Monday, July 16, 2012

Health Department lags on testing Hawaii beaches, teachers union mulls lawsuit, Maui mayor meets with Lanai owner Ellison, Navy sinks ship off Kauai, annual barge visits Molokai, candidates report campaign finance, taxpayer subsidies spike for Honolulu rail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright All Hawaii News
Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Department of Health didn't test dozens of beaches that it was supposed to in 2011 — including some of the state’s most popular. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard led all 2nd Congressional District candidates in fundraising in the second quarter of 2012, according to contribution reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Star-Advertiser.

There's not a well-known Republican running for in the race for 2nd Congressional District, so Hawaii voters will likely be selecting a new U.S. representative in the Democratic primary on Aug. 11. Civil Beat.

For former Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case, being a moderate is not only a political philosophy, it is about effective leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe told teachers last week that the union is exploring legal means to enforce the January contract agreement the state considers off the table, according to internal documents. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie recently signed bills to combat cyberbullying, to prohibit adults from soliciting minors to electronically transmit nude images of minors and to allow out-of-state records to be subpoenaed in criminal cases. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines, the state's oldest airline said Sunday it will offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Auckland, New Zealand, three times a week beginning March 13. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell received $511,404 in campaign donations from January through June, nearly $400,000 less than fellow challenger Ben Cayetano, according to campaign figures released today. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu city taxpayer subsidies for public transportation in Honolulu will increase by hundreds of millions of dollars to 17 percent of overall city tax collections after the new 20-mile rail system gets rolling, according to the new financial plan for rail. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu elevated rail project is splitting Hawai`i’s environmental community, with only one group coming out in support of the project. Hawaii Public Radio.

An $8 million gym and multi purpose building continues to sit empty in West Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu is seeking applicants for projects to preserve and protect forests, beaches, coastal areas. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Less than half of Hawaii County Mayor Mayor Billy Kenoi’s $388,249 in campaign contributions come from the county he oversees. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent State Senator Gil Kahele raised more than 10 times the money that challenger Donald Ikeda did in the first six months of 2012, according to campaign spending reports released Thursday by the state Campaign Spending Commission. Tribune-Herald.

After being vetoed last week, two geothermal bills will get another chance Thursday as the Hawaii County Council votes on whether to override Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administrative dismissal. Tribune-Herald.

The former nursing director at Bay Clinic has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, claiming she was fired because of her gender and marital status, and accusing the nonprofit health care organization of “defamation” and “negligent infliction of emotional distress.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui state Rep. George Fontaine last week lauded Gov. Neil Abercrombie for recently signing four cyber-crime bills into law. Maui News.

Maui County total business establishments decreased 2% from 4,422 establishments in 2005 to 4,332 in 2010. Maui Now.

The 2012 Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force will hold meetings on Maui and Molokai on concerns about the disproportionate number of Native Hawaiians who are in prison. Maui News.

Kauai

A live-fire exercise sank the former Navy ship Niagara Falls southwest of Kauai on Saturday, the Navy said. Star-Advertiser.

A Kaua‘i attorney was convicted of harassment Thursday after being accused of licking his client’s ear at his office last year. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a forum featuring the Kaua‘i County Council candidates on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kaua’i War Memorial Conventional Hall Exhibition Area. Garden Island.

Lanai

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa got some glimpses this week about what Lanai’s new owner, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, wants to do with the Pineapple Isle when he met with Ellison's representatives and people from Castle & Cooke in a closed-door meeting. Pacific Business News.


Molokai
courtesy Sen. J. Kalani English
Molokai barge day courtesy Sen. J. Kalani English
The normally calm demeanor of the Kalaupapa settlement was replaced with hustle and bustle on Saturday morning as residents chatted excitedly about what many have dubbed “Christmas in July.” It marked the once-a-year barge that hauls in essential supplies like building materials, fuel, vehicles and other goods from Oahu to the isolated settlement. Molokai Dispatch.



Friday, July 13, 2012

Gay marriage, abortion top Hawaii's 2nd Congressional debate; Honolulu requires protest permits; embattled Hawaii County Elections Office ready for the primary; geothermal, GASB bills nixed; Kauai smoking ban smolders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2nd Congressional debate, courtesy Hawaii News Now
Social issues like abortion and gay marriage came up early and often during the first widely televised debate in the 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary Thursday night. Civil Beat.

The four major candidates in the Democratic primary for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District exchanged barbs during a feisty 90-minute debate Thursday night that touched on issues from their views on same-sex marriage to their ranges of political experience. Star-Advertiser.

Four of the candidates in the Democratic party primary for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District squared off in a 90-minute debate on Hawaii News Now. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard, former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann, legislative aide Esther Kia'aina  and Big Island lawyer Bob Marx say they have what it takes to represent rural Oahu and the neighboring islands. KITV4.

Lingle Tops Hirono in Fundraising; Poll Wars; TV: Dems Debate, Republicans Left Out. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has instituted a new policy for his appointees this election year: they have to take vacation or unpaid leave if they're running for office. Hawaii News Now.

The reform of Hawaii's charter school system got underway Thursday as Karen Street, a human resources executive, was chosen as chairwoman of the commission that will oversee the schools, and plans were announced to hire a national organization to help implement the new law. Star-Advertiser.

