Fee hikes for Hawaii's national parks, $2M to shelter 115 Honolulu homeless, Hawaii council unsure on beach e-cig ban, UH study downplays jellyfish threat, state girds for Tropical Storm Ana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors at Kilauea volcano crater © 2014 All Hawaii News

The National Park Service wants to raise entrance fees for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakala National Park on Maui. The per-person rate at both parks would increase from $5 to $8 next year, $10 the year after and $12 in 2017. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is considering a plan to increase its entrance fees incrementally during the next few years. Under the proposal, an annual pass would increase from $25 to $50 in 2017 and vehicle fees would increase from $10 to $15 in 2015, to $20 in 2016 and to $25 in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Haleakalā National Park on Maui is proposing an entrance fee hike that is scheduled to begin in 2015 and continue with incremental increases through 2017.  The increase will more than double the admission for individuals, motorcycles and vehicle passes over the next few years. Maui Now.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is seeking public feedback on possible entrance fee increases starting in 2015. Entrance fees for recreational use have not increased since 1997. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Candidates Offer Ideas to Bring Down Energy Costs. The topics include what to do with the Public Utilities Commission and getting Hawaiian Electric to allow more solar energy onto an antiquated grid. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates met to share their positions on Hawaii's future in clean energy Tuesday evening. KITV4.

Hawaii News Now continues its groundbreaking and innovative political coverage Wednesday evening, October 15, with the state's only "Town Hall" debate between the three leading candidates for governor, Republican Duke Aiona, Independent Mufi Hannemann and Democrat David Ige.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie — yes, he’s still our governor, until Dec. 1 — is expected to return today from a six-day trip to Taiwan. Civil Beat.

Tropical Storm Ana was just below hurricane strength on a path toward Oahu and Kauai. The National Weather Service said hurricane watches may be issued for the Hawaiian islands sometime Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Ana is moving southeast of Hawaii as it continues on a track that takes it toward the islands this weekend. At 5 a.m. Wednesday, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said the center of Ana was located 680 miles southeast of Hilo, or 890 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hawaii News Now.

A strengthening Tropical Storm Ana remained on track to reach the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane this weekend, forecasters said Tuesday evening. The storm is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane this morning and bring sustained winds of up to 75 to 80 mph Saturday as it skirts the south end of the island. Tribune-Herald.

Officials worry about storm fatigue as Tropical Storm Ana nears Hawaii. KITV4.

New evidence shows deep-sea animals enjoy dining on jellyfish more than scientists previously suspected, upending concerns that jellyfish blooms may be harmful to the ocean's ecosystem, according to a study published Wednesday by a University of Hawaii researcher. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city hopes to offer permanent shelter to 115 people under the initial $2 million Housing First contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new tower or two, an oceanfront pool and a wedding chapel by a famed Japanese architect are among several additions in the works for the JW Marriott Ihilani hotel at Ko Olina Resort & Marina as part of a plan to re-brand the property as a Four Seasons hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The long-planned $31 million Waikiki Landing project at Hawaii's Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, which lost its funding several months ago, has received a new funding commitment from another investor, the project developer’s attorney told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is ready to ban the use of electronic cigarettes inside county buildings. But a council committee, after extensive debate Tuesday, said it wasn’t ready to extend that ban to beaches and outdoor parks. West Hawaii Today.

Landlords on Hawaii Island may be ditching their regular tenants in order to make bigger profits from residents seeking safe harbor from the path of the June 27 lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, an affiliate of the global nonprofit housing organization, has abruptly backed out of a planned fundraising event after questions were raised about whether its advertising was improperly promoting the gubernatorial campaign of Republican Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

Maui

Monday's release of 10 million gallons per day of water back into Iao Stream marked a historic occasion, but activists who've fought decades for the return of water to Na Wai Eha, the four great streams of Central Maui, said that the fight is not over yet. Maui News.

An online news and information website, mauicounty.us, has been launched to keep the public informed about news and events of the Maui County Council, Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa announced. Maui News.

Interval Leisure Group has completed its $220 million purchase of Hyatt Residential Group from Hyatt Hotels Corp., which includes Hyatt's interest in a joint venture developing the Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach, Interval Leisure announced earlier this month. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayoral incumbent Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his challenger, Dustin Barca, remained sharply divided on the county’s law regulating pesticides and genetically modified organisms during one of their last political forums together on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Just hours before Jimmy Pflueger is sentenced on a “Reckless Endangering” felony charge brought against him by the state after his Ka Loko Dam breached on March 14, 2006, killing 7 people, Hawaii Reporter has obtained an inflammatory letter Pflueger wrote last month to one of the victims. Hawaii Reporter.

A new shuttle service on Kauai’s North Shore is expected to reduce traffic and alleviate parking congestion. Now in operation, it will move residents and visitors between North Shore resorts and popular visitor destinations in Princeville, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena and Kee. Garden Island.

After closing up shop and referring its clients to competitors, Kauai Springs, Inc. is back in business — at least temporarily — said owner Jim Satterfield. On Sept. 30, the County of Kauai Planning Department sent a letter to the Koloa-based water bottling and distribution company ordering it to immediately cease and desist all activities Garden Island.

State bans e-cigs from buildings, Tropical Storm Ana strengthens, Ige has double-digit lead, Honolulu police settle lawsuits, Hawaii County mulls $20M bonds for lava roads, water flows for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

e-cig in use © 2014 All Hawaii News

The users of electronic cigarettes — those controversial smoking devices that some claim are safer than traditional smokes — are taking a couple of hits in Hawaii this week. The state Department of Health announced Monday that electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, are now banned from 49 state government buildings across Hawaii, including the state Capitol and Washington Place. Star-Advertiser.

Electronic cigarettes — aka electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes — are now prohibited in all state government buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of Accounting and General Services. Civil Beat.

Some people are in favor of a new policy which prohibits electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, use in state government buildings. Garden Island.

