Hawaii residents getting older, Maui's Haleakala summit trail may reopen after 70 years, Honolulu City Council considers raises, Hawaii County Council debates geothermal fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Older beachgoers on Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older grew more than three times faster than the rest of the total state population from 2010 to 2011, according to a state analysis of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Supreme Court decision requiring the state to fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will do little to help the struggling agency in the short term. Civil Beat.

The State Historic Preservation Division wants to hear from residents as they craft a new historic preservation plan. The office is seeking input from residents on how to best define and set priorities for  historic preservation statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fifty-three percent of Hawaii’s public high schools’ Class of 2011 enrolled in college for the fall semester following their commencement, an increase of three percent over the previous years’ graduating class enrollment, according to a new study released Wednesday by the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

With a little more than a week remaining in the school year, public school teachers will begin voting today on a proposed contract offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January and that Gov. Neil Abercrombie says has no legal standing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

This election season, a number of public employees are also working to help their boss get re-elected, raising the question of whether it's fair for people who are collecting a public paycheck to also work for a political candidate who has opponents. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan's value lies not in the paper on which it’s recorded, but in the collective and ongoing actions that happen after, officials with the state Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program and its Honolulu-based consultant SSFM International said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians set the model for sustainable aquaculture, with traditional fish ponds, a Sierra Club member said Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration and Honolulu City Council members have less than six weeks to decide whether to accept pay raises awarded to them by the City Salary Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents are expected to approve the next chancellor for UH's flagship Manoa campus today, with a proposed salary of $100,000 more a year than his predecessor. Star-Advertiser.

Concrete pouring for rail-column foundations has been underway in West Oahu for weeks. Today the first up-close look was allowed. KHON2.

The holes are dug and now concrete is being poured on the Honolulu rail transit line. Hawaii News Now.

The embattled Wahiawa elderly care center at the heart of a federal investigation for alleged misuse of $7.9 million in federal grants has been awarded money from the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The effort by St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to sell two shuttered medical facilities on Oahu that it recently took back in bankruptcy has attracted an offer from a partnership led by someone very familiar with the properties in Liliha and Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

The operator of four Hawaii hospitals has agreed to allow more than half of its compensation increases be tied to performance standards, starting in two years. Hawaii News Now.

Modest improvements in Oahu's job market were reflected at the WorkForce job fair Wednesday at Blaisdell Center, which attracted more employers and a higher quality of applicants than the same event a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department special agent accused of fatally shooting a man at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki in November claims he was performing his duties as a federal law enforcement officer and is therefore immune from prosecution under state law, according to records filed in the case this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Proposed amendments to the Big Island’s geothermal royalty policy cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A charter amendment to give the County Council more say in how taxpayer money is spent faces an uphill climb following a deadlock vote Wednesday by the council’s Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Hikers may be taking the old trail to the summit of Haleakala for the first time in seven decades later this year following an agreement approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday in Honolulu. Maui News.

Former governor Linda Lingle returned to the Valley Isle on Tuesday for the opening of her Maui headquarters in her campaign for US Senate. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Marathon caused some stir among some residents last year when the Kaua‘i County Council approved substantial subsidies for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 2. Garden Island.

Syngenta Seeds brought the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive to a healthy close Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Agency on Elderly Affairs has scheduled another round of the popular workshop series for older adults titled “Better Choices, Better Health” Garden Island.

Hawaii mulls school bus route cuts, state upgrading weather radar, state pension fund moves back to black, women sue to marry Hawaii prison inmates, Kauai horse cruelty case dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

School bus courtesy photo

The state says it hopes to know by early June which school bus routes will likely have to be cut in the coming school year to cover a $16 million shortfall for student transportation. Star-Advertiser.

School will be over in a week and district officials still can't tell parents how their kids will get to and from school next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s school system has yet to decide on an alternative to cutting bus service next year for thousands of students in order to make up a $17 million transportation budget shortfall. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii will have two acting governors this week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

The state's largest public pension fund moved back into positive territory for the fiscal year as it soared 8.3 percent last quarter to boost its total assets to a near-rec­ord $11.5 billion. Star-Advertiser.


Come July 1, any overtime earned by new hires in state and county government will not count toward their pension benefits. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association recorded a $12.8 million profit in the three months ended March 31, its highest first-quarter gain since 2004. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's biggest HMO and its biggest health insurer both report profits from the first quarter, signs of good financial health for the two nonprofits. Hawaii News Now.

Who's Making Big Bucks Working for Hawaii's U.S. Senate Candidates? Civil Beat.

When severe weather strikes Hawaii, flash flooding is a big concern. But an upgrade to the state's radars could help pinpoint problem areas before the rain falls. KITV4.

