Hirono, Cayetano top new poll, Speaker Say's PAC rewards supporters, medical marijuana limits move forward, big profits but no rate increase for HECO, Education Department wants more money for school buses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House Speaker Calvin Say (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A PAC run by House Speaker Calvin Say's chief of staff gave $53,000 to House memebrs who supported him for speaker, according to its July 1 - Dec. 31 filing with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono tops former U.S. Sen. Ed Case 56 percent to 36 percent in the Democratic race for U.S. Senate, and both have 20-point margins over former Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, in the November general election, according to most recent polling.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has accepted Gov. Neil Abercrombie's invitation to continue negotiating a new contract, but still does not plan to withdraw its labor complaint against the state. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are poised to advance the Abercrombie administration's proposed ceded lands settlement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s plan to fast-track $500 million in repair and maintenance money projects cleared a key hurdle Friday when it was approved by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Department of Education officials say they would have to end school bus service for 17,000 students if the Legislature doesn't give them millions of dollars even beyond what the governor is seeking for school bus transportation next year. Civil Beat.

A bill to tighten the state's medical marijuana law has passed the second of three required floor votes in the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is one of only two states – the other being Utah – that has no form of legalized gaming. If some lawmakers have their way, that will change, but anti-gambling forces in Hawaii are still strong. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Friday that it won’t seek a rate increase to make up for lost revenue from homeowners or businesses who have installed solar power systems in what it calls a “lost contribution to fixed costs.” Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and its sister utilities together recorded a more than 30 percent bump in electric service income last year. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded grants to five Hawaii farms to allow them to better market their goods and services.Hawaii News Now.

The recession is being blamed for the state of Hawai‘i falling behind on processing an increase in applicants for food stamps, but there is also confusion over different compliance rates reported by state and federal agencies. Garden Island.

A bill moving through the state Capitol seeks to regulate the use of all-terrain vehicles. KHON2.

State roundup for Feb. 13. Associated Press

Oahu

If the primary for Honolulu mayor were held today, former Gov. Ben Cayetano would receive 44 percent of the vote, compared with 35 percent for incumbent Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle. Former city Managing Director and Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell is at 16 percent, according to the poll conducted by Ward Research Inc. for the Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano last week raised the specter that Honolulu will go up to $7 billion in debt to pay for the city's rail project. Civil Beat.

Former Governor Ben Cayetano made his bid for office official Sunday by opening up his home base for his mayoral campaign. KITV4.

Only 43% of those surveyed in a new poll think work should proceed on a $5.3 billion transit system and 53% want the project stopped. Hawaii News Now.

An opponent of a construction project at Kawaiaha‘o Church is again asking a court to halt work and stop Hono­lulu's oldest church from digging up human burials — the total of which has exceeded 230. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu firefighters spent much of Sunday battling a persistent fire at the University of Hawaii that destroyed payroll and other financial records for the entire 10-campus UH system. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County's ability to alleviate traffic backups using camera monitoring systems was not used during Tuesday afternoon's brush fire that closed one of Kailua-Kona's main thoroughfares. West Hawaii Today.

Some teachers and students at Big Island charter school plan a boycott. KHON2.

Maui

County officials say they are unable to account for how a longtime grant recipient is spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Maui News.

Condominium owners at Sugar Cove have avoided fines for a beach nourishment project that state conservation officials said should have required a permit. Maui News.

Maui’s state senatorial delegation applauded the passage today of The Invest in Hawai‘i Act of 2012 out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Maui Now.

Kauai
Project Graduation leaders from each of Kaua‘i’s public high schools earned an ward of $500 each on Saturday from the Kaua‘i Association for Family and Community Education. Garden Island.

Molokai

Crack Down on Town’s Container Businesses. Molokai Dispatch.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle: supporting President Obama's plan?

President Obama and former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle during happier times. 2009 White House courtesy photo.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii is blasting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for what it calls putting big business special interests over the truth in its support of GOP candidate for US Senator Linda Lingle in the TV commercial it’s airing in Hawaii.

The chamber made a two-week television advertising buy backing former Gov. Lingle for U.S. Senate, touting Lingle as a bipartisan leader who can help increase tourism. The chamber would not immediately disclose how much it invested in the ads, but sources told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that it is roughly $100,000.

The Democratic Party criticized the chamber's TV ad because it states that Lingle supports "President Obama’s plan.”

“This is typical Linda Lingle, she did not support Obama when it didn’t fit into her own personal campaign, but now she’s a supporter because it looks good for her,” said party spokesman Chuck Freedman in a statement.

“These Republican special interests from Washington DC are just wrong about Linda Lingle’s record,” said Freedman. “The fact is that Lingle criticized President Obama’s economic plan."