Politico’s Morning Score — “your guide to the permanent campaign” — reports that David Ige has a double-digit lead in the Hawaii governor’s race. Ige, a state senator, is ahead of Republican Duke Aiona 45-33 percent, “according to a Global Strategy Group poll for Hawaii Forward, a DGA-backed independent expenditure group.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans and religious conservatives wanted to significantly increase voter registration for the November elections to potentially help Republican candidates in a state dominated politically by Democrats, but the drive has fallen flat. The state Office of Elections said Monday that voter registration is at 706,890, a marginal, 0.17 percent increase from the 705,668 registered in 2012 and a 2.3 percent bump from 690,748 in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

As independent groups continue their efforts to influence Hawaii elections by flooding airwaves with ads about ballot issues and stuffing mailboxes with fliers about candidates, voters are mostly left in the dark about who is spending the money and where it’s coming from. These political action committees last filed finance reports with the state Campaign Spending Commission in August, which shed some light on who contributed the hundreds of thousands of dollars they spent before the primary election and how those funds were used. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial hopefuls in Hawaii will talk about their ideas for the state's energy policies at a forum Tuesday. The University of Hawaii's Energy Policy Forum is hosting the event. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s county officials are still clamoring for a greater share of a tax on short-term lodging that was originally intended to help defray the cost of hosting tourists. West Hawaii Today.

Tropical Storm Ana continues to strengthen early Tuesday as it makes its way toward the Big Island, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said. The storm is currently located about 885 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 945 miles east-southeast of Kailua-Kona and moving toward the northwest around 5 mph. The storm as of 5 a.m. Tuesday was packing 50 mph winds. West Hawaii Today.

Officials at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center are urging Hawaii residents to remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Ana continues its leisurely approach toward the state. The system was upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm Monday afternoon as maximum sustained winds topped 45 mph. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city settled two lawsuits involving the Honolulu Police Department last week, bringing to $2.6 million the total that taxpayers paid this year for alleged police misconduct and other cases. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu has a new housing strategy that focuses on building more affordable rental units for residents around rail transit stations. Hawaii Public Radio.

One of the companies being sued over the deaths of five men in a fireworks explosion and fire at a Wai­kele storage facility in 2011 has agreed to pay the families of the victims $1.5 million. Ford Island Ventures holds the master lease to the former munitions bunker complex owned by the Navy. Star-Advertiser.

A long-time city prosecutor is accused of stalking and harassing a former co-worker. Deputy Prosecutor Darrell Wong is a 29-year veteran of the office who is assigned to challenging and high-profile cases. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The state Airports Division and tourism officials are hoping the third time is the charm when they petition U.S. Customs and Border Protection to allow them to reopen Kona Airport as a second international port of entry. Honolulu has been Hawaii's only international point of entry since Customs and Border Protection shut down the Kona port of entry in 2012 because its Federal Inspection Service site no longer met their requirements. Star-Advertiser.


Two of the three gubernatorial candidates at a forum Monday evening said they would like to reconsider the state’s Land Use Commission. Republican Duke Aiona and Independent Mufi Hannemann both mentioned the commission during the forum at Kealakehe High School in response to a question about areas of state government they believed could be delegated to the counties. About 200 people attended the forum. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is preparing to borrow up to $20 million for emergency road work to ensure Puna residents have a way in and out of their communities should lava cross Highway 130. The County Council is scheduled to discuss Resolution 554 on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Iao Stream is flowing to the ocean for the first time in 100 years. Wailuku Water Co., which diverts the water in connection with various business interests, allowed the release of water Monday to increase the in-stream flow up to 10 million gallons a day, as part of a settlement with Native Hawaiians and community groups. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders on both sides of the contentious battle over water rights in Central Maui, emerged to witness waters flow freely below Kepaniwai Park in ʻĪao Valley and the water mouth at Paukūkalo today. Maui Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources today announced the addition of 3,721 acres at Waikamoi to be included in the state’s Natural Area Partnership Program. Maui Now.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing a proposed plan that would remove unexploded ordnance from the former Makanalua Bombing Range on Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center is in talks with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii about a possible partnership. Associated Press.

Kauai

Scientists say higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures are threatening corals around Kauai. Garden Island.

Retired car deal James Pflueger will be sentenced in state court Wednesday for his role in the deaths of seven people on Kauai in 2006. Pflueger, 88, was originally charged with seven counts of manslaughter. However, in a deal with the state, his company, Pacific 808 Properties, pleaded no contest last year to the manslaughter charges, and Pflue­ger pleaded no contest to felony reckless endangering. Star-Advertiser.

Djou, Takai battle for congressional seat, Aiona courts religious right, tax collections up, boaters must take classes, Hawaii Mayor Kenoi finishes Ironman, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai, Charles Djou Hawaii News Now screen grab

Congressional candidates Charles Djou and Mark Takai traded jabs Sunday night in their final face-off on Hawaii News Now.

In their last scheduled statewide television appearance, Democrat Mark Takai and Republican Charles Djou broke little new ground on issues Sunday, choosing instead to sharpen their rhetoric on partisanship and who would better serve the people of Hawaii in the next Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Gubernatorial candidate James Duke Aiona and Elwin Ahu, his lieutenant governor running mate and a pastor, describe religious conservatives as one of several coalitions -- like Filipinos or small business owners -- they want to attract to their campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Faith and Politics, Aiona and Ahu, at the Blaisdell. During a gathering that resembled a religious revival, the Republican candidates for Hawaii's top offices say they are men of faith with the moral compass to lead. But they also cite other coalitions of support. Civil Beat.

While some tickets in the past have matched candidates who are distant, or even rivals, the lieutenant governor nominees this year complement the aspiring chief executives. Lieutenant governor candidates rarely alone drive voter behavior, but they can help enhance a ticket. The No. 2 job can also be a pathway to higher office. Since statehood, three former lieutenant governors — George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano — became governors, while two — Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz — became U.S. senators. Star-Advertiser.

One of five proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 4 ballot will ask voters whether the state can fund partnerships with private preschools to build capacity and ultimately serve all of the state's 17,000 4-year-olds with a publicly funded preschool education. The ballot measure has become a divisive issue among early-learning advocates and the union for public school teachers. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will soon be cracking down on boaters. Starting Nov. 10, anyone behind the wheel of a motorized vessel must show proof of completing an approved boater safety course. KHON2.