The Hawaii Air National Guard was waiting on orders Tuesday to see whether its F-22 Raptor fighters would be affected after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta imposed new flight restrictions — the latest setback for the costly and controversial jet. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard

A progressive veterans political action committee that seeks to elect Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans to Congress has committed $75,000 for ads in Hawaii supporting Tulsi Gabbard in her bid for the 2nd Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Four women who want to marry men who are state prison inmates are suing state Public Safety Director Jodie Mae­saka-Hirata and two other Public Safety officials for repeatedly denying their fiances’ marriage applications. Star-Advertiser.

A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu by the ACLU of Hawaii, alleges that Public Safety Director Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, mainland prison branch administrator Shari Kimoto and mainland prison contract monitor Jeanette Baltero discriminated against four women who applied numerous times to be married but were denied being allowed to wed their fiancés. Civil Beat.

Four women are suing the State because they've been told they cannot get married to their fiances, who are in prison. KHON2.

The Hawaii Environmental Council will consider loosening regulations on geothermal exploration Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Omidyar Fellows program, a leadership development program sponsored by eBay founder turned philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, was launched yesterday under the newly created Hawai‘i Leadership Forum. Maui Now.

Oahu

The 800-member Honolulu Fire Department Retirees Association has endorsed former Gov. Ben Cayetano in the race for Hono­lulu mayor, while campaign rival Kirk Caldwell picked up another union endorsement. Star-Advertiser.

Construction on Honolulu's rail system is now underway, with proponents promising 10,000 jobs ahead from the project and trickle-down spending. KHON2.

A 10-page memo on the city's planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project, created by the city's rail authority, and distributed by the Department of Planning and Permitting to city employees, has some council members and rail opponents questioning the city administration's motives. Hawaii Reporter.

Wayne Yoshioka visited a congested Mo’ili’ili neighborhood today…to see what’s being done to make streets safer for children. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Amid a discussion about the best way to deal with the threat of a Hilo landfill closure, the Hawaii County Council voted 8-0 to prohibit hauling of East Hawaii garbage to West Hawaii, except under an emergency declaration by the mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Two proposed amendments to the county charter received just enough votes Tuesday to survive another round of County Council action, when each passed with the minimum six votes needed to keep it alive. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council slashed a $75,000 Food Basket donation to $50,000 and then killed it, opting instead to spend the scarce funds on new computers and for the legislative branch. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Adrianne Heely was praised for her legal skills as well as for her volunteer work in the community, as she was sworn in Monday afternoon as a 2nd Circuit District Family Court judge. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council Committee of the Whole approved the administration’s budget for Fiscal Year 2013, reflecting more than $166.4 million in operational expenses and $78.3 million in capital improvement projects. Garden Island.

After nearly two years of litigation in the 16-count animal-cruelty case involving horses, a 5th Circuit Court judge ruled the state has exceeded its time to bring the case to trial and dismissed the case, which was set for jury trial on May 29. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Tuesday that its non-profit subsidiary, Hi‘ipoi LLC, will transition ownership and management of Makaweli Poi Mill to a Kaua‘i community organization. Garden Island.

In a 3-2 ruling the Hawaii Supreme Court has upheld the petty misdemeanor conviction of a man who contended that he was entitled as a Native Hawaiian practitioner to live in a closed area of a state park in Kala­lau Valley on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct a public information meeting in Kaunakakai on Wednesday, May 16, to provide information on planned construction activities for improvements to the commuter ferry (Molokai to Maui) and the impact to harbor operations. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Supreme Court affirms native rights stop at state parks, governor's mansion upgrades include $12k dog run, GOP continues push for relevance, UH chancellor wins $300k sabbatical, Maui debates bus fares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Keaukaha (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court has affirmed that a Native Hawaiian practitioner violated state park rules by setting up residence in a closed area of Kalalau Valley, despite his defense that he had a constitutional right to live there as a caretaker. Civil Beat.

Bank of Hawaii announced on Monday it is working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Office of Hawaiian Affairs    to be the first bank to offer Hawaiian language prompting in its ATMs. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and First Lady Nancie Caraway have spent more than $41,000 in taxpayer money on improvements to the governor's residence since moving in about a year ago. KITV4.

Hawaii's 20 Republican delegates in the presidential primary are breaking down as expected following the state's caucus in March. Associated Press.

Two years ago … 46-thousand registered Republicans voted in Hawai’i … a little more than 6 percent of all voters in the state.    Hawai’i Republican Party delegates gathered for their 2012 State Convention this weekend … and the goal of GOP leaders is to rebuild the party from the ground up. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charles Djou

FACT CHECK — Charles Djou: I Accepted No PAC Money Last Quarter. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers this year pushed hard and passed a bill that enables Department of Land and Natural Resources officers to carry the electric weapons. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will get more than $128,000 to help protect and preserve Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Associated Press.

