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

Waikiki at night (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Molokai

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

Sunshine Week: Because you have a right to know

Sunshine Week courtesy cartoon

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

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

You have a right to know.

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

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

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

Two Honolulu events will mark the week for Hawaii.


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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you a 'Ray of Sunshine'?

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

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

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

Honolulu homeless (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

Commission Gives Unanimous Support to Reapportionment Plan. Civil Beat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for March 8. Associated Press.

Russell Kokubun

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

Banana bunchy virus found in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

Tropic Care Kaua‘i ends Friday. Garden Island.

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

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

Molokai

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

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

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proposed voting district maps have changed  again. KHON2.

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

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

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

 Mayor Billy Kenoi (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

Pahoa to celebrate gym opening. Tribune-Herald.

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Park fees for Akaka Falls, Hilo radio station among first to gag Limbaugh, big bill day for Hawaii Legislature, Abercrombie signs emergency declaration as rain pelts islands, tobacco fund raided, National Guard musters, more Hawaii news

Akaka Falls (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Division of State Parks has initiated a new five-year contract with Makai Parking Inc. for the collection of entry fees at Akaka Falls State Park. West Hawaii Today.

New West Broadcasting announced today that it is discontinuing the Rush Limbaugh program on KPUA AM 670 in Hilo, Hawaii effective immediately. KPUA.

Hilo radio station KPUA-AM 670 was among the first in the nation to pull the plug on the nationally syndicated Rush Limbaugh talk radio show after Limbaugh called Georgetown University law school student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute." Star-Advertiser.

Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul will be on the ballot in Hawaii March 13 as the state Republican Party hosts its first-ever presidential caucuses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Diverts Millions In Tobacco Settlement Funds. KITV4.

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

House Bill 1033, which, according to House Minority Leader Gene Ward, recently had its contents “gutted and replaced” by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, would create a state bank that would put Gov. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, as its chairman. Hawaii Reporter.

Months after pulling its most-favored-nation card, the Hawaii Government Employees Association has gotten the state to equalize pay benefits for some of its members, matching deals struck with the United Public Workers union. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Attorney General said it wrote off salary over payments of 260 current and former state employees worth $882,639 between 2001 and 2010. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa professors are raising concerns about the loss of a federally funded fisheries cooperative, which will move to UH-Hilo, leaving the system's flagship campus without a fisheries program. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education won't be taking over statewide school bus operations anytime soon, based on what officials have learned from an emergency takeover of 12 school bus routes in Kailua-Kona seven years ago. Civil Beat.

State senators are marking Education Week by inviting students to submit questions over email, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. KHON2.

The Hawaii Geographic Coordinating Council launched its 3-day conference today … looking at how we can solve problems using digital data available on the internet …which increases tenfold every 5 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii Army National Guard were told to prepare for possible deployment. KHON2.

Oahu

The primary election is about five months away, and the controversial Honolulu rail project is as unpopular as it's ever been. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has a long way to go if it wants to win the confidence of Honolulu voters. Civil Beat.

Daniel Grabauskas appears to be already hard at work for HART, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation , even though he was just named the rail transit agency’s executive director last week. Pacific Business News.

Historic Designation Adds Red Tape To Tantalus Projects. KITV4.

Hawaii

While a majority of county departments are seeing their budgets shrink for the coming fiscal year, some will have moderate increases. Tribune-Herald.

Five sparkling new Chevy Volt electric cars had been set aside at a Hilo dealership even before an invitation for bid for electric cars went out from Hawaii County government last week. And, they’re in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s preferred color. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Finance Director Nancy Crawford has canceled purchase orders totaling $42,499 that Council Chairman Dominic Yagong had issued to outside attorneys to represent the legislative branch in grievances with fired Elections Office employees. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police seized $18,207 in cash, 17 illegal video gambling machines and gambling records in a raid an on alleged gambling room in Kona Friday, police said. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui Electric Company has appointed Sharon M. Suzuki as the company’s next president. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui jumped nearly 22 percent in February, going from $440,000 last year to $535,000 last month. Pacific Business News.

