Case renews challenge against Hirono in U.S. Democratic Senate primary, Obama supports Honolulu rail project, state won't regulate ziplines, hospital closures concern two islands, Kauai mayor releases $161M budget, gas keeps going up, more Hawaii news for web and smartphone

U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case and wife Audrey (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

With the primary election less than five months away, Ed Case is trying to get Mazie Hirono to come out of her protective congressional bubble. Civil Beat.

Owners of Hawaii's popular zip lines, under increased scrutiny since a man plunged to his death last year, won't be placed under state supervision — at least for now. Associated Press.

The state Attorney General has warned lawmakers that a bill meant to punish protestors who engage in disorderly or disruptive behavior at the Legislature may be constitutionally defective. Hawaii Reporter.

The Governor’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative is geared toward reducing Hawai’i’s prison population to save 9-million dollars by the end of the next fiscal year. Dog Chapman and other Bail Bond providers say they were not consulted and now oppose an early release provision in a bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's teachers union wants to meet with federal education officials who will visit in about two weeks to monitor the state's progress on Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

The state Department of Education has not yet decided whether it will take ground beef containing an ammonia-treated filler dubbed "pink slime" off Hawaii school lunch menus, but is stressing that the meat product is safe to eat. Star-Advertiser.

Money legislation has been all over the map this session, ranging from proposals for a state-run bank and a tax on sugary drinks to hiking the minimum wage and granting employers a payroll tax break. Civil Beat.

More than 70 students are visiting the Capitol on Friday to testify on bills relevant to Hawaii's youth. KHON2.

State lawmakers are looking at ways to make it harder for minors to smoke cigarettes in Hawaii. KHON2.

A national, non-profit transportation group hit the road - and found nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's major highways and thoroughfares have deteriorated. Hawaii News Now.

The statewide average price of gasoline in Hawaii rose by 2 cents this week to $4.44 per gallon, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu's leading hospitals are confirming that the December shuttering of Hawaii Medical Center facilities in Ewa and Li­liha has placed tremendous stress on their facilities through higher occupancy, overflowing emergency rooms and longer waiting times for noncritical patients to receive attention. Star-Advertiser.

The Obama's administration supports the city's rail transit project and "will continue to work through whatever issues need to be worked through," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The interim director of the city's rail project said Thursday it would be cheaper to start construction now on support columns for the elevated system than it would be to delay construction, and said that would be true even if the city were forced later to rip down the columns. Star-Advertiser.

"City Put Itself in a Pickle": Another Internal FTA Email Surfaces; Outlines Dispute Between FTA, City Over Honolulu Rail. Hawaii Reporter.

The state auditor said the Stadium Authority has failed to provide leadership over the stadium's popular swap meet, its largest revenue source, according to a report released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Build rail infrastructure with the risk of tearing it down, or wait for federal money and legal challenges to be resolved? That was among an hours-long debate at Honolulu City Council today. KHON2.

Some vendors at the state’s Aloha Stadium swap meet have failed to pay or underpaid state taxes. Hawaii Reporter.

Two city departments will together look to hire an emergency contractor to clean up mold and lead at Honolulu Hale — an operation that is expected to cost taxpayers at least $100,000. Civil Beat.

Former Governors Make Rare Appearance At Land Use Commission. KITV4.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is making changes to improve safety and security for residents at Mayor Wright Homes, a public housing complex in Palama. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

North Hawaii Community Hospital’s chief executive says no decisions have been made about the future of the Waimea Women’s Center, despite internal reports saying two nurse midwives may lose their jobs. West Hawaii Today.

State Land Board member accused of conflict of interest. Hawaii News Now.

A robot called Benjamin survived gale force storm 26-foot waves, defied turbulent mid-ocean currents, crossed the thrashing Alenuihaha Channel and stayed on course, Thursday becoming the second vehicle of its kind to travel more than 3,200 nautical miles — without human assistance. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa was no cakewalk in 1794, when the first party of European explorers reached its summit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Native Hawaiian leader who played a key role in preventing the continued exhumation of hundreds of Native Hawaiian burials at Honokahua, Maui, died Thursday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Maui County Council's Policy Committee voted 5-0 Wednesday to recommend the rejection of the nomination of Wailuku businessman John Noble to the Maui Redevelopment Agency. Maui News.

The Kahului Airport master plan, including a longer main runway, will take years of public effort before a shovel hits dirt for the major pieces of the more than $1 billion, 20-year-plus plan, said Jeff Chang, engineering program manager for the state Department of Transportation Airports Division. Maui News.

For the Maui Island General Plan, the momentum shifted Wednesday in favor of those who want more details in the plan, rejecting arguments from Department of Planning Director Will Spence, who has maintained that too many details would defeat the purpose of the document as a "general" plan and make it a nightmare for planners to administer and for members of the public to sort out. Maui News.