The state Judicial Selection Commission has forwarded to Gov. Neil Abercrombie the lists of nominees to fill an impending vacancy on the Hawaii Supreme Court and a vacancy on the Circuit Court bench on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

PBN has received more than a dozen new entries for the Social Madness social media challenge over the past week and a half, which means we’re nearing the four-dozen mark for the challenge. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw will be paid nearly $300,000 for a ten- month sabbatical after she steps down from her position this summer and she will land another high paying UH job next year. Hawaii News Now.

A change in the electric rate system implemented last year means a slightly larger bill for Oahu residents. KHON2.

With bagpipers and motorcycle officers leading the way, more than 200 police officers, their supporters and dignitaries marched down Beretania Street from the main police station to the state Capitol on Monday to observe the start of Police Week 2012 and pay homage to those who died in the line of duty. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii honors its fallen police officers this week, the push continues to build a permanent memorial. Hawaii News Now.

An attorney for three Honolulu Police Department officers who filed a federal lawsuit charging HPD with race and gender discrimination alleges that top-ranking HPD officers, city attorneys and the city Equal Opportunity Office conspired to cover up wrongdoing by officers. Star-Advertiser.

A Teamsters Union supervisor on the “Hawaii Five-0” television production was asphyxiated by police at his Nanakuli home in February and was in a “cocaine-induced excited delirium” when he died, according to the City Medical Examiner’s office. Hawaii Reporter.

The book shelves in Washington Middle School's library are overflowing, not so much with books, but termite droppings. KHON2.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is visiting Pearl Harbor on the way home to San Diego after a six-month deployment to Asia and the Middle East. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Koyo USA Corp. will pay $2 million in two installments to settle an alleged violation involving use of an unapproved manufacturing process for its bottled water, known as Mahalo Hawaii Deep Sea. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s $365.1 million budget moved forward with few changes Monday, but it’s likely to face many more amendments when it comes up for a final vote May 31. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members debated the merits of a community relief shelter in the middle of Puna’s Leilani Estates subdivision before sending it back for further refinement. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A $1-per-ride fee and a $2 daily pass would be eliminated for riders of the Maui Bus public transit service under a proposal that has advanced in the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Maui County Council members paid nearly $77,000 in bonuses to office staff members over two fiscal years, but they maintain that the compensation is justified because their employees work long hours, get no overtime pay and can't count on long-term job security. Maui News.

Kauai

A “change of operations” is the term used to describe what will happen at the Makaweli Poi Mill next week, said Bryna Storch, operations manager at the mill. Garden Island.

Operations at Makaweli Poi Mill will be suspended soon, according to a statement from Hi‘ipoi LLC, the mill’s operating company. Hawaii Independent.

Federal officials are asking the public to keep their distance from two newborn Hawaiian monk seals on Kauai for the safety of the pups — and onlookers. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

An informational meeting will be held on Molokai to discuss the planned construction activities and improvements for the Molokai to Maui commuter ferry. Maui Now.

Hawaii's Grand Old Party convenes, bonus in store for principals, tax revenues up, sewer work to halt Oahu projects, Hawaii Island tax base lopsided, Kauai poi mill may close, Ka'u celebrates coffee, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo 2008 GOP national convention (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Gov. Linda Lingle is calling on Hawaii Republicans to join together to make gains in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

Republicans from around Hawaii gathered this weekend on Oahu. KITV4.

In just 177 days, the Hawaii Republican Party will know whether it will finally make real inroads in a state dominated by Democrats, or remain mired in the minority. Civil Beat.

Speaking of the need for bipartisanship on Capitol Hill and the need for Republican representation for Hawaii if both houses of Congress go to the GOP this fall, former Gov. Linda Lingle urged party faithful to support her campaign for the U.S. Senate and help overcome the Democratic Party's stronghold in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

With Hawaii's primary election just three months away, candidates and their parties are gearing up for a big showdown. KHON2.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court could decide to throw out the political district boundary maps created by the state Reapportionment Commission. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said the state is too far along in the planning process to start over and that because the state Constitution sets the election timeline, any order to redraw the maps would not leave adequate preparation time. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature's recent approval of the undersea cable bill earlier this month is generating added interest in projects seeking to bring energy from neighbor islands to Oahu. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy says its use of sonar and explosives could potentially hurt more dolphins and whales in Hawaii and California waters than previously thought. Associated Press.

