Hawaii tourism feeling tsunami pain, Legislature enters last round, anti-trafficking, state slaughterhouse, pet store laws advance, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Iolani Palace (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

For the first time since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893, a room at Iolani Palace has been restored to how it may have appeared during the time. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii would be the first state to own a slaughterhouse, under a bill moving in the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

House and Senate negotiators are beginning to meet to create the final form of bills before they can receive final votes. Associated Press.

Two bills that help to establish anti-human trafficking laws in Hawaii will be heard in conference by Senate and House committees. Hawaii Independent.

Selling Sex in Honolulu: Police Use Massage License Law Against Prostitutes. Civil Beat.

The new labor contract offered to the state’s largest government workers’ union “is the best settlement that could be obtained” under Hawaii’s current fiscal climate, the union told the rank-and-file this week. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that would require pet stores to sterilize cats and dogs before they're sold. Associated Press.

More feet on the beat.That’s what Kaua‘i Police Department officials said they need most to do their jobs better for the 2012 fiscal year, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

Hawaii County's new prosecutor says she's "excited and lucky" to succeed Jay Kimura, who retired April 1 after more than 18 years on the job. Tribune-Herald.

Japan Airlines Co. extended reductions in overseas flights, including Honolulu,  because demand has dropped following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is still an option for Dallas-based discount carrier Southwest Airlines, and its partnership with Boeing, the maker of the jets Southwest would use to fly to the isles, is intact in the wake of a recent fuselage rupture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's leisure and hospitality industry lost jobs in March for the first time after eight straight months of growth. Associated Press.

Foreclosure Davids and banking Goliaths have been doing battle in East Hawaii for years. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly every county in the state has reported possible cases of dengue fever to the Department of Health. KHON2.

In the next couple of weeks, Nguyen Le, owner of Momentum Multi-sport, a local triathlon store, and the State Department of Health are rolling out Hawaii’s first bike sharing program to drive motorists from gas power to pedal power. KITV4.

A longtime local nonprofit is defending its record after a review of financial reports showed that it had accumulated more than $374,000 in unspent county grants. Maui News.

On Tuesday night in Wailuku Maui, Tommy Russo spotted Bounty Hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman in the public parking lot near his office. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha says the department is reviewing whether it's complying with the law when it comes to public records. Civil Beat.

Friendly Market Center has recently been approved for a Special Management Area permit to subdivide a lot, a first step in widening Kamoi and Alohi Streets along FMC property. Molokai Dispatch.

Contract award protests will result in uncertain delays for the city’s rail transit system, officials acknowledge. Star-Advertiser.

The new, multimillion-dollar roof of Hawaii County's main office building in Hilo has started leaking -- again. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii gas highest in the nation, state workers to get 64 days off, appointed ed board seated, West Hawaii gets new civic center, Hilo sewer leak could go to sea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gas prices (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline hit a nation-leading $4.46 on Thursday, 28 cents higher than second-place California. Associated Press.

With gas prices on Oahu around $4.50 a gallon, the operators of the city's bus system said more people are buying bus passes and taking the bus. KITV4.

Gas prices in Wailuku, Maui reached a new all-time record price on Wednesday, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. KHON2.

House Republicans question amount of paid time off for state workers. Hawaii News Now.

Ratification vote dates have been set for members of the state's largest public worker union to decide on a new contract. KHON2.

Hawaii saw 2,447 initial jobless claims filed during the week ending April 9, down 14.7 percent from the 2,868 claims filed during the same week last year, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News

McDonald's restaurants are looking to fill 1,000 jobs in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Two of Hawaii’s largest hotel brands, Hilton and Starwood, are likely to host three of the top countries at the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, and other hotels cleared for the high-level international event are in the final stages of negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s health disparities and gaps in care need community collaboration to help residents make healthier choices and to increase longevity among the state’s neediest population, according to a report that will be released today.Star-Advertiser.

In an unusual display of bipartisan acclaim, nine new members of the board of education were confirmed by the state senate Thursday and were to take office immediately. KITV4.

The State Senate approved Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees for Hawaii’s Board of Education on Thursday, Hawaii Independent.

Representatives of more than 50 social service agencies rallied at the state Capitol yesterday to urge lawmakers to restore proposed cuts to human services programs. Star-Advertiser.

PHOCUSED gathered its members and supporters — some with walkers, some in wheelchairs — Thursday in the Rotunda, most wearing green, all fighting to protect their share of the haupia. Civil Beat.