A proposal to set a 10 p.m. ban on entertainment, music and dancing at the Kihei Kalama Village was voted down today, but could resurface again in six months if noise complaints persist. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Thursday released his budget for Fiscal Year 2013. His administration is proposing to spend $161.2 million in operational expenses between July 1 and June 30, 2013. The budget represents a $24.63 million, or 14 percent, reduction from the current fiscal year, according to Carvalho. Garden Island.

Pohaku kohala unearthed during recent rains. Garden Island.

Spotlight on Sunshine Week: Gov. Neil Abercrombie 'wins' Lava Tube award

(News release) The Big Island Press Club this week gave Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie the dubious honor of naming him the recipient of the club's 15th annual Lava Tube award for a number of his actions last year. Like the lava tube itself, the award recognizes the year’s most notable offense for keeping the public in the dark.

The Press Club also honors the best efforts to promote openness in Hawaii with the Torch of Light award, which is also presented annually since 1997. The Torch of Light was awarded this year to the Judicial Selection Commission for releasing the names of Abercrombie's judicial nominees when he refused. An Honorable Mention went to the Star-Advertiser for its efforts, including litigation, to obtain release of the names.

It takes only one "indictment" for an elected or appointed official, commission or board to be dishonored with the Lava Tube, but, in Abercrombie's case, BIPC settled on two:

•  Abercrombie refused to name his list of nominees to fill a state Supreme Court vacancy, forcing the Star-Advertiser to sue, saying the secrecy violated the state's Uniform Information Practices Act. The state Supreme Court agreed. When the Office of Information Practices -- the state's watchdog agency charged with overseeing open records and public meeting laws -- opined in the Star-Advertiser's favor, Abercrombie replaced the agency's acting director.
•  The governor created, in secret, an emergency declaration suspending for five years dozens of regulations protecting shoreline access, historic preservation, air and water quality and other environmental and land use laws in order to begin removing military ordnance with no notice to the public.

The Lava Tube award is announced each year on March 16, Freedom of Information Day, honoring the birthday of James Madison. Born in 1751, Madison was author of the U.S. constitution and the foremost advocate for openness.

"Freedom of Information Day is a great reminder that the public's right to know is just that, a right. It should not and will not be compromised," said BIPC President Yisa Var. "The Big Island Press Club is happy to use these awards as a way to bring into the foreground those governing bodies that have done the best and the worst at upholding this freedom."

Established in 1967, BIPC is Hawaii's oldest continuously active press club. Learn more at http://bipc.wordpress.com/.

Legislature advances Hawaiian land settlement, 1.4% of registered voters go to GOP caucus, lead and mold in Honolulu Hale, double-dipping solar credits, Oahu plagued with potholes, Kauai man struck with flesh-eating bacteria, Koloa Camp residents fight evictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Mele Carroll at Native Hawaiian rally at Capitol, file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle ceded lands claims was advanced Tuesday by two House committees that reversed course on making technical changes to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House committee reconsidered a bill today to transfer 200 million dollars of land in Kaka’ako to settle back-rent owed by the State to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voter turnout for the first-ever Hawaii Republican caucuses on Tuesday night exceeded the party's expectations, breaking 10,000 -- just 1.4 percent of the state's 690,748 voters -- as Republicans backed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans are celebrating the success of the party's first ever caucus in the islands.Hawaii News Now.

Party officials said local candidates may get a much-needed boost from thousands of newly registered Republicans. KITV4.

For the first time, the federal government will charge companies in Hawaii for placing renewable energy projects in its waters, which extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore. Civil Beat.

To get more highly qualified teachers and deal with teacher shortages, the state is starting to hire months earlier this year and has partnered with the University of Hawaii to obtain more special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers and solar companies are slugging it out this year over a bill designed to prohibit homeowners and businesses from claiming more than one state tax credit on a single rooftop array. Civil Beat.

The average Hawaii consumer had $7,457 in credit card debt last month, down nearly 1 percent from $7,524 in January, and down 5 percent from $7,849 a year ago, according to Credit­Karma.com. Star-Advertiser.

A new mandate from the Department of Justice requires new public swimming pools that are 300 feet or longer to have two ways for a person with a disability to enter and exit the water. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law maintained its spot as the highest-ranking small law school in the top tier in the U.S. News and World Report annual law school rankings this year. KITV4.

Oahu

A new report says mold and lead dust has been found in Honolulu Hale, raising health concerns for those who work and do business at City Hall.Civil Beat.

After more than a year of analysis, the site for Honolulu's next landfill may be revealed this week. KHON2.

Even before the recent winter storms opened up new potholes across Oahu, the poor condition of the island's major roads was costing the average driver $701 more per year in extra wear and tear on their cars, trucks and SUVs, a new study says. Star-Advertiser.

Overcrowded ERs turning ambulances away. Hawaii News Now.

A former training specialist with the Honolulu Liquor Commission was sentenced for two bribery charges Wednesday. KHON2.

The Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based X-Band is returning to Oahu and will be visible on the horizon on or about Thursday, Navy Region Hawaii officials said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A proposed frontage road within the Kohanaiki project got state environmental approval this week. West Hawaii Today.

