Policing the police, rideshare regulations coming, pension fund recovers slowly, Hawaii's not local, waste conversion advancing on Maui, Schatz talks up military, Kauai bared in SI swimsuit edition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for ways to increase oversight of the state's police officers. Associated Press.

The state is significantly under budget in launching a $1.5 million upgrade that puts data for more than 16,000 Hawaii government workers in a new cloud-based system designed to be tougher for hackers to crack. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige's office is expected to announce a successful upgrade of the state's ancient Oracle-based system that tracks personnel information including health and retirement benefits for nearly all state workers. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature for the first time is looking to regulate rideshare companies, possibly through the Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Roz Baker, spent Monday morning praising Catherine Awakuni Colón, Gov. David Ige’s appointee to head the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The full Senate is expected to take up the nomination soon for final approval. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's largest public pension fund, seeking to make up an $8.58 billion shortfall, posted a 1.7 percent investment gain last quarter to fall further behind its targeted investment return rate for the year. Halfway through this fiscal year, the state Employees' Retirement System fund was up just 0.6 percent, according to a report presented to ERS trustees Monday by Portland, Ore.-based Pension Consulting Alliance Inc. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering bills that would essentially provide a salary, health care and other compensation to those wrongfully imprisoned. Civil Beat.

The deadline to enroll for insurance through the Affordable Care Act is this Sunday. That’s a special challenge for more than 7,500 immigrants from countries of the Compact of Free Association, including Micronesia. Starting March 1st, they’ll lose their Medicaid coverage, and will have to find insurance through the Hawai‘i Health Connector. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill in the Hawaii Legislature would prohibit the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horns in the state. Bill supporters say more than 35,000 African elephants were slaughtered in 2012. Associated Press.

Some states have far higher percentages of local-born residents, but that doesn't silence the talk about what it means to be 'local' on the islands. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants Gen. Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff, to pay particular attention to Hawaii's strategic importance during a visit by Odierno to Oahu this week. Star-Advertiser.

Editorial: Ethics violations jeopardize trust. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A special state House committee tasked with determining the validity of a petition challenging the residency of Rep. Calvin Say (D, Palolo-St. Louis Heights-Kai­muki) will hold its first meeting Friday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

With home burglary and auto theft tallies on Oahu falling over the past four years, Hono­lulu Police Chief Louis Kea­loha says this year he will continue to focus on reducing home burglaries while stepping up efforts to improve customer service and domestic violence awareness in the department. Kealoha presented his 2015 plan for the Honolulu Police Department to the Honolulu Police Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of suspected drunk drivers are walking away with no punishment. Thousands of charges are filed every year and it takes up a lot of court time, while often getting nowhere. KHON2.

Energy efficiency efforts at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are paying off with big savings, officials said. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Public comment sought on General Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Department of Public Works and the state Department of Education have applied for the largest shares of some $20 million in federal funding for lava disaster relief, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

A new Department of Hawaiian Home Lands development in Waimea would provide beneficiaries with a cemetery, agriculture space, golf range and equestrian center, according to a draft environmental assessment. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Anaergia Services, the California-based firm contracted to build a state-of-the-art waste conversion facility at the Central Maui landfill, is eyeing Maui Electric Co., the County of Maui, a number of hotels and other consumers as potential buyers of renewable fuels to be produced at the facility once it comes on line in 2018, officials said Sunday. Maui News.

The Mayor's Office of Economic Development has contracted the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii to evaluate, develop and recommend broadband access for Maui County, the county announced last week. Maui News.

Maui County Democratic Party Precinct President and former state Board of Education member Mary Cochran died in her sleep Sunday morning, according to a post on the Maui Democratic Party website. Maui News.

Discovering alien civilizations in this generation is possible, and a prototype for a megatelescope that could spot them could be completed in two years, a Maui astronomer says. Maui News.

Declassified documents include Maui UFO report. In 1956, Lahaina woman said she saw object hovering off the coast. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department issued 3,199 more traffic citations in 2014 compared to the year before. There were 23,407 moving violations issued last year, compared to 20,208 in 2013. Garden Island

The island of Kauai — 22 pages worth — is featured front and center in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2015 edition, which hit newsstands Monday. Garden Island.

Ige looks to lobbyists to fill Cabinet, lawmakers mull medical marijuana dispensaries, 13 vie for Mele Carroll's Maui seat, National Guard leaves lava duty, cutting class time again, those darn albizias, more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige's Jan. 26, 2015 State of the State address, courtesy photo

Three of the people Gov. David Ige picked to head major state agencies were registered lobbyists for companies, organizations or clients whose interests likely will intersect with the departments they were nominated to oversee. Star-Advertiser.

