving a historic home tax exemption and another measure to examine all tax exemptions to determine if they should continue. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Stephen Yamashiro died Tuesday night at Hilo Medical Center following an extended bout with pneumonia. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is sponsoring a small business fair. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly a third of all residential sales in Maui County during the first quarter of this year were either bank-owned properties or homes going through the foreclosure process, according to new statistics from RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Hawaii Reporter.

Kohala Middle School students’ battery recycling solution comes out on top. Hawaii Independent.

The Molokai High Class of 2011 stood together for the last time in the Barn last Saturday, commemorating their past four years and facing the future that lies ahead of them as graduates. Molokai Dispatch.

Immediately after making nearly $10 million in changes to Mayor Billy Kenoi's requested operating budget, the County Council last week added roughly the same amount to his proposed construction budget. Tribune-Herald.

A $9.3 million white elephant could be put to use as early as August, under a plan described Wednesday to the Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hawaii pedestrians unsafe, Filipinos overtake Japanese, Kauai battles feral cats, Fire Department apologizes, money slows redistricting work, national group helps Maui publisher, Molokai health care truce, Big Island wealth concentrated, more news

Hawaii population shifts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Almost 29.3 percent of the entire county's total property value is in North Kona County Council District 8, home to just 12.3 percent of the population. West Hawaii Today.

Filipinos have overtaken Japanese as the top Asian ancestry group in Hawaii, according to new data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Civil Beat.

The state Reapportionment Commission is awaiting the governor's final approval of an emergency appropriation of about $664,000 before it can proceed with a contract for software and technical materials needed to begin redrawing the state's political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the University of Hawaii are to produce legal primers on Native Hawaiian issues. Associated Press.

A report released Tuesday by Transportation for America, a nonprofit organization devoted to transportation reform with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, pointed to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control showing Hawaii ranking first in the category of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people 65 and older between 2000-2007. Star-Advertiser.

Feel free to continue to walk and talk, the law that would have made it illegal to cross the street while holding a mobile device is getting disconnected. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council is joining the effort to try attracting President Barack Obama's future presidential library. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Department is apologizing for the way one of its dispatchers handled an emergency call after a fireworks explosion killed five men at a storage facility in Waikele. KHON2.

A year and a half after Louis Kealoha became the Honolulu police chief, there is high-level criticism of his leadership from within his own department and from people at other law enforcement agencies. KITV4.

With $854,000 in stimulus funding, officials at Better Place are looking for commercial property owners interested in hosting an electric car charging station. Pacific Business News

More than 5-thousand residents seek substance abuse treatment each year at a cost of 20-million dollars to taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Kaua‘i County Council is set to vote today on a resolution supporting a trapping, neutering and return method of controlling the island’s feral cat population. Garden Island.

The Maui County Charter Commission discussed Monday how both the commission and the County Council can propose amendments to the county's guiding legal document. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council wants to expand local government while simultaneously cutting millions from county operations, employee overtime and golfing subsidies. Tribune-Herald.

The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, a national organization, is set to officially oppose a subpoena by the Maui Police Department and district attorney to release the names of all online commenters to an April 14 story in the Maui Time about the alleged assault of Maui Time publisher Tommy Russo by a police officer during an altercation involving Duane “Dog” Chapman and his entourage. Hawaii Independent.

Studies show more than one-in-four 14 to 24 year olds have been involved in some form of "sexting" - either sending or receiving sexually-explicit photos, videos, or text messages on-line or on cellphones. Hawaii News Now.

In a historic move, the island’s health care providers gathered last week to discuss how to co-exist peacefully. Molokai Dispatch.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Hawaii 911 operators curt with caller, too old for bikinis, poi pounders protected, Maui bus growing fast, Kauai curbs street sellers, DOE touts gun safety, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii poi pounder (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Today, few people in Hawaii continue to make poi the traditional way, using board and stone. But with the Legislature's passage of the Senate Bill 101 , better known as the poi bill, what began as one man's art has been transformed into a legal recognition of an ancient cultural tradition. Civil Beat.

Educational programs for Native Hawaiians are to receive more than $41 million in federal funding this fiscal year. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature has appropriated $1.2 million to pay for the creation of a state information technology office tasked with improving public online services, making government more efficient and saving money. Associated Press.