Melanie Boudar sent over at least 600 pounds of chocolate to the Philadelphia International Flower Show last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Disaster declaration follows sewage spill, evacuations and road, school closures. Garden Island.

Governor Abercrombie signed a disaster proclamation on Friday authorizing the state Department of Transportation to begin emergency highway repair work on Kuhio Highway near Kilauea town on Kaua'i in response to a partial collapse of a 15-foot-diameter culvert running beneath the highway.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i Acting Deputy Police Chief Mark Begley was named to the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board to oversee the development, integration and maintenance of services statewide. Garden Island.

Oahu voters oppose rail, Hawaii delays Race to the Top waiver, Maui Marshall Islanders mark Nuclear Survivors' Day, 89-day employment contracts circumvent law, public access TV opposes budget cap for school laptops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high-speed rail concept photo

Fifty-five percent of likely voters polled say they oppose Honolulu's rail transit project, with just 34 percent in favor, the poll found. Civil Beat.

The state has postponed its plan to request a waiver to key provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law while it works to put high-profile education reform efforts back on track. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved amendments to Hawaii's plan for implementing Race to the Top reforms. Hawaii News Now.

By working in 89-day chunks with breaks in between, state and city employees avoid a rule that requires public-sector retirees who return to work for at least three months to rejoin the Employees' Retirement System, suspending their ERS pensions while they work. Star-Advertiser.

The State Auditor is conducting an audit of the state's student transportation program, largely because of media coverage of runaway school bus costs. Civil Beat.

Representatives of Hawaii's public access television channels told state lawmakers last week that they oppose a proposal to fund a school laptop program by capping the channels' funding at 2011 levels and depositing the difference into a special fund. Star-Advertiser.

The average daily room rate at Hawaii hotels rose almost 4 percent year over year statewide last week, while occupancy rose only slightly, according to Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

New rules for Hawaii State drivers licenses go into effect Monday at the DMV. KHON2.

State roundup for March 5. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has proposed spending another $77 million in the coming fiscal year for the rehabilitation of city roads. KITV4.

It wasn’t meant to be a bet. But for D.R. Horton, which paid $70 million for a 1,500-acre tract of farmland in Ewa — based on a plan to build 12,000 homes — it’s starting to look that way. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has received $35 million in federal funding to construct Combined Support Maintenance Shop for the Hawaii Army National Guard. KITV4.

Hawaii
'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is looking to boldly go where the planetarium and cultural center has not gone before — into a future devoid of federal "earmarks." Tribune-Herald.

Pele's destruction of Royal Gardens is complete. Tribune-Herald.

A handful of West Hawaii high school students spent Saturday answering a barrage of ocean science-related questions in a battle against other teens for a spot at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl this spring. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Marshall Islanders on Maui marked Nuclear Survivors' Day with a march and rally Saturday. Maui News.

The Maui Democratic Party caucuses, which include the presidential caucus and district/precinct elections, will be held Wednesday across Maui County. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to reject an application that would allow Big Island Scrap Metal to accept appliances and other metals, in addition to the bottles and cans it already collects. Maui News.

A federally funded $1.14 million project is under way at Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Representatives of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana will be in Washington, D.C., June 5 to accept an award from the Chief of Naval Operations naming it one of the best installations in the U.S. Navy for environmental and cultural stewardship. Garden Island.

Storms hammered Kaua‘i with heavy rains Sunday, forcing the evacuation of at least 12 families, closing roads and bridges and causing rivers to overflow their banks. Garden Island.

Tropic Care Kaua‘i has delivered almost $1 million in free health care services to Kaua‘i residents since Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The tiny Kalaupapa Post Office, after being earmarked for possible closure by the U.S. Postal Service, will now remain open. Molokai Dispatch.

Byzantine government regulations endanger the already endangered sea turtles -- commentary

Visitors pose with sea turtles at Punaluu Black Sand Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Sea turtles -- by land or by sea?

You would think it's a distinction without a difference. Not so in the byzantine world that is our federal government.

