Friday, June 17, 2011

Native Hawaiians increase, union claims airport mismanagement, Abercrombie fires Aloha Stadium board, Hawaii County to evict native tenants, feds look again at monk seal, honu turtle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian fisherman (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
The population of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii jumped by more than one-fifth over the last decade, continuing a resurgence in the once-dwindling numbers of indigenous people in the state, according to new U.S. Census information. Associated Press.

Hawaii County and a landowner trying to sell the county pristine Ka'u oceanfront property have been granted preliminary authority to remove a group of Native Hawaiians living there. West Hawaii Today.

New figures from 2010 U.S. Census show that Filipinos and part-Filipinos now make up the second-largest racial group in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Members of the Aloha Stadium Authority said they were stunned to be asked for their resignations in letters this week from Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is not shying away from his comments last week that paying $4-million to the NFL for future Pro Bowl games is out of whack with the state's priorities. KHON2.

I told you so. That's what Hawaii foreclosure attorneys were probably thinking after the news broke that mortgage giant Fannie Mae said it was converting all of its non-judicial foreclosures into judicial foreclosures, essentially skirting Hawaii's new foreclosure law. Civil Beat.

Certain tax exemptions were previously put in place to de-pyramid or prevent the piling on of GE tax on top of GE tax along the supply chain in things like shipping, construction subcontractors and certain airline costs. That's changing this summer. KHON2.

Mismanagement, inadequate equipment and a staffing shortage are to blame for the actions of dozens of Transportation Security Administration employees at Honolulu International Airport who are being fired for improper bag screening, labor union officials said. Associated Press.

State officials are discontinuing a program that helps low-income seniors pay for Medicare prescriptions. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i’s first woman prosecutor has announced her intent to seek reelection in 2012. Garden Island.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's veto of the amended operating budget has set up a potential showdown between his administration and the County Council, two weeks before the start of the next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Obama administration officials visited Hawaii on Thursday to hear opinions on how it should shape a new national policy on oceans. Associated Press.

The Hawaiian Green Turtle, or Honu, has recovered so well since being classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act in 1978 that its federal protection may be removed. Hawaii News Now.

Due to the rapid decrease in the Hawaiian monk seal population, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service has proposed to revise the critical habitat area for monk seals, and is inviting public comment. Molokai Dispatch.

The path to a sustainable food future for Hawai`i involves many things, including an economically viable plan, government and public support, and a fresh perspective. But a key concern for farmers, some say even more so than land, is water. Hawaii Independent.

Military Spouses Get Help with Education and Employment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Global Horizon CEO Mordechai Orian: I am looking forward to my trial. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Telcom plans to close its five retail stores statewide and has notified 103 employees that their positions will be eliminated as part of what the company calls a "re-alignment." KITV4.

Hawaii hotels saw occupancy levels dip during the week ending June 11. Even so, average room rates still were higher than a year ago, according to Smith Travel ResearchbizWatch and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News.

Looking for more sources of revenue through additional lease space, landowner Kamehameha Schools hopes to "revitalize" a block of historic Haleiwa Town that is home to the popular Matsumoto and Aoki shave ice stores — a change prompting some businesses there to rethink their future. Star-Advertiser.

Safeway will be anchor tenant of the Maui Lani Center, across Kaahumanu Avenue from Baldwin High School, the largest grocery retailer in North America announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Hawaii gets direct flights to China, rail transit shakes up Honolulu City Council, census shows Hawaii residents living longer, Big Island housing glut, Hawaii County mayor vetoes budget, shipping costs to rise, labor trafficker pleads guilty, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu residents at bus stop (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Hawai‘i’s oldest residents are living longer, with the number of people in the islands over 90 years old nearly doubling during the last decade, according to U.S. Census data released Wednesday. Associated Press.

Almost one in five Hawaii County homes were vacant when census workers made their rounds last year. West Hawaii Today.

With a population density of 87,816 people per square mile, Hobron Lane matches the profile of the state’s highest density areas: It’s a residential zone with a lot of high-rise buildings. Star-Advertiser.

Nonresident military and their dependents should be counted as permanent residents when redrawing the state's political districts, the Oahu advisory council to the state Reapportionment Commission recommended Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's long-sought goal to significantly tap into the lucrative Chinese tourist market is closer to becoming a reality. Star-Advertiser.

Matson is adding a new shipping fee to offset the cost of a new law that suspends general excise tax exemptions, and other businesses are eyeing price hikes. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday vetoed the County Council-approved budget, claiming some of the council's key budget amendments were illegal. West Hawaii Today.