Moody’s May 17, 2011 downgrade of Hawaii’s General Obligation Bond rating will cost taxpayers more money this fall when the state issues between $500 million and $650 million in GO bonds to fund state projects for which taxpayers guarantee the repayment of debt. Hawaii Reporter.

Governor Neil Abercrombie’s action plan to address homelessness is a 90-day push to kick-start the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nine-part plan to address homelessness in Hawaii has created quite a stir since he announced it last week. Pacific Business News

The state Legislature took small steps this session to enhance oversight and public disclosure for charter schools, and lawmakers plan to work with the charter community on big-picture changes for the system. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education claims that over the last five years it has dramatically decreased the number of students being expelled from school for bringing a gun on campus. Hawaii News Now.

A 14-year-old student at Pearl Highlands Intermediate School told police he found a gun on campus and was showing it to friends when it went off Monday morning. KHON2.

A state judge dismissed all charges Monday against the four remaining Honolulu police officers accused of falsifying reports to qualify for overtime. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time we're hearing the frantic moments as the Waikele bunker fireworks explosion was happening from the only survivor.  Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Bus received national recognition this past week for being among the "fastest growing" public transportation systems in the nation. Maui News.

Kaua‘i County Council member on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to strengthen a law regulating peddling at county parks and facilities, but they left it up to the Parks and Recreation Department to create the specific rules required to enforce it. Garden Island.

County considers opening Ka'u council office. Tribune-Herald.

Governmental red tape has left yellow caution tape blocking the tsunami-damaged portion of the Alii Drive sidewalk and seawall. West Hawaii Today.

Reports of axis deer on the Big Island have numerous public agencies preparing a formal response and developing a possible course of action to protect valuable forest and agricultural resources. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii seatbelt enforcement campaign has been launched statewide. Associated Press.

How old is too old? A new survey is answering that question when it comes to women wearing bikinis, miniskirts and stilettos. KITV4.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hawaiian monk seals may be moved to islands, state officials disinvited after ethics call, Abercrombie addresses Dems in Kona, $221M for Maui, live WWII bomb found on Kauai, more Hawaii news

Hawaiian monk seal


Federal biologists scouring for ways to spare the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal from extinction are embracing a desperate if unorthodox strategy: They want to pluck seal pups from the small, pristine atolls where they're born and move them closer to Honolulu and other highly populated areas. Associated Press.

The National Weather Service says Raymond Tanabe has been selected to be the new meteorologist-in-charge of the agency's Honolulu forecast office. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law a measure that gradually phases in requirements for more class time in public schools. Associated Press.

Governor Neil Abercrombie spoke at the 2011 Hawaii County Democratic Party Convention in Kona on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

After consulting with the state Ethics Commission, the state film office “disinvited” a number of state employees who were on the guest list for a special “mahalo screening” of the new Pirates of the Caribbean film at the Dole Cannery cinema complex. Hawaii Reporter.

Banding together business, government, nonprofits and the community will help revitalize Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Gov. Neil Abercrombie told Democratic Party supporters Saturday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Local lawmakers say one of their main accomplishments from the legislative session that ended May 5 - along with balancing the state budget while juggling a $1.3 billion biennium deficit - was bringing home more than $221.2 million for roads, highways, bridges, harbors, schools and other improvements to Maui County's aging infrastructure. Maui News.

Mayor Billy Kenoi shaved almost $10,000 from his official travel tab in 2010 by halving the number of days spent off island compared with his first full year in office. Tribune-Herald.

As schools of choice, startup charter schools must attract students to survive. Star-Advertiser.

Noreen Yamane has been named chancellor of Hawaii Community College by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Her appointment is effective July 1. Pacific Business News

University of Hawaii Professor Alexander "Sasha" Krot is a bit embarrassed by all the attention about the newly discovered mineral: "Krotite." KITV4.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games are due to be held in Honolulu this week. Associated Press.

There's no stretch of sand more important to the future of Hawaii than Waikiki Beach. And it's disappearing. Civil Beat.

A team of explosive experts destroyed an ordnance on Sunday in a remote area of Kapa‘a after a teenager found the device on an Eastside beach. Garden Island.