Brightly colored flags for pedestrians to hoist when using a crosswalk are now stationed at the Alii Drive and Hualalai Road intersection. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has resumed his “talk-story” sessions in communities around the island, and he received a raucous reception Monday night at the one in Pahoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

A draft environmental impact statement has been released for public review as part of planning for the proposed 1,500-home Olowalu Town project. Maui News.

The state Department of Health's Clean Air Branch has cited two companies operating on Maui for air permit violations, the department announced. Maui News.

Kauai

After more than six hours of discussion, 200-plus pieces of written testimony and numerous amendments on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that Grove Farm Co. meet with its Koloa Camp tenants to explore alternatives to eviction. Garden Island.

Kauai county council considers halting Koloa evictions. Hawaii Independent.

A Kauai man is fighting to overcome a case of rare flesh-eating bacteria that have already attacked his legs, back and abdomen. Star-Advertiser.

One of the saddest days in Kauai's recent history occurred six years ago on March 14, 2006, and many people on the island are remembering the events they say changed the island forever. Hawaii Reporter.

Kaua‘i Homelessness Strategic Plan meeting Friday. Garden Island.

Spotlight on Sunshine Week: A down-and-dirty how-to on top sites for recent actions of the Hawaii Legislature from Honolulu blogger Ian Lind

Courtesy national Sunshine Week

It's national Sunshine Week, and it's a good time to check out what the Hawaii Legislature is up to.

Honolulu blogger Ian Lind has come up with some suggestions and shortcuts as the Legislature passes its midway mark on its legislative session.

Among them: 

    • A digest of bills that survived first crossover

    • Detailed budget worksheets

    • Provisos tucked away in the executive budget.

    • Applications for Grants-in-aid submitted by nonprofit groups looking for state funding.

Sure, you could Google them, but Lind adds a few hints along the way at his blog.

Lind, a former newspaper reporter, has also served in the government, political and nonprofit sectors ranging from Neil Abercrombie to Common Cause, and was one of the first in Hawaii to establish himself as a political blogger.

You can always find him on our bloglist to the right, or subscribe on his site.

Romney wins Hawaii GOP caucus, electric car rebates extended, feds criticize rail in emails, Waikiki beach widening whitens water, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for web and smartphone

Mitt Romney, AP photo via Politico

The Deep South may have given a big boost to former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum Tuesday, but the most southern state in the country — geographically, that is — gave former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney something to cheer about. Civil Beat.

With nearly all of the votes counted, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney held a substantial lead over former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich trailed. Star-Advertiser.

Just before midnight Tuesday night, the Hawaii GOP reported that with 87 percent of the votes counted at its first-ever presidential caucus, Mitt Romney had 44.8 percent of the vote, followed by Rick Santorum at 25.4 percent, Ron Paul at 18.7 percent, and Newt Gingrich at 11.2 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

By the end of the night, some Republicans were saying that more than 10,000 Hawaii residents had cast ballots. The final Associated Press count, however, was 9,365. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans gave Mitt Romney a big victory in their caucus Tuesday, softening the blow from his twin losses earlier in the night in Alabama and Mississippi. Hawaii News Now.

Mitt Romney made the following statement on the results of the elections in Hawaii and American Samoa. Romney Campaign.

Thousands of voters turned out tonight for Hawaii's first-ever statewide Republican presidential caucus. KHON2.

State senators scolded Cabinet members and other department officials Tuesday for messy bookkeeping and a perceived disregard for taxpayer money after discovering that public employees had been paid more than $2 million they weren't due. Star-Advertiser.

Greater acceptance of geothermal development among Native Hawaiians and other community members will allow the renewable resource to play a significant role in the state's transition to clean energy, government and private-sector officials say. Star-Advertiser.

State officials said Tuesday they are extending the rebate program for electric vehicles and charging stations to Nov. 1 after strong demand from consumers nearly exhausted the original round of funding. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii residents say high gas prices are affecting their household budgets than a year ago, with half of those surveyed saying they are spending less on eating out, according to the AAA Hawaii Spring Break Travel Poll. Pacific Business News.

The State Legislature commemorated Education Week yesterday by honoring the organizations and individuals who changed peoples’ lives in positive ways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Most visitors Tuesday weren't bothered that the blue waters off Waikiki Beach had turned milky white, but some locals were turned off. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano on Tuesday released internal emails from the Federal Transit Administration that question whether some steps taken to advance the city rail project were done properly or complied with federal environmental law. Star-Advertiser.

When it comes to building the City & County of Honolulu’s planned rail project, the city administration has “lousy practices of public manipulation” and has “produced 3 failed projects and are well on their way to a fourth.” Hawaii Reporter.