City Council Chairman Nestor Garcia is stepping down to clear a path for freshman Councilman Ernie Martin to replace him. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members' frustration over how City Council Chairman Nestor Garcia and Vice Chair Breene Harimoto handled appointments to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation was a "major factor" in a leadership shake-up at the council, according to City Council member Ikaika Anderson. Civil Beat.

Opponents and supporters of the city's $5-billion rail transit project faced off Wednesday night at a town meeting sponsored by Ewa and Kapolei's councilman Tom Berg. KITV4.

The Federal Transportation Administration is again pledging their commitment that funding is there for Honolulu's rail transit project. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii will receive $4.3 million to continue a 14-year old program that provides job training and educational opportunities to more than 800 residents each year who live in underserved, rural communities on Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released another $12.5 million for nine additional safety and security projects at various public schools on Oahu and Maui as part of his New Day Work Projects, designed to create jobs and cash flow, he announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News

A proposal to restore the county's homeowner property tax exemption to 2005 levels was recommended by the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday. Maui News.

Donalyn Dela Cruz, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's spokeswoman, is writing and producing a new Hawaii travelogue show. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii farm supervisor has pleaded guilty to confiscating passports from Thai laborers to prevent them from fleeing in one of the nation's largest human trafficking cases. Associated Press.

A Hilo restaurateur and his business partner are suing another Hilo businessman for the return of almost a half-million dollars invested in a proposed subdivision. Tribune-Herald.

Road and sidewalk construction from Ala Moana through Waikiki is causing some confusion for pedestrians. KITV4.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May dropped to 6 percent, down from 6.1 percent the previous month and 6.6 percent in May 2010, according to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Pacific Business News

Recent Maui High School graduates Jimbo Paranada and Marc Paguirigan took second place Tuesday morning at the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals in Dearborn, Mich. Maui News.

Kauai Council scratches cat resolution. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Paradise Park representatives voted Wednesday evening to continue discussions with the county over its plan to build a $5.5 million park in the neighborhood. Tribune-Herald.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Hawaii schools to lose funds, Honolulu mayor forgives $1.2M loan, Maui sovereignty group issued warrants, Hawaii Island fire chief steps down, ordnance exploded on Kauai, all the island news

Hawaii soldier walks past Quonset huts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
They may not know where the money's coming from, but U.S. Army officials Tuesday laid out ambitious expansion and improvement plans while advocating for high altitude flight training and ongoing monitoring of depleted uranium. West Hawaii Today.

For the second time in less than a month, the U.S. Army’s 706th explosive ordnance disposal team flew in from Schofield Barracks on O‘ahu to destroy a device found on Kaua‘i’s shores. Garden Island.

Lightning has knocked out the first large telescope ever built on Mauna Kea, and engineers are working to bring it back online.Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration forgave $1.2 million in city loans to the nonprofit elderly day-care center at the heart of a federal investigation into misuse of $7.9 million in grants, a Civil Beat investigation has found. Civil Beat.

Sixty-four campuses will lose extra funds designed to offset costs at small schools because the state Department of Education has lowered the enrollment levels needed to qualify for the money. Star-Advertiser.

The governor has signed bills authorizing two Big Island companies to issue as much as $140 million in special purpose revenue bonds to finance energy ventures. Hawaii Reporter.

Construction subcontractors, subleasors and airlines will temporarily lose their exemption to the state's general excise tax, under a bill signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Maui County is seeking to intervene as the Public Utilities Commission considers a huge wind power project, called Big Wind, that will be either on Lanai, or Lanai and Molokai both. Maui News.

Three of five members of a Maui Hawaiian sovereignty group indicted last month on federal fraud charges failed to appear in federal court today and bench warrants were ordered for their arrests. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Billy Kenoi remained mum Tuesday about whether he will approve next fiscal year's $367 million operating budget. West Hawaii Today.

After more than three decades in the Hawaii Fire Department, including nine years as chief, Darryl Oliveira is "getting out of the way." Tribune-Herald.

Home construction would be made safer and faster under a trio of bills a County Council committee advanced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A vote against amending the Hawaii County code to reflect last month's decision to use $1 million of open space fund revenues to balance next year's county budget doesn't put the money back in the fund. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless campers flock to Chinatown. KHON2.

Thousands have been caught and starting July 1 it will cost people busted for driving with a mobile device even more money. Hawaii News Now.