Fifteen years after medical marijuana was legalized in Hawaii, legislators considered a bill Saturday that would finally give patients the ability to legally obtain it even if they can’t grow it themselves. Civil Beat.

A bill in the state Legislature would give voters more information about who is spending money on campaign ads. The proposal would require super PACs and other noncandidate committees to file an additional campaign spending report earlier in the election cycle. Associated Press.

Hawaii Governor David Ige says the state is closely tracking the West Coast terminal labor dispute's potential impact here in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of Hawaii’s public housing projects have an immediate repair and maintenance backlog totaling an estimated $275 million. Over the next decade, that amount is expected to grow to over $820 million, more than the facilities backlogs for public schools and colleges combined. Despite that, Gov. David Ige recently cut the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s budget request from $180 million to $5 million. Civil Beat.

A state program aimed at protecting and restoring Hawaii's beaches would get up to $3 million in revenues annually under a bill making its way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing can be hard to find in Hawaii, and one lawmaker is trying to make it easier on families with Section 8 vouchers. Associated Press.

Starting Monday, inspection reports for developmentally disabled adult foster homes will be made available online for the first time. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers for a fourth straight year are considering dialing back the 2010 law that lengthened Hawaii's school day and imposed minimum instructional hours at public schools. Advocates of the law want to see minimum learning times preserved to ensure consistency across schools and help bring Hawaii in line with other states. But the state Department of Education says complying with the law is onerous for schools and the union representing teachers says it infringes on collective bargaining rights. Star-Advertiser.

After years of trying, advocates for children with autism are hopeful that the Legislature will pass a bill requiring medical insurance companies to provide coverage for diagnosis and treatment. Star-Advertiser.

A slew of bills pertaining to animal welfare has been introduced in the state legislature. Tribune-Herald.

After three years with no cases, 15 people in Hawaii came down with measles last year, and health officials worry that unvaccinated people are endangering themselves and others, including infants. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rainstorms have become more numerous on Hawaii island over the past 50 years while becoming less frequent in Leeward Oahu and Central Maui, according to a recent study by a pair of University of Hawaii researchers who tie the phenomenon to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Army is seeking public comment on a court-ordered environmental study that represents one of the last major hurdles before it can consider resuming controversial live-fire training in Makua Valley. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a residence on Paiko Peninsula is accused of fiddling with state property and denying public access. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has announced most of his selections for board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency that is in charge of managing land in Kakaako, Kalaeloa and Heeia. Civil Beat.

Home prices on Oahu soared in January, a traditionally slow month for sales, as the median price of a condominium hit a record $381,500, according to statistics released Saturday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

State legislators are taking dead aim at albizia trees in response to the devastation wrought by the invasive species following Tropical Storm Iselle. A total of nine bills directly targeting albizia have been introduced for the 2015 session, including identical companion bills in the House and Senate seeking $2.1 million to remove the most dangerous trees that remain standing near Hawaii Island roadways. Tribune-Herald.

With property lease secured, UH Puako Marine Center project is progressing. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii National Guard’s mission in Puna came to an end this week as the June 27 lava flow continues to show sluggish activity near its front. Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, said he amended his request for assistance Monday allowing the withdrawal of National Guard soldiers, who were deployed since late October to help maintain security as the flow approached Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thirteen people have applied to replace District 13 state Rep. Mele Carroll. The 13 submitted applications to represent the district for East Maui, Lanai and Molokai before the deadline Friday night. Associated Press.

Thirteen candidates have lined up to replace state Rep. Mele Carroll - including an executive assistant to Mayor Alan Arakawa, Carroll's opponent in the last election, businesspeople and officials from environmental nonprofit groups. Maui News.

The Maui County Council approved the reappointment of Patrick Wong as corporation counsel in a meeting Friday that drew more than 50 testifiers, most of them critical of Wong's role in pending litigation involving the stalled initiative calling for a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops. Maui News.

Kauai

Developers who want to rebuild Kauai’s historic Coco Palms Resort must address concerns raised by the state Historic Preservation Division before any county permits are issued. Associated Press.

As a county official who oversees nearly 21 beach parks, two stadiums and 44 parks across the island, covering 487 acres, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo will tell you there’s a lot of ground to cover. Garden Island.

Hawaiian monk seal protection sought, agriculture home-rule battle in Legislature, Maui County bails on anti-GMO group, police reports show officers disciplined, House won't tax REITs, shipping costs to drop while strike looms, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal snoozes in the sun © 2015 All Hawaii News

An environmental group Thursday recommended that the federal government spend more to help prevent critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals from becoming extinct. Associated Press.