Five years ago, vice officers with the Honolulu Police Department arrested prostitutes and johns at a rate of more than one a day. In 2007, police made 477 prostitution arrests. But that number has declined dramatically in the years since: Police made less than half as many arrests in 2011 as they did five years ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s Republican faithful, as well as new members to the party, showed up at polling places across the Big Isle on Tuesday evening to cast their ballots to choose a nominee for the 2012 presidential race. Tribune-Herald.

The county Salary Commission is recommending employee salaries remain at their 2009 levels, but Council Chairman Dominic Yagong says the county could save almost $1 million annually by cutting top salaries 12 percent. West Hawaii Today.

Japan Airlines' first of three planned charter flights to Kona International Airport arrived Tuesday from Nagoya carrying 234 passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono introduced, last month, a measure for the third time asking to add parts of Hawaii’s coast to the National Park System. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would end mandatory inspection of green coffee beans being shipped from Hawaii cleared its last hurdle before the state House of Representatives last week and goes before a Senate committee today. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center officials have signed a lease with the Pacific Cancer Institute of Maui, clearing the way for construction to begin on a nearly $7 million expansion project. Maui News.

Maui County council member Mike White will be the guest speaker at the upcoming meeting of the Rotary Club of Valley Isle Sunset, on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Back in uniform Tuesday, one of Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry’s first actions was to place two assistant police chiefs back on duty. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Councilmember Tim Bynum on Tuesday had his zoning violations case moved to 5th Circuit Court. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council will consider a resolution today that requests Grove Farm Co. withdraw its eviction notices to all its tenants residing in Koloa Camp. Garden Island.

Molokai

High School Boosts Scores. Molokai Dispatch.

GOP caucuses today across Hawaii, state House passes $11B budget, state to pay man disrupting Senate prayer, inmate bitten by pig, Honolulu pimps scott-free, Kauai police chief reinstated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

For the first time in history, Hawaii Republican voters will be voting on their choice of Republican Presidential nominees. Hawaii News Now.
 Elizabeth Santorum, wearing lei and a pleasant smile, sat patiently Monday afternoon as state Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom gave her a 45-minute briefing on Hawaii politics. Star-Advertiser.

Local Mitt Romney supporters took their campaign to the streets of Laie this evening. KITV4.

Hawaii will be in the national political spotlight this week as reporters from around the country arrive to cover the Republican Party of Hawaii’s presidential caucus on Tuesday. Hawaii Reporter.

What do Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum all have in common? All three presidential candidates sent a son or daughter to Hawaii to try to make waves ahead of Republican presidential caucuses Tuesday evening. KITV4.

House lawmakers advanced on Monday an $11.1 billion supplemental budget bill that leaders say takes a conservative approach to government spending amid an economic recovery that is still fragile. Star-Advertiser.

The state House of Representatives today passed an $11 billion budget bill and two House committees gave very grudging approval to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s $200 million settlement deal with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Reporter.

A man who was dragged out of the state Senate chamber and arrested for objecting to lawmakers opening their daily proceedings with a prayer has reached a $100,000 out-of-court settlement with the state. Star-Advertiser.

The State House of Representatives advanced a bill today to establish a regulatory process to build an inter-island high voltage electric transmission cable. Hawaii Public Radio.

The House Finance Committee is calling the Hawaii Department of Education's bluff on school buses. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Central Pacific Financial Corp. President and CEO John C. Dean to serve on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Pacific Business News.

Loretta J. Fuddy, state health director, said children and adolescents nationwide take in between 10 and 15 percent of their calories from sweetened beverages, and about 1 in 3 Hawaii children entering kindergarten is obese. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island state Rep. Bob Herkes, D-Puna, Ka‘u, Kona, is working to temper legislation enacted last spring to curtail the high rate of home foreclosures in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would end mandatory inspection of green coffee beans being shipped from Hawaii cleared its last hurdle before the state House of Representatives last week and goes before a Senate committee today. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers recently approved legislation that authorizes a payout for a Waiawa prison inmate bitten by a wild pig, along with other settlements totaling $5.8 million in state funds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.5 percent in January, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Monday.Pacific Business News.

The State Department of Health has issued notices for eight companies across the state after air permit violations dating back to 2010 were either discovered or self-reported. KITV4.

Oahu

In one year, Honolulu police made more than 200 prostitution arrests. But only one of those arrests involved a pimp — and he was never charged. Civil Beat

Six new roadways are open in a quickly growing West Oahu community grappling with congested traffic. KHON2.

Hawaii

Kona to get three charter flights from Japan, West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has sent KapohoKine Adventures a cease and desist letter prohibiting the tour company from taking visitors to the former Kaimu Bay area. Tribune-Herald.

Work at Kawa Bay questioned. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Nahiku community is seeing its long-awaited community center come to fruition as the county and the state move ahead to fund the estimated $815,000 center that will be built on the grounds of the former Lower Nahiku Grammar School. Maui News.

Maui County Republicans will have a chance to have their say in the GOP race for president during caucus voting from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Maui News.

The proposed acquisition of 63.7 acres of coastal wetlands in Paukukalo resurfaces again before the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee this week. Maui Now.