Transportation Security Administration employees told KITV 4 News an unsafe situation persisted at Honolulu International Airport for months because screeners were worried they'll get in trouble for reporting problems. KITV4.

One of the nation's biggest owners of home mortgages has made a move that could add to an already overburdened Hawaii court system's caseload. Star-Advertiser.

Soon the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department will start up the Fireworks Amnesty Program KITV4.

The state Department of Transportation said last week that it will award around $608,000 in federal funds for four Maui Safe Routes to School projects this summer. Maui News.

The new Hawai’I Symphony Orchestra has officially debuted its name and logo, and unveiled an important new corporate sponsor, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sowing the seeds of social change through school gardens. Hawaii Independent.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2011 Host Committee is seeking a firm to design and produce virtual exhibits that showcase Hawaii businesses. Pacific Business News

Lepe‘uli Beach, commonly called Larsen’s, has taken center stage over the past couple years because of a controversial fence that finally went up about three weeks ago, blocking off the easiest access to the narrow strip of sand on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Hawaii research ship studies Japan radiation, half of Hawaiian Airlines revenue from baggage, TSA fights firing, Honolulu good place to raise family, Maui getting more cops, Aiea to get library, more Hawaii news

Kaimikai-o-Kanaloa courtesy photo
A research ship from Hawaii is carrying an international team of scientists. They're studying the impact of radiation releases in the waters off Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Hawaii News Now.

About 20 percent of the increase in next year's state budget is tied to the cost of putting people back to work on furlough days. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has dropped its appeal to a federal court ruling that lifted a $1,000 limit on donations to political action committees that make independent expenditures, so donors are free to give unlimited amounts of money to such committees. Star-Advertiser.

Last week’s indictment of an alleged electronic sex predator demonstrates the need for parents and children to be vigilant and cautious when going online or using cell phones, Attorney General David Louie said in news conference this morning. Hawaii Reporter.

A union attorney who flew to Honolulu to consult with airport security workers being fired said Monday at least some of those workers will contest their termination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian, the state's largest airline, raked in $54 million last year from checked-bag fees, or roughly half of its $110 million profit. Star-Advertiser.

The American Cancer Society projects Hawai’i will have 66-hundred new cases of cancer this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu hits the top ten when it comes to places to live and raise a family, according to Parenting magazine. KITV4.

Aiea residents will be getting a new library. KHON2.

Safeway's Property Development Centers to build Ewa site Pacific Business News

A fungus that kills coconut palms might have taken root along the Puna coastline. Tribune-Herald.

Group that turns fruit destined to rot into food for others uses grant to improve and grow program. Maui News.

A community policing program is restarting in areas on Maui that had been without those resources for several years. Associated Press.

The public is invited to two free presentations by Sue Arnold, founder of the Gray Whale Coalition. Garden Island.

The children of a retired NFL player are suing a North Kohala doctor, claiming the doctor's actions led to their father's death. West Hawaii Today.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Hawaii budget cuts imperil reading programs, adult ed, wet weather ahead, Maui, EPA to settle, Hilo pot minister may take plea deal, Mainlanders boost tourism, more Hawaii news

Waikiki Beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Mainland visitors helped boost statewide hotel performance in April despite a sharp decline in tourists from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

An upper-level low and increasing moisture will bring the chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms through the state beginning with Hawai'i Island Sunday night and moving west. KHON2.

Thirteen hula halaus danced their way down Kalakaua Avenue Sunday evening.KITV4.

Hawaii is considering whether to start including nonresident members of the military when it redraws political boundaries this summer, a move that could help Republicans get elected in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

When Gov. Neil Abercrombie on June 9 announced Terry Lock as the state's early childhood coordinator, it was the third high-profile appointment to his administration that did not require approval from the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Two Hawaii state Senators who lost their bid for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 Democratic primary were granted positions in the current administration of Hawaii’s new Democrat Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

Federal aid trickles in to island businesses and homeowners still licking their wounds from March's tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

The federal body responsible for managing fisheries around Hawaii and other parts of the western Pacific region is meeting this week to discuss catch limits on deep water bottomfish, opelu, lobster and other species. Associated Press.

Aquaculture is supposed to take the pressure off ocean fish stocks and help avert a global food shortage, but Kohala resident and microbiologist Wendy Minor believes some forms of fish farming may be creating more problems than they are solving. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County is considering a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over allegations that the county violated the Safe Drinking Water Act and the terms of its injection well permit at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

Community school principals are developing a plan to save adult education, whose funding will be eliminated in a year, and say higher fees and fewer courses will almost certainly be the result. Star-Advertiser.