Citizens concerned with Hawaii Legislature’s plan to hike their taxes will hold “tea parties” across the state on Friday, April 15. Hawaii Reporter.

County officials and former elected officials recalled the long process it took to bring the West Hawaii County Civic Center to fruition Thursday as they formally dedicated the new facility. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County may have to release raw sewage into Hilo Bay in order to fix a sewer pipe found leaking Saturday, its Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Now that the county's land fund is back in the budget, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann wants to expand the list of eligible properties and give the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission more power to set priorities. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Community College chancellor search committee has named four finalists for the position. Garden Island.

Three new cases of dengue fever are suspected in Hana, along with a possible case in Haliimaile and an additional two or three Upcountry, according to health officials. Maui News.

Sparks were flying Thursday morning between County Council members during a heated discussion at the Nawiliwili Council Chambers. Garden Island.

The Honolulu medical examiner's office says three of the victims in an underground fireworks blast last week suffered carbon monoxide inhalation before dying.Associated Press.

Oahu gas tax hike debated, state taxes still alive in Legislature, Maui dengue cases increase, Honolulu fireworks ban could affect neighbor island supply, bill could revive Ka'u biomass plant, more

Hawaii Capitol

The largest remaining tax measures pending before Hawaii lawmakers would eliminate business exemptions, raise car rental fees and take hotel tax money from the counties. Associated Press.

There are more than two-dozen tax bills still alive at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a final push to keep legislation alive that would fund programs and policies that support his fiscal plan. KITV4.

The state collected more than $190 million in general excise taxes in February, but overall, general fund deposits are down. KHON2.

Hawaii general fund deposits for February were down 4 percent compared to the same month in 2010, according to a report from the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News

It's been relatively calm on Hawaii's home foreclosure front during the past several months, but the storm could soon return. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing on proposed fees and fee increases for city facilities and services drew only a handful of interested citizens Wednesday at Honolulu Hale.KITV4.

A proposal to increase the city’s gasoline tax by 1 cent per gallon has advanced in the City Council, but appears unlikely to go much further. Star-Advertiser.

Politicians are getting feisty over rail transit money and some are turning on each other as there are accusations of greed and skimming off the top. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Managing Director Doug Chin said Oahu residents can expect to see "a lot more road work" between now and the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Civil Beat.

Three new cases of dengue fever are suspected in Hana, along with a possible case in Haliimaile and an additional two or three Upcountry, according to health officials. Maui News.

The intent of a draft commercial air tour management plan for Haleakala National Park got a thumbs up Tuesday evening as those attending a public meeting agreed that regulations should be in place to limit or prevent impacts to the park, its visitors and resources. Maui News.

Hawaii taxpayers are covering a quarter of the cost of a new solar parking canopy project for Oceanic Time Warner Cable. KITV4.

New bill could breathe new life into Pahala biofuel project. Big Island Weekly.

Kaua‘i Fire Chief Robert Westerman on Monday told County Council members that despite financial and operational challenges the department has achieved improvements and will implement initiatives for Fiscal Year 2012, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The county Office of the County Auditor is requesting a 34 percent budget increase for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The underground storage facility in Waikele where five Donaldson Enterprises employees were killed during a violent explosion Friday morning was being used by the company to prepare highly explosive fireworks for final disposal, an investigator from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is the only county with a fireworks ban, but the neighbor islands may soon find it very difficult to purchase most consumer fireworks.KHON2.

Over a month after more than 150 dogs were seized in a puppy farm raid in Waimanalo, the Hawaiian Humane Society still has custody of them. Hawaii News Now.

Picture the Hawaii Island Humane Society's Kona Shelter. West Hawaii Today.

Something is out of place at many of Molokai’s fishponds – many of their rocks. Molokai Dispatch.

The engineering firm that designed a $1.9 million water tank officials say is defective has been considered for 18 additional county contracts but was awarded only one since the county filed a lawsuit against it. West Hawaii Today.

What is our capacity to endure? That’s the question that living sustainably asks of us. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii Legislature advancing tax hikes, company sues over Honolulu fireworks ban, Kauai OKs development, industry coming to Lualualei valley, more Hawaii news

Honolulu homeless (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Putting homeless to work. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering tax increases amid hundreds of bills getting votes Tuesday as the Legislature enters the final weeks of this year's session facing deep budget difficulties. Associated Press.

The state Senate approved its version of the budget yesterday and grudgingly agreed to suspend general excise tax exemptions on several business activities to help make it balance. Star-Advertiser.