Lingle is the front-runner for the GOP nomination the Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. Leading the Democratic field are former U.S. Rep. Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, both of Hawaii's District 2.

Hawaii gift ban remains secure, double-dipping in the AG's Office, Honolulu Mayor Carlisle must pay wife's trip, marked police cars not working for Big Island, gas prices up, Waikiki sand project slowed, Marine not guilty of hazing, Legislature looks at bag bans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Inter-island cable, courtesy photo

It’s Round 2 for the interisland cable bill. Last year, legislation to facilitate financing for cables that would connect the islands in a statewide electric grid got bogged down in criticism and never made it out of the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Four hundred plastic grocery bags were staked to the state Capitol lawn along Beretania Street on Thursday to call attention to a Senate bill that would impose a 10-cent fee on the disposable sacks and their paper counterparts and channel some of the revenue to watershed protection projects. Star-Advertiser.

A bill introduced this session at the Hawaii Legislature, if passed, could shed a more timely light on the relationship between elected and appointed officials and the business of government. Civil Beat.

State House lawmakers on Thursday disposed of a bill that would have relaxed the state's gift ban, leaving the Ethics Commission director with the discretion to provide advice on what gifts are permissible. Star-Advertiser.

After all the hoopla, the governor's plan to allow lawmakers unrestricted invites to charitable fundraisers quietly failed without a fuss Thursday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office was warned in an email about inappropriate sexual behavior by Marc Alexander shortly after he was appointed homeless coordinator, two people who handled correspondence for the administration told Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Almost 90 per cent of the investigators in the Hawaii Attorney General’s office are retired police officers working under special 89-day contracts that allow them to collect full police pensions plus $45,000 state paychecks. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will forward the name of his interim appointee to the Public Utilities Commission to the state Senate for confirmation, ending talk that the nomination might be reconsidered. Star-Advertiser.

A state house committee tabled a bill to mandate extra paid leave for workers who are sick, or for victims of domestic or sexual abuse after a hearing on Thursday. KITV4.

A military jury on Thursday found a Marine sergeant not guilty after authorities charged him with hazing a lance corporal who later committed suicide in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Hawaii is getting $71 million as part of a foreclosure abuse settlement. KITV4.

Gasoline prices in Hawaii shot up this week to a statewide average of $4.19 for a gallon of regular unleaded, 7 cents higher than a week ago and still the highest in the nation, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 10. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has advised Mayor Peter Carlisle to reimburse the city $3,300 to cover the cost of his wife's trip to China in June, when she accompanied him as part of a Honolulu delegation traveling to strengthen cultural and economic ties. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission says Mayor Peter Carlisle should pay $3,300 to cover his wife’s travel expenses for a trip the Carlisles took last year to China. Hawaii Reporter.

"Technical glitches" are slowing the state's $2.4 million beach nourishment project in Waikiki, but the state still expects the job to be done on time and at no additional cost. Hawaii News Now.

Controversies over the recently shut-down Hawaii Medical Center hospitals will continue Friday with a hearing on a bill to issue an $80 million special purpose revenue bond to St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to refurbish the two hospitals and get them ready for potential new owners. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Firefighters to quit driving ambulances. KHON2.

Hosting APEC,the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November cost the city and state less than half of what was budgeted for the high-profile international event; but both governments still are waiting on approval of millions of dollars in federal reimbursements. Star-Advertiser.

An appeal of a zoning variance allowing Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts to build what would be the first new Waikiki oceanfront hotel in more than 30 years is slated to be heard next month, after an attempt failed Thursday to disqualify a group of opponents from the process. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Another member of the county Redistricting Commission is running for the County Council district he helped draw. West Hawaii Today.

Massive reforestation, home sites for Native Hawaiians and commercial development comprise the state's new long-range management plan for 56,200 acres located along Mauna Kea's windward slope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County should have a small fleet of marked police cars, but it's not cost-effective to keep more than the limited number needed to transport prisoners or drive on unimproved roads. West Hawaii Today.

A House committee is set to take up a bill today that could assume control of leases in Hilo's Banyan Drive area from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved Hawaii Electric Light Co.'s request to implement a decoupling mechanism. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County adults are twice as likely to report having been abused as children than adults statewide. West Hawaii Today.

John Colson, the principal of Waimea Middle School on Hawaii Island, abruptly left that position Feb. 7. Hawaii Independent.

Maui

The Maui Police Department is proposing to sign an agreement to provide protection for the Maui Space Surveillance Center on Haleakala. Maui News.

Maui island's overall occupancy rate of 70.1 percent in 2011 trailed Oahu's rate of 80.9 percent, according to Hospitality Advisors' year-end report, but Maui hotels also made more money off their rooms than anywhere in the state. Maui News.