Experiences on the mainland, along with evaluations of Hawaii election procedures, suggest several types of legal and procedural changes that would be likely to bolster voter registration and election turnout, although studies suggest the overall impact may be modest at best. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will focus on building momentum in the recovery of the local tourism industry during its annual Hawaii Tourism Conference, which will be Aug. 23-24 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Pacific Business News.

Computer generated data is expected to grow by 50 times by 2020.   Storing and managing this information was covered during this year’s Asia-Pacific International Management Conference in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for July 12. Associated Press.

Oahu


Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell received $511,404 in campaign donations from January through June, nearly $400,000 less than fellow challenger Ben Cayetano, according to campaign figures released today. Hawaii Reporter.

As many as six more University of Hawaii officials in different departments could find their roles in the botched Stevie Wonder fundraising concert under review following the suspensions of UH's athletic director and Stan Sheriff arena manager this week. Star-Advertiser.

People holding a protest or other "expressive activity" in a city park would be required to obtain a permit, under a bill approved Wednesday by the Honolulu City Council. The bill, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union Hawaii chapter, was prompted by a court order. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu City Councilmen are calling on the Mayor to make sure money is found to restore bus service after recent cutbacks. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Mayor Peter Carlisle are working together to decide on the future of the historic Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. KITV4.

Hawaii

More Hawaii County voters are expected to vote by mail this election, but early walk-in voting will be limited to three locations, and three small precincts won’t have a polling place at all, under changes instituted this year by the county Elections Office. West Hawaii Today.

The person in charge of elections on the Big Island said today that the voting process is on track. Big Island Now.

A pair of bills relating to geothermal energy have died on Mayor Billy Kenoi’s desk, unless the County Council can engineer an override of the veto. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi vetoed a bill that would have required the county to make payments into a county retiree benefits account and denounced it as being “fiscally irresponsible.” Tribune-Herald.

The three candidates for County Prosecuting Attorney faced off last night at a political forum in Hilo. KPUA.

Maui

Several hundred Maui residents have signed a petition asking the county's liquor commission to again prohibit patrons from bringing their own wine into restaurants. Maui News.

Three months after Maui's liquor commissioners tossed a plan to shut down late-night entertainment in the Kihei Kalama Village, the department says it's seeing positive changes. Maui News.

Costco Wholesale on Maui opened a gas station this morning, selling regular unleaded gas at $3.99 and premium for $4.19 for a gallon. Maui Now.

Kauai

A bill that would allow outlaw tobacco products at county parks and designate the parks’ parking lots as smoking areas seemed poised to fly through second and final reading Wednesday at the Kaua‘i County Council meeting. Instead, the council decided to put more work into the bill. Garden Island.

After much controversy earlier this year, when Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. put Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Darryl Perry on leave, voters will not decide whether the mayor or the Police Commission has such powers over the police chief. Garden Island.

Lihu‘e Public Library will be closing for extensive renovation starting this fall. Garden Island.


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Hawaii County bans aerial hunting, Honolulu rail scrutinized, debated, UH officials on leave for $200k Stevie Wonder fiasco, Hurricane Emilia strengthens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mouflon sheep, courtesy photo
Shooting animals by helicopter on Hawaii Island, even by government agencies such as the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, is now illegal. Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday signed into law a largely symbolic bill that prohibits “any person to engage in the eradication of any animal for any reason while being transported by helicopter, airplane, or any similar means.” Tribune-Herald.

Both Democrats U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, and former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, have received the endorsement of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association in its respective primaries for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Star-Advertiser.

Republican Senate candidate Linda Lingle on Wednesday released the results of an internal poll showing her ahead of Mazie Hirono and tied with Ed Case in projected November matchups. Civil Beat.

While Hawaii languishes at or near the bottom among the states in voter turnout, several other states have established enviable records of high voter participation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii consumers carried the nation's second-highest credit card debt in June despite the average balance falling 3 percent over the previous year, according to CreditKarma, a California-based credit scoring website. Star-Advertiser.

After downgrading Emilia to a Category Two hurricane, the National Hurricane Center says it has strengthened to a Category Three. Hawaii News Now.

A memo sent to Hawaii sheriffs ordering them to stand down, needs to be clarified. That's according to the interim director who didn't even see the memo before it was sent. KHON2.

State roundup for July 12. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, campaigning for mayor on a platform to halt the city's $5.26 billion rail project and use the money to improve Honolulu's crumbling infrastructure, would be unlikely to accomplish any of that if he wins the office, his campaign rivals charged. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano focused many of their attacks on Kirk Caldwell in the KITV-Civil Beat debate Wednesday night, offering a window in the strategies the candidates are implementing a month before the Aug. 11 primary. Civil Beat.

Pacific Resource Partnership is a leading pro-rail spender in this year’s election cycle just as it was in 2008 and 2010, but where the group’s money comes from is shrouded in secrecy. Hawaii Reporter.

Resolutions requesting an audit of all rail-related public relations contracts and seeking tighter controls on rail contract change orders won easy approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has placed two longtime officials on indefinite leave and is seeking the help of an independent investigator and the FBI to get to the bottom of its ill-fated Stevie Wonder concert venture. Star-Advertiser.

Just a day after the embarrassing announcement that a University of Hawaii athletics fundraising concert featuring Stevie Wonder was canceled, the UH placed Athletics Director Jim Donovan on paid leave and began an investigation into the botched event. Hawaii News Now.