The Marine Conservation Institute is calling for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to “redouble its efforts” to conserve and recover the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Garden Island.

A tug of war over control of the agriculture industry's use of pesticides and genetically modified crops is playing out in the Legislature as lawmakers consider bills that would limit counties' regulatory abilities and create pesticide buffer zones around schools. Associated Press.

Kona coffee growers and state lawmakers are renewing their push for more accurate labeling and greater quantities of the real thing in blends of java being sold under the Kona label. West Hawaii Today.

As lava continues to flow into Pahoa, a measure that aims to give journalists better access to emergency sites continues to wend its way through the state Senate but has stalled in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers consider triple-time pay for holiday retail workers. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige announced Thursday afternoon that he wants Leonard Hoshijo to be the deputy director in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the top job remains unfilled. Civil Beat.

Veteran labor union official Leonard Hoshijo was nominated by Gov. David Ige Thursday to be the deputy director in the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

House Scraps Bill to Remove Tax Break for Prime Real Estate. It’s up to Hawaii senators to decide whether to advance a bill imposing a corporate income tax on investment trusts that own lucrative properties. Civil Beat.

The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection conducted a hearing yesterday on pesticide applications around schools and hospitals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii island police officers were disciplined in a total of 110 misconduct incidents and eight officers were discharged in 2014, according to annual reports submitted to the Legislature by the four county police departments. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc., the state's largest ocean cargo transportation firm, is following the recent plunge in oil prices with a plunge of its own by reducing its fuel surcharge by a record amount. Honolulu-based Matson announced Thursday that it will reduce the charge by 7 percentage points — to 24.5 percent from 31.5 percent — effective Sunday in response to falling bunker fuel prices. Star-Advertiser.

West Coast shipping docks could shut down in the next four to 10 days, but Hawaii's air cargo companies told Pacific Business News they are prepared to add services to make up for a potential lockout.Hawaii relies on ships for more than 90 percent of incoming delivery of goods.

Opinion: The U.S. Army is largely leaving Hawaii, but Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing is the only state official happy about it. Mauitime.

Opinion: We Need to Right the Wrongs for Struggling Native Hawaiians. Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians need to come together to improve the plight of our people. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A federal oversight committee is blasting Honolulu’s rail project, calling it “alarming” and “not sufficient.” A new review looked at the rising cost of building the rail system, putting the project at $500 million to $600 million over-budget. KHON2.

Over the next four weeks, as a six-month improvement project gets underway on the popular Makapuu Trail, its mile-long path to the lighthouse will be closed on weekdays. Beginning Monday, contractors of Haron Construction Inc. will begin repair and construction work along the trail. The project is estimated to cost $2.7 million. Star-Advertiser.

Two former Honolulu Zoo directors said the nonprofit Honolulu Zoo Society is failing to help the zoo that's in dire need of financial assistance, just a year before it faces a crucial re-accreditation inspection. The society gives the zoo only about 10 percent of its annual budget in direct assistance, but the head of the group said it provides valuable support to the zoo in other ways. Hawaii News Now.

The massive fuel leak at Sand Island may have started a month before it was first reported. A report by the EPA says that Hawaii Fueling Facilities Corp. noticed a large loss of volume in its No. 2 tank back on Dec. 22, or nearly a month before it reported the leak. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell and officials from the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting will host a public workshop on Tuesday, February 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to discuss the renovation of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Civil Beat.

Nearly two dozen University of Hawaii-Manoa degree programs that faced possible closure for producing few graduates have been spared from the chopping block — for now. The state House Higher Education Committee on Thursday tabled House Bill 555, which proposed shutting down small undergraduate programs that persistently award fewer than 10 degrees a year. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend used his position of authority to intimidate her into keeping silent about his ongoing abuse, the victim told the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser on Thursday.

Hawaii

A divided County Council voted Wednesday evening not to endorse a non-binding resolution asking the county’s attorneys to file a lawsuit against Puna Geothermal Venture to prevent it from drilling a new well at night. Tribune-Herald.

Three Hawaii Police Department officers were fired last year and 14 suspended for misconduct ranging from improperly filing reports to not arresting a suspect, according to an annual report submitted recently to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Dozens of security officers at Kona International Airport will hold a vote today on whether to join a union. West Hawaii Today.

A leak in the June 27 lava flow’s tube system near Pu‘u ‘O‘o is helping to reduce activity at its farthest edge. Tribune-Herald.

The number of single-family homes on Hawaii's Big Island jumped 30 percent in January, when compared with the same month the year before, while the median price rose 9 percent, according to Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui
Members of the SHAKA Movement (Sustainable Hawaiian Agriculture for the Keiki and the ‘Āina) are expressing outrage at a recent Maui County decision to take “no position” on defending the moratorium on GMO cultivation in Maui County. Maui Now.