Gov. Abercrombie Impressed with reWailuku Site Visit. Maui Now.

Kauai

A comprehensive statewide housing study presented to Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday reveals burdensome real estate market for island residents, with a third of them at risk of becoming homeless. Garden Island.

Repairing parks, improving roads and safer neighborhoods were the primary concerns that Kilauea residents presented to the mayor Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature tackles sexting, e-cigarettes, porn sites, homeless, health insurance, pension plan; Honolulu rail battles continue, frisk-free airline travel, federal money for Kona pier and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iconic Royal Hawaiian hotel (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's hotel room revenue in 2011 was the highest since 2007, according to a report that tourism industry consultants released Wednesday. Associated Press.

A bill that would ban the sale of smokeless electronic cigarettes to minors and impose the 70% tobacco tax on the devices was briskly debated at the state Legislature on Wednesday. Hawaii Reporter.

Senate's sexting bill prohibits adults from asking minors for nude pictures and it would also outlaw minors from sending nude pictures of themselves to adults or other kids. Hawaii News Now.

House lawmakers deferred action Wednesday on the Abercrombie administration's proposed ceded lands settlement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, saying they would wait for the Senate version of the bill. Star-Advertiser.

Homelessness has been one of the top Legislative priorities over the last 3 sessions. Wednesday, a House bill on homelessness was heard by a Joint Committee and underwent major revisions based on recommendations by the administration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite opposition from public-sector unions, a Senate committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would cap the amount of overtime used in calculating pensions for public workers whose non-base pay jumps substantially near the end of their careers. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie may cut short the term of his latest appointment to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, raising serious questions about the quasi-judicial body’s ability to act independently of gubernatorial influence. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono

More than a quarter of Rep. Mazie Hirono's individual contributions for her U.S. Senate race were for $200 or less, according to an analysis of her campaign finance report for the fourth quarter of 2011. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. on Wednesday reported a profit of $138.2 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for 2011, a 22 percent increase from net income of $113.5 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in 2010. Pacific Business News.

The President of the University of Hawaii System is asking for the state legislature to get involved in a fight against an adult site – “universityofhawaii.xxx” Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii's largest medical insurance provider is promoting two new measures to help bring down medical costs, a move company officials say may also help bring down premiums — eventually. West Hawaii Today.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has issued an alert to its members regarding the upcoming hearing of a bill mandating employers of all sizes to provide minimum paid sick and safe leave. Maui Now.

A bill that would regulate music therapy licensing in the state is moving through the Hawai‘i Legislature after the House Culture and Arts Committee unanimously recommended passage of the bill on Monday. Garden Island.

The CH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter has seen over 4 decades of combat dating back to the Vietnam war in 1969.  But, this week will mark the end of the aircrafts long run of service. KHON2.

Attorneys are scheduled to deliver closing arguments in the court-martial of a Hawaii-based Marine sergeant accused of hazing a lance corporal who later committed suicide. Associated Press.

State roundup for Feb. 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

A new federal passenger screening program, which began at seven airports in October, is being expanded to Honolulu and 27 other major U.S. airports this year. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government this week authorized nearly $185 million in construction on Honolulu's planned 20-mile rail line, but the city so far hasn't been given the green light to start erecting the concrete guideway that will sit atop the support columns it can now begin building. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi (District 5) is questioning why the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit board launched a city taxpayer sponsored radio blitz promoting the planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel Honolulu rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang wants the city to adopt a standardized system for rating city roads. KHON2.

Hawaii

Almost $1.1 million in federal emergency funds is headed to Hawaii County to cover repairs to the Kailua Pier damaged by the March 11 tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council hasn't held meetings on the west side of the island since November, despite the new $50.5 million West Hawaii Civic Center that was supposed to make public access easier. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Members of Maui's gay and lesbian community applauded an appeals court ruling declaring California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional and called the decision another step toward marriage equality for everyone. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s controversial decision to introduce smart meter energy readers took center stage at Kaua‘i County Council chambers in Lihu‘e Wednesday following a presentation from KIUC CEO Mike Yamane, who said the co-op has been looking at this technology since 2005. Garden Island.

Hawaii to get some of Okinawa Marines, emergency money for APEC, trial for 6 Occupy Honolulu members starts today, dogs in restaurants, endangered snails released on Oahu, state lawmakers want more gifts, ziplines scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Lookout (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Public Land Development Corp., an agency tasked with developing public lands, has raised concerns from environmentalists and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and is under attack by lawmakers this session. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's tourism industry could be changed by a proposal discussed Tuesday that requires more strict inspections of zip lines, which allow riders strapped to a harness and a cable to glide above forest canopies. Associated Press.