The state House of Representatives today passed bills to tax well-to-do pensioners, boost liquor and motor vehicle taxes, eliminate numerous existing tax exemptions, and impose 10 cent fees on plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are hearing from legal experts about a national project designed to increase public safety, reduce prison spending and create alternate criminal justice strategies. Associated Press.

Poll finds favorable, unfavorable politicians. Hawaii News Now.

Taxes were on the agenda at the Honolulu City Council, particularly property taxes and how to handle certain rate and exemptions. KHON2.

The city Office of Economic Development and Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts remain on the chopping block after a recommendation by the City Council’s Budget Committee yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Executive assistants hired temporarily by the City and County of Honolulu make more money than most of their civil engineer, police officer, project manager and chemist counterparts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii charities strained by support for Japan. Hawaii News Now.

A deal has been reached to bring back the symphony in Honolulu. KHON2.

A fireworks import and wholesale company is going to court to block the city from enforcing its recent fireworks ban. Star-Advertiser.

A glut of distressed properties, both from foreclosures and short sales, continued to weigh down Maui real estate prices in the first quarter of this year, real estate experts said Monday. Maui News.

The county Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the necessary permits for Anaina Hou to proceed with the next phase of an increasingly controversial project in Kilauea. Garden Island.

She's not calling it by that name, but Ka'u Councilwoman Brittany Smart is asking for a development moratorium in Ka'u until a planning group comes up with a community development plan the County Council can agree upon. West Hawaii Today.

The State Land Use Commission’s (LUC) decision to allow a light industrial park to be built on Lualualei valley farmland has been rescheduled for April 20 or 21 due to voting constraints. Hawaii Independent.

The Small Business Administration on Tuesday announced it will offer low-interest federal disaster loans to Maui County businesses that sustained damage from the March tsunami. KITV4.

Got milk? Then you may have radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan … but only a "minute" amount. Hawaii News Now.

Food and Drug Administration inspections of food being brought to Hawaii and other parts of the country from Japan are showing no increases in radiation levels, an FDA spokeswoman said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Marine biologists are taking a "wait-and-see" approach before deciding what to do with an unwanted visitor that washed up near the Wai Opae tidepools in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Radiation reaches Hawaii milk, half of Abercrombie cabinet campaign donors, state technology lacking, Case leads in early poll, Hawaii women paid $10k less than men, Legislature folds on poker, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island cattle (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Radiation from Japan's nuclear crisis has reached Hawaii's food stream in milk from a Big Island dairy, but the trace amounts are nowhere near levels of concern, a state health official said. Star-Advertiser.

A Disaster Assistance Recovery Center will open Tuesday at Keehi Lagoon. KHON2.

A Civil Beat analysis of campaign finance records found that half of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet donated money to help get him the job. Civil Beat.

A poll conducted by SMS Research shows former U.S. Congressman Ed Case leading former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann in a hypothetical primary election race for the United States Senate. Hawaii News Now.

The primary and general elections for filling Dan Akaka's U.S. Senate seat are more than a year and a half away, but polls are already surfacing about who might stand the best chance. KHON2.

Three weeks ago, Ed Case met with the kingmaker of Hawaii's Democratic Party to make amends. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii has discarded the idea of legalizing both online and live poker in the islands. Associated Press.

State House Says No To New Schools. KITV4.

Some counties are looking for more flexibility in the proposed contract with Hawaii's largest public worker union. KHON2.

The only Republican in the Hawaii Senate says the state's budget can be balanced by making deep cuts and laying off government employees instead of raising taxes. Maui News.

Hawaii state agencies have increasingly embraced technology to make their operations more efficient, but to some degree, they've fulfilled the expectations of English writer Aldous Huxley, who opined, "Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards." West Hawaii Today.

Full-time working women in Hawaii are paid on average $9,934 less per year than their male counterparts, according to a study released yesterday.Star-Advertiser.

Council hopefuls frustrated by process. Maui News.

Castle & Cooke has agreed to allow Pattern Energy to use a portion of its 400-megawatt wind allocation for Lanai for the purpose of developing a wind farm on Molokai. Pacific Business News

Hawaii’s Power Out(r)age: A powerful play in six acts. Hawaii Independent.

The recommendations on how Hawaii County can address the growing amount of solid waste collected haven't changed significantly in two decades. West Hawaii Today.

KITV 4 News has learned the group trying to revive the bankrupt Honolulu Symphony has made an initial agreement with unionized orchestra musicians. KITV4.