The state’s tax collections for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, which started July 1, are up 2.7 percent overall compared to the same period last year, according to a report the Hawaii Department of Taxation released Friday. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie recently granted a nice chunk of change to the Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for the purpose of researching ways to build a new film studio facility. As part of DBET, the Hawaii Film Office is excited for the opportunity, saying this is a step in the right direction for Hawaii’s economy. To the tune of $100,000, it’s going to help officials figure out what the local film industry needs right now, and also search for the best location to build a brand new studio. KHON2.

Close to 1,000 teachers are recruited each year to work in Hawaii. Some fill spots left when people retire. Others take the places of hopeful teachers who come to Hawaii but can’t survive on the salaries they are paid. Garden Island.

Opinion: However the general election turns out, it'll represent the most significant youth movement in Hawaii's highest offices since the early days of statehood. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu

Voters have two very different options in the race for the District 6 Honolulu City Council seat, which covers much of Oahu’s urban core, including downtown Honolulu and its surrounding neighborhoods. It’s Democrat versus Republican, albeit for a nonpartisan office. It’s an incumbent who touts her insider political acumen against a challenger who casts himself as a political outsider. Civil Beat.

Local construction firm Nan Inc., the lowest of three bidders looking to build the Honolulu rail system's first nine stations from West Oahu to Aloha Stadium, has dropped its recent protest against a decision to cancel those bids. Star-Advertiser.

The city's new Sit-Lie ordinance was aimed at reducing the number of homeless in Waikiki, but now some street vendors contend its also being used against them.Hawaii News Now.

A $75 million, 17-story senior-living facility on Kalakaua Avenue near the Hawaii Convention Center that will officially begin construction next week, is expected to create a total of 460 jobs, including 160 permanent full-time jobs when the project is completed in early 2016. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Roger Christie has become a cause célèbre in cannabis culture. The 65-year-old founder of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry in Hilo believes his arrest with 13 others — including his wife, Share — by local and federal authorities on July 8, 2010, was due to his outspokenness for marijuana legalization. Tribune-Herald.

They don’t leave butts on the beach. And there’s no secondhand smoke. But Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha thinks electronic cigarettes and vaporizers ought to go the way of the traditional leaf-and-fire tobacco product and be banned from county facilities, parks and beaches. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi completed a 2.4 miles swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon to finish his first IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona. The mayor used nearly all the time allotted to him, crossing the finish line in dramatic fashion with about 15 minutes to spare. Big Island Video News.

Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi can now say that he has completed one of the most grueling tests a triathlete can ever accomplish. Kenoi, 46, crossed the finish line Saturday night of the IRONMAN World Championships, presented by GoPro, with a finishing time of 16:54:13. He was the 1,982nd finisher of the race. Big Island Now.

Does the Big Island have a libertarian streak? The Hawaii Libertarian Party is hoping so as it seeks to establish itself as an alternative to both Democratic and Republican parties. Tribune-Herald.

The dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy called the release Friday of $33 million for the school to construct a permanent building “a great day for the college, a great day for the state and probably even a greater day for the whole Pacific region.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense officials say a narrow breakout along the north side of the Puna lava flow has advanced approximately 60 yards, becoming the new leading edge. Hawaii News Now.

IN PELE’S PATH: Pahoa residents closest to flow ready to leave. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The University of Hawaiʻi today announced that Lui Hokoana has been recommended to the Board of Regents as the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s chancellor. Maui Now.

Median prices for single-family homes and condos in Maui County leaped 21.3 percent to $570,000 and 34.8 percent to $465,000 respectively in September compared to 2013, the Realtors Association of Maui reported late last week. Maui News.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing a proposed plan that would remove unexploded ordnance from the former Makanalua Bombing Range on Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula. Maui News.

Kauai
Subsistence fishers, lineal descendants of Hāʻena and community members from across Kaua‘i and the rest of the state testified in support of the Hāʻena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area rules. Hawaii Independent.

Kapaa High School registered to participate in the safe driving commitment, sponsored by State Farm.  Anyone 14 years of age and over, not just Kapaa High School students, can go online starting Oct. 15 and click to commit to safe driving, thereby registering a “vote” toward winning — on the road and in the contest. Garden Island.

Hawaii's 'Stairway to Heaven' could reopen, DLNR blasts Hawaiian Electric plan, gubernatorial and congressional candidates debate, Schatz, Gabbard mull lava escape plan, Honolulu rail transit plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Haiku Stairs, photo by Kirinwizard

An ad hoc community group formed to decide the future of Haiku Stairs released a report Thursday recommending that the popular attraction be reopened with access through Windward Community College's campus. Star-Advertiser.

A working group tasked with determining the best course of action for the Ha’iku Stairs said the status quo is not acceptable. The popular stairway in Kaneohe, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, has been closed for more than a decade. However, trespassers continue to climb the 3,922 steps. The 13-member working group recommended the city either tear down the stairs at a cost of between $3 million and $5 million, or “develop a managed access use plan.” KITV4.

For nearly 30 years, hikers have been denied legal access to Haiku Stairs, also known as “the Stairway to Heaven.” Now, there is a call to reopen the hiking trail, but only if all interested parties agree to a so-called “managed access plan.” KHON2.

The state blasted Hawaiian Electric Industries' new energy transition plan for being stuck in the past and doing more to benefit the utility than the public. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, in an 86-page filing with the state Public Utilities Commission, registered its frustration with the utility, saying HEI is clinging to an old business model that is incapable of meeting the goal of moving Hawaii off fossil fuels and onto renewable energy.  Star-Advertiser.

Some solar customers who have been on the waiting list are finally getting hooked up and approved by Hawaiian Electric Co. But critics say the solar boom won’t last. HECO set up new regulations on solar last year that left a backlog of customers wanting to get on the grid and slowed the growth of the solar industry. KHON2.

National groups independent from the candidates are stepping up their attacks, especially in the close race for Hawaii governor. It’s the RGA versus the DGA — the Republican Governors Association versus the Democratic Governors Association. Civil Beat.