Companion bills seeking the regulation of zipline and canopy tours in Hawaii are scheduled to be heard by respective committees today. Maui Now.

Fed up with the state's ethics chief over advice they haven't liked about whether they can accept certain gifts, a handful of Hawaii lawmakers recently decided to go over his head. Civil Beat.

Senior Japanese officials say 4,700 U.S. Marines on Okinawa will be transferred to Guam. The remaining 3,300 would reportedly rotate among Australia, Hawaii or the Philippines. Associated Press.

Three months after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the state is asking legislators for an emergency appropriation of nearly $3 million to help cover its costs. KITV4.

The legal argument about gay marriage may be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile a similar constitutionality battle continues in Hawai`i. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

Among Hawaii's delegates, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Urban Oahu, traveled back to the Islands the most in the past year: 14 roundtrips from Washington between Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 23, 2012. Civil Beat.

Business and labor interests are mobilizing on opposite sides of bills pending in the Legislature that would mandate paid leave for employees who are sick, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Tribune-Herald.

The state Health Department opposes a bill being supported by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that would allow people to bring their dogs to restaurants statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As part of a push to show progress on key education reforms, the Board of Education is looking to make it board policy that the state move to a new evaluation system for teachers and principals no later than July 1, 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education would need to allocate a certain level of funding for Hawaiian language immersion programs under a bill introduced by state Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

While Hawaii Electric Light Company has predicted its 2012 profits will be affected as a result of customers switching to solar panels, it does not currently have plans to increase its rates. Tribune-Herald.

Dog the Bounty hunter and his wife Beth are lending their support to a bill that they say many other bounty hunters do not support. KHON2.

State roundup for Feb. 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, a Democrat in office for 28 years and now a candidate for Honolulu Mayor, had some fighting words for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, in response to Inouye's support for both of Cayetano's mayoral opponents and the $5.3 billion elevated steel wheel on steel rail project, which Inouye announced yesterday received Federal Transit Administration approval to move to the next phase of construction. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu home prices got a jump on the new year, as the median sale price in January for previously owned single-family homes reached its highest level in 16 months. Star-Advertiser.

Trial for Six Occupy Honolulu Members Arrested in November Set for today. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill that would outlaw nearly all commercial activities on Sundays at a popular stretch of beach in Kailua faces a final vote next week after being passed unanimously Tuesday by the City Council’s Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee. KHON2.

Army biologists are releasing three hundreds kahuli tree snails into the heart of Oahu's Waianae mountains help the endangered species. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
A combination of good management and good luck have left Hawaii County with enough federal stimulus funding to pave another mile of Ane Keohokalole Highway. West Hawaii Today.

The building where Hilo's cruise ship passengers receive a welcoming ceremony and assemble before boarding land tours is being closed for the next year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Filling shelves, kids with knowledge. Maui News.

Kauai

The Prince Course will reopen for play on March 1 at Kauai’s Princeville at Hanalei resort under the management of Montage Golf. Pacific Business News.

Kaua‘i Planning Commission member Hartwell Blake’s words may have summarized the frustration of some of his fellow commissioners when he said a transient vacation rental in an area zoned agricultural is spot zoning of a resort in the middle of a rural community. Garden Island.

Teachers from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School and Kaua‘i Technology Academy had an opportunity to become whale researchers Saturday at the Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.

Green light for Honolulu rail, state overpays employees $1.5M, Abercrombie answers civil unions legal challenge, Legislature considers gambling, farmers markets, land deals, building codes, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Honolulu rail transit artist's depiction courtesy image

The federal government has granted a key approval that will allow Honolulu to immediately begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the city's rail project, including erecting the first sections of raised guideway from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu on Monday got a key green light from the Federal Transit Administration and could start to spend $185 million of local tax dollars on heavy construction for the rail project within weeks. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle trails Hawaii's incumbent senators when it comes to local individual contributions but is in the middle of the pack, just under Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka, when it comes to overall contributions, including political action committees. Civil Beat.

The Abercrombie administration is preparing a response to a federal lawsuit challenging the state's civil unions law as unconstitutional because it does not allow same-sex couples to marry, searching for a line that balances both the law and politics. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii lawmakers want to give the governor more power in appointing members to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents, picking up a political debate started last year after the Senate rejected two of his nominees. Civil Beat.

The state has overpaid its employees more than $1.5 million, with hundreds of thousands more in state tax dollars written off as noncollectable and other incorrect pay amounts recovered months or years later from employees who were accidentally paid too much. Hawaii News Now.

A bill moving through the state Legislature will take out what many consider the more onerous sections of the state building code and give counties more flexibility in defining their own codes. West Hawaii Today.