A debate raged during a community meeting Wednesday night, over the spread of deadly infectious diseases and plans for a bio-safety laboratory at Kalaeloa. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council voted 7-2 on Wednesday to approve a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week ban, on commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park and at nearby Kalama Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Petroleum Ltd. and AeroVironment have installed electric vehicle fast chargers at three Aloha gas stations on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The state Department of Health Underground Storage Tank Section has issued a Notice of Violation against Aloha Petroleum Ltd., the registered owner and operator of Island Mini Mart, a fuel service station in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A local tour company that led youth to Kealakekua Bay’s Kaawaloa shoreline did not have a permit to be in the area where large waves a week ago swept a 15-year-old New York boy into the ocean. West Hawaii Today.

As quickly as David Choe painted an eye-catching mural below Big Island Harley-Davidson on Palani Road, it was painted over and rendered back to its original form: a gray cement retaining wall. West Hawaii Today.

Everybody knows astronauts like Tang, but what about Spam musubi? Six men and women, culled from a field of 700 applicants, will help to answer that question and many more from their perch upon a Hawaii Island lava field next year as part of HI-SEAS, or Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, a joint NASA study between the University of Hawaii and Cornell University that will simulate a mission to Mars. Tribune-Herald.

The slopes of Mauna Loa are often described as “Mars like” terrain. Soon a handful of people will spend 4 months there living as they would on Mars. It’s a collaborative effort including researchers from the University of Hawai`i and one surprisingly qualified O`ahu mom. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui landowners in agricultural districts could be in for a shorter permitting process to offer short-term rentals under a new state law. Maui News.

The San Francisco-based investment firm co-developing a planned wind farm on Molokai says that it is interested in buying Hana Ranch in rural East Maui. Maui News.

Deer watch, wait while management plan developed. Maui News.

Judge Kelsey Kawano on Wednesday dissolved a temporary restraining order that had kept Dallas-based RadCare from taking over exclusive radiology services at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui News.

State crews begin emergency repair work next week to restore damaged sections of the Hana Highway. Maui Now.

Kauai

The biennial exercise known as RIMPAC is hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with some ships of the 22 participating nations training with hull-mounted active sonar around Hawai‘i’s islands. Despite efforts to reduce deadly exposure of high-pressure sound waves to sea mammals, advocates say the measures fall short. Garden Island.

The memories of Kaua‘i’s Taylor Camp still ripple across the globe, even though the camp was dismantled some 35 years ago. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday granted a set of permits to McBryde Gardens in Lawa‘i, allowing the National Tropical Botanical Gardens to move along with a new philosophy of making its gardens more accessible and utilizing its vast collection as a tool to teach sustainability. Garden Island.



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Abercrombie signs, vetoes bills, Cayetano raises almost $900k, Kauai could get Hunger Games sequel, Hawaii County elections officer reinstated, Native Hawaiian caretaker guilty of obstructing DLNR, RIMPAC heads out to sea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie signs bills, courtesy photo
Gov. Neil Abercrombie vetoed 14 bills passed by the state Legislature last session, down from 17 vetoes last year. Tuesday was the deadline for the governor to issue vetoes. Star-Advertiser.

Of the 345 measures passed out of the 2012 Legislature, 329 are now law. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed 323 measures into law and vetoed 14.  Six measures became law without the governor’s signature. Governor's Office.

List of Acts for the 2012 legislative session. Governor's Office.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie late Tuesday announced he vetoed 14 measures. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today made his final decision on all 2012 Legislative bills. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday signed House Bill 2030 requiring motorists to move over a lane or at least slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday signed into law House Bill 1957, which brings Hawaii’s patient privacy protection laws in line with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act laws. Pacific Business News.

Aerial luminaries, also known as sky lanterns, are no longer legal to own, buy, sell or use under a bill signed into law by Gov. Neil Abercrombie Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A bill seeking to do away with mandatory inspection and certification of Hawaii-grown coffee will pass into law after Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s announcement Tuesday that he had opted not to veto the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle made this speech on her views about the Jones Act at the Associated Builders and Contractors Member Appreciation Dinner on July 10, 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Pearl Harbor is being drained of nearly 40 ships as the at-sea portion of the big June 29-to-Aug. 3 Rim of the Pacific exercise gets under way around the Hawaiian Islands. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii on Tuesday abruptly canceled an Aug. 18 Stevie Wonder concert to benefit its athletic department after Wonder’s agent told school officials the show was planned without the star’s knowledge. Star-Advertiser.

Time Warner Cable blamed "greedy broadcasters," while KITV, the Hawaii ABC-TV affiliate, complained of "Time Warner's exaggerated and distorted claims," as the two reached an impasse that left most Hawaii television viewers without KITV programming. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for July 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano has raised nearly $900,000 since announcing in January that he is running for mayor in a bid to stop the city's planned $5.27 billion rail transit project, his campaign said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral challenger Ben Cayetano is thrashing incumbent Mayor Peter Carlisle in campaign fundraising. Hawaii Reporter.

Bob Watada, well-respected former executive director of the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, flew in from Oregon to set the record straight about the illegal contributions Ben Cayetano received during his 1998 re-election campaign for governor. Civil Beat.

Under pressure from the City Council to justify the number of public relations jobs tied to the Honolulu rail project, positions dedicated to "public involvement" will shrink from 23 to 91⁄2 by the end of the year, cutting more than $2.8 million in spending. Star-Advertiser.

Two years after questions were first raised about how much money the city was devoting to public relations for the controversial rail project, officials canned more than half the PR staff and cut nearly $3 million in contracts. Civil Beat.