John D. Kim was recommended for reappointment as Maui County's prosecuting attorney on Wednesday, following a five-hour meeting of the Maui County Council Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee conducted mostly behind closed doors. Maui News.

South Maui residents will get to keep their recycling bins while the county deliberates whether or not it should cease, continue or expand its pilot "3 Can Plan." Maui News.

A California engineer and developer, who has sought to build hydropower facilities on Maui in the past, is trying again with a unique seawater project on the south side of the island. Maui News.

Kauai

Developers seeking to rebuild the historic Coco Palms Resort will have to do a little extra legwork before any ground is broken. Kauai County Historic Preservation Review Commissioners on Thursday gave their unanimous stamp of approval to current plans by Coco Palms Hui LLC to redevelop, restore and repair the Wailua hotel, which has been shuttered since Hurricane Iniki buffeted the island in 1992. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. recently returned from a trip to Washington D.C., where he attended the 83rd winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. While there, the mayor met with Hawaii’s congressional delegation and other key contacts, and attended the State of the Union event. Garden Island.

The median price of a condominium on Kauai rose 39 percent in January on fewer sales, while sales of single-family homes increased by 65 percent, according to the Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Earthjustice to join Hawaii County GMO battle, House committees mull right to farm, home rule, pesticides bills, lobbyists fined for not filing, House to probe Rep. Calvin Say residency, bill would ban e-cigs, betel nut products at state beaches and parks, retailers prepare for West Coast shipping strikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County GMO rally © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County won’t have to go it alone in its fight to regulate genetically modified crops on the island. The County Council, by a 6-3 vote late Wednesday, agreed to allow attorneys from national advocacy groups Earthjustice and the Center for Food Safety to assist in the county’s defense of a lawsuit filed by Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association and other agriculture and biotechnology groups. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii House committee that deals with agriculture will take up bills that tackle pesticides and farming practices. One proposal states that counties should not be able to pass laws or regulations that restrict a farmer's rights. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection is holding a hearing Thursday morning on a bill that would block large agricultural companies from spraying pesticides near schools. Civil Beat.

The developer-funded Land Use Research Foundation and its executive director, David Arakawa, have agreed to each pay a $2,000 fine to settle charges for failing to register as lobbyists with the state Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

High-level state employees have agreed to pay thousands of dollars in fines to settle allegations by the Hawaii Ethics Commission that for years they accepted free rounds of golf from top private firms who had business before the state. Civil Beat.

State health officials want the Legislature to bail them out for not meeting a statutorily required deadline to start posting inspection reports for adult care homes online beginning Jan. 1. And Gov. David Ige is looking to help accommodate them, despite saying on the campaign trail last year that he would ensure the deadline was met. Civil Beat.

A proposal to create a new inspector general's office that would have the authority to investigate administrative agencies for complaints alleging fraud, waste, abuse or corruption got a cool reception from officials of several state agencies during a state Senate committee hearing Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Employees wouldn't have to give bosses the passwords to their social media accounts under a bill in the state Legislature. Associated Press.

State lawmakers are trying to make voting easier to improve record low voter turnout rates in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Medical Service Association, which in August stopped selling small-business insurance on the Hawaii Health Connector, is opposing a bill that would force it to reverse that decision. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to make the state’s largest health insurer resume selling plans on the troubled state-run health insurance exchange after it withdrew citing technical problems. A bill calling for the move was introduced after Hawaii Medical Services Association, also known as HMSA, stopped selling plans on the employer side of the exchange. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s consumer advocate, Jeff Ono, has recommended that the Public Utilities Commission reject a petition by renewable energy groups to delay reviewing the sale of Hawaiian Electric Co. to Florida-based NextEra Energy until the commission resolves pending cases related to the electric utilities’ long-term energy plans and future business model. Civil Beat.

Bill proposes state-wide ban on tobacco in state parks. Would include electronic smoking devices and betel nut products as well. Hawaii Independent.

A proposal to enlarge the Hawaii Board of Education from nine to 11 members took at step forward Wednesday by gaining the approval of the Senate Education Committee. Civil Beat.

Matson Inc., one of the largest ocean shippers of goods to Hawaii, said Wednesday that cargo will continue to flow into the state, despite a labor contract dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Pacific Business News.

Costco and other retailers in Hawaii are stocking up in preparation for a potential cargo shipment lockout that could happen within a week due to a labor dispute on the West Coast. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is ranked sixth in the nation for sustainable building design. That's according to the U.S. Green Building Council's annual ranking of top 10 states released Wednesday. Illinois ranked No. 1. Associated Press.