Principals who attain high ratings under a performance-evaluation pilot program in 82 schools this fall will be eligible for a one-time $10,000 bonus in what officials are calling the first experiment of a merit pay system for public school educators in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The number of foreclosure cases going through the courts could slow further or stop altogether because of another change the Legislature passed last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say the state’s tax revenues are up nearly 13 percent for the first 10 months of the fiscal year through April. Associated Press.

The Judicial Selection Commission on Friday announced its nominees for Hawaii Supreme Court associate justice and for a judge in Maui County’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Jodie Maesaka-Hirata will become Deputy Director of Corrections while Ted Sakai has been appointed as the new public safety director. Associated Press.

Jobie Masagatani has been named director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine welcomed 64 new doctors Sunday. But as the graduates move on, there are concerns about how many of them will return to practice in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists in Hawaii have already counted eight monk seal hooking incidents in the islands this year, including one that killed a 10-month-old male seal in March. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Construction of an assisted-living facility is on hold and other major proj­ects from Halawa to Pearl City could be in limbo while the city works to improve sewer lines at two Central Oahu sites. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano shied away from making any promises about property taxes during the debate last week. Civil Beat.

The Departments of Health and Agriculture launched an investigation into whether pesticides are being used incorrectly at several Thai and Sweet Basil farms in Kunia and Ewa on Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

The city is soliciting bids for a transitional housing project in urban Honolulu. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Property owners in just two West Hawaii County Council districts — North Kona’s District 8 and Kohala’s District 9 — pay more than half the property taxes that will be collected from the entire county this coming fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal will get a makeover later this year as part of an effort by Hawaii County to make its facilities more accessible to the disabled. Tribune-Herald.

Kau coffee, which is mostly grown and produced in Pahala, a former Hawaii island plantation town of 1,356 residents, is getting a big name. Star-Advertiser.

The Ka‘u coffee industry, which sprouted from fields left untended when the area’s sugar plantations faltered nearly two decades ago, is providing opportunities for residents in the south Hawaii district. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Wednesday in Kaunakakai on a $5 million Kaunakakai Harbor improvement project set to begin late this month. Maui News.

Through work to restore ancient taro patches, troubled youths dig up valuable life lessons. Maui News.

Development planned for both sides of the southern end of Mokulele Highway will be discussed by a three-member panel Tuesday evening during a meeting sponsored by the Kihei Community Association. Maui News.

Federal and state disaster recovery officials have scheduled an applicant briefing for Monday on Maui County concerning the Federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Maui Now.

Kauai
Only poi mill in Waimea, Kauai suspending operations. KHON2.

Employees, supporters try to stave off Kauai poi mill closure. Hawaii News Now.

Morgan’s Ponds, beloved by visitors and locals alike, is still struggling with the aftermath of nature’s inevitable course and man’s recourses, according to some residents. Garden Island.

Time-share owners have filed a federal class-action lawsuit over an assessment fee they claim was forced by a management-based board without approval of the owners. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians on Kaua‘i will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at a community forum as well as at a regular OHA Board of Trustees meeting, both scheduled for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Public Library will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with special music, hula, and dance on the front lawn, and exhibits in the library on Wednesday, May 23. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiian groups want to eat protected sea turtles, Honolulu mayor signs plastic bag ban, Hawaii economy up 7.3%, Hawaii 8th graders lag nation in science, Kauai council kills lawyer office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii green sea turtle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A petition by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs to remove federal protections from the threatened green sea turtle is getting fresh attention by at least one environmental group. Tribune-Herald.

The architect of Hawaii civil unions says the political landscape in Legislature may not change much. Civil Beat.

A so-called “fix-it” bill aimed at clarifying Hawaii’s civil unions law was approved by the Legislature last week and is anticipated to be signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie after being sent to his office on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s deputy chief of staff says 57 percent Of the 195 bills that came from the administration passed this session, almost double the number that survived the 2011 session. Civil Beat.


The drag on Hawaii's economy from an extended slump in the construction and government sectors will end this year, setting the stage for broader economic growth, according to a forecast released today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Ten months into the state government's budget year, Hawaii general fund revenues are over $4 billion, up 7.3 percent from the same point a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Mufi Hannemann

Hannemann campaign co-chairs represent all isle counties. Star-Advertiser.

If you'd like to know how campaigns and outside groups are using TV ads to influence Hawaii elections, look no further than our version "The Public File."  Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy is considering expanding its training and testing activities in Hawaiian waters, involving the use of sonar and explosives. KHON2.

Hawaii was one of 16 states to improve its science score for public school students in the National Assessment of Educational Progress at Grade 8, according to a report released Thursday. KITV4.

Hawaii eighth graders scored higher in national science tests last year, but the state is still lagging behind the rest of the nation. Associated Press.