A parent's failure to report the death or disappearance of a child would become a felony under a bill before the state Legislature. Associated Press.

Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students assembled a stone platform with a wooden statue known as a "ki`i" on the grounds of the state Capitol today to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser.

A small group of advocates from Molokai flew over to Oahu today to clean, sand and oil a Haloa Ki’i. Maui Now.

Some farmers say Hawaii's farmers markets are too restrictive and they want state lawmakers to change the rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Almost 30 gambling bills are still up for consideration by state legislators, ranging from stand alone casinos, lotteries, and internet gambling. lawmakers are floating the ideas to raise much needed revenues for the state. A professor who has studied the effects of gambling across the country says it's a big mistake. KHON2.

Last year was a big year for Hawaii’s cruise ship industry, with 124,456 cruise ship visitors coming to the Islands and spending a collective $34 million. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and two Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees urged lawmakers Monday to approve a $200 million real estate deal that would settle the department's longstanding ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle long-standing ceded lands claims does not do enough to empower the Native Hawaiian people, a key senator contends. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a personal appeal to legislators this morning to pass his administration’s proposal for a land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs that would permanently resolve a decades-long dispute over ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

The Advisory Council to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is recommending that the sanctuary consider expanding its focus from humpback whales and their habitat to the ecosystem as a whole. Maui Now.

The University of Hawaii is demanding the operator of a pornographic web site stop using the school's name or face legal action. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Feb. 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said it does not support a Honolulu City Council bill that would double parking meter rates at public parks that include Kapiolani and Aala. KITV4.

Honolulu city workers have cleared a sofa, a bicycle and other personal items from the Occupy Honolulu camp at Thomas Square. Associated Press.

Casting for a new ABC pilot series "Last Resort" will be held on Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

A mainland company is a step away from securing a 30-year lease to test ocean thermal energy conversion in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The increasing popularity of solar panels will mean higher electricity bills for the majority of Big Island residents who still rely on Hawaiian Electric Light Company for most of their power. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An anonymous donation totaling $100,000 from a local foundation was issued to the Maui Oral Health Center for the acquisition of new dental chairs at the decade-old facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County will fund an additional nine local tourism initiatives this year in addition to the 20 the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support, county officials said Monday. Garden Island.

A new 500,000-gallon county Department of Water tank will expand water service to users in the Lawa‘i and Oma‘o communities of Kaua‘i, Daryl Kaneshiro, the Department of Water Board chair, said Monday at a dedication of the new equipment. Garden Island.

Molokai

The owner of a controversial excursion yacht to Molokai said he intends to keep bringing passengers to the island despite protests but also plans to implement conditions that he finds acceptable from an ongoing community study. Maui News.

Ceded lands deal coming before Legislature, Hawaii schools get a 'D' in science, Marine hazing trial starts today, Hilo resort hotels need work, Maui plan faces redo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll at 2008 Capitol rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

 

 

 

Two Legislative committees will begin looking into a proposed $200 million real estate deal that will settle the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

FACT CHECK False — Hirono: I'm Only Candidate Who Opposed Bush Tax Cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and her political rival, former Congressman Charles Djou, are heading into the 2012 election with about the same amount of money in the bank to spend on what promises to be a spirited general election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers installed a record amount of solar power generating capacity on their rooftops last year, causing a reduction in utility revenue that HECO says it will have to make up with an increase in rates. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday signed a letter of intent with officials from South Korea to develop a smart grid demonstration project in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Bills pending before the state Legislature could make it easier to get fresh, local produce into public school cafeterias - both from school gardens and from island farms. Maui News.

As a cost-saving move, a planned $200 million destroyer modernization program might sail away from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and some union officials fear that could be repeated with other cruisers and destroyers based in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine sergeant accused of hazing another Marine who later committed suicide in Af­ghani­stan will go on trial today. Associated Press.

A new report says Hawai`i’s standards for science education are too far below what students need to compete. In a national K-12 ranking, Hawai`i received a “D”. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's science standards for public school students are inadequate, inconsistent and include errors, according to a report that rated most states' learning benchmarks for science as "mediocre to awful." Star-Advertiser.

Advocates for public access television networks – such as ‘Olelo Community Media on O‘ahu, or Akaku for Maui Nui – are calling attention to a bill which would force a major reorganization of the networks. According to an Akaku blog post, the bill would lead to a 2/3 reduction in funding for public access television broadcasting. The bill, HB 2652, is scheduled for a hearing on Monday at 2:15 pm in State Capitol room 325. Hawaii Independent.

Weather researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are here in Hawaii this winter to check out storms developing across the Pacific. KITV4.