Kauai Police
Chief Darryl Perry

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry regained his badge and access to his office Monday after agreement was reached between the Mayor's Office and the Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Monday announced that Police Chief Darryl Perry was officially off paid leave and back on the job, even though Perry said he had been on the job since last month. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will present his State of the County address Friday. Garden Island.

Honolulu streetwalkers not policed Saturdays, bag fee to benefit watersheds, low turnout expected in state GOP caucus, islands mark 2011 tsunami, Molokai poll shows opposition to tourist boats, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

They're promising Hawaii voters strong leadership in Washington, but most of Hawaii's leading candidates for federal office are waiting for their opponents to make public their tax returns before they'll do so themselves. Civil Beat.

David Chang, Hawaii’s Republican Party chairman, is estimating that 5,000 to 10,000 voters will turn out for caucuses Tuesday that will determine the candidate who will get 17 of the state’s 20 delegates to the GOP National Convention in Tampa, Fla., this summer. Star-Advertiser.

The four GOP presidential candidates are campaigning in the Deep South, but some of their members are here in Hawaii hoping to win over prospective voters.KHON2.

As Hawaii experiences decreasing rainfall and increasing demand for water from urbanization, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration has proposed doubling protected watershed areas, including the state natural area reserve at Mount Kaala. Star-Advertiser.

Tackling Hawaii's massive unfunded liability for future public pensions is going to be painful for the state, counties — and taxpayers, pension officials say. Civil Beat.

The state Senate is looking at ways to ease traffic problems by improving highway and road designs. Associated Press.

A law enacted Friday postpones a scheduled unemployment insurance rate hike that will save business owners across the state about $107 million. Associated Press.

Republican State Sen. Sam Slom today delivered his analysis of the Legislature’s accomplishments this year, expressing doubts about the effectiveness, legality and price tags of bills backed by the Democratic majority. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii has 10 main islands — not eight — in 10 commemorative Hawaii quarters that Wai­alae Iki coin collector Joe Au-Franz has found so far. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Civil Beat investigation of 12 months' worth of prostitution arrests shows that there is virtually no enforcement of prostitution laws on weekends. Civil Beat.

The 2012 NFL Pro Bowl played at Aloha Stadium on Jan. 29 generated an economic impact of $25.3 million, according to an estimate released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

It's been one year since the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan and even though the majority of the damage was suffered thousand of miles away, Hawaii's harbors were deeply impacted by the devastation. KITV4.

Hawaii

Fastest wireless speeds hard to come by on Big Isle. Tribune-Herald.

No Rush Limbaugh program advertisers were angered or inconvenienced this week when Hilo-based KPUA-AM 670 chose to drop the show after 16 years, according to the station’s owner. That’s because there weren’t any, he said. Tribune-Herald.

The first warning a tsunami was headed to Hawaii came late March 10, 2011. West Hawaii Today.

It took seven days after the March 11, 2011, tsunami for the Kona Inn Restaurant to regain power. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Deliberations will continue this week on the inaugural Maui Island Plan. Maui Now.

Planning Director Will Spence said Friday that his efforts to simplify the Maui Island Plan have been misunderstood by critics as an attempt to gut the document. Maui News.

A year ago, Bart Chow looked at the ocean from his in-laws' Molokai beach home and saw the ocean retreat from the shoreline. Maui News.

Much has been learned from last year's tsunami and now government agencies and residents should be better equipped to cope with another tsunami strike, county and emergency officials said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Resort developer plans 400 new housing units for Princeville. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i joined Japan and locations around the world on Sunday for moments of silence, prayer and reflection about the enormous loss from the magnitude-9.0 earthquake that struck a year ago in Japan. Garden Island.

Molokai

A vast majority – 85 percent – of people in a Molokai survey voted “no,” to dockings by American Safari Cruises and other tourist vessels, 11 percent voted “yes” and 4 percent voted “yes, with controls.” Molokai Dispatch.

Sunshine Week: Because you have a right to know

Sunshine Week courtesy cartoon

Is your tap water safe to drink? Do your elected officials pay the same property taxes that you do?

Do your tax dollars go for needed municipal benefits, or is the money spent on bloated government salaries and pricy junkets? Is your congressional representative responding to the electorate or is he or she acting at the behest of special interests?

You have a right to know.

"Wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government," said Thomas Jefferson. "Whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights."

That is the premise behind open government and freedom of information, and it's celebrated annually during national Sunshine Week. This year, it starts today, March 11.

Open government and freedom of information is not just for the press. Every citizen has the right to question the government, attend meetings and request records.

Two Honolulu events will mark the week for Hawaii.


"Sunshine and the Social Web: Citizen Power through New Media Tools," a panel discussion sponsored by Media Council Hawaii and Common Cause Hawaii, will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at The GreenHouse, 685 Auahi Street, Honolulu.