Leading the way with 66.9 percent voter turnout in 2010 was House District 18, which runs from Hahaione Valley through Kuliouou and Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Wailupe, and part of Kahala. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Fired Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto is getting her job back, following a union grievance and a decision from the county Human Resources Department. West Hawaii Today.

Portions of Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo will be closed to traffic in about two months as Hawaii County starts a seven-month-long sewer rehabilitation project. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Crews are mopping up after a fire burned about 2 acres of dry brush at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course on Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Film Commissioner Art Umezu escorted a Los Angeles-based production team scouting locations around the island a couple of months ago. While they didn’t say what movie they were scouting, numerous reports say Kauai is the top choice for Catching Fire, the Hunger Games first sequel. Pacific Business News.

A jury found a Wailua man guilty Tuesday of stopping a DLNR construction dig for the Kaumuali‘i Comfort Station project near kupuna burials at Kaumuali‘i Park and Old Smith Landing in Wailua. Garden Island.

Following the first live capture of a mongoose by KISC trapper Pat Gmelin on May 23, a second mongoose, this time a juvenile, was captured on June 29 at the Young Brothers pier in Nawiliwili. Garden Island.

As the next school year rolls in, a new private school will be up and running at the Lawa‘i home of the former principal of Kahili Adventist School, thanks to permits granted by the Kaua‘i Planning Commission Tuesday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Waikiki tourism nears record, no-bid education contract disputed, Gabbard charges Hannemann with campaign violation, Hawaii tour company lacked permit for area where teen swept out to sea, Japan tsunami debris halfway to Hawaii, electric rates dip, but still nation's highest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The resurgence in tourism has put Waikiki hotels on track for a record year. Star-Advertiser.

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling in Hawaii, One Hotel at a Time. Civil Beat.

Should Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, (D-Hawaii) win the U.S. Senate election this November, she will help select Hawaii’s next federal judge. Hawaii Reporter.

The 2nd Congressional District race heated up Monday as City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard filed a complaint against former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, charging that he is not complying with federal election laws by failing to disclose all his expenditures, among other things. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard Files FEC Complaint Against Hannemann. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appealing a ruling ordering the state to pay nearly $70,000 in Honolulu Star-Advertiser attorney fees and costs after the newspaper prevailed in a lawsuit over the release of names of judicial finalists. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign into law a bill requiring drivers to move over when they're passing an emergency vehicle on a highway. Associated Press.

The College Board, a nonprofit that administers the college-entrance exam SAT, has taken issue with the state's plan to forgo competitive bidding and seek a sole-source contract with its competitor, Iowa-based ACT Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Residential electricity bills fell on all islands in July from June, the state's two power utilities reported Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Sperm Banks For Coral -- One Scientist's Unusual Plan To Save The Species. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii interisland airline go! is adding flights on three existing routes between Maui and Kauai, Honolulu and Maui and Honolulu and the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Sea Dragon crew finds Japanese boat halfway to Hawaii. KITV4.

State roundup for July 10. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle raised $198,000 toward his re-election bid during the first six months of 2012, according to a report filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii may be one of only two states that prohibit gambling — even bingo and lotteries — but casino-type video games at several Oahu stores have one longtime lawmaker concerned. Civil Beat.

Archers hope their message on Monday night hit the target. A popular range has been off-limits for months due to a stray arrow, but the city will soon decide whether it is safe to re-open the facility with some changes. Hawaii News Now.

SARS, antibiotic-resident tuberculosis, dengue fever and other infectious diseases could someday be diagnosed in a laboratory the UH wants to build. Hawaii News Now.

After much anticipation following last season's cliff-hanger, the cast and crew of Hawaii Five-0 is preparing for its third season. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
The island’s three leading mayoral candidates agree on some things but disagree on others, including funding future health care costs for retirees, establishing open space at Ooma and handling the island’s trash situation, among others. West Hawaii Today.

The tour company that took a group of teenagers on a hike where a New York teen was swept out to sea didn’t have a permit to be in the tide pool area where the incident happened, State officials said Monday. Associated Press.

On their final day of searching Monday, fire rescue crews yielded no signs of a 15-year-old New York boy who was reportedly swept from the shoreline last week near Kealakekua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

A federal grant totalling more than $17 million to erect a new aircraft rescue and firefighting building is en route to Kona International Airport, state and federal officials said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii is getting a $17 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to build an aircraft rescue and firefighting building at the Kona International Airport on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hawaii's Vanishing Voter: South Maui Is The Worst For Voter Turnout. Civil Beat.

Real estate data for Maui County for the first half year of this year "is really about the same" as the same period last year, according to a Realtors Association of Maui official. Maui News.

Curbside recycling will be coming to all of Maui Meadows and other parts of South Maui beginning with deliveries of two new colored carts Saturday. Maui News.

MECO’s 15% Solar Threshold Raises Questions. Maui Now.

Kauai

In preparation for road resurfacing in Kapa‘a, a Public Works crew will be doing roadside work in three Kapa‘a subdivisions — Kawaihau and Wai’ale’ale estates and Kapa‘a Meadows. Garden Island.

If you are still thinking about voting, now is the time to make up your mind. The primary election will be held Aug. 11, but the deadline to register to vote is this Thursday. Garden Island.

At 60 registered youth, the Hanalei Junior Lifeguard program was the biggest yet, said Bruce Stine, one of the program’s instructors, Monday. Garden Island.