Taxpayers cover costly tab of Washington Place compound. KHON2.

Millionaires aren’t what they used to be, especially not in Hawaii. People who don’t pay attention to real estate markets might not know it, but the days of the million-dollar mansion in the islands are long gone. Today that kind of cash would barely buy this 1,100-square-foot eight-decade-old home in Manoa. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s top epidemiologist says the state is prepared to do “whatever is necessary” to protect the public from non-vaccinated residents who might contract measles. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: Ige’s Department of Land and Natural Development? Governor Ige's latest DLNR leadership move is a serious blow to advocates for resource protection and the ethical and legal use of water and a boon for development interests. Hawaii Independent.

Opinion: The Hawaiians — Building a Nation and the Road Ahead. The time has come to begin answering the difficult questions about what comes next. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Calvin Say

In what's believed to be an unprecedented move for the state Legislature, House leaders have decided to formally investigate whether to strip one of their own of his seat based on residency issues. House Majority leaders announced Wednesday that they've formed a special committee to consider the latest challenge over whether Rep. Calvin Say (D, Palolo-St. Louis Heights-Kaimuki) actually lives in the House district that he's represented since 1976, and thus whether he's qualified to represent it. Star-Advertiser.

A group of six state House lawmakers will be investigating whether Rep. Calvin Say actually lives in the Palolo district he’s been elected to represent for decades. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii House of Representatives is taking up a challenge that questions whether a member is eligible to serve. House Speaker Joseph Souki on Wednesday appointed a committee to consider the challenge. It was brought by six Palolo voters who say the former Speaker Rep. Calvin Say doesn't live in the district he represents. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House of Representatives is taking up a challenge that questions whether Calvin Say,  one of its longest serving members is eligible to continue holding his seat. KITV4.

The city is considering dressed-up shipping containers as a way to provide affordable housing on Oahu. At a news conference held Wednesday on Honolulu Hale's lawn, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he wants to work with Faith Action for Community Equity Hawaii, or FACE, and the City Council to find ways to address the housing crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's fourth -- and biggest -- Whole Foods store is slated to break ground later this year on the bottom two floors of a 38-story condominium tower in Kakaako after a state agency approved the estimated $390 million project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Exclusive, shocking allegations against Honolulu Police Department Officer. Hawaii News Now.

The defense in a civil trial against the Honolulu police chief's wife started its case Wednesday by trying to cast doubt on the credibility of the uncle suing her. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Traffic safety concerns, reduced property values and a lack of water — those concerns are topping the list for Puuanahulu residents who oppose a U.S. Forest Service proposal to locate a science and education center in their community. West Hawaii Today.

Lava rock left by the June 27 lava flow is being cleared from the Pahoa solid waste transfer station this week as Hawaii County prepares for the facility’s reopening March 1. Lava poured through the transfer station’s fence last November and pooled on a driveway used by garbage trucks along its perimeter before stalling. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Despite being one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana 15 years ago, Hawaii's laws regulating how patients can access the drug are still significantly flawed, a state Health Department official said Tuesday. Maui News.

Target will be opening the doors to its first Maui store - one of 15 the retailer will open across the nation this year - in the Puunene Shopping Center in Kahului at 8 a.m. March 4. Maui News.

Kauai

Residents and visitors looking to frolic in clean water should, in general, head for the ocean and steer clear of river mouths. Garden Island.

The Eastside is rocking and rolling with renewed vigor and life, and many are giving credit to the Royal Coconut Coast Association. Garden Island.

A house built from a shipping container was dedicated Saturday at the Kauai Community College in recognition of the student project “Hoouluwehi: Sustainable Living Institute on Kauai,” which is designed to provide students with experience in constructing sustainable housing. Garden Island.

State employees fined for taking gifts from contractors, fire ants slow lava evacuation route, Granny could be liable for child support, Honolulu Police Department under fire, making prison guards work, $28M bonds sought for Hawaii Health Connector, Omidyar gives $100M for Hawaii causes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Road construction through lava flow, courtesy Hawaii County

Nine mid- to high-level current and former state employees have agreed to pay a total of $34,800 in administrative penalties for allegedly accepting free golf from private contractors, consultants, vendors and other companies that did business with their agencies, the state Ethics Commission announced this week. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Gov. David Ige’s Honeymoon Ended With Nomination of Ching. The Governor's Office has arranged meetings between the nominee to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources and his critics, but strong opposition remains.Civil Beat.

Going after grandparents for child support could happen under a new proposal before state lawmakers. HB128 would hold parents of a minor who has a baby financially responsible for their grandchild. KHON2.