An increase in sales of business data services helped Hawaiian Telcom's revenue hold steady in the first quarter, but charges related to debt restructuring cut into its earnings, the state's largest phone company reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle signed into law Thursday a bill that will bar merchants from distributing nonbiodegradable plastic checkout bags beginning in mid-2015. Star-Advertiser.


Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has been noticeably absent from city council hearings. Hawaii Reporter.

Two Oahu companies will continue to provide community recycling services to 50 schools when the City and County of Honolulu’s contract ends in June. Pacific Business News.

After 20 years of building up recycling drop off centers around O’ahu, the “Busy Isle” is losing more than half of its school based drop off locations. Hawaii Public Radio.

The annual construction and operating budgets for the $5.27 billion Honolulu rail proj­ect advanced Thursday at the City Council, with Council members agreeing to restore $291 million that previously had been trimmed from next year's rail construction budget. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has been a staunch supporter of rail for four decades and fought for Congressional funding for years, but in an interview on Hawaii News Now Sunrise, he raised questions about the project's current form. Hawaii News Now.

Miffed City Council members chastised Mayor Peter Carlisle on Thursday for what they saw as an inappropriate letter threatening to either veto or sue over the budget. Star-Advertiser.


The city of Honolulu is paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to settle a retaliation lawsuit by a former investigator at the prosecutor's office, bringing to a close the only high-visibility scandal during Mayor Peter Carlisle's 14-year career as city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Humane Society's 2013 Petwalk May Be Canceled After City Refuses to Grant a Permit, Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

How Hawaii County spends its geothermal royalties could soon change. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

Eighty-five percent of sandy beachfront has eroded and 4.2 miles has been lost on Maui in the past century, according to a U.S. Geological Survey and University of Hawaii report released this week. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission approved this week a county special accessory use permit for a veterinary clinic to operate at the site of the former Community Clinic of Maui in Kahului. Maui News.

On Saturday, May 19, 32 craft breweries from Hawai’i and beyond sample their best lager, port, and stout beer from 3 to 7 p.m. at the MACC for Maui Brewers Festival 2012. Maui Now.


Kauai

A divided Kaua‘i County Council decided not to pursue having an exclusive attorney, after shelving a resolution Wednesday to include in this year’s election a question if the county should establish an Office of the Council Attorney. Garden Island.

When the next fiscal year rolls out June 1, the County of Kaua‘i will have a brand new department. The Kaua‘i County Council on Thursday approved the reorganization of the Personnel Department into a Human Resources Department. Garden Island.

Molokai

Four post offices on Molokai may be open for fewer hours under a proposal to help the U.S. Postal Service save money. Associated Press.

Newly installed wooden rails at Papohaku Beach Park were vandalized last Saturday, according to the Molokai Police Department (MPD). Four wooden rails that section off the parking lot from the park were severed by what officials suspect was a chainsaw. Molokai Dispatch.

Tourism ticks up, U.S. tests new weapon from Kauai, Hawaii Supreme Court allows Hawaiian Homelands to sue for state funds, Honolulu voters won't get to decide rail transit, Maui bus system struggling, Big Island marijuana advocates lose in court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii will host a record 7.8 million tourists this year, leading to 2.2 percent growth in the state's economy, according to a recalibrated government forecast released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s state economists have revised their forecast upward for tourism in the state, predicting the number of visitors to the Islands will increase by 6.5 percent to top 7.7 million by the end of 2012. Pacific Business News.

The state, in violation of the Hawaii Constitution, has failed to adequately fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, according to a unanimous ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Native Hawaiians can sue the state to provide sufficient funding for administrative and operating expenses for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, but not for the development of homestead lots. Star-Advertiser.


President Barack Obama's announcement Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage — and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's response that marriage is for heterosexuals — is rippling through Hawaii politics. Civil Beat.


For the second time in four months, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has bought television ad time in Hawaii to support former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle's run for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle

 Former Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat, released the following statement today regarding the endorsement she has received from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hawaii Reporter.


With Hawaii's Aug. 11 primary election three months away, several candidates in state and local races have stockpiled sizable campaign war chests, according to a Civil Beat analysis of campaign finance data. Civil Beat.


The state's chief negotiator is asking the teachers union to return to contract talks, and says the state "remains committed" to reaching a new agreement. Star-Advertiser.

After months of what's often been characterized as tedious and difficult hearings, the Hawaii Labor Relations Board finally heard from the union's most critical player in the convoluted negotiations over the famously failed teachers contract. Civil Beat.

Hawaii was among 16 states whose eighth-graders saw gains on a national science test in 2011, but students in the islands continued to score well below their peers nationally, results scheduled for release today show. Star-Advertiser.


Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $37.5 million to address highway damage caused by stormy weather in March. Associated Press.

Donne Dawson has returned to State service as Film Industry Development Manager for the Hawai‘i Film Office. KHON2.

The U.S. Postal Service announced Wednesday it is set to cut hours at 13,000 rural facilities -- 12 of them in Hawaii -- instead of closing thousands of post offices across the country. KITV4.

The Marine Corps in Hawaii is officially transforming its Sea Stallion helicopter squadron into an Osprey aircraft squadron. KHON2.

Oahu

A proposed ballot question to ask voters whether the year-old Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation should be abolished failed Wednesday to win approval from the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Attempt to Dismantle HART Fails. Hawaii Public Radio.

The City and County of Honolulu is thinking about setting aside 0.5 percent of its budget for charity, now that the Honolulu City Council has put a proposed charter amendment on the ballot for November despite objections from Mayor Peter Carlisle. Civil Beat.

A bill banning all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park got the second of three needed approvals from the City Council Wednesday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced a new City effort to address homelessness in urban Honolulu by creating specially focused transitional housing. Hawaii Independent.


Hawaii

Five Big Island post offices could see a reduction in their operating hours under new cost-saving measures proposed by the United States Postal Service. Tribune-Herald.

Patients spending time within Kona Community Hospital’s medical and surgical unit will rest a little more comfortably with the addition of 30 state-of-the-art beds this summer. West Hawaii Today.


One company has survived and is on track to serve the island with up to 5.5 million gallons of biodiesel per year, or 16,000 gallons a day. Tribune-Herald.

Keauhou mauka Kona coffee farmer Dave Bateman has announced he will run for the state House District 5 seat, representing Kona and Ka‘u. Bateman pulled papers May 9 making his official entry into the House 5 race. West Hawaii Today.

A Third Circuit judge has rejected a lawsuit filed against a host of county officials that accuses them of not fulfilling the requirements of a 2008 ballot initiative making the personal use of marijuana the “lowest law enforcement priority.” Big Island Now.


The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed the remote Muliwai Trail in North Kohala for public safety, effective yesterday through Friday May 11 and Monday May 14 through Thursday, May 17, while it conducts annual trail and campground maintenance and repair. Associated Press.


Maui

Maui County's public transit system is straining to meet the growing demand of bus riders. Maui News.

A forum on flooding in South Maui titled "Stormwater: Can a Problem Become a Resource?" will be held Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Maui News.

The funds released by Gov. Neil Abercrombie include $2 million for improvements to the Hana Highway between Uakea Road and Keawa Place.  The CIP project includes widening to provide two-way traffic flow, facilitating emergency vehicles responding from the nearby Hana Fire Station. Maui Now.

Kauai

missile courtesy NAVAIR Photo Point

The United States destroyed a target missile near Hawaii in the first successful test of a new defense tool. Hawaii News Now.

Starting today, the Kaua‘i County Council begins a four-day review of the supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2013 submitted Tuesday evening by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

The Kauai Planning Commission is approving a plan to nearly double the size of the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. Associated Press.

Representatives of RSVP, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions programs took to the street following a visit with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to bring their traffic safety messages to the public, traversing along Rice Street fronting the Kaua‘i Museum and First Hawaiian Bank’s Lihu‘e Branch. Garden Island.

Molokai

Construction of the new Kawela Bridge is scheduled to continue through January 2014, according to a statement from Goodfellow Bros., the Molokai company contracted to complete the work. The $8.4 million project is being paid for with $6.5 million in federal funds, $1.6 million in state money, and some additional funding, according to DOT spokesperson Michael Moscati. Molokai Dispatch.

Census shows more Pacific Islanders, especially on the Mainland, Navy schedules huge RIMPAC exercise, Obama meets Hawaii Five-0, Hawaii technology 30 years behind, state to start hiring again, Superferries get new names, Kauai smart meters create fears, Maui loads ballot with charter amendments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian performance (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The number of people reporting they are of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry has jumped 40 percent over the last decade across the United States and by 28 percent in the state, according to new data from the Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

Data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau seem to show a growing movement of Pacific peoples away from Hawaii and toward the U.S. West and South. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders living in Hawaii grew by 25.9 percent between 2000 and 2010, compared to 40 percent nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii school of Hawaiian knowledge Dean Maenette Benham is hopeful and optimistic about the latest numbers released by the U.S. census bureau. KITV4.

U.S. Census figures crunched by state officials say more than one-fifth of Hawaii residents identify as at least part Native Hawaiian. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy says more than 40 ships will be gathering in the Hawaiian Islands this summer for the world's largest naval exercises. Associated Press.

Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise scheduled for June 29 to Aug. 3 in and around Hawaii, the Navy said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama greeted "Hawaii Five-0" star Grace Park and spoke about growing up in Hawaii and his connection to Asian and Pacific Americans during a speech in Washington tonight. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has transferred more than $875,000 since January 2011 to help keep the U.S. Senate under Democratic control. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race has local and national importance, Democratic candidate Ed Case told Rotary Club of Kona Mauka members Tuesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii was one of four states to receive a failing grade on a new survey released by Thumbtack.com, which questioned company owners about their state’s friendliness toward small business. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is mired in ineffective and inefficient paper-based, manual business processes with old technology," according to the strategic plan released Tuesday by the Office of Information Management and Technology. Civil Beat.

Since 1962, there has been only one override of a Democrat Governor’s veto. Hawaii Reporter.

After layoffs and hiring freezes the state is close to hiring again.  Lawmakers found money for nearly 100 state jobs this legislative session.  Many will go to depleted departments. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced the release of more than $37.5 million for various Capital Improvement Projects that address storm-related damage to highways and roadways, and to implement transportation safety improvements statewide. Garden Island.

Legislation before the governor could expand geothermal energy production across the state. Associated Press.

An increase in plastic debris floating in a zone between Hawaii and California is changing the environment of at least one marine critter, scientists reported. Associated Press.

The two high-speed ferries built for the shuttered Hawaii Superferry were renamed Tuesday by the vessels’ new owner — the U.S. Navy. Pacific Business News.

The former Hawaii Superferries Ala­kai and Hua­­kai have some new geography associated with their names. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Tuesday their new monikers: the USNS Guam and the USNS Puerto Rico. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. posted another strong financial performance during the first three months of the year, bolstered by the third consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings increases at its electric company subsidiary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. reported a first-quarter profit of $38.3 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, an increase of 34 percent compared to a profit of $28.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2011. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe has secured a second three-year term, fighting off a challenge from a member of his negotiations committee. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for May 9. Associated Press.

Oahu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has made 150,000 pages of records related to the federal approval of the rail proj­ect available on the HART website. Star-Advertiser.

Early on in his tenure, Daniel Grabauskas told the Honolulu City Council that our rail project is "amazing" because there will be no long-term debt. Civil Beat.

Drilling for support columns for Honolulu’s 5.3 billion dollar elevated rail system continues this week in Ewa. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Comfort Stations, Playgrounds, Shut Down for Years, But Mayor 'Rushes to Build Rail,' Honolulu Council Members Say. Hawaii Reporter.

The city of Honolulu is putting up $3.5 million toward the purchase of a building in urban Hono­lulu that would serve as housing for homeless people with special needs, such as disabilities or mental illness. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has announced a new transitional housing project geared specifically toward helping people with special needs. Civil Beat.

A nearly two-year project is about to get underway that'll affect drivers in the Pearl City and Aiea areas. KHON2.

Those who feared the damage from an undersea sewer line in Kaneohe are relieved, but other neighborhoods worry about the Oneawa tunnel project. KITV4.

Hawaiian Telcom crews will be working through the night after city crews accidentally cut one of their main fiber lines. KHON2.

Franz "Shiro" Matsuo, the ukulele-strumming founder of Shiro's Saimin restaurants, died Thursday. He was 93. Star-Advertiser.
 
Hawaii

At long last, it’s official: Hilo High School will break ground on its eagerly anticipated new gym early next month. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a different kind of county council — one in which high school students run the show. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
A Maui County Council committee Monday advanced its version of the county budget that would raise property taxes, reduce overtime in many county departments and offer up less borrowing through bonds than proposed by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Charter Commission members voted Monday to send 10 of its 11 proposed charter amendments to voters, in all but one case rejecting Maui County Council recommendations to delete proposals. Maui News.

The chairmen of the departments of Land and Natural Resources and Agriculture and Mayor Alan Arakawa will be attending the first ever Neighbor Island meeting of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council today, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Maui News.

The US Department of Agriculture designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by an ongoing drought. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Tuesday submitted his supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2013. Carvalho’s revised proposal reflects an increase of $4.11 million in operational expenses and $2.56 million in capital improvement projects compared to his March 15 budget submittal. Garden Island.

When County Council Member Timothy Bynum’s case was dropped last Wednesday, it was clear that it took a special prosecutor from the State Attorney General less than a month to find that the Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney did not have a case to bring to court. Garden Island.

Workers at the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative have installed more than 300 meters on homes and businesses in Kapaa that allow the utility to monitor usage remotely and throughout the day. Within two years, the utility aims to replace all of the old meters with “smart meter" technology designed to help the utility smooth out power on the electric grid and add more renewable energy sources such as solar. Civil Beat.