Molokai

This coming weekend, the Moloka’i 4H Livestock Expo opens at the ball field in Kaunakakai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Monday, July 9, 2012

No special session for veto overrides, Hurricane Daniel weakens, Public Housing Authority hiring, Honolulu picking up prostitutes, landowners blocking beach access, Haleakala National Park may limit tours, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
House Speaker Calvin Say and Senate President Shan Tsutsui said today in a memo to fellow legislators there will be no special session this July 10 to override any of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's potential vetoes. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's main energy efficiency and conservation program — initially focused primarily on hardware upgrades such as compact fluorescent bulbs, Energy Star appliances and air conditioning retrofits — is now getting some help from behavioral scientists in its mission to cut the state's electricity consumption. Star-Advertiser.

There’s a new energy debate heating up, looking at whether liquefied natural gas could play a role in Hawai`i’s fuel future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Across the country, voter turnout has been on the decline since the 1960s, but Hawaii started higher than most and has fallen farther over the years. Civil Beat.

Oceanfront property owners use vegetation--and deception--to thwart rightful public access. Honolulu Weekly.

The state's Public Housing Authority is hiring. Which means dozens of jobs are available, and more people will be able to get housing they desperately need. KITV4.

Adult community schools have gotten a one-month reprieve before a planned consolidation, now set to take place Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu will be making five appearances at a Honolulu cathedral. Associated Press.

The National Hurricane Center says hurricane Daniel continues to weaken as it moves west along the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for July 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu prosecutors say prostitution laws are being more aggressively enforced, and police are making more arrests on weekends. Civil Beat.

The city deviated from state procurement law in its award of a $175,000 Fire Department consulting contract in 2010, said state Chief Procurement Officer Aaron Fujioka. Hawaii Reporter.

More questions are being raised about backroom contracting procedures that have led to a Honolulu Ethics Commission investigation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released more than $75.3 million for Honolulu International Airport projects. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hirono opens East Hawaii headquarters. Tribune-Herald.

Providing Native Hawaiians already incarcerated with the tools and skills needed to succeed is just one of many ways to address concerns about the over-representation of Native Hawaiians in the criminal justice system, one resident told a state task force Saturday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

BigIslandRadar.com monitoring, reporting traffic violations to police. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


County Council members voted 7-2 Friday to give initial approval to a resolution that would put before voters on Nov. 6 a second version of a proposed Maui County Charter amendment to extend council terms from two to four years. Maui News.

The Public Utilities Commission has appointed Senators Roz Baker and J. Kalani English as members to the newly created Hawaiian Electric Companies’ Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) Advisory Group. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park officials are seeking public input on a plan that would significantly scale back commercial tour activities offered in the park, including prohibiting tours several days each year and banning motor coaches. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii plans to open a new behavioral health services location on Maui this week. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

After hearing public concerns regarding a bill to “encourage the use” of county-owned charging stations for electric vehicles, Kaua‘i County Council members on Thursday changed language in the bill to no longer offer free charges to electric vehicles for the next six months. Garden Island.

Even though the price of crude oil went down in June, Hawai‘i drivers are, on average, paying more for gasoline compared to the same time last year. Garden Island.

While some states offer rebates as high as 35 percent,  that’s not the only reason filmmakers select locations. Garden Island.

Molokai

After a scare in April that bus services to Molokai Intermediate and High schools would be cut, parents and students will be relieved to learn that school bus services on Molokai will not be affected for the upcoming school year, according to the Department of Education. Molokai Dispatch.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Scientists selected for simulated Mars mission, Honolulu Ethics Commission looking into fire consultant contract, Hawaii Island mayoral candidates face off, Hirono, Case set TV debate, Maui wind project advances, Inouye defends rail transit cost, food stamp fraud down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cornell University
Mars team building training courtesy Cornell University
Six scientists have been chosen to make up the crew of a simulated mission to Mars that will include living in isolation in a Hawaii lava field. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case will appear in a televised debate July 26. Star-Advertiser.

Congressman Ed Case, D-Hawaii (2002-2007) and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, will come together for a televised debate on Thursday, July 26 between 6:30 pm and 8 pm on KHNL, KGMB and KFVE., Hawaii News Now announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, putting aside his concerns about equity, has signed a bill into law that makes private hospitals pay the state provider fees that in turn will attract millions in federal money to help finance medical care for the poor. Star-Advertiser.

The number of food stamp recipients in Hawaii who have been yanked from the program because of fraud has dropped dramatically since 2007 despite a huge expansion in the population getting such public assistance. Star-Advertiser.

The number of initial unemployment claims filed in Hawaii fell 11 percent last week, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii hotels ran fuller as July arrived, aided by increased air connections and the arrival of RIMPAC guests. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Rail opponents, including mayoral candidate and former Gov. Ben Cayetano, are "misinformed" if they believe the Federal Transit Administration does not support the city's $5.26 billion project, U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye said. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has opened an investigation into how the Honolulu Fire Department handed out a consulting contract to evaluate the merits of a merger with the Emergency Services Department. Civil Beat.

The city Ethics Commission is investigating allegations of wrongdoing in the 2010 award of a $175,000 consultant contract that recommended a merger of the Fire Department with the Emergency Services Department. Hawaii Reporter.

City of Honolulu officials within the Department of Environmental Services met for five hours today on how to respond to our questions about the Denny Wong Design dumping chemicals down the drain investigation.  They concluded their response was not to say anything because of the lawsuits involved. Hawaii News Now.