A Hawaii state Senate committee is planning to take up a slew of bills that aim to improve elections. The bills are being introduced after Hawaii's recent elections were thrown off track by a series of natural disasters that hit Hawaii's Big Island. Associated Press.

State lawmakers are considering a handful of bills aimed at reforming Hawai‘i’s prison system. One would create and fund a pilot program that would hire part time workers to make sure weekend visitation days are fully staffed. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Health Connector, which came under fire by the state auditor last week for the way it spent millions of dollars in federal grants, may be able to borrow as much as $28 million in bonds backed by the state. Star-Advertiser.

House lawmakers smacked down a bill Tuesday that would have created an exemption to the state open records law that one critic called “grossly over-broad.” The Judiciary had included House Bill 287 in its legislative package purportedly over concerns of identity theft and physical security. But it was really about finding a way to let judges, who have to retire at age 70, keep their birthdates secret. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said Tuesday striking union workers picketing at its clinics blocked patients trying to get into the facilities on the second day of a six-day strike. The union denied the accusation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could become the first state in the country to adopt energy mandates requiring the state’s utilities to derive 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, such as wind, solar and geothermal, if a bill backed by clean energy advocates is approved. Currently, Hawaiian Electric Co., serving Oahu, the Big Island and Maui County, as well as the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, are required to convert to 40 percent renewable energy by 2030 or face penalties. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Education will be trying out standardized tests for third- and fourth-grade Hawaiian language immersion students in May and is seeking a federal waiver so the students won't have to be tested in both English and Hawaiian. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge said Tuesday she's inclined to order a settlement conference for both sides of a lawsuit claiming Hawaii discriminates against those with limited English skills. Associated Press.

Opinion: It is time for the Legislature to re-examine why Hawaii has an open meetings law. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sunshine Law. Bills pending in the Legislature illustrate how the open meetings law has pulled in different directions over time. Civil Beat.

A superstition that warned people not to get married in the latter half of 2014 led to a drop in weddings in South Korea and may have affected travelers to Hawaii, which many Koreans see as a dream honeymoon destination. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Pierre Omidyar in Hawaii: The Billionaire in the Corner. Bringing about positive social change in Hawaii isn't cheap or easy, but here's how $100 million has been spent on the effort. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The FBI released semiannual 2014 crime stats for America's biggest cities last week, but don't bother trying to find out how safe — or dangerous — life can be in Honolulu. Even the state attorney general's office that compiles islandwide crime data every year cannot get statistics from the Hono­lulu Police Department on crimes ranging from murder to motor vehicle theft. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department and its chief have faced tough questions about transparency and accountability. The latest Hawaii Poll reveals mixed feelings about HPD's investigations into police shootings and alleged misconduct. Hawaii News Now.

Several Oahu residents who participated in the Hawaii Poll said their opinion of Hono­lulu Police Chief Louis Kea­loha was marred by recent events involving the chief and his wife, Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kea­loha. The poll showed Oahu residents were nearly split in their opinions of Kea­loha with 32 percent favorable and 28 percent unfavorable. Star-Advertiser.

Cockfights, family abuse and tampering with government records are only a few of the crimes Honolulu police officers were punished for in 2014, according to an annual misconduct report submitted to the Legislature last week. In all, the Honolulu Police Department disciplined 39 officers for 47 incidents that also included surfing on the job, gaming the overtime system, beating up suspects and driving under the influence. Civil Beat.

In its 2014 annual report to the state legislature, Honolulu Police Department only focused on administrative actions taken against officers who were either suspended or discharged for violating the department’s standards of conduct. KHON2.

A state senator representing the Kakaako area asserts that he does in fact reside there — and that he made a mistake claiming homeowner tax exemptions on a property he owns outside his district. Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (D, Kakaako-McCully-Wai­kiki) made those assertions this week after an adviser to his latest general-election challenger filed a complaint with the Honolulu City Clerk's office this past fall. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brickwood Galuteria comes clean on tax exemption claims. KITV4.

Opinion: After reading about all the contributions to politicians from rail project contractors, I am struck by the arrogance and contempt our public servants share towards those they have been elected to serve. Civil Beat.

Opinion: A report confirming that Unit Director Michele Carbone ran the UH Cancer Center into the ground can teach us an important lesson about the systemic problems currently killing the University of Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

A sewer pipe leaking off the Keaukaha coast is going to cost Hawaii County almost $6 million to fix. The County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday voted favorably on Bill 20, to appropriate $4.95 million on top of the $1 million already appropriated to fix the outfall pipe that sends treated sewage three-quarters of a mile into the ocean. West Hawaii Today.