The two losing bidders of Honolulu's rail car contract, Bombardier Transportation and Sumi­tomo Corp. of America, filed protests with the city yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is seeking the public's help in finding two large puppets that were stolen when thieves broke into one of the organization's vans Saturday night in Kahului. Maui News.

Over the weekend, a cavalcade of artists from the islands and with local ties came together as part of Kokua For Japan. Hawaii Public Radio.

President's sister puts their mom in picture book. Associated Press.

A dog bill that may lack teeth was advanced by the Hawaii County Council last week. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii raises $1.6M for Japan tsunami, lawmakers mull Internet sales tax, former Rep. Ed Case to run for Akaka's Senate seat, Maui revamping permit process, Big Island studyng garbage, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii at Manoa

One consequence of the state's current budget crisis could be another attempt to close the University of Hawaii's tourism school and make it a part of the Shidler College of Business. Civil Beat.

Ed Case is the first candidate to officially announce a bid for Senator Daniel Akaka's seat when Akaka retires at the end of his term. KHON2.

Former Congressman Ed Case announced yesterday that he will run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate next year, vowing to change a political culture in Washington, D.C., he believes is too partisan. Star-Advertiser.


A bill pending in the state House would give online retailers like Amazon.com a choice: collect and pay the state's 4 percent general excise tax on sales from consumers in Hawaii, or provide the state with the names, dates and dollar amounts from each sale so the state Department of Taxation can collect the money annually. Star-Advertiser.

Japan Airlines says it will ask some of its employees to take special unpaid leave this summer due to the temporary reduction of flights on certain domestic and international routes. Pacific Business News

The Hawaii Government Employees Association has released to its members a summary of the tentative contact agreement reached with Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

When it comes to thankless jobs, police dispatchers top the list. Tribune-Herald.

Kokua For Japan -- a television, radio and Internet fundraising event for the victims of last month's earthquake and tsunami -- pulled in $1.6 million in donations as of 5:30 PM Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Concert raises $1.6M for tsunami victims. Star-Advertiser.

Music swelled over the great lawn at the Hilton Hawaiian Village this afternoon. Legendary musicians and entertainers shared their talents to raise money for Kokua for Japan. KITV4.

The City Council Budget Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 13 to take action on a number of bills and resolutions that will determine what taxpayers will pay for City services and in real property taxes. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii County has signed a $199,950 contract for a consultant to compare the cost of trucking garbage to West Hawaii to expanding the Hilo landfill. West Hawaii Today.

Authorities investigating the blast at a fireworks storage bunker that killed five people intend to question the facility's operators and hope to finally be able to enter the unstable site. Associated Press.

The winds are changing. First Wind is out, Pattern Energy is in. Molokai Dispatch.

There are roads that need to be rebuilt and hotel expansions in the works, but new Public Works Director David Goode said his most important achievement would be revamping the county's antiquated permitting process. Maui News.

Computer modeling by researchers at the University of Hawaii projects that debris from Japan's tsunami will reach the Big Island in three to five years. Tribune-Herald.

Peace Corp to mark 50 years of service. West Hawaii Today.

The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) held a four-day conference last March 31 to April 3, 2011 at the Hawaii Convention Center . Filipino Chronicle.

Hawaii tax hike nixed, union contract under fire, birther suit rejected, journalism shield law extended, dengue fears widen, education board pau, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu tour bus (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A Norwegian Cruise Line company is bringing seven open-top, double-decker tour buses to Honolulu, a move that's expected to add 60 jobs in the islands. Associated Press.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted Thursday to kill a proposal to raise Hawaii's broadest tax. Hawaii News Now.

The Ways and Means Committee killed a hike in the general excise tax after the chairman faced a rare revolt from some committee members Thursday morning. KITV4.

A general excise tax hike has been killed by lawmakers, but businesses and nonprofits still may face a $200 million jump in taxes. KHON2.

Thursday's decision by the Senate Ways and Means committee to rule out a general excise tax increase means lawmakers may have to strengthen at least a dozen surviving revenue bills to close the state's budget gap. Civil Beat.

The Abercrombie administration agreed to a “favored nation” clause in a tentative contract with the Hawaii Government Employees Association that gives the union the ability to match gains won by other unions, sources say. Star-Advertiser.

State Republicans are calling the tentative agreement with HGEA "expensive and unfair" and say how its being pitched deceptive and misleading. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle says city officials “still have many questions and concerns” about the statewide labor agreement reached by Governor Neil Abercrombie with Hawaii’s largest government workers union. Hawaii Reporter.