While repeating their stances on issues facing the next Congress, the candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District also stuck to key campaign themes in a roundtable discussion aired statewide Thursday night on PBS Hawaii's "Insights." Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii would be able to expedite tuition decreases under a proposal the Board of Regents budget committee advanced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a grassroots organization are using an online game to help get more Native Hawaiians interested in statewide elections. OHA and Kanu Hawaii created a game that allows voters to take an online quiz to see which candidates in the Nov. 4 general election best matches their own political opinions. Associated Press.

Oahu

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro defended his decision to let a grand jury decide whether a misdemeanor abuse charge should be made against a police officer in a highly publicized case. Star-Advertiser.

The firm creating Oahu's driverless train system might finally have landed a buyer, and that has rail board members seeking assurances that any upcoming sale won't disrupt or delay the $5.26 billion project -- which already faces other challenges to finish on time. Star-Advertiser.

The board overseeing Oahu's rail project voted unanimously Thursday to give Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director Dan Grabauskas a new three-year contract, which, if signed, would take effect this spring with a 5 percent raise. Grabauskas' current three-year deal, which pays an annual base salary of $245,000, ends in April. The new contract would pay Grabauskas a base of $257,000 and make him eligible for a 3.5 percent raise in the subsequent two years. Star-Advertiser.

A company under state investigation for allegedly dumping thousands of gallons of oil products near Kawainui Marsh is now in the cross hairs of city inspectors. That's after a former employee came forward with new allegations that the company poured thousand of gallons of petroleum sludge into the city's sewers. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii technology startup company wants to let bus riders be better informed when their bus will arrive with real-time display signs at bus stops. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools’ plan to redevelop nearly 300,000 square feet of its commercial properties surrounding Kahala Mall in East Oahu into primarily retail space is gaining some traction, with leases on five commercial parcels mauka of the mall expiring during the next five years, a spokesman for the trust recently told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s three major gubernatorial candidates each pledged to do more to empower educators at the local level during their first debate on the Big Island on Thursday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Candidates Assure Hilo Voters on Disaster Preps, Recovery. After Tropical Storm Iselle, and with lava poised to cut off a key highway, Hawaii County residents want a governor who will help. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told a large crowd in Pahoa on Thursday night that they're doing all they can to press the federal government to pay attention to the small town on Hawaii island being threatened by lava. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz addressed a packed crowd of more 500 anxious and concerned residents. They say their top priorities are ensuring uninterrupted postal service and the critical infrastructure needs of clearing Chain of Craters road -- which by all accounts will eventually become the only way in and out of the lower Puna district. Hawaii News Now.

The advancement of the June 27 lava flow appears to be slowing down yet again, potentially lengthening the time it could take to encroach upon Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii residents tore into a proposed state water quality plan in Kailua-Kona Thursday night. Frustrations boiled to the surface, with people firing questions and not being satisfied with the answers they received from a state Department of Health official leading an informational meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the state Commission on Water Resource Management continued their investigation into a petition to designate the Keauhou aquifer as a water management area Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Margaret Masunaga as judge of the District Court of the 3rd Circuit. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Acting Governor Shan Tsutsui signed a proclamation today declaring Oct. 9, 2014, as Līpoa Point Day in the State of Hawaiʻi. The Līpoa Point acquisition by the state effectively removes the threat of development, preserving the land in perpetuity for generations to come, and makes the way for the creation of a management plan. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. retirees were able to breathe a sigh of relief Thursday after the state solidified its purchase of Lipoa Point for $19.5 million, which the company must use to fund pension plans for its former workers. Maui News.

The Maui County Council's Planning Committee advanced a bill last week that would regulate home businesses. Maui News.

Kauai

Debra Lee-Jackson, a taro farmer from Kauai’s Puna District, said her nonprofit Hui Ho‘opulapula Na Wai o Puna has spent the last year working to understand water conditions and uses in the area. The Hui, made up of a group of landowners, lessees, taro farmers, fishermen and native Hawaiians seeking to restore and preserve Puna’s watersheds, is asking the council to support, via a resolution, its petition aimed at having South Puna — known as the Hanamaulu sub-aquifer — designated as a Ground-Surface Water Management Area. Garden Island.

Subsistence fishers, lineal descendants of Hāʻena and community members from across Kaua‘i and the rest of the state testified in support of the Hāʻena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area rules. Hawaii Independent.

Tulsi Gabbard named 2nd hottest in Congress, jobs focus of Djou, Takai, gubernatorial candidates debate education, Honolulu super PAC spending probed, Kauai approves pay as you throw garbage plan, Hawaii prison gangs exposed, at-risk advised to evacuate in advance of lava flow, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard surfing, Capitol File magazine

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii has been named the second “hottest” female in the U.S. Congress, according to Washingtonian magazine. First-place honors went to Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) Besides Gabbard, no other Hawaii congressional delegate makes “The Best & Worst of Congress.” Civil Beat.

Opinion: The point of our recent Tulsi Gabbard piece on surfing with Yahoo News instead of attending a U.S. Senate hearing on problems at the VA is one that Gabbard’s supporters are conveniently sidestepping: She was scheduled to go to the hearing. She didn’t show up. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s staff told reporters they had expected her, wanted her to be there, and had no idea where she was. Civil Beat.

While both candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District agreed on the need to lower the cost of living for local residents, they differed on the approaches to take. The differences were highlighted in a candidate forum Wednesday night before several dozen people at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser.

Charles Djou is so close to possibly winning a seat in Congress that he can almost smell the cherry blossoms that will be blooming next spring in Washington, D.C. With less than a month until Election Day, he and his supporters have the campaign running at full tilt — from candidate forums and coffee hours to phone banking and sign waving. Civil Beat.

Education is a key campaign plank for Hawai'i's gubernatorial candidates. After four years of disappointment, teachers, parents and local communities rejected Gov. Neil Abercrombie, once the great hope of the state's education system. It is now the hope of the state's voters that a judge and educator, such as James "Duke" Aiona; an engineer and legislator, such as David Ige; or a businessman and former mayor, such as Mufi Hannemann, can improve the state's schools and increase student achievement. Maui Weekly.