Completion of the Chain of Craters alternate route is being pushed further back thanks to a tiny pest that already has taken over much of East Hawaii. Hawaii County Public Works Director Warren Lee said little fire ants have been found in baseyards supporting the approximately 8-mile road construction project that will reconnect Highway 130 with Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

A bill adding transparency and public input to the process of creating planned unit developments sailed through the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday. The committee unanimously agreed to a positive recommendation for Bill 281, which now heads to two council votes. West Hawaii Today.

State legislators will hear from the Hawaii Island Family Residency Program’s inaugural class members as organizers support multiple bills seeking funding to keep the program going. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii County Police Department sergeant facing domestic abuse and terroristic threatening charges will make his initial court appearance next month. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii will host meetings this week regarding an environmental impact statement for expanding its lease on Mauna Kea. The open houses are slated for 5:30-8 p.m. today at the Department of Hawaiian Homelands office in Waimea and Thursday at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Acknowledging that Maui County residents are dealing with substandard internet browsing speeds, the County of Maui has hired Joel Ogren of the U.S. Navy-sponsored Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii to “evaluate, develop and recommend a preliminary telecommunications strategy for Maui County,” according to a Feb. 2 county news release. MauiTime.

Kauai

A Kauai Island Utility Cooperative committee has confirmed eight candidates who will run for three seats on its board of directors, the Lihue-based utility said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A public hearing on proposed medical marijuana rules is scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the basement room of the State Office Building, 3060 Eiwa Street in Lihue. Garden Island.

Sara Lee Silverman was reappointed to a second term as a Kauai District Court Judge. Garden Island.

Hawaii media focus on Kaiser Permanente workers strike, state senator admits falsifying tax records, House GOP outlines legislative priorities, UH Cancer Center aims to fix big problems, GMO lawyers try to limit opposition, Honolulu mayor popular, seawater to cool downtown condos, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers strike © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of workers at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii started a six-day strike Monday but made sure patients knew it was OK to keep their appointments with the state's largest health maintenance organization. nite Here Local 5, representing 1,900 Kaiser workers, organized a statewide strike following objections to what it calls low proposed wage increases and a proposal to eliminate guaranteed pensions for new employees. Star-Advertiser

Kaiser Local 5 members on strike. Kaiser Permanente's Local 5 workers have begun a 6-day statewide workers strike. Hawaii Independent.

Workers at Hawaii’s largest health care organization started a six-day strike early Monday, union spokeswoman Paola Rodelas said. Associated Press.

Members of the Local Union 5 began their six-day strike after labor disputes with health care giant Kaiser. KITV4.

Kaiser Permanente Local 5 workers on three islands are walking the picket lines as part of a six-day strike. The 1,900 workers include Kaiser receptionists, medical assistants and certified nurses aides. KHON2.

Six of Hawaii's seven House Republicans gathered Monday to introduce their latest caucus legislative package, a collection of bills touted as ways to encourage business across the islands, provide tax relief and better scrutinize the state's energy regulators. Star-Advertiser.

The seven Republican representatives in the 51-member state House will be pushing 20 bills this legislative session as part of their Minority Caucus package. The bills generally fall under three categories: creating jobs, lowering the cost of living and giving the government back to the people, Minority Leader Beth Fukumoto Chang said during a press conference Monday at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

Nearly 2,900 bills were introduced in the first week of Hawaii’s 2015 Legislative session. Associated Press.

A bill introduced in the Hawaii state Legislature would task the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs with licensing vacation rentals in the Islands. House Bill 825, introduced by Scott Saiki, D-McCully-Downtown, gives authority to the DCCA director to license transient vacation rental owners, as well as fine and investigate the actions of any vacation rental owner without a license. Pacific Business News.

Hundreds of people have asked the state to give them millions of dollars over the past year to cover claims such as potholes damaging cars, students suffering from food poisoning, prison guards assaulting inmates and public employees sexually harassing co-workers. But unlike larger claims that first go through the Attorney General’s Office and then to the Legislature where final approval is given during public hearings, claims settled for smaller amounts are quietly handled within the Department of Accounting and General Services. Civil Beat.

Senate bill would boost our food security. SB593 would require the Agribusiness Development Corporation to lease 50 percent of its land to local food production. Hawaii Independent.

Bill seeks to stop discrimination against Section 8 tenants. Associated Press.