In fact, oversight of protection of these endangered creatures is split between two federal agencies -- the National Marine Fisheries Service when the turtles are in the water, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when they're on land.

Visitor photos honu (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

In theory, the two agencies coordinate protection of six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters and nesting on U.S. shores -- all of which are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The species, the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead and olive ridley, have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since the 1970s.

The agencies are charged with creating recovery plans for each species, setting goals and recovery strategies. They're also charged with enforcing laws against harassing or killing these endangered animals.

Snoozing honu (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

That coordination could be improved, according to Jan. 31 study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Or, in government-speak, "To improve the effectiveness of the services’ sea turtle protection and recovery efforts, that the Secretary of Commerce should direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, and that the Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director of FWS, to revise the existing memorandum of understanding to clarify what specific steps the services will take to coordinate ..."

Hawksbill heads to sea, courtesy National Parks Service

Our precious turtles, known as "honu" in Hawaii, freely make use of both environments, of course. Swimmers and snorkelers easily spot green sea turtles in the ocean, and the curious creatures frequently will swim up to check out the people swimming nearby.

The Big Island's Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a favorite stop on the tour bus circuit, where hordes of tourists come to pose for photos with the massive honu sunning on the warm black sand. Some of the sightseers get too close, and arguments ensue, sometimes culminating in pushing and shoving matches.

We on Hawaii Island value our endangered species and aren't shy about making the scofflaws toe the line. In Hawaiian mythology, the green sea turtle, Kauila, could change herself into a girl who watched over the children playing at Punaluu Beach. Sea turtles also were thought to help guide early voyagers to Hawaii's shores and were an important food source in the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Honu grazing (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The folks at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also help coordinate protection efforts, especially of the hawksbill turtle that frequent their shores.

The National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should also, according to the GAO -- get this -- share their data. The very idea!

And who's in charge when that bugger is half in, half out of the water?

Perhaps, and you may call me a heretic, there is an easier solution. Why not simply pick one agency to oversee the turtles? Simple solution, cutting unnecessary duplication in government agencies and allowing one agency take full responsibility, thus creating more accountability. Too simple, perhaps?

Waikiki sand project snarls, Honolulu, Hawaii mayors release staus quo election-year budgets, Senate honors 'Descendants' author, more solar for Kauai, new publisher for Pacific Business News, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach sand groins (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A monthlong sand-replenishment project undertaken to widen a stretch of Waikiki Beach will be more disruptive than initially planned, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Long stretches of the usually majestic Waikiki Beach will be turned into roads for dump trucks and other heavy machines over the next few months while the City makes changes to its plans for replenishing the beach between the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hawaii News Now.

The state and visitor industry have to turn to an inconvenient plan "B" on the Waikiki sand project due to a sand-blowers shortcomings. KHON2.

Taxpayers are on the hook for $90,000 following a whistleblower lawsuit claiming state officials failed to comply with environmental laws when issuing dozens of permits for activities at the protected Papahānaumokuākea monument. Civil Beat.

The financial picture for the state's two largest health insurers significantly improved in the fourth quarter, as premiums caught up with actual medical costs after a series of rate hikes over the past year. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of kupuna marched at the state Capitol Thursday, fighting to keep Kupuna Care a priority. KITV4.

More steps have been taken to make good on HGEA's favored nations clause, but the state and counties don't yet know how budgets will be affected in this fiscal year. KHON2.

Good news for Hawaii’s fastest growing industry — the state has been ranked fourth for U.S. Renewable Energy Attractiveness. Pacific Business News.

Members of a dissident faction of Democrats who have long opposed Hawaii House Speaker Calvin Say argue that Say is behind new political boundaries that could force some of those dissidents out of office this year. Civil Beat.

Days after returning from the Academy Award in Los Angeles, Kaui Hart Hemmings was recognized by the state Senate for the success of her novel "The Descendants." Hawaii News Now.

Two weeks after emailing questions about email retention to the state's Department of Accounting and General Services — and 10 days after our article ran — we heard back. Civil Beat.