The state is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to move hundreds of geese away from runways at the airport in Kauai. Associated Press.

Hawaii beaches eroding, teachers to vote on strike, exploratory drilling to be allowed without environmental assessment, Maui mulls property tax hikes while employees get bonuses, online voter registration bill passes, Cayetano-Inouye skirmish spreads, bill makes coffee certification voluntary, Okabe wins HSTA re-election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Federal officials say most beaches on Hawaii's most visited islands are disappearing. Associated Press.

A new study that quantifies how quickly Hawaii's beaches are being lost to erosion is arming researchers with information they hope will be used to protect the state's shorelines. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans will be electing new national committee representatives at their state convention this weekend. Associated Press.

A bill passed by the Legislature, which still requires final approval from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, calls for $500,000 for the elections office to design an online voter registration system. Civil Beat.

When teachers take a second vote this month on a proposed contract they overwhelmingly rejected in January, they will also be asked whether to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association launched a series of meetings on Monday about the contract offer its members previously rejected. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association held a meeting with its members tonight to discuss the benefits of a contract offer. KHON2.

Wil Okabe has edged out Paul Daugherty in the race to be president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, unofficial election results show. Civil Beat.

The state Environmental Council is set to vote on exemptions that would allow drilling of exploratory geothermal wells up to a mile deep without an environmental assessment. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle coffee growers are asking Gov. Neil Abercrombie to veto a bill that aims to do away with the state’s mandatory certifications of their coffee. Tribune-Herald.

Ben Cayetano's recent criticism of longtime Sen. Dan Inouye — that he's out of touch with his constituents and doesn't listen to them — is still reverberating. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will receive $1.2 million of a $100 million civil settlement with 44 other states and the District of Columbia over allegations that global health care company Abbott Laboratories, Inc. marketed a prescription drug for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the state Office of Consumer Protection said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The sale of KHON-TV and 12 mainland sister-stations to publicly traded LIN Television Corp. by New Vision Television is part of a deal that includes a $330.4 million purchase price and assumption of about $12 million in debt. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for May 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: Carlisle Raised Property Tax Rates -- mostly true. Civil Beat.

A driving instructor who arranged for illegal immigrants to get Hawaii driver's licenses without taking the written and road tests is going to jail for three months. Star-Advertiser.

Resubmerging a plastic sewage pipe that has floated to the surface of the Ala Wai Canal could take up to three weeks, but city officials reiterated Monday that the pipe is not leaking and poses no health risks. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg has introduced a bill that would allow the city’s Department of Transportation Services to regulate roadside memorials through a permitting system. KITV4.

Vandals desecrate Makaha Valley heiau. KHON2.

It wasn't much, but a 2.6 percent rise in April extended median price increases on sales of previously owned Oahu single-family homes to six straight months. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is considering a bill to raise Summer Fun registration fees next year.Hawaii Public Radio.

Camp for military kids loses funds. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's mayor and a traditional Hawaiian blessing welcomed visitors to the newly renovated downtown satellite city hall. KITV4.

Hawaii

some Big Island physicians, who have scrambled over the last couple years to secure supplies, say they have yet to receive any relief. Tribune-Herald.

Sales of condominiums on the Big Island jumped 78 percent last month, and prices rose by 14 percent, while sales and prices of single-family homes there both showed small decreases, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

A West Hawaii contractor and a tile subcontractor must pay several hundred thousand dollars each to a South Kohala condominium association for defective construction. West Hawaii Today.

Astronomers using a Hawaii Island telescope reported the discovery of one of the most distant protocluster of galaxies yet found. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
The Maui County Council's Budget and Finance Committee is proposing property tax hikes to cover the county's unfunded pension and health fund obligations and is expected to vote today on whether to advance the council's budget to the full council. Maui News.

A majority of Maui County council members gave their staff thousands of dollars in bonuses last year while hundreds of Maui County employees endured five-percent pay reductions. Hawaii News Now.

Construction of the Maui Lani Center has been ongoing for months, with workers driving heavy earth-moving machines behind a black dust fence to ready the ground for construction of Safeway and other stores. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is concerned that its messages aren't getting through to its members. Pacific Business News.

The road to Maha‘ulepu will be closed from Wednesday through Saturday as Grove Farm Co. crews perform road maintenance with the cooperation of Jas W. Glover and Wa‘alani Enterprises. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Community College will celebrate its spring commencement exercises Friday at KCC Performing Arts Center, marking the end of another school year at the Puhi campus. Garden Island.

Molokai
The state Department of Health announced Monday that it has fined Molokai's Kane­mitsu Bakery $90,000 for selling baked goods and other food products under unsanitary conditions. Star-Advertiser.