Questions linger around HGEA contract agreement. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie Thursday identified 61 capital improvement projects that are currently under way as part of his New Day Works Projects, which are meant to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Pacific Business News

The economic crisis that refuses to leave the Hawaiian Islands has not been sufficient to sink the idea of a state-run interisland ferry system, introduced this year through a bill sailing through rough waters in the Legislature. Garden Island.

Measures that would have provided state funds to the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission have stalled for this year, after legislators raised questions about the agency's management of the island. Maui News.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill extending the state’s journalism shield law an additional two years. Star-Advertiser.

It is the end of the road for the elected board members, many of whom have given much of their time to try and improve the state's public school system. KITV4.

A Hawaii appeals court has rejected a man's request to "inspect and copy" Honolulu-born President Barack Obama's birth certificate, saying the plaintiff failed to state a valid claim to having access to the document. KITV4.

For the third straight year, Hawaii County is facing one of the most difficult budgeting processes in the local government's history, Mayor Billy Kenoi told West Hawaii residents Thursday night. West Hawaii Today.

About 70 current and former boat owners expressed anger and frustration yesterday with their inability to get help for their losses in last month's tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Two women were rescued from a remote Hawaiian beach after a tour helicopter spotted "S.O.S." written in the sand. Associated Press.

It will take years, but Hawaii ultimately will bear a heavy burden from floating debris from the March 11 tsunami in Japan, Hawaii researchers conclude. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island sending love to Japan. Tribune-Herald.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will sail through the Hawaiian Islands, with a 15-night cruise departing the Port of Los Angeles on April 29, 2012. KHON2.

The state Department of Health is investigating two suspected East Maui cases of dengue fever, a potentially deadly tropical disease. Maui News.

A California company planning to build and operate a wind farm on Maui's Ulupalakua Ranch has agreed to sell electricity to Maui's power company. Associated Press.

Obama buddy nabbed in Honolulu prostitution sting, HGEA agrees to 5% pay cut, crowds oppose tax hikes, bag bans enforced on Maui, Kauai, Big Island moving $56M project list, more news

Hawaii fisherman (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Researchers Predict Tsunami Debris from Japan to Twice Hit Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest public-sector labor union, announced a tentative two-year contract agreement yesterday that includes a 5 percent pay cut for public workers. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced that the state has reached a tentative agreement with Hawaii's largest public worker union. Hawaii News Now.

The state and counties reached a tentative contract with Hawaii's largest union, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office announced on Wednesday. KITV4.

The plan raises pay above current levels, a contract Honolulu's mayor did not support. KHON2.

Not so fast, governor. That’s the message Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle issued shortly after Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced that the state and counties have agreed to a new contract with the state’s largest government workers union. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest public workers union, has reached an agreement with state and county officials on a new contract that ends furloughs but calls for public employees to take a 5 percent pay cut and pay more upfront for their health benefits. Pacific Business News

Nonbinding resolutions passed by the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday seek more flexibility in negotiating with the state's public-sector unions. West Hawaii Today.

A hearing on several different tax increase proposals attracted scores of people to a hearing in the state Capitol auditorium on Wednesday. KITV4.

The majority of testifiers told the Senate Ways and Means committee raising the general excise tax one percent is not the way to go. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s most powerful business interests appealed to state senators yesterday not to raise the general excise tax or temporarily suspend tax exemptions to balance the budget, while labor unions and social service providers said the tax options are preferable to more spending cuts to state programs. Star-Advertiser.

Five of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's nine nominees to the new appointed Hawaii State Board of Education cruised through their first Senate Education Committee hearing Wednesday. Civil Beat.

This current session of the Hawai’i legislature, so far, has not borne much good news for those who want stronger regulation of genetically modified food. Big Island Weekly.

A regular Hawaii golfing buddy and Punahou School friend of President Barack Obama was among four people arrested Monday night during a prostitution sting operation in Kakaako by Honolulu police. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department confirmed that a close friend of President Barack Obama was arrested Monday in connection with a prostitution sting case. KITV4.

The Kaua‘i County Council in a 5-1 vote Wednesday shot down amendments that would have created certain exemptions in the county’s almost 3-month-old plastic bag ban. Garden Island.

Bag ban violations under investigation. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a list of 14 projects to be funded through a $56 million bond issue before postponing the bill until its April 20 meeting to comply with state Sunshine Laws. West Hawaii Today.