It features a panel discussion with:
•    Hawaii State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.
•    Ikaika Hussey, Publisher of The Hawaii Independent
•    Patti Epler, Deputy Editor at Civil Beat
•    Larry Geller, Blogger at Disappeared News
•    Kory Payne, Partner at Hawaii Policy Portal

Media mergers have limited the number of professional journalists working in Hawaii today. Coverage of public offices and issues has suffered while citizen interest remains. Can social media and citizen journalism fill the content void and ensure we have the information needed for a healthy democracy?  How can citizens use technology to promote government transparency and public engagement?  Panelists will help answer these questions and others on government transparency. RSVP by emailing info@mediacouncil.org or call 275-6275.

“In an age of merging media and evolving technology, how can we best equip the public to take an active role in the legislative process, and ensure that policy-making is done in transparency? By hosting informative discussion sessions to address and explore these issues, our groups are working in concert to empower everyday citizens -- encouraging them to stay engaged in the legislative process, think critically about the policy-decisions being made, and hold those in power accountable,” Carmille Lim, League of Women Voters of Hawaii board member, said in a statement.

"Democracy Under the Influence: Sunshine Workshop," sponsored by Common Cause Hawaii, Kanu Hawaii and League of Women Voters of Hawaii, starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at the YWCA Laniakea Room 307, 1040 Richards Street, Honolulu.

"In honor of Sunshine Week, this month’s meetup is a “Sunshine Workshop” to shine the light on campaign and lobbying data," said Love. "In this discussion, we’ll share findings on the biggest campaign donors and lobbying spenders, explore patterns between campaign contributions and legislation, and show you how to conduct your own online research to discover the links between money and policy." RSVP by emailing democracyundertheinfluence@gmail.com or call 275-6275.

Are you a 'Ray of Sunshine'?

The popular Sunshine Week Ray of Sunshine game is back with all-new questions for 2012.

Take the quiz and wear the victory badge on your own site and Facebook page.

Hawaii homelessness plan released, new lawsuit threatened on political maps, Tax Department probe widens, pension gap swells as workers spike payments, mobile health van coming to Big Island, Kauai shows no aloha to stranded Colorado couple, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

State officials have drafted a plan discussing how to end homelessness in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

New political boundary maps the state Reapportionment Commission approved unanimously Thursday could wind up in court again. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission gave final approval Thursday to new political boundary maps for state House and Senate districts. Star-Advertiser.

Commission Gives Unanimous Support to Reapportionment Plan. Civil Beat.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta put on a smile just a day after testifying about the United States' plans to help the people of Syria. KITV4.

Several top managers at the State Tax Department are among 14 employees under investigation for possible criminal wrongdoing in a probe that has lasted nearly three months, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which oversees the exploration and development of the nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources, met with Hawaii officials this week for the first time to talk about existing regulatory processes and how best to complement the state’s Clean Energy Initiative. Pacific Business News.

One of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointments to the Hawaii Community Development Authority is an engineer whose family and business contacts were top donors to Abercrombie's campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Despite piles of opposition testimony from out-of-state owners of Hawaii vacation rentals, the Hawaii Legislature has advanced two measures that require non-resident owners to hire local property managers. Civil Beat.

House committees heard testimony Thursday about a group of bills that some worry could weaken state environmental law, while others say they're necessary to spur development. KHON2.

The nation's largest independent union of federal employees has honored U.S Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii for his support of federal workers. Associated Press.

The gap between the pension benefits promised to Hawaii's public workers and the money set aside to pay for them has swelled 14 percent in one year, according to a valuation report released Thursday. Civil Beat.

Of 5,000 state and county employees who retired since 2009, 674 of them substantially boosted their pension benefits by a practice called “spiking,” a state senate investigating committee was told today. Hawaii Reporter.

Excessive overtime by Hawaii public employees has again become an issue this legislative session. Civil Beat.

Groups with ideas on how to improve access to the legal system for women and children have more time to submit those ideas for grant funding in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for March 8. Associated Press.

Russell Kokubun

 Oahu
Among the influential voices in the debate over the Ho'opili project: Russell Kokubun, the former politician and now director of the state Department of Agriculture who was himself a Big Island farmer, going back a quarter century. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's vision for an urban village in Kakaako has come into greater focus as the state Legislature advances a potential $200 million land settlement with the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

After heavy rains, Oahu's roadways become pockmarked with potholes as water tears into the hot asphalt mix from earlier repairs. KITV4.

Hawaii

Basic medical care will soon roll into rural south Hawaii communities that face limited access to doctors and nurses. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi is leading a 14-member delegation to a sister city the Philippines later this month for a cost of $30,000 to the county. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the commission charged with drawing County Council district lines would have to sit out one election cycle for council, under a charter amendment advanced Thursday by the council’s Governmental Relations Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Two council members expressed frustration Thursday with the county’s fair share system of tapping developers for contributions to roads and other infrastructure during a presentation showing developers would be chipping in only $3 million of a $171.9 million capital improvement budget next fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

King Kamehameha Hotel is new and improved after last year's tsunami. KHON2.