Do you think that Hawaii has a street gang problem? You might be surprised by how many street gangs law enforcement officers recently identified across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Folks in Washington D.C. got a taste of the Aloha Spirit this weekend. KHON2.

City-community partnership to finish North Shore skate park. KHON2.

Mahalo to everyone who’s responded to our question, “What’s your vision for a better food system?.” Hawaii Independent.

Charmaine Hauanio-Kuewa and Pamela Paulo were born a year apart and grew up in Hilo without ever meeting -- or knowing that they're sisters. Tribune-Herald.

After more than three decades of inconspicuous yearly celebrations, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church is celebrating 95 years of existence with a bang and joyous celebration reminiscent of town festivals back in the Philippines—a prelude to the bigger centennial celebration in 2016. Filipino Chronicle.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Hawaii Supreme Court mulling Native Hawaiian rights, Latinos up sharply, Hirono in Senate race, human traffickers must pay back wages, legislators proud of balanced budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Mauna Saddle Road (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
A revamp of the westernmost portion of the Ala Mauna Saddle Road, the 48-mile cross-island route, recently moved a step closer to fruition. West Hawaii Today.

All five Hawaii Supreme Court justices grilled lawyers yesterday in a case that could help clarify to what extent a native Hawaiian's practice of traditional cultural and religious activities can trump a criminal prosecution. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono told supporters yesterday that she will run in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate next year, seeking to establish herself as a strong voice for Hawaii and the logical heir to fellow progressive U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who is retiring. Star-Advertiser.

State and federal agencies have signed a partnership to help conserve Hawaii's forestry. Associated Press.

Hawaii Lawmakers Most Proud of Balancing Budget. Civil Beat.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is stuck with $2,500 worth of exercise equipment that was improperly ordered and caused the departure of the agency’s deputy director. Hawaii Reporter.

The U.S. Labor Department has ordered a labor recruiting company to pay thousands of dollars worth of back wages to men from Thailand who worked at farms in Hawaii. KITV4.

U.S. Census demographic data released Thursday shows a 37.8 percent increase in Hawaii's Hispanic population from 2000 to 2010. Associated Press.

Hawaii saw a total of 2,476 initial unemployment claims for the week of May 14, up 12.5 percent compared to the 2,201 claims filed during the same week in 2010, according to data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News

A fierce fight by supporters and scientists of the Pacific Bioscience Research Center to avoid a shutdown of the Kewalo facility proved successful, at least temporarily. KITV4.

A large-scale initiative to integrate Hydrogen-powered vehicles is underway on Oa’hu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city's Department of Transportation Services detailed its plans to allow bicycles and surfboards to be carried onboard the proposed rail trains.  KHON2.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority says they have taken a leap of faith, jumping into the first private-public housing partnership in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The loss of nearly $5 million in federal anti-terrorism funding for Honolulu will not affect the city's preparedness for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in November, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Developers of a proposed Ka'u resort and village are looking to limit their ecological impacts while bolstering the region's educational opportunities. West Hawaii Today.

A Texas judge has granted the widow of surfing champion Andy Irons another extension to delay the release of Irons' autopsy report. Star-Advertiser.

In the era of endless news loops and aggregation, it’s hard to get a rise when mentioning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, plastic-coated beaches or endangered Hawaiian monk seals ensnared in rafts of trash. Honolulu Weekly.

When it comes to illegal dumping, there's a group of ladies in Leeward Oahu that take it personally. Hawaii News Now.

Instead of almost annually having to piecemeal together repairs and improvements on South Kihei Road, along with the detours that come with construction, county Department of Public Works Director David Goode this week said he hopes to "dust off" a decades-old proposal to entirely rebuild the north end of the busy roadway. Maui News.

Waimea High School’s graduating seniors missed out on a piece of tradition Thursday, when a break in a water main forced school officials to close the campus. Garden Island.

The public can sound off about noise around Hilo International Airport at a coming meeting called by the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

A loud drinking party on county property brought to a halt by the police early May 1 included Mayor Billy Kenoi, state Rep. Jerry Chang and a host of other bigwigs celebrating the end of the Merrie Monarch Festival. West Hawaii Today.