The federal agency that oversees fishery regulations opened a service center Thursday at the Commercial Fishing Village at Pier 38. Star-Advertiser.

A new building at Pier 38 in Honolulu promises to make life for commercial fishermen a whole lot easier. KITV4.

Pro-rail political action committee Pacific Resource Partnership hit the $500,000 mark this week, according to Civil Beat’s most recent look into who's buying political TV ads. Civil Beat.

World-famous Lanikai Beach attracts more visitors each year and with that comes an increasing amount of garbage. KHON2.

Hawaii
Santa Claus meets the bully pulpit meets Just Call Me Harry. There are as many campaign styles as there are major candidates for Hawaii County mayor. West Hawaii Today.

The three leading mayoral candidates held a largely cordial discussion about county priorities Thursday evening during their first major forum of the campaign season. West Hawaii Today.

The Fourth of July may have been a day earlier, but that didn’t stop the fireworks from flying Thursday night as three of Hawaii County’s mayoral candidates faced off in their first major debate of the election season. Tribune-Herald.

It was a mostly civil affair tonight as the top three contenders for Big Island mayor squared off for the first time, but the evening wasn’t without some sniping. Big Island Now.

A new biodiesel plant could change the face of locally-produced biodiesel and the Big Island's farming landscape. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County is now handling 17 relocation requests from Puna residents wanting to move away from the district’s geothermal power plant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Islanders could be riding on a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hele-On shuttle bus by the end of this year, or early 2013. Tribune-Herald.

A state task force is seeking Big Islanders’ input and concern regarding the number of Native Hawaiians incarcerated in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
A council committee this afternoon chose not to place land proposed for the Upcountry Town Center, a commercial and housing project across from Pukalani Superette, into an urban growth boundary. Maui News.

With assurances from Mayor Alan Arakawa that the community and the council will be involved with its development, a council committee on Tuesday voted to recommend the purchase of 100 acres in Waikapu for a county consolidated baseyard project. Maui News.

The second phase of Maui's Kaheawa wind energy project began commercial operations Thursday with a battery storage system that will allow Maui Electric Co. to absorb a higher share of intermittent wind power into the relatively small island electrical grid. Star-Advertiser.

A&B Properties, Inc., the real estate subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., announced today that it has begun sales in Phase II of its 179-acre Maui Business Park in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

First, smokers got kicked out of restaurants, bars and enclosed public establishments. Now, they are getting pretty close to being confined to parking lots at county parks. Garden Island.

The public will have the opportunity to address public safety questions and concerns with community leaders from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Kaua‘i Police Department and the County Council’s Chair of Public Safety at a series of public meetings in July. Garden Island.

Two candidates for U.S. Congress paid visits to Kaua‘i Thursday morning, on the heels of Independence Day celebrations. Garden Island.

Molokai

In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Hawaii voter registration up, state plans for Medicaid cuts, legislators don't report stock ownership, FBI coming to Hilo, Honolulu pig removal costly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2010 voters All Hawaii News file photo
The number of registered voters statewide has increased steadily over two decades to 684,481 people in 2010 — the most recent year for which data are available — from 436,323 people in 1990. But voter turnout for primary elections during those decades fluctuated between a high of 309,700 in 1994 and a low of 246,299 in 2008. Star-Advertiser.

The last day for new voters to register to vote in the Aug. 11 primary election is July 12, the state Office of Elections said. Maui News.

A review of lawmakers' most recent financial disclosures shows that remarkably few report owning stock or mutual funds, similar to last year's finding. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s spending on Medicaid under the federal health-care law will drop by $28 million during the years 2014-19, as federal financing under the law kicks in. Pacific Business News.

The Affordable Care Act is moving forward with some additional certainly after last week’s Supreme Court ruling. As part of ongoing coverage, HPR is speaking with health care providers to find out what’s next in Hawai`i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii State Department of Health will receive a $6.8 million federal grant to increase preparedness for public health threats. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Board of Education today unanimously approved an updated Hawaii State Department of Education Strategic Plan that builds on key strengths and reform initiatives to ensure all students graduate ready to succeed in college or careers. Hawaii Independent.

Randy Moore, 73, retired last week after serving the past six years as assistant superintendent for the Office of School Facilities and Support Services. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's Birds Threatened by Invasive Predators, Habitat Loss. Hawaii Reporter.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s exclusion from docking at Pearl Harbor during this month’s Rim of the Pacific international naval exercises has created a kerfuffle among political commentators in that country. Tribune-Herald.

State roundup for July 5. Associated Press.

Oahu
In the last five years, the city has paid the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services branch $305,000 to trap, shoot and kill 233 feral pigs that root around in the gardens, dropping feces and damaging the tropical and native flora that grow there. Civil Beat.

An engineering firm with the contract to design the first three stations for the city's $5.26 billion rail project has bought a consulting firm that has a key role in overseeing the project. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako's waterfront will have a new look on Sept. 1 with the opening of a $16 million Mediterranean-style wedding venue marketed to Japanese couples on the site of the former John Dominis restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

With this year's primary election just five weeks away, politicians and their supporters pushed the number of units in this year's Kailua Independence Day Parade to 108, an increase of 20 more than last year. Hawaii News Now.

Romy Cachola's eight years on the Honolulu City Council is coming to a close, and the next generation of leaders is poised to step into the void. Civil Beat.

Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii gathered on Waikiki Beach Wednesday with a 5-foot by 10-foot iMat serving as the perfect platform for their trash-fighting endeavor. KITV4.

The race for Honolulu Prosecutor will go straight to the November general election with just two candidates. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Democratic Party’s annual Independence Day Picnic on Wednesday drew scores of Big Islanders who reveled in the smorgasbord of Democratic candidates vying for county, state and federal offices this fall. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council approved a request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to set up an office in the Hilo police station. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

South Maui beachgoers would be able to park for longer periods of time at the end of South Kihei Road under a bill advanced Monday by a County Council committee. Maui News.

Maui residents could end up paying as much as $30,000 for a new water meter under one of four "funding philosophies" the county's Department of Water Supply says is needed to handle future growth. Maui News.

The fight over the fate of two malls planned for Kihei in South Maui has turned into a battle of dueling letters, filings with official county and state administrative bodies and organized community protests. Maui Now.

Kauai
As July 1 rolled in, Kauai County’s Fiscal Year 2013 officially started, and with it, the possibility for Kaua‘i’s top police and fire officials to receive almost $7,000 more in annual salaries. Garden Island.

Three Kaua‘i residents whose essays were selected from 15 responders recently won an hour of flight instruction. Garden Island.

Molokai

In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous. Molokai Dispatch.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Hawaii opens largest biodiesel refinery, Hirono agrees to TV debate, groups sue EPA over warships to be sunk during RIMPAC war games, Honolulu councilman gets big fine for vote conflict, Kauai police commission sues for clarity on discipline, industrial complex for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Biodiesel ceremony
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and Hawaii Mayor Billy Kenoi courtesy photo
Hawaii’s newest and largest biodiesel refinery received a rain shower blessing Monday during its grand opening celebrations. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye was in Keeau on the Big Island today to attend the dedication ceremony for the Pacific Biodiesel plant there. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye has good things to say about Billy Kenoi and Mazie Hirono, but not Linda Lingle, and he still has unresolved issues with Ed Case. Tribune-Herald.


U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Monday agreed to debate former U.S. Rep. Ed Case on commercial television, a tactical adjustment by Hirono as their Democratic primary for U.S. Senate approaches an important stretch. Star-Advertiser.


Just 40 days to go until the state's primary election - and after months of declining a televised debate, Mazie Hirono announced Monday she will go head-to-head with Democratic opponent, Ed Case. Hawaii News Now.


What made Mazie Hirono change her mind about debating Ed Case? Civil Beat.

Ed Case walks and talks — and also hopes — that he will be the next United States Senator in Washington, DC, representing Hawai‘i constituents for many years to come. Garden Island.

As Rim of the Pacific war games get started, the head of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said the exercise is a "unique training opportunity that strengthens our maritime partnerships." Star-Advertiser.


Groups Sue EPA over RIMPAC Ship Sinking. Hawaii Public Radio.

The U.S. Navy is resuming its practice of using old warships for target practice and sinking them in U.S. coastal waters after a nearly two-year moratorium spurred by environmental and cost concerns. Associated Press.

A plan to cut school bus service to nearly 2,400 students statewide is angering several parents and lawmakers, who say families weren't given enough time to plan for the changes. Star-Advertiser.


Civil Beat reported back in November in our Taken For a Ride series that the state has done next to nothing to stop runaway bus costs. Bus companies abruptly stopped competing with each other for contracts, and rather than reject or negotiate bids to hold down costs, district officials shifted the burden to parents, kids and taxpayers. Civil Beat.

It is a measure of how nervous we are about Hawaii's economy that we are fretting over the pending recommendations of the state Tax Review Commission. Star-Advertiser.

A $2.2 million expedition is hoping to finally solve one of America's most enduring mysteries: What exactly happened to famed aviator Amelia Earhart when she disappeared in the South Pacific 75 years ago? Star-Advertiser.

Airlines are expected to fly a record number of seats on their planes to Hawaii this quarter as the state heads toward an unsurpassed year in tourist arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for July 3. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu city Ethics Commission fined City Councilman Nestor Garcia $6,500 — the largest fine imposed on a city official to date — for failing to disclose conflicts of interest stemming from a $5,000-a-month job he took in 2009 as executive director of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce. Star-Advertiser.

Nestor Garcia
Former Honolulu Council Chairman Nestor Garcia Fined $6,500 - Largest Fine in City's History - for Failure to Disclose Conflicts of Interest on Rail Project. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu Councilman Nestor Garcia, who is winding down his second term and not running for any political office this fall, was fined $6,500 by the Honolulu Ethics Commission for breaking conflict of interest rules and misusing city resources while acting as the executive director of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce, a side job that pays him $60,000 a year. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Nestor Garcia has apologized and paid thousands of dollars in ethics fines for failing to disclose a conflict of interest in 52 votes before the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

KHON2 will present a Honolulu Mayoral candidates debate. KHON2.

In the second year of Oahu's nearly total fireworks ban, the number of firecracker permits issued to residents plummeted for this July Fourth celebration. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators have given final approval to Hawaiian Electric Co. for a rate increase that the utility has been collecting from Oahu customers for nearly a year on an interim basis. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat toured public restrooms from Ala Moana to Waimanalo — we'll call them the “dirty dozen” — to see what users, from near and far, had to say about them. Their answers weren’t pretty. Civil Beat.


Honolulu will not become the home to a U.S. Patent and Trademark satellite office. Pacific Business News.