State roundup for Feb. 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the site of next year's Pro Bowl still up in the air, lawmakers are tackling future plans for Aloha Stadium again. Hawaii News Now.

The state spends almost $1 million annually to publish legal notices in Honolulu’s only newspaper and lawmakers are looking for ways to trim that bill. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill that would exempt residential and commercial developments along the 20-mile Honolulu rail transit corridor from state and county planning, zoning and permitting requirements is opposed by both rail supporters and rail opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Protestors were out in Waikiki Saturday night trying to stop a war on Iran. KHON2.

Hawaii

For years, Hawaii County government has been spending far more than it's taken in. The number of employees has increased dramatically, and payments on debt now consume the biggest chunk of operating expenses in at least a decade. West Hawaii Today.

State legislators are dissatisfied with the condition of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and other properties in Hilo's resort district, and they want to do something about it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planning Director Will Spence said Thursday that the changes he's proposing to the Maui Island Plan would simplify a document that's "morphed" into something complicated and unwieldy after six years of tinkering. Maui News.

Two Maui schools received awards last month for beautifying their campuses with school gardens. Maui News.

An increase in illegal dumping, brush fires and criminal activity will result in the permanent closure of a portion of Kala Road near the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is seeking up to 30 native Hawaiian families to participate in  Homestead Self Help Projects in Kapolei and Anahola on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

With the U.S. Department of Education placing Hawai‘i’s four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant on “high-risk status,” Kaua‘i’s public schools could miss out on much of the ambitious, four-year reform plan. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Irrigation System, which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, has received $1.25 million for system improvements, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii lawmakers may criminalize pet owners who give away their kittens or puppies -- Commentary

Cute kittens, courtesy photo by Adriano

If pets are outlawed, only outlaws will have pets.

This take on a bill now up on the Hawaii Legislature is admittedly extreme, but not that far off the mark considering SB2504 makes it a misdemeanor to sell or give away your dogs, cats, puppies or kittens without first having them spayed or neutered and microchips implanted in them. Big Brother has arrived, at least for your pets.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clayton Hee, D-Kahuku, La'ie, Ka'a'awa, Kane'ohe, is up for consideration at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and Economic Development and Technology Committee.

Hee undoubtedly has good intentions. Feral cats are a huge problem in Hawaii, where, with few natural predators, they breed large colonies and threaten native songbirds.

But taking away even more rights from the citizenry is probably not the way to go. What next? Microchipping our children?

Golden retriever puppy, courtesy Daisy Parker

"Importation of dogs to the Hawaiian Islands is limited and strictly regulated. If all cats and dogs sold or given away must be sterilized, it calls into question where citizens of Hawaii will obtain future generations of pets," warns the American Kennel Club in a public appeal for opposition to the bill.

Lucky we live in Hawaii, where lawmakers steadily add laws to the books but no one actually enforces them. Otherwise, life in the "People's Republic" would be even more onerous than it already is.

But what do you think a pet owner with an unplanned litter is going to do with all the babies? Start with $20 to microchip each kitten, add another $50 to sterilize it, and for a litter of six, you are talking serious kala.

Chances are, those pets are only going to be added to the feral colonies when the owner dumps them in the nearest forest instead of palming a few off on friends and neighbors. This only perpetuates the very problem the bill is trying to fix. And these animals are in for a worse life, not a better one.

How much better if all this effort and angst would go toward voluntary and free spaying and neutering programs and funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to trap and euthanize the feral cats on public land.

Ironically, just when they're needed most, spaying and neutering assistance programs have been discontinued by the Hawaiian Humane Society, because the City and County of Honolulu cut the funding.

You, the public, have to take personal responsibility if you don't want Big Brother to step in.

• Don't feed feral animals. It only causes them to breed more of them.
• Keep your pet inside or confined unless you're out with him.
• Spay or neuter your pet. Keep looking for programs to help reduce the cost.
• Lobby your state and local government to put more money into prevention and education, and quit trying to dictate every aspect of our lives.

 Thanks for your consideration.

Hawaii attorney general wants unlimited gifts, Legislature limiting medical marijuana, Kauai police officer complaint spurs chief's leave, Hawaii County mayor brings big bucks home from Oahu, Occupy Honolulu protestor arrested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu shoppers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii consumers are slightly more confident about the future now than they were six months ago. Pacific Business News.

State House Vice Speaker Joey Manahan said Thursday that he will run for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Tom Okamura, who was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in January to fill a state House vacancy in Aiea, has resigned for health reasons. Star-Advertiser.

The Abercrombie administration is proposing changes to the state ethics code that would allow state officials, including legislators, to accept unlimited numbers of invitations to charitable fundraising events, even if the purpose of the gifts is to influence  votes or other official actions. Hawaii Reporter.