In a potential partnership with local developers, former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said Wednesday that he supports a new initiative that would enable renters to build equity toward down payments on home purchases. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu political action committee that ran negative ads slamming incumbent Kohala County Councilwoman Margaret Wille is being looked into by the state Campaign Spending Commission, following complaints from a political activist. West Hawaii Today.

Closing statements are expected in a federal trial that has provided an inside look at the operations of a Hawaii prison gang. Former Halawa Correctional Facility guard Feso Malufau is accused of taking bribes from the “USO Family” gang to smuggle drugs to prisoners. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s troubled Obamacare exchange has a new executive director, and he’ll have a mess to sort out to earn his $150,000 annual salary. Jeffrey Kissel, president and chief executive officer of HawaiiGAS, replaces Hawaii Health Connector Interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda. He will be the third leader of the state insurance exchange in less than a year. Hawaii Reporter.

Opinion: The Nov. 4 election will answer two questions. One is obvious: Which candidates won? The other question has become just as obvious: How did Hawaii’s State Office of Elections screw up this time? Civil Beat.

State roundup for Oct. 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Three bills designed to combat illegal dumping, grading and related issues on Oahu's agricultural lands won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

In response to people and businesses that illegally dump trash, sludge, construction waste and old vehicles in rural land around Waianae, the Honolulu City Council voted on Wednesday to increase fines for illegal dumping island-wide. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Area Rapid Transportation officials showed off new renderings for the final four stations at the Honolulu end of the city's rail line. Hawaii News Now.

In an unprecedented move, the City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to make public two confidential opinions from city attorneys. The opinions relate to plans to ban or make it more difficult for property owners and developers to convert hotel rooms into condominium units. Star-Advertiser.

Two lawsuits could have the city dishing out more money to pay for a law firm representing them. The City Council approved two resolutions on Wednesday. Each a request to continue services with the law firm representing them. Those services could cost the city up to $150,000 in additional funds. KHON2.

A grand jury declined to indict a Honolulu Police Sergeant caught on surveillance video punching his girlfriend. The video, taken on September 8 at a Waipahu Restaurant, shows Sgt. Darren Cachola hitting the woman. She testified on his behalf Wednesday morning saying they were just playing around. Hawaii News Now.

A grand jury has declined to indict a Honolulu police sergeant who was captured on video apparently punching his girlfriend. Star-Advertiser.

A decorated police officer caught on video taking a swipe at a bystander who was recording an arrest on his iPhone will cost Honolulu taxpayers $37,500. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council approved the payout to Randy Salazar Jr., who in a federal lawsuit alleges Officer Robert Steiner broke a bone in his hand after hitting him with a Taser on New Year’s Day 2013. Civil Beat.

There's a heated battle brewing in Hawaii's state senate. District 12 incumbent Brickwood Galuteria is facing a challenge from newcomer Chris Lethem. KITV4.

A state judge expressed concern Wednesday about the handling of a large gambling case by the prosecutor's office that resulted in charges against nine people in connection with sweepstakes gaming machines. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital, which last week was accused of owing University of Hawaii-affiliated doctors $800,000 in back pay, said this week it withheld the payments because UH owes the hospital more than $1 million from an insurance fraud settlement. Star-Advertiser.

The number of palm-damaging coconut rhinoceros beetles discovered on Oahu continues to rise, with the count close to 2,000 for adults and immature insects uncovered along the isle's south coast, a state official said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Outrigger Enterprises Group has submitted a notice of preparation for a supplemental environmental impact statement for its $100 million redevelopment of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort as part of its Waikiki Beach Walk project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

As the June 27 lava flow continues on its trajectory for Pahoa, state health officials are asking lower Puna residents who depend on regular medical treatment to consider evacuating. Patients who receive oxygen, dialysis and other regular care that may require travel to or from Puna via Highway 130 will likely be impacted by lava crossing Highway 130, Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they will continue to pursue court actions to stop the $1.4 billion project and protest its construction following the disruption of its groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday on Mauna Kea. The protest appeared to be the first of its kind on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Special video presentation detailing the long road to the TMT groundbreaking using file footage gathered by Big Island Video News from 2008 to today.

A Google-sponsored startup hopes to be testing a new way to generate electricity with wind on the Big Island by this time next year. Makani, formerly Makani Wind, joined with the tech giant last year, the first of what has become the Google X division projects, said Alden Woodrow, business team lead. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Economic Opportunity Transportation will begin moving to its new Puunene facility near the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum on Monday, but the public will not notice any changes in service, the nonprofit agency said. Maui News.

With the planned historic release of mauka to makai stream flow at ʻĪao planned on Monday, the state Commission on Water Resource Management is seeking assurances that compliance is clear and that the agreement is carried out by parties involved in the contested case. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council approved on Wednesday the state’s first variable rate structure aimed at encouraging waste diversion by charging property owners waste collection fees based on how much they throw away. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council, by a 4-2 vote Wednesday, opted to revisit in two weeks a request for an investigation into what one council member says are numerous violations of county law by the island’s agrochemical industry and large landowners. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has started testing energy-efficient LED street lights at four locations as part of its plan to retrofit 3,500 fixtures owned by the County of Kauai and the state of Hawaii. Garden Island.

Molokai

State Department of Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen has a soft spot for Kaluapapa, but her term is nearing its end, and she visited the settlement last week to speak with residents there personally. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiians, other protesters, block Thirty Meter Telescope ceremonies, heat is on Ige in gubernatorial battle, voter registration up, plans to name beach for Obama dropped, Hawaii could net $13M from marijuana sales, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Protesters block Mauna Kea telescope access, courtesy Occupy Hilo

A groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony came to an abrupt end before it could really get underway Tuesday because of protesters who oppose plans to build one of the world's largest telescopes near the summit of a mountain held sacred by Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Protesters who say the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope doesn't belong on Mauna Kea blocked access to the summit for more than an hour Tuesday, disrupting groundbreaking for one of the world's largest optical observatories. Star-Advertiser.