Hawaii

Burglaries surge on Big Island. Tribune-Herald.


Kahaluu Bay has been the scene of an ongoing turf-surf battle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii Commissioner of Securities Tung Chan issued a Preliminary Order to Cease and Desist and Notice of Right to Hearing against former Maui mayoral candidate Nelson Waikiki Jr., Opunui Water Company, LLC, and Opunui Land and Water Company, LLC. KITV4.

A developer is moving ahead with plans to build an 86-acre, $20 million heavy industrial subdivision near the old Puunene Airport. Maui News.

Only 30 Maui students will lose school bus service, way down from the early estimates of 4,700 Maui County students projected to lose bus service due to financial shortfalls. Maui News.

US Senator Daniel Akaka joined colleagues recently in introducing the Dam Safety Act of 2012. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Police Commission has filed suit against Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. in his official capacity as mayor of the County of Kaua‘i in 5th Circuit Court to seek a declaratory judgment regarding the County Charter. The suit is asking the court to rule that the police commission has the sole authority to suspend or otherwise discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.


Molokai

There’s good news for those who miss a drink at Hotel Molokai’s Hula Shores bar following a fire two weeks ago that demolished the kitchen. Molokai Dispatch.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Hawaii hosts biggest RIMPAC war games ever, 103 school bus routes cut, Hawaii County councilors accused of absenteeism, U.S. Supreme Court won't review Native Hawaiian tax exemptions, UH goes in search of Earhart's plane, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC courtesy photo
So many nations are participating in this year's Rim of the Pacific war games off Hawaii that China feels left out. Star-Advertiser.

A record number of nations are participating in the Rim of the Pacific war game, as the Obama administration embarks on a new policy to increase the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

On July 19, the East-West Center will present former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, the center's former board chair, with its Asia Pacific Community Building Award "for his dedication to strengthening the bonds of understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia and the United States." Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education on Saturday finalized a list of 103 bus routes that will be cut to make up part of a $17 million shortfall in transportation services. Oahu bore the brunt of the cuts. Civil Beat.

A day after the Department of Education released its list of school bus route cuts, residents from one of Oahu's hardest hit communities are speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

One lawmaker spoke out today against the Department of Education's decision to cut more than a hundred school bus routes across the state. KHON2.

Hawaii students will see more fruits and vegetables and less bread in their school lunches starting this fall, under new federal rules aimed at helping to tackle the nation's obesity problem. Star-Advertiser.

A retired Marine Corps colonel who flew Marine One for both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama has been appointed to head the Department of Education's Office of School Facilities and Support Services. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court won’t review a ruling on tax exemptions for Native Hawaiian homesteaders. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Senate voted 24-0 Friday to confirm Judge Richard W. Pollack’s appointment to the Hawaii Supreme Court, as well as Peter T. Cahill’s appointment to become a judge on Maui’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Richard Pollack has been confirmed as Associate Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii Reporter.

Taxpayers are being set up for a tax increase, make that several tax increases as a result of the work of the latest Tax Review Commission. Garden Island.

Monday marks the 75th anniversary of famed aviator Amelia Earhart's disappearance. Now a University of Hawaii research ship could soon help to solve the enduring mystery. Hawaii News Now.

Discount carrier Allegiant Air entered the Hawaii market Friday, as the first flight from Las Vegas arrived at Honolulu International Airport with great fanfare. KITV4.

State roundup for July 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Auditor Edwin S.W. Young is in an awkward position. Civil Beat.

After 15 years of planning, ground was broken Thursday on a project to restore Kawainui Marsh on Windward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The race to represent District 1 on the Honolulu City Council promises to be one of the most exciting this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members Dennis Onishi and Donald Ikeda are facing ethics complaints targeting their attendance records. Tribune-Herald.

Community-based co-management is an effective way to sustain near shore resources and the livelihoods of those depending on them while addressing concerns and user conflicts, West Hawaii Fisheries Council chairman Glennon Gingo said Sunday.West Hawaii Today.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has pledged his support for the renovation and remodeling of the 65 vacant units in Hilo’s Lanakila Housing complex on Kapi`olani Street. KPUA.

West Hawaii Today editorial staff received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter for its work entered in the 2011 Excellence in Journalism Awards competition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Although Maui's visitor arrival and total expenditure growth numbers were not as gaudy as Oahu's, the May visitor data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the Valley Isle was still "very good" and on that coveted "slow and steady climb" upward, said the executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. Maui News.

Owners of the Maui Research & Technology Park hope to give the sprawling Kihei campus a $1.4 billion makeover to help attract a broader range of business activities and build out hundreds of undeveloped acres within the park. Maui News.

Maui News staffers took five first-place honors and won finalist awards in seven categories Friday in the Society of Professional Journalism Hawaii Chapter's annual excellence in journalism contest for work done in 2011. Maui News.

Kauai

After many deferrals over several weeks, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday voted in favor of Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura’s request for council approval to ask the county Board of Ethics for an investigation of POHAKU, a diversion program offered by the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding the public that  new operating hours are now in effect at the Kekaha Landfill and the transfer stations. Garden Island.

Lanai
Larry Ellison became the sixth-largest landowner in Hawaii this week when he closed on the purchase of more than 88,000 acres of land on the island of Lanai from Castle & Cooke. Pacific Business News.

Molokai
In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai’s Kanemitsu Bakery is closed after the Department of Health found sanitation violations for the second time in four months. Hawaii Public Radio.