A social service program that promotes reading in youth is scrambling to obtain funding to stay alive. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for the West Maui Medical Center appear to have stalled, after a split between the partners on the project. Maui News.

A University of Hawaii accounting professor will have to pay nearly $40,000 if he wants to see how much money the university spends on private law firms. Associated Press.

More than a thousand nonprofits around the state have lost their tax-exempt status this year, and a handful of those are Molokai organizations, according to a list recently published by the Internal Revenue Service. Molokai Dispatch.

For the third time, federal trial for marijuana minister Roger Christie and 13 others has been delayed, while a plea deal may be in the works. Tribune-Herald.

Lately computers have been in the news because they have been hacked -- ones belonging to defense contractors or the personal pages of politicians. KITV4.

The Maui Film Festival launches next week Wednesday, June 15th, with another stellar lineup of films. Hawaii Public Radio.

No, Kujo’s is not closing, said Brenda Jose, the Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol coordinator. Garden Island.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Hawaii 'canoe districts' sunk, Abercrombie disses Pro Bowl, state seeks nonprofits' assets, Head Start a go, direct flights to Hilo celebrated, Hanabusa mulls Senate, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Kamehameha statue draping in Hilo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Lei draping ceremonies are due to be held in Hilo and Honolulu on Kamehameha Day, while most government offices are scheduled to be closed. Associated Press.

Hawaii's island counties will continue being represented by lawmakers who live there, according to Thursday's vote preventing districts from crossing from island to island. Associated Press.

Hawaii's reapportionment commission should not allow multimember state House or Senate districts, nor should the state allow the return of "canoe districts." West Hawaii Today.

Members of the Maui County Reapportionment Advisory Council unanimously recommended Tuesday not to count nonresident military personnel and their dependents, convicted felons in custody and students living away from home when voting districts are redrawn this year. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie threw into question the future of the state's 32-year partnership with the Pro Bowl on Thursday, sharply questioning the $4 million the state annually pays the NFL to hold its popular all-star game here. Star-Advertiser.

The governor is plain wrong when he says civil unions would generate more money in a weekend than the state gets from the Pro Bowl. Civil Beat.

The State Campaign Spending Commission has fined two Hawaii lawmakers.Hawaii News Now.

The state attorney general’s office wants to know whether any of the 1,528 Hawaii groups that lost their federal tax-exempt, nonprofit status this week have assets that could be redistributed to other nonprofit organizations with similar goals. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Thursday introduced the woman he picked to head up the early education of Hawaii's children. KITV4.

The State’s Chief Executive underscored his commitment to Hawai’i’s young children today. He announced the appointment of a cabinet-level official to plan and implement a system for keiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilo's newest pipeline to the mainland opened with great fanfare Thursday as Continental/United Airlines Flight 281 from Los Angeles arrived at 7:31 p.m. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Thursday announced his approval of the $269 million budget for Fiscal Year 2012, despite criticizing the final version approved May 25 by the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

Oahu beat the Neighbor Islands last year for the amount of solar energy per customer installed on Hawaii’s electric grids in 2010, according to a new study by the Solar Electric Power Association, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. Pacific Business News

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is assessing her grass-roots support and fundraising ability and will decide by August whether to enter the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii's School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene is to offer a doctorate of nursing practice degree next year. Associated Press.

What should the future hold for Kalaupapa after the last Hansen’s Disease patients are gone? The National Park Service is charting the future of the National Historical Park, and asking for public input. KITV4.

Kona Community Hospital's emergency room was evacuated and closed for several hours Thursday morning after chemical fumes apparently sickened 13 people. West Hawaii Today.

Two opinions on a plan for health care on Molokai emerged last week: residents want a patient-centric, easy-to-navigate system with choices, while providers are concerned about finding funding to keep their services available. Molokai Dispatch.

A pocket of the higher-elevation koa forest that once covered the land from Makawao to Kaupo has gained a "higher priority" status for conservation by being designated Maui's fifth Natural Area Reserve. Maui News.

ThinkTech Hawaii and Hawaii Reporter Launch New News Partnership. Hawaii Reporter.

A collective of community groups on Kauai will hold the Seed and Plant Exchange on Sunday, June 12 at Keiki o Ka Aina in Kapaa. Hawaii Independent.

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.