The stalemate between democrats and republicans over the remaining six months of the 2011 federal budget could result in all eight of Hawaii’s national parks being closed to the public. KHON2.

Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald has appointed four Honolulu lawyers to six-year terms as Honolulu District Court judges, the state Judiciary announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Island music hit a sour note Wednesday when trustees of the Recording Academy announced they are dropping the category of Best Hawaiian Music Album from the Grammy Awards. Hawaii News Now.

Health workers are investigating two suspected cases of dengue fever in East Maui, the state announced today. Maui News.

Officials at Disney Cruise Line say they'll be sending one of their cruise ships to Hawaii for the first time next year. Associated Press.

West Hawaii real estate agents are seeing positive signs in the Kona market, particularly as sales activity increases compared with the past few years. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council put a stop to the county's sale of Hamakua lands, and at the same time, invited the public to submit proposals to lease the property. West Hawaii Today.

Feds seek quiet skies over Hawaii national parks, Senate budget assumes furlough savings, court says state at fault in Kauai hiker deaths, more Hawaii news

Ala Wai boat harbor (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A handful of bills allowing increased privatization of Hawaii’s harbors was kept alive at the Legislature yesterday despite opposition of some boat owners who also worry about separate development proposals to bring wedding chapels to the state’s largest recreational boat harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee approved the Senate’s draft of the budget yesterday, which would preserve the equivalent of two furlough days a month for state workers to help contain costs through the next two years. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Sam Slom, the lone Republican in the state Senate, said Tuesday that it is clear to him that public worker unions are the ones putting pressure on the Legislature to raise the general excise tax 20 percent. KITV4.

With the state facing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed a $21.9 billion state budget on Tuesday. Hawaii Reporter.

No school days furloughed, but school bus service cut. Hawaii News Now.

Derek Kawakami is no longer a Kaua‘i County Council member. Garden Island.

Budget cuts threaten Hawaii’s prisoner rehabilitation strategies. Hawaii Independent.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of airline seats to the islands is expected to be little changed from last year during the next few months despite a reduction in flights from Japan. Associated Press.

More than four years after two hikers fell to their deaths near Opaeka'a Falls on Kauai, a judge has ruled the state "totally" at fault. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Army National Guard’s combat brigade was notified today of a possible deployment to Afghanistan two years from now. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Army National Guard received notice that it may be deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, the department announced Tuesday. KITV4.

As the nation’s military and civilian leaders debate the size of a drawdown expected to start in Afghanistan in July, record numbers of Hawaii-based troops are projected to serve in the country for years to come. Star-Advertiser.

Abercrombie Never Promised Transparency. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration are seeking public comment on possible regulations for commercial tour flights over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Associated Press.

The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration want to hear from you. Tribune-Herald.

An air tour management plan is being developed for commercial air tours in and around Haleakala National Park, the National Park Service said Monday. Maui News.

More than a thousand pages of documents have been released in response to open-records requests about storm water and waste discharge from Oahu's city landfill into the ocean this winter. KHON2.

Former Honolulu City Council Chairman Todd Apo has surfaced as a potential pick for the new transit agency's board of directors — and so have new details about his two ethics violations, including a $500 civil fine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County administrators on Tuesday brought a revised bond ordinance with a detailed list of projects to the County Council, hoping to win support for the $56 million bond issue when the council takes it up today. West Hawaii Today.

The state is asking a 2nd Circuit Court judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed in January by Public Access Trails Hawaii-Maui. Maui News.

A Kekaha community group announced Tuesday that it has filed complaints with the Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency against an energy developer for its lack of transparency in plans to remove toxic substances from the site of an old sugar mill. Garden Island.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has asked the state Legislature for $36 million to build more on-campus housing for students, but the state's budget crunch may mean that UHH will have to defer the projects. Tribune-Herald.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening construction is scheduled to begin in September, state transportation officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii governor reassures unions, shipping charges hiked, Sheraton sold, Hawaiian business boom, school board picks face Senate vetting, taxes, taxes and more

Honolulu homeless (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Homeless are on the move again after a recent sweep in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The number of companies owned by Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders increased at a faster rate here and nationally than business growth overall from 2002 to 2007, and small-business advocates said yesterday there’s reason to believe they continue to thrive despite the down economy. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of union workers rallied at the state capitol Monday, some wielding signs that called into question the attack on labor rights across the country. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had a message for the members of more than 20 unions who filled the state Capitol courtyard yesterday: Union support is in the governor’s blood. Star-Advertiser.