After shying away last session, lawmakers have gingerly waded back into the debate over the state's gift ban. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are advancing a bill this session to change Hawai’i’s medical marijuana law to rein-in alleged abuses and questionable practices. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

One Occupy Honolulu protester was arrested at Thomas Square on Thursday as city officials continued to rid Oahu sidewalks of personal items under a nearly 2-month-old ordinance. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Marathon, which generates more visitor spending in Hawaii than any other annual event, pumped $107.7 million into the state economy in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Radio Blitz Costs Oahu Taxpayers $145,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Residents at Mayor Wright public housing complex will soon see new security measures following recent violence. KITV4.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi packed his re-election war chest with almost three times the money raised by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle — most of it coming from donors in Carlisle's own backyard. West Hawaii Today.

It was chaos in Hilo’s county building on Wednesday, when protest erupted during a vote on adopting a new building code for Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

An unruly crowd chanting "kill the bill" forced two recesses of a County Council meeting Wednesday and brought a dozen police officers to council chambers. West Hawaii Today.

Valerie Poindexter, the District 1 representative on the county Redistricting Commission, on Wednesday pulled papers for the County Council district she helped draw. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dragging buoys and a nest of fishing lines,an adult humpback whale apparently didn't want anything to do with a motorized boat carrying a federal rescue team intent on cutting away the snarled mess, disappearing Thursday afternoon after several hours of pursuit. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard personnel and federal marine mammal specialists responded Thursday to help an adult male humpback whale entangled from head to tail in fishing nets and dragging two orange buoys six miles south of Maalaea Bay, the Coast Guard reported. Maui News.

Upcountry farmers said this week that they have concerns about proposals to change the way agricultural lands are taxed. Maui News.

A bill to ban alcohol at Kalama and Cove Parks in South Maui gained unanimous passage on second and final reading today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor addresses complaint made by 27-year KPD veteran. KHON2.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho acknowledged Thursday that he placed the Garden Island's police chief and two assistant chiefs on leave this week in response to an unspecified "employee-generated complaint" to his office and the Kauai Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

After two days of “no comment” from his office, Kaua‘i County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. held a brief news conference Thursday to read a statement that did not answer why he placed County Police Chief Darryl Perry and two assistant chiefs on indeterminate leave this week. Garden Island.

Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. broke his silence on Thursday about the shakeup involving three of the Kauai Police Department's top leaders. Hawaii News Now.

Gambling bill rolls snake eyes in Hawaii Legislature, Kauai police chief on leave, more beach for Waikiki, Health Department monitoring for tsunami debris radiation. Legislature tackles teacher tenure, speeding, move over law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Waikiki sand replenishment project has moved on to its next phase. KHON2.

A proposal giving the Hawaiian Homes Commission authority to decide whether to allow gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands — the first gambling-related bill heard in this year's legislative session — was quickly tabled, giving some indication that such bills once again face long odds of passing. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers expressed support Wednesday for writing into state law high-stakes evaluations for teachers that take into account student academic growth, but questioned how the state Department on Education would follow through with the reforms. Star-Advertiser.

State leaders are looking at a variety of measures to improve education in Hawai`i. Changes to teacher tenure are among the many bills already introduced in the new legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The proposed overhaul of Hawaii's charter school law received its first public hearing at the Legislature Wednesday and ran into strong opposition from the teachers' union but received conditional support from many charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

The grieving sister of a fallen Honolulu police officer on Wednesday tearfully urged state lawmakers to make Hawaii's roads safer for officers and other emergency responders. With her emotions still raw, Amanda Stevens testified in support of the so-called Move Over bill. Hawaii News Now.

Representative Joseph Souki is once again fighting to send a strong message to excessive speeders. KHON2.

State Health Dept. Monitoring Shoreline For Radioactive Waste. Several federal and state agencies are working to monitor the movement of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunami. KITV4.

Fast-growing Hawaiian Airlines needs more flight attendants. Pacific Business News.

Among Hawaii’s four so-called Super PACs, one didn’t attract any money over the second half of 2011, another raised $561 strictly from donations of less than $100. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

City officials fanned out across Oahu Wednesday, issuing 76 notices to protesters at Thomas Square and to homeless people, warning that their tents and personal items must be removed from sidewalks and other public property or be confiscated today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced the launch of “Honolulu 311,” a new system through which the public may use personal smart phones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi's re-election war chest is flush with cash after fundraisers pulled in more than $140,000 during the last six months of 2011. Tribune-Herald.

The two candidates for Hawaii County prosecutor have raised a combined $20,000 between July 1 and Dec. 31. Tribune-Herald.