State roundup for March 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle's $1.953 billion operating budget proposal for the next fiscal year would increase city government spending by $28 million compared with last year but does not increase real property tax rates or user fees. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's operating and capital budgets for next year are nearly flat, together up just 2.3 percent from this year's budgets. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle outlined his new spending plan on Thursday for the fiscal year that starts in July. The $1.953 billion dollar operating budget is $28 million higher than the current one. Hawaii News Now.

A bill allowing food trucks and other vendors to operate on city roads and highways for up to three hours at a time advanced from the City Council Transportation Committee Thursday afternoon.Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit CEO Daniel Grabauskas is now the highest paid city employee. Hawaii Reporter.

Mary Beth Lohman, publisher of Pacific Business News    since December 2009, is resigning. Advertising Director Bob Charlet will succeed her and become publisher on March 2. Pacific Business News.

A group of tech savvy designers in Honolulu wants to hear from people to help design new applications to improve life around the city. It’s called, Code for America. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Thursday unveiled an election year status quo budget that holds the line on property taxes, maintains monthly employee furloughs, eliminates the West Hawaii golf subsidy and again postpones advance payments on health care for retired employees. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi is proposing to eliminate the county-operated lava viewing program at Kalapana to save $300,000 in the next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

The final settlement terms in the long-running Hokulia bypass saga will be revealed today. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The more than 1.1 million visitors to Haleakala National Park in 2010 spent nearly $75 million in the park and on the island, and supported 861 jobs, a new National Park Service report showed. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is eager to grab a piece of the film industry saying the neighbor islands saw only $5 million dollars last year, compared to Oahu's $100 million. KITV4.

Officials with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands led a presentation on the proposed Public Safety Complex in Puunene before the Council’s Policy Committee on Wednesday. Maui Now.

A nasty virus causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain has flared up all over Maui, a state heath official said last week. Maui News.

Work on the $21.6 million Science Building at the University of Hawaii Maui College continues on pace for an August completion, in time for next school year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials said Thursday that they plan to pursue a second major solar farm of up to 10 megawatts. Pacific Business News.

Within hours of the end of the fifth and final forum on Thursday for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors candidates, the co-op announced its intent to build a second large-scale solar project in the 8 to 10 megawatt range. Garden Island.

An oversight in the final version of the Lydgate camping ordinance, which took more than six years to be approved, prompted the Kaua‘i County Council to revisit the rules once again. Garden Island.

Spam to get 'spokescharacter,' Oahu legislators' gerrymandering claims halt maps, Honolulu plastic bag ban advances, Maui backs off 'Show Me the Water' ordinance, expired bus inspection stickers no problem, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Spam jammers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Spam, one of the most popular food items in Hawaii, is getting its own “spokescharacter,” Hormel Foods Corp. said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Charges of gerrymandering and a last-minute proposal by a dissident faction of House Democrats led the state Reapportionment Commission to delay a vote Wednesday on approving new district maps for state House and Senate seats. Star-Advertiser.

Accusations of voting maps being drawn to punish a state House faction that opposes Speaker Calvin Say have caused a delay in the reapportionment process. KHON2.

A group called Americans Elect this week qualified to place a presidential ticket on the Hawaii ballot, with plans to hold an online nominating convention this summer to select a balanced ticket — a presidential and vice presidential candidate from different political parties — to appear on ballots in all 50 states. Civil Beat.

Some middle and high schoolers in Hawaii are getting up to six hours less of class time per week than their peers, thanks to the state's historic lack of a minimum instructional time rule. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation to approve paying out a $909,000 settlement, one of several claims this year that add up to $5.8 million in state funds. Civil Beat.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has high hopes that "transformative" laser drilling technology could be a boon to geothermal energy developments, especially in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii is still trying to get caught up on payments, including stipends, scholarships and utility bills, more than two weeks after a fire caused $1.25 million in damage to a fiscal building. Associated Press.

State Health Director Loretta J. Fuddy said Wednesday that Hawaii's No. 1 ranking in the nation for the third year in a row in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index just proves the old adage "lucky we live Hawaii." Maui News.