Labor union members cheered and chanted Monday at the Hawai‘i Capitol against cuts in government that would come out of their pockets. Associated Press.

More than 500 union workers gathered in the state Capitol rotunda this afternoon to express support for collective bargaining here and on the Mainland. Hawaii Reporter.

Hundreds gathered today at the Hawaii State Capitol to rally for union solidarity and to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was murdered 43 years ago today in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was speaking on behalf of a group of workers seeking to unionize. Hawaii Independent.

On Wednesday, Hawaii lawmakers will hear a measure to modify the state's excise tax. KITV4.

Taxing retiree pensions is being debated at the capitol. Hawaii News Now.

One after another local restaurant owners, liquor distributors, and employees of companies that sell or distribute alcohol testified at a House Finance Committee hearing against increasing the state tax on alcohol. Hawaii News Now.

Treading into politically sensitive territory, state Senate Democrats are asking the public to choose between raising the general excise tax or temporarily suspending a tax exemption on certain business activities to help balance the budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators are proposing an increase to the state's broadest tax, and they'll discuss it during a public hearing Wednesday. Associated Press.

Lawmakers heard testimony today from residents who want to stop prostitution in areas frequented by children and take it one step further … by targeting sex-trade operators and customers. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new day for accountability in Hawaii schools begins as early as this week, when Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie's nine nominees to the state's first appointed Board of Education in 45 years head into their confirmation hearings.Civil Beat.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa has been sold. West Hawaii Today.

Courthouse in Wailuku needs fixing. Maui News.

Both Horizon Lines Inc. and Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines will raise their fuel surcharges for specific routes at the beginning of May. Pacific Business News

After a series of natural disasters that hit Japan recently, the bosses at the Hawaii Tourism Authority have hinted for a possible cut in the Hawaii air capacity for the second quarter after the tourism was adversely affected. Top News.

Wailuku District Court Judge Rhonda Lai Loo was appointed Monday to replace retiring 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced. Maui News.

Hawaii residents applied for a record number of permits to buy guns last year and registered a near-record number of firearms, while the islands continued to enjoy the lowest rate of gun-related deaths in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for the state Land Use Commission now have through April 25 to provide commission records in response to an appeal filed by Ooma Beachside Village. West Hawaii Today.

Members of Hawaii’s second-largest credit union voted two new faces onto its volunteer board of directors and ousted the chairwoman, reflecting what many said was a need to change the ways of the old board, whose leadership recently came under fire. Star-Advertiser.

Dr. Michael Chun says his retirement from the helm of the Kapalama campus has been discussed in internally for a couple of years -- common of long lead times for transitions at schools the size of Kamehameha. KHON2.

Hawaii residents asked to choose their tax hike, airport fees go up, cold water AC, mac nut charcoal plans move forward, county employees' furloughs, pay cuts, OT under review, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki road repairs

An ongoing construction project and an untimely water main break provided a double whammy for motorists and businesses in a section of Waikiki Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

This Sunday, Kokua For Japan takes place at the Hilton in Waikiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers want to hear from the public on proposals to raise the general excise tax or temporarily suspend the tax on certain business activities. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is supporting a tax plan that would increase taxes for Hawaiian Airlines, construction companies and businesses that sublease. KITV4.

As Hawaii lawmakers find ways to fill the State’s budget deficit, tax reform is being cited as a key component to the solution. Hawaii Independent.

All aboard! That seems to be the consensus so far across the Hawaii state legislature for a proposed bill that would jumpstart a state-wide high-speed ferry system. Molokai Dispatch.

For some Honolulu city workers, Furlough Fridays have meant overtime instead of time off. Civil Beat.

The developer of a proposed $200 million air-conditioning system that draws cold sea water several miles off Hono­lulu said the proj­ect is unlikely to threaten endangered species such as monk seals or leatherback turtles. Star-Advertiser.

A Schofield Barracks aviation brigade deploying to southern Af­ghani­stan with 2,600 Hawaii soldiers and 95 helicopters has been unable to conduct high-altitude training on the Big Island because of an inadequate Army environmental assessment, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Army invited members of the media onto Pohakuloa Training Area on Thursday, to observe their studies on the impacts that the proposed High-Altitude Mountainous Environmental Training, also known as HAMET, may have on the Mauna Kea area. Big Island Video News.