Maui

Maui residents will have a chance Friday outside Foodland on South Kihei Road to take a test ride in an electric car, like a Chevy Volt or Nissan LEAF, and learn how to use the new electric charging station there. Maui News.

There may only be about 50 electric cars on Maui today, said Anne Ku, director of the University of Hawaii Maui College's new Maui Electric Vehicle Alliance, but alternative-energy investors are banking on big jumps in the number of these more powerful and less expensive cars on Valley Isle streets soon. Maui News.

Maui resident, Michael Champley was confirmed today by the Hawaii State Senate as the newest commissioner for the state Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

With 213 tables of demographics and statistics, the Maui County Data Book is a treasure trove of up-to-date information valuable to business and government. Maui Now.

Kauai

An elderly Colorado couple stranded on Kauai because of a canceled flight was ordered Tuesday out of Lihue Airport and into a stormy night and wound up sleeping on the concrete floor of a shelter. Star-Advertiser.

After two hearings this week, 5th Circuit Court decided the Lara Butler-Brady horse cruelty case will be turned over to the state Attorney General. Garden Island.

County officials are urging property owners who sustained damages as a result of the recent flooding to file a claim for remission of taxes on their real property. Garden Island.

Poll shows Cayetano on top for Honolulu mayor, Hawaii GOP now relevant, economy on upswing, electric rates rise, Legislature ponders official microbe and civil union bills, Abercrombie releases money for schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

former Hawaii Gov. and mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano, courtesy photo

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is riding strong anti-rail sentiment to a dominating lead in the Honolulu mayor's race, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Voters in Hawaii's upcoming Republican presidential caucus have found themselves in an unusual position: They're relevant. Associated Press.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $236,625 to run television ads last month supporting Linda Lingle's run for the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

The Council on Revenues has upgraded its forecast for the current fiscal year, citing an improving economy led by Hawaii's rebounding visitor industry. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues has increased its revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 by 0.5 percent to 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues raised its State general fund projection today … increasing the total amount of tax revenues the state can expect this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is Hawaii "in the money"? The Hawaii Council on Revenues, the 7-member politically appointed body officially charged with forecasting the state's economic future, today increased the state's revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 from 11.5 percent to 12 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Rowdy objections at the state Capitol could land critics in jail if a proposal moving through the Legislature becomes law. Associated Press.

A bill that would recognize an “official microbe” of the state of Hawaii was passed by the House of Representatives today. Hawaii Reporter.

Two bills making their way through the Legislature aim to clear up confusion surrounding the state’s civil union law. Tribune-Herald.

Nine of the 64 video surveillance cameras at the state Capitol don't work and the computers that run the system no longer allow sheriff's deputies to monitor all of the functioning cameras at once, state officials acknowledged Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rising fuel prices pushed residential electricity bills higher in March on all islands, utility officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been in serious talks with more airlines to jump into the Hawaii market as a way to help offset rising costs and bring more visitors in. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Wednesday that $7.48 million is being released by the state for public schools capital improvement projects. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Education estimates that ramping up instructional time in public schools as required by a new law passed last year will cost $206 million over the next seven years. Civil Beat.

Oahu
A Honolulu District Court judge denied motions Wednesday by six Occupy Honolulu members to dismiss charges stemming from remaining in Thomas Square beyond park hours in November. Star-Advertiser.

Pictures of tourists straddling and touching Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, which are a threatened species, have prompted a reminder that disturbing them in any way is a violation of both state and federal law. Hawaii News Now.

Guests at a hotel near Honolulu's airport found a suckling pig in the lobby, but it wasn't on the menu of the luau. KITV4.

Hawaii

Commissioners who create County Council districts would be barred from running in those districts for at least one election cycle after the lines are drawn, under a charter amendment the council Governmental Relations Committee is scheduled to hear today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island hospitals and doctors are finally seeing the pieces of a $16 million federal stimulus award come together. West Hawaii Today.

Banana bunchy virus found in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Businesses are back in Kailua-Kona after last year's tsunami. KHON2.

Maui

Voters will get a chance to decide whether to make the county Department of Environmental Management responsible for "sustainability" in addition to its other duties. Maui News.

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on list of Lehman holdings for sale. Associated Press.

Beaches in West Maui and Honolulu were ranked among the top in the US and World according to the annual awards issued by the international travel site, TripAdvisor. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tropic Care Kaua‘i ends Friday. Garden Island.

A bill recently introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council by request of the administration intends to promote the “effective and efficient use of solar energy facilities.” But not at the expense of Kaua‘i’s “best agricultural lands,” according to an amendment unanimously approved by the council’s Planning Committee Wednesday. Garden Island.

Now that the emergency shelters are closed, American Red Cross volunteers on Kaua‘i are helping assess damage from this week’s heavy rains on Kaua‘i, spokeswoman Maria Lutz said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The close connection between land and sea is nothing new for Molokai locals. But researchers have taken that connection a step farther and made a groundbreaking discovery along the coast of Molokai: they found that in two submarine canyons off the north shore of the island, ocean animals are relying heavily on resources from the land. Molokai Dispatch.