TMT protesters courtesy Occupy Hilo

A groundbreaking ceremony for what will be one of the world’s most advanced observatories was disrupted Tuesday by Native Hawaiian protesters and others opposed to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. More than 50 protesters blocked access near the mountain’s summit and greeted vans carrying dozens of attendees from five countries with chants and hula. Tribune-Herald.

What was meant to be a moment of pride for the University of Hawaii and Hawaii astronomy, turned into a spectacle revealing the deep animosity among those who consider Mauna Kea a sacred mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Protesters disrupted a groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony for the construction of one of the world's largest telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea Tuesday. KITV4.

Protester with telescopes courtesy Occupy Hilo

The price tag for the building of a 30-meter telescope on Mauna Kea is $1.4 billion, and it has been seven years in the making, but it literally ran into a roadblock Tuesday on Hawaii Island. KHON2.

TMT groundbreaking ceremony blocked. Demonstrators have blockaded the Mauna Kea access road to protest the Thirty Meter Telescope project, which was set to break ground today. Hawaii Independent.

State Sen. David Ige on Tuesday night took a more piercing tone against his rivals for governor, chiding former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona for improperly filming a campaign advertisement in a state courtroom and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for his administration's blacklisting of two stagehands after a dispute over a benefit concert. Star-Advertiser.

On Tuesday night, the three leading candidates for governor squared off in a debate sponsored by AARP and held in the KHON2 News studio. Afterward, KHON2 asked political analyst and HPU Communication Department Chair John Hart: “Who do you think won the debate?”

National and local Republicans are scolding the Democratic nominee for Hawaii governor, accusing him of raising taxes and fees. Perhaps the strongest attack concerns a proposal for increasing the state’s general excise tax by 25 percent three years ago. The GOP claims that, as chairman of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee, David Ige was the architect of a draft of a bill that called for the GET hike in 2011. Civil Beat.

The state of Hawaii's web portal is the best in the U.S., according to the e.Republic's Center for Digital Government's 2014 Best of the Web and Digital Government Achievement Awards. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii stands to make more than $13 million each year in tax revenue if it were to fully legalize marijuana. That’s the results of a new study from NerdWallet, which determined this number by analyzing the population of pot smokers in Hawaii - those who acknowledge smoking marijuana - and the marijuana market size here. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Two Honolulu city councilmen have dropped plans to rename a popular beach for President Barack Obama. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii's flagship Manoa campus is facing a multimillion-dollar tuition shortfall for a fourth straight year as state support continues to decline while energy and personnel costs escalate. Manoa officials are projecting a $31 million deficit for the fiscal year that ends June 30, despite efforts to curb spending. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu is seeking to pay a California law firm experienced in fighting environmental regulations $900,000 in an effort to avoid having to comply with stricter environmental controls at three sewage treatment plants on Oahu that discharge waste into the ocean. Civil Beat.

The author of a bill that would ban sitting and lying on sidewalks in Oahu business districts outside Wai­kiki — scheduled for a final vote Wednesday — says he wants to pull the measure back for further work. Star-Advertiser.

The price tag for refurbishing City Council chambers at Hono­lulu Hale is $428,000, more than three times the $141,000 figure that officials initially said it would cost. Star-Advertiser.

The Makaha Hotel and Resort in West Oahu, which has been closed for about three years, will be demolished as soon as possible to make way for future redevelopment of the property that may include the rebuilding of a new hotel, the owner of the 40-year-old resort told Pacific Business News on Tuesday.

An endangered tree snail atop Oahu's highest point is holding up repairs that would allow Hawaii Public Radio to transmit to listeners on Kauai and Oahu's North Shore during HPR's million-dollar pledge drive. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawai‘i Public Radio’s fall fund drive Celebration 2014 proceeds at its breakneck pace toward its $1.03 million goal, an O‘ahu tree snail colony asserts its own timeline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Big Island Press Club will present a luncheon panel “Revisiting Hawaii’s Primary Election” at noon Friday at Restaurant Kenichi. Discussion will consider “Could Puna voters have changed the outcome and should media have called victory in the U.S. Senate Democratic contest for Brian Schatz on Aug. 9?” Tribune-Herald.


Hawaii County voters are adding to their numbers at a faster rate than the state as a whole. Some 856 Hawaii County residents have been added to the voter rolls since the Aug. 9 primary election, a statistic that is expected to grow as registrations continue trickling in following Monday’s voter registration deadline. West Hawaii Today.

The front of a lava flow spewing out of Kilauea Volcano advanced 120 to 150 yards and was within one mile of Apaa Street in Pahoa on Tuesday. The flow remained "fairly narrow" and was 0.95 mile from reaching Apaa Street near the waste transfer station, said Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira. Star-Advertiser.

As lava from the Kilauea Volcano continues its approach toward Pahoa, schools in the rural community are preparing for the worst. For two public Department of Education and charter schools, that could mean total devastation. Civil Beat.

It is a sight frustrated coffee farmers might line up to see — a hungry predator beetle devouring the larvae of the pestilential coffee berry borer. Researchers at the U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center took that video inside a coffee bean just a few days ago using a microscope, part of a research project that could eventually lead to the square-necked grain beetle being used as biocontrol. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The food fight over GMO's in Maui County will be put to an historic vote in one month. Ashley Lukens, Hawaii Center for Food Safety Director, explained the significance, saying "Never in Maui's history have citizens been able to collect enough signatures to get an initiative on the ballot." 9,000 people signed a petition calling for a halt to seed production, while chemical companies conduct a health and environmental impact study. Hawaii News Now.

The Shaka Movement, the group that filed the petition in support of a moratorium on genetically engineered organisms in Maui County, hosts a public meeting today to discuss Monsanto’s operations in Kīhei. Maui Now.

Wailuku Water Co. will begin releasing 10 million gallons of water per day into Iao Stream on Monday morning, per a settlement agreement in the Na Wai Eha Contested Case, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said. Maui News.