The U.S. Coast Guard is on 24-hour watch at the Kaneohe sand bar - enforcing a safety zone around the CH-53 helicopter that crashed earlier this week. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono says she has advanced an amendment to pending legislation that would result in $6 million in federal money to improve Hawaii airports. Associated Press.

The state Department of Transportation says parking rates are due to go up at airports statewide starting May 1 to help the state to raise funds to pay for airport improvements. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Air ranked among the large airlines with the fewest complaints.Associated Press.

Hawaii County employees could be asked to continue twice-monthly furloughs or endure 5 percent wage cuts expected to save taxpayers a combined $10 million annually. Tribune-Herald.

Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg is sticking with his Tea Party roots. Civil Beat.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa wants to spend nearly $44 million on water infrastructure projects during the next fiscal year — almost double what the county is spending this year. Associated Press.

A Big Island technology startup plans this month to begin turning macadamia nut shells into premium grade, granular activate carbon. West Hawaii Today.

Five appointments each to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and the East West Center Board of Governors were announced this afternoon by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is funding a new Hawaiian cultural training program for volunteers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings taking place in Hawaii this November. Pacific Business News

Steven Nishimura, Kaua‘i’s Democratic party chair, said Foster Ducker, one of the applicants for the party’s nomination, was also in the voting committee that chose the three nominees. Garden Island.

At a party marking Joel August's retirement as a 2nd Circuit Court judge, emcee Judge Richard Bissen joked that if you read the letters to the editor of The Maui News, you'd think that opinions about the jurist started at bad and went down from there. Maui News.

The governor's new pick to represent Hawaii Island on the state Board of Education says his main mission will be to serve as a cheerleader for the school system. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii profits from gas hikes, Army assures helicopter training won't harm Mauna Kea, Maui mayor cutting workforce, Hawaii Five-0 honored, House committee kills ethics changes, more news

The Tax Foundation reports Hawai‘i is one of nine U.S. states that siphons off more tax revenue when gas prices rise. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Legislature Thursday honored CBS and Hawaii Five-O Thursday for engaging a new era of viewers and showcasing the beauty of the islands as never seen before. Hawaii News Now.

House Republicans have come out with their own budget plan that they say won't rely on new taxes in the biennium. KHON2.

A much-discussed measure that would have eased ethical restrictions on state legislators and employees appears dead after being deferred today by a House committee. Hawaii Reporter.

A state senate committee has approved a resolution that would reopen a correctional facility at Kulani on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The state Health Department is investigating 12 new cases of suspected dengue fever since a medical alert for the mosquito-borne viral illness was issued last week. Star-Advertiser.

A Senate bill banning the use of restraints on pregnant inmates during childbirth has cleared two key House committees. Star-Advertiser.

Army officials readily accepted fault for community concerns and misconceptions surrounding a plan to increase helicopter training exercises from Pohakuloa Training Area to landing zones on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu City Council Plans "Significant Cuts" to Mayor's Budget . Civil Beat.

To help gain control of the county's pension liabilities, Mayor Alan Arakawa hopes to reduce the number of county employees through attrition by about 7 percent by the end of his first year in office. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa said Wednesday that the county could eventually trim as many as 150 employees per year from the county work force through attrition. Maui News.

Time-share industry leaders turned out Wednesday to protest a proposal that would increase their property tax rates.Maui News.

Chalk up DARE, the drug abuse prevention program that sends officers into schools, as another casualty of the tough fiscal times. Star-Advertiser.

The county really needs the money, but it's so far been able to recoup only $370,000 of more than $1.4 million seriously past due from garbage haulers. West Hawaii Today.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, now the president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, joins us now to talk about Japan Airlines cutting back flights and other tourism issues. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines said it is not reducing flights to Japan even though other airlines have done so after this month's magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunamis. Associated Press.

Matson Navigation Co. on Thursday announced a new fuel surcharge hike, the third since February. KITV4.

One of Hawaii’s last venerable Big Five companies, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., could be under pressure to break itself up. Star-Advertiser.

More than seven out of every 10 Hawaii hotel rooms were full during the week ending March 26, and average room rates were higher compared to a year ago except on the Big Island, according to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News

HECO said it would start pouring locally grown biofuels in its generators in a few years. It signed a contract with a company for 300 million gallons of biofuel. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Kilauea teacher fears vegetables she grows with her homeschool group could be laden with arsenic and dioxin left over from pesticides mixed at the former Kilauea Sugar Mill. Garden Island.

April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaii. Associated Press.