Hundreds of bills survive legislative crossover, commission still tinkering with political maps, disaster declared for rain-soaked islands, HGEA endorses Hannemann, Kenoi, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Job creation and economic development remain key priorities as lawmakers near the midway point of the 2012 legislative session. Associated Press.

Both House and Senate on Tuesday managed to plow through hundreds of bills that faced a Thursday deadline. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers Tuesday maintained their focus on economic recovery while they awaited word on whether projected revenue growth will be enough to keep the state budget on track. Star-Advertiser.

As rains pounded down on the state Capitol, members of the House of Representatives hunkered down in a marathon session that saw passage of nearly 300 bills to be sent along for further consideration by the Senate. Hawaii Reporter.

Ahead of the First Crossover deadline,  the Hawaii State Senate passed 372 Senate Bills at its session today.  The bills now head over to the House for consideration. Hawaii Reporter.

House lawmakers today passed 286 measures ahead of Thursday’s first cross-over deadline.  The bills focus on priority areas of economic revitalization and business, agriculture, military affairs, and healthcare. Maui Now.

The state Reapportionment Commission unveiled Tuesday new boundary lines for Oahu House districts to deal with objections from critics who argued the latest lines divided communities and were favorable to current leadership in the House. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission on Tuesday again revised proposed political boundaries for Oahu House districts and scheduled a final vote for Thursday. Civil Beat.

Proposed voting district maps have changed  again. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Senate Special Committee on Accountability has scheduled a hearing focused on salary and wage over-payments to state employees. Maui Now.

Hawaii moved closer Tuesday to the creation of an interisland electric grid that would be capable of transmitting renewable energy between islands. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state's largest public-sector union, has endorsed Mufi Hannemann in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. The union also is backing Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi in his re-election bid. Star-Advertiser.

 Mayor Billy Kenoi (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 2967, which seeks to establish a separate collective bargaining unit for Ocean and Water Safety Officers. Garden Island.

The House of Representatives today passed a measure through its third reading that would award people who blow the whistle on those who fail to pay their fair share of taxes in the State of Hawaii. KHON2.

The state House has quietly advanced a measure that would make disorderly and contemptuous behavior at the Legislature a petty misdemeanor. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Senate today gave unanimous approval to a bill that would suspend landing fees for air carriers that provide interisland service to six rural airports in Hawaii. Maui Now.

A bill that would make chronic pain a qualifying condition under Hawaii’s medical marijuana law has been passed by the state Senate, while another that would eliminate chronic pain as a qualifying condition is dead for this year’s legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens of kids from all over the state are taking on big tobacco companies in the "Youth Unite for Kick Butts Day Rally."  They gathered outside the state capitol to urge lawmakers to crack down on cigarette companies that go after the youth.  Hawaii News Now.

More than $1 million in coastal hazard research grant money is available to communities throughout the Pacific Islands region to help plan for, respond to and recover from coastal storms. KITV4.

Oahu

The state will hire an investigator to look into concerns over how Wai­pahu High School administrators responded, including reportedly failing to call police, after a student told them she had been sexually assaulted by her coach. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's leading rail opponents argue that the public has been hoodwinked into believing that traffic congestion will be better than it is today if the project is built. Civil Beat.

Keahole Solar Power LLC has signed a contract with Hawaiian Electric Co. that commits the utility to buy power from Keahole's planned 5-megawatt solar farm in Kalaeloa in leeward Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Heavy rains pounded the east side of Honolulu today as the Department of Environmental Services responded to two sanitary sewer overflows. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Bankruptcy filings are declining again in Hawaii, a federal bankruptcy judge says. West Hawaii Today.

Pahoa to celebrate gym opening. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers, educators, agricultural experts and novices alike Tuesday in Kailua-Kona delved into the multitude of challenges and opportunities facing Hawaii’s agricultural industry. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Things appeared to be running smoothly at Maui County's Service Center on Monday on the first day that stricter requirements for renewing, reinstating and applying for a Hawaii driver's license took effect. Maui News.

Voters will get to decide whether the county's Division of Ocean Safety should merge with the Maui Fire Department, after members of the Charter Commission decided Monday to put the proposal on ballots this fall. Maui News.

Sharon M. Suzuki has been named to succeed the retiring Ed Reinhardt as president of Maui Electric Co. as of May 1. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a disaster proclamation for Kaua‘i and O‘ahu Tuesday morning as rains continued to fall on portions of the drenched islands. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has declared a disaster for his county after several days of heavy rains caused roads to flood and sewage to spill. Associated Press.

Grove Farm Co. has extended the eviction deadline for Koloa Camp tenants, giving them 30 more days before they have to move from their Kauai homes. Star-Advertiser.

Grove Farm announced Tuesday it is providing a 30-day extension of its eviction of Koloa Camp residents. Garden Island.