Oral and written comments on proposed changes to cesspool rules - which include conversion of cesspools to septic tanks when a property is sold - will be accepted at meetings on Molokai on Friday and in Wailuku on Oct. 15, the state Department of Health announced Monday. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai County Council will make final decisions on three of eight measures that seek relief for county taxpayers who saw noticeable increases on their real property tax bills this year. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council is urging the state Department of Education to take a hard look at a policy through which students with negative account balances can be denied meals at their schools. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai District Health Officer Dr. Dileep Bal has been nominated to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced four nominations — Bal, Simeon Acoba, Peter Hoffmann and Helen Nielsen — on Monday. All are interim appointments that take effect immediately and are subject to state Senate approval. Garden Island.

Hot weather harming coral reefs, unions tighten grip on Hawaii, groundbreaking today for one of world's largest telescopes, teachers union creates new PAC to fight ballot initiative, lava viewing curtailed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teardrop butterflyfish amid damaged coral © 2014 All Hawaii News

The hot, muggy weather that's stifled Hawaii in recent weeks appears to have spurred widespread coral bleaching across the state, and researchers say it's the most severe degradation of coral that they've ever observed in Hawaii waters. Star-Advertiser.

While people in Hawaii have been sweating out a lack of trade winds, corals underwater also are suffering. Scientists standing in the muggy heat at Heeia Small Boat Harbor in Kaneohe said Monday they’re seeing more evidence higher-than-normal ocean temperatures are causing near-shore bleaching across the islands. Associated Press.

A new law championed by Hawaii’s most powerful unions has tilted the balance in favor of organized labor in a critical arena, although the effects on employers — and possibly taxpayers — won’t be fully realized for a few years. With little public fanfare, the Legislature last session passed a bill that changes how the governor appoints people to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, a quasi-judicial agency that resolves labor disputes involving private and public sector employees and the organizations that represent them. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association terminated its campaign to discourage voters from approving a constitutional amendment dealing with preschools last week after realizing it risked breaking the law by spending money on a ballot measure through its political action committee. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has named four nominees to serve on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and fill vacancies triggered by the state's new financial disclosure law. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Independent Party candidate for governor, has said if he wins election in November one of his top priorities will be to bring back an inter-island ferry system. He made a similar pledge during his failed bid for governor in 2010. Hannemann’s most recent financial disclosure report shows he owns stock in two companies that are working on the design and development of advanced ship hull forms and researching lifting hull technologies. Civil Beat.

VoteVets Action Fund, a national veterans advocacy group, will spend $800,000 on an advertising campaign to boost candidates in three races across the country, including that of Hawaii state Rep. Mark Takai. Takai, a progressive Democrat running for the District 1 Congressional seat, will take on former Congressman Charles Djou, a Republican who served in 2010, in the November general election. Hawaii Reporter.

Rebuffed by the courts, six Palolo voters asked the state House on Monday to determine whether state Rep. and former House Speaker Calvin Say lives in the Palolo House district he has represented since 1976. Star-Advertiser.

The six Palolo voters challenging Calvin Say’s qualifications to hold office are not giving up, despite a court’s rejection of their lawsuit last week. Civil Beat.

Inmates who say they’re being denied their right to practice their Native Hawaiian religion at a private prison in Arizona have won class-action status for a lawsuit. U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi granted class-action certification to inmates suing the state of Hawaii and the Corrections Corporation of America. Associated Press.

The new head of the Hawaii Health Connector, Jeffrey Kissel, said Monday that his first priority will be helping consumers smoothly get through the enrollment period starting Nov. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: It is not always huge campaign donations that buy political candidates media exposure. Take the Hawaii governor’s race. Hawaii Independent Party candidate Mufi Hannemann and Libertarian Party contender Jeff Davis have found a way to get additional exposure on Hawaii media outlets at the same time they are running for office. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A University of Hawaii at Manoa student organization has passed resolutions voting no confidence in UH President David Lassner and the Board of Regents. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy plans a fourth controlled detonation at Kalaeloa this week to destroy various munitions and ordnances that have been found. Star-Advertiser.

Median home prices on Oahu remained flat in September, while the number of sales of single-family homes rose 5 percent, according to data released Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Sales statistics set for release Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors show that the median sale price for previously owned single-family houses on the island edged up by 0.5 percent to $678,500 in September from $675,000 in the same month a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony launches construction on the summit of Mauna Kea to build one of the world's largest telescopes. The events for the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project Tuesday will be shown via a live-stream webcast because of limited access to the construction site, which is in an area with harsh physical conditions. Associated Press.

After years of challenges, groundbreaking begins Tuesday on one of the world's largest optical telescopes, which will rise out of sacred Hawaiian ground at an elevation of 13,150 feet near the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

USGS geologists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimate the Puna lava flow could reach Apa'a Street in Pahoa in about 16 days, if it continues moving at its current rate of 390 ft/day. Hawaii News Now.

The June 27 lava flow sparked a brush fire as it continued its progress toward Pahoa on Monday. Meanwhile, Civil Defense officials, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, have restricted the airspace above the leading edge of the flow in response to increased traffic of sightseers and media personnel. Tribune-Herald.

The Puna lava flow is becoming big business for Big Island tour companies, but Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say tour groups were getting too close to the flow and to each other. Working with the FAA, civil defense has implemented new air space restrictions above the flow. Hawaii News Now.

An aerial survey Monday morning showed the June 27 flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 150 yards since Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. West Hawaii Today.

A former Hawaii County Council member will complete a vacated term on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than a month after the launch of an expensive TV campaign to persuade voters to reject a Maui County ballot initiative to temporarily ban genetically engineered crops, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety has formed a new group called the Coalition for Safer, Healthier Maui to campaign in favor of the measure. Civil Beat.

For the first time in more than a century, there will be a continuous flow of water from mauka to makai into the Wailuku (ʻĪao) Stream on Maui. Maui Now.

The Maui Tropical Plantation has embodied Hawaii's past and present for the past three decades as an agricultural and tourism destination. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kauai County Council members will introduce a resolution Wednesday that would establish a committee to investigate the implementation of county laws dealing with the dedication of land for agricultural use. Maui News.