Two weeks after announcing an additional $150,000 was needed to begin construction of a new Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kona, Big Island, project leaders said the goal has been reached and more contributions are still on the way. Garden Island.

Maui

No one disputed the goal of a bill aimed at conserving Maui County's drinking water supply, a precious, finite resource. But the rub came Tuesday with how to accomplish that goal and its potential costs. Maui News.

Molokai student develops myoelectric prosthetic for dogs. Maui News.

Neighbor island airports, including the Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui will implement a parking rate increase for monthly passes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry was placed on leave Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i County officials Wednesday night announced that Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has been placed on leave —just one day after his two assistant chiefs were placed on leave. Garden Island.

Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed deputy county clerk and Eddie Topenio, Jr. was named administrative assistant to the county clerk, County Clerk Ricky Watanabe announced in a press release Wednesday. Garden Island.

Campaign fundraising reports show mixed bag, only one bidder on $33M Honolulu rail work, fatal zipline failed inspection, Hawaii electric bills rise fastest in the nation, more power for Public Utilities Commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Money and politics, courtesy illustration, Frank Housh

Leaders of the Hawaii Legislature didn't add much to their political war chests during the second half of 2011, according to the latest round of campaign finance reports due by midnight Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has raised more than $1.1 million for his 2014 re-election campaign, an early validation from donors after an uneven first year in office. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case raised more than $111,800 during the last quarter for his Demo­cratic primary campaign for the U.S. Senate, which put him far behind the pace of his rival, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who raised more than $624,350. Star-Advertiser.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle collected more than $260,000 from 75 political action committees in three months of fundraising, according to her federal campaign finance report posted online Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature is once again considering whether to allow legalized gambling on Hawaiian home lands.Associated Press.

Hawaii voters aren't ready to roll the dice on legalized gambling, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Social service advocates urged lawmakers Tuesday to continue to use the state's rainy day fund to help finance health, education and human services programs that were threatened during the recession. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is "definitely ahead" of other states in its efforts to develop open records policies for social media usage, according to the Virginia-based government watchdog nonprofit Sunshine Review. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s policy team has implemented a new "Testimony Tracking System" to "find potential conflicts between different agencies sooner rather than later" when it comes to submitting testimony to lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers Move Legislation to Provide PUC More Authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's electric bills rose at nearly double the national rate from 2000 through 2010 even as local residents and businesses did more to conserve electricity than the country as a whole, according to a report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, seeking to retain the job for a full four-year term, enters the 2012 race with a sizable lead in funds as his challengers begin mounting their campaigns against him. Star-Advertiser.

Spending Reports Show Caldwell Surges, But Owes Big. KITV4.

The city has awarded a new, $33.4 million contract to Infraconsult LLC, the company that has already received nearly $50 million in contracts to oversee the $5.2 billion Honolulu rapid transit project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle plans to earmark a $450 million city-backed line of credit for the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to demonstrate to federal authorities that the rail project has the resources it needs to complete construction, Carlisle said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is considering metered parking rate increases at Oahu parks, a proposal that isn't sitting well with many park users. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Tuesday the launch of Honolulu 311, a new system through which the public may use smartphones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced the launch of a smart phone application Tuesday that allows residents to send complaints directly to the Department of Customer Services. KHON2.

Hawaii

Winning election multiple times hasn't been a financial boon for Hawaii County Council members' campaign war chests, several of which have endured prolonged deficit spending. Tribune-Herald.

An East Hawaii zip line tower failed to pass an initial county inspection prior to its collapse in September, killing one worker and seriously injuring another. Tribune-Herald.

Palamanui is mostly paid up for its community college campus obligations. West Hawaii Today.

The developers of the 725-acre Palamanui mixed-use project on the Big Island’s Kona Coast are giving the University of Hawaii    nearly $10 million for construction of a new West Hawaii community college campus. Pacific Business News.

A mishmash of newsracks cluttering Alii Drive sidewalks may soon be cleaned up, thanks to a program by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District that was advanced Tuesday by the Hawaii County Council's Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Election season will officially begin Wednesday with the start of candidate filings. Maui News.

Maui island saw 2,166,000 visitors in 2011, a 4.1 percent increase over 2010, and those visitors spent nearly $3.2 billion, or 12.9 percent more than the previous year, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Maui News.

Maui County Council Planning Committee members stretched to reach the finish line Monday in crafting a bill to rein in illegal vacation rentals while setting up an easier process for operators to get county permits. Maui News.

Kauai

Transient Accommodation Units permits cut in half for next 5 years. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has placed Assistant Chief Roy Asher and Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan on leave effective Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold a second round of community meetings, beginning with a session on Kaua‘i, to inform its beneficiaries of the latest updates on the Kaka‘ako land settlement proposal. Garden Island.