State roundup for March 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee advanced a bill Wednesday to ban the distribution of nonbiodegradable plastic bags by most Oahu retailers, despite opposition from business interests and concerns raised by the official who would be tasked with enforcing such a ban. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin Wednesday apologized for failing to notify the City Council he had suspended debt guidelines for the multibillion-dollar rail project, as the city administration came under fire for lack of transparency. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin says Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration has a credibility problem. KHON2.

A bill that would lift development restrictions on two prime real estate lots along Ala Moana Boulevard is pending at the Hawaii State Legislature. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to exempt two lots from a law prohibiting residental development. on the makai side of Kakaako. KITV4.

The Abercrombie administration has come out in favor of the Hoopili development, but this week one of its top officials will be called as a witness by opponents of the project. Civil Beat.

It was hard to tell who was having more fun in the mud — the Marines in their 26-ton amphibious assault vehicles or the endangered Hawaiian stilts reveling in the churned-up food. Star-Advertiser.

A private consultant hired by the federal government to oversee Honolulu's rail transit project is worried that passengers who ride the train — to run from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center — might find the trip to be so uncomfortable that they may not use the system. Star-Advertiser.

Passengers arriving in Honolulu could face delays in the coming days, but not because of their flights. Some airport taxi drivers won't be picking up passengers for up to three days due to a dispute over new rules. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu police officer charged in an alleged overtime pay scam involving members of the DUI enforcement team was granted a one-year deferral after pleading guilty for his role in the case. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Many of Hawaii County's public buses have been driven around the island for the past month with expired state inspection stickers, but Mass Transit Administrator Tom Brown says the buses are perfectly safe. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe's new conversion charter school faces the possibility of having to fill vacancies left by the majority of the faculty at the current Department of Education school, with the start to its inaugural academic year just five months away. Tribune-Herald.

Kulani Correctional Facility on Hawai’i Island was abruptly shut down more than two years ago by the Lingle administration as a cost-cutting measure. Proposals in both Houses are now making their way through the legislative process to re-open the East Hawai’i facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

The county could save more than half of the almost $200,000 it spends annually on courier service if it brought the duties in-house, according to a study by the county Legislative Research Branch. West Hawaii Today.

Farm to table is one of the hottest culinary trends across the country, and it hasn't missed Hawaii, where high-end restaurants and resorts tout the local origin of their ingredients. West Hawaii Today.

Small groups of people engaged in lively discussions Wednesday night in Hilo to identify transportation problems in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Vog, volcanic smog, sulfur dioxide — no matter what you call it — Kilauea's emissions are impacting Hawaii Island in a multitude of ways, Ka'u residents said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council's Water Resources Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend revisions to the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance, which has drawn the ire of developers who've maintained it has stifled island construction. Maui News.

Armstrong Pacific has won the nearly $1.8 million contract to build the first phase of Easter Seals Hawaii's new Maui campus in Kahului, a project expected to provide at least 50 construction jobs and boost the Valley Isle's rebounding building industry. Maui News.

The Maui Policy Committee today recommended the disapproval of two nominees–Ralph Black, and James Clemens–to the Lanai Planning Commission. Maui Now.

A coalition of community groups are joining together this weekend to rally against the planned removal of four monkey pod trees along South Kihei Road. Maui Now.

Kauai
Solette Perry, the wife of Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, testified before the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday night on the authority of the mayor to suspend the police chief and then place her husband on leave. Garden Island.

The ongoing crisis at the Kaua‘i Police Department meant there wasn’t a report from the police chief at the monthly Kaua‘i County Police Commission meeting last Friday. Garden Island.

Kauai police use stun gun on Kapa'a High student. Hawaii News Now.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a bill that extends for an additional six months a pilot program that allows Kaua‘i Community College students to use The Kaua‘i Bus at no cost. Garden Island.

Molokai
Researchers recently discovered that land-based plant material found in underwater canyons supports increased abundances of bottom fish, like those off the north shore of Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.