Kilauea lava creeps onward, Maui United Way battles anti-GMO group over name, Gabbard slammed for surf shoot, Ige blamed for hospital mess, bill seeks to name Oahu beach for Obama, would Warren Buffett want HECO, candidate residency cleared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pahoehoe lava from Kilauea courtesy USGS Oct. 3, 2014

The resurgent June 27 Kilauea lava flow has advanced another 100 yards since Saturday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. The flow has moved downhill approximately 440 yards since it resumed its advance Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic state Sen. David Ige is defending his record as Senate Ways and Means chairman from his gubernatorial opponents' charges that he deserves blame for the state's failure to fully fund public hospitals that face a $30 million deficit in 2015, even after layoffs. Maui News.

The politics of the governor's race could be an unexpected catalyst for policy changes at the state's troubled public hospital system. State Sen. David Ige, the Demo­cratic candidate, former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the Republican, and former Hono­lulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Independent Party candidate, all maintain that the next governor should drive the discussion on stabilizing the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., the $650 million network of 12 public hospitals that functions as the health care safety net for many neighbor island and elderly patients. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard skipped an August hearing on veterans care in Hawaii so she could go surfing for a Yahoo News profile. Despite telling Civil Beat at the time she missed the hearing because she was delayed in another meeting, Gabbard’s staff acknowledged last week that she was instead tied up with a Yahoo News reporter in Waikiki where she was surfing for a video the news outlet was shooting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii needs to step up if it wants to keep thousands of soldiers and their families and $1.3 billion in annual soldier-related sales, the former head of U.S. Army Pacific said. Star-Advertiser.

The former CEO of Hawaii Gas was selected to take over as the new director of Hawaii’s federally mandated insurance marketplace. The Hawaii Health Connector board voted Friday to hire Jeffrey Kissel. Associated Press.

Jeffrey Kissell will take over as head of the state’s beleaguered health insurance marketplace, known as the Hawaii Health Connector, according to an announcement from the board Friday. Kissell, who spent his career working for energy companies, most recently as CEO of Hawaii GAS, replaces interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda. Civil Beat.

Could Warren Buffett, the third richest man on the planet, be interested in buying Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility? There are signs that show certain connections to the Islands by the billionaire businessman. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Resolution to rename Sandy Beach after Obama, reaction mixed. Chang and fellow council member Ernie Martin are hoping to change that by renaming Sandy Beach Park to President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park. It comes after a video was taken of the President bodysurfing back in August 2008. KHON2.

While state laws and the Honolulu Police Department's policies regarding domestic violence cases need some improvement, experts say it is HPD's poor enforcement of these laws and policies that is the real factor in continuing cycles of domestic violence in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Independent.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine and leaders in the Makaha community don't want to just expand the city's traditional Adopt-a-Park program; they want to turn the concept on its head. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts are underway to restore the remnants of a Hawaiian community that dates to around the year 1450. The Hawaii Community Development Authority is working with the Kalaeloa Heritage and Legacy Foundation on the proposed 77-acre Kalaeloa Heritage Park on the plains of Ewa. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County clerk has cleared District 9 County Council candidate Ron Gonzales to continue his challenge against incumbent Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille. Clerk Stewart Maeda, in a four-page decision letter dated Wednesday, said he is satisfied that Gonzales’ legal residence is in Waikoloa, and therefore he is properly registered to vote in District 9. West Hawaii Today.

Candidates for state House and Senate seats discussed cesspools, high taxes, broken hospitals, flowing lava and other pressing issues at a forum Thursday in Kailua-Kona. Hopefuls in three races floated the concept of using state lands to relocate businesses and homes affected by the current lava flow in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz plans to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Friday to discuss the creation of a two-lane alternate route into the park for lower Puna residents impacted by the June 27 lava flow. So far, the park has authorized only a one-lane, gravel emergency evacuation route along a portion of Chain of Craters Road buried by recent lava flows. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Agriculture will scale back its plan to pipe a portion of the Lower Hamakua Ditch after several landowners offered to help maintain the open irrigation system through their properties. Tribune-Herald.

Home sales in Puna plummeted nearly 23 percent in September after Tropical Storm Iselle blew through Hawaii island — and they continue to remain sluggish as a river of 2,100-degree lava cuts its way toward Pahoa. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui United Way has written a "cease and desist" alleging trademark infringement to "Maui United," an anti-GMO group that has launched an advertising campaign in favor of the Nov. 4 initiative for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms in Maui County. Maui News.

A moratorium on genetically modified crops is impractical, incumbent Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa said. A proposed moratorium would make it illegal to cultivate, grow or test genetically modified crops in the county until companies complete environmental and public health studies to show their practices are safe. Associated Press.

The Maui County Council unanimously approved at its Friday meeting a proposal to build a 61-unit affordable senior housing project in Pukalani. Maui News.

Kauai

In February, the state Supreme Court — in what has been called a landmark decision for Hawaii’s Public Trust Doctrine — sided with the County of Kauai by striking down a 2008 circuit court ruling that the Kauai Planning Commission “exceeded its jurisdiction” in denying Kauai Springs, Inc. permits for its operation. Seven months later, and contrary to that ruling, the Koloa-based water bottling and distribution company’s doors remain open. Garden Island.

A divided Kauai County Council committee on Wednesday approved a scaled down version of a proposal that would charge county residents variable trash collection rates based on how much they throw away. By a 4-1 vote, the seven-member board’s Environmental Services Committee approved an amendment to Bill 2551 that would charge residential customers a monthly, flat $6 fee for access to the county’s five refuse transfer stations and an additional $4 fee, if residents opt to have a 64-gallon trash cart, or two 32-gallon carts, for weekly pick up. Garden Island.

Tense moments, punctuated by sometimes combative exchanges, stood out in the debate between current mayoral incumbent Bernard Carvalho, Jr. and his challenger, Dustin Barca, during Thursday night’s political forum at the Kauai Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

The two Democratic and Republican candidates vying for a single state House District 15 seat agreed that the state’s current tax structure should be revamped but were divided on other issues, including marijuana legislation during a political forum Thursday night in Lihue. Garden Island.