A bill allowing schools to accept in-kind services in lieu of rent for use of their facilities was supported by Oahu pastors but opposed by the state Department of Education during a state Senate Education Committee hearing Monday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Information Exchange and Hawaii Health Systems Corp. have signed a data sharing agreement to make patient medical records available electronically to community health care providers and hospitals across the state. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s state run hospital system appears to be in dire financial straits. However, it does have new leadership in its CEO, Dr. Linda Rosen, who as Pacific Business News reports, has a lot of experience dealing with emergencies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mercury levels in yellowfin tuna caught in the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands have been rising at a 3.8 percent annual rate since 1998, according to a new study.Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Halfway into his first term, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell retains job performance approval from more than 2 out of 3 registered voters. Star-Advertiser.

From paving pot holes to showing his support for bicycling commuters and picking-up trash, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell appears to be everywhere, and that face time with the community has translated into a favorability rating of 64% -- according to our Hawai'i News Now - Star Advertiser poll.

State Sen. Brickwood Galuteria admitted Monday that he has improperly claimed a rental property in Palolo as his primary residence and will likely have to pay back taxes on the nearly $1.8 million home. Civil Beat.

A University of Hawaii task force charged with reviewing operations at the financially struggling UH Cancer Center says a "flawed and incomplete" business model is preventing the center from achieving its mission to reduce the burden of cancer through research and education. Star-Advertiser.

A report critical of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center is leading to a call at the State Legislature to either sell or lease the research facility. KHON2.

An overwhelming majority of Oahu residents has no intention of using bike lanes, but they sure like the idea of getting someone else to use bicycles to commute — especially along Hono­­lulu's new King Street "Cycle Track." Star-Advertiser.

As local lawmakers struggle to find solutions to Hawaii's housing crunch, a local charity is demonstrating what out-of-the-box thinking could look like. Faith Action for Community Equity, or FACE, has set up a 20-foot-by-8-foot shipping container on the grounds of Honolulu Hale that can house a family of five. KITV4.

The Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning project, which expects to start construction this fall on the system to cool Downtown Honolulu office buildings and condominium towers with cold water from the ocean, may be expanding to cool the scores of high-rise condos being built nearby in the growing Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, the project's CEO told Pacific Business News.

A 42,000-gallon jet fuel spill reported Jan. 21 is likely due to a weld failure on the bottom of an above-ground storage tank at a Sand Island tank farm, which supplies fuel to Hono­lulu Airport, the tank operating company said. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to honor a Honolulu-based cutter's 45 years of service during a decommissioning ceremony. The Honolulu-based Cutter Rush is being replaced by the Cutter Sherman. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Attorneys representing groups suing Hawaii County over its restrictions on genetically modified crops want the county to defend itself without help from national advocacy groups such as Earthjustice and the Center for Food Safety. West Hawaii Today.

About 20 Kaiser Permanente employees marched Monday morning in front of the Hilo clinic as their labor union kicked off a six-day strike.Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige released Monday $4 million in general obligation bond funds appropriated by the Legislature to finance construction of various improvements to the Waimea District Regional Park. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management will begin charging a new tipping fee on March 1 to businesses that deposit green waste at recycling facilities in Puuanahulu and Hilo. Revenue from the new fee will help finance an expansion of green waste recycling services across the island.West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s police and fire departments intend to maintain comparable coverage in lower Puna if the June 27 lava flow forces them to abandon their main posts on Highway 130. Both share a joint campus on the makai side of the highway outside Pahoa that remains about 0.36 miles from the flow’s stalled tip. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Department of Environmental Management ended its 2-year-old curbside recycling pilot program Sunday, despite calls from South Maui residents to keep its "3 Can Plan." Maui News.

County of Maui in even more trouble with federal Clean Water Act. MauiTime

Kaiser Permanente workers on Maui took to the streets Monday as part of a statewide, six-day strike against the health care provider that is stuck in a labor contract dispute. Maui News.

Construction is underway in Kihei on what's believed to be Hawaii's first home built with hemp fiber insulation, according to those involved in the project. Maui News.

Kauai

Are the pesticides being used by Kauai’s biotech seed industry impacting the health and environment of the island and its residents? And if so, how? Those are the main questions nine Kauai residents have been tasked with answering over the next year as members of a newly formed Joint Fact-Finding Group. Garden Island.

A former Kauai state senator and her siblings are defendants in a trust fraud case filed by their mother in 5th Circuit Court. Evelyn Ohai Fernandes, 87, individually and as trustee of William Ernest Fernandes and Evelyn Ohai Fernandes Revocable Living Trust, is suing four of her children and grandchildren regarding five properties near old Kapaa town that were transferred into a trust. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s rainy season has been lacking something it usually has plenty of: Rain. Garden Island.

Warm oceans threaten green sea turtles, sex trafficking bills proposed, Maui won't defend GMO law, rail pay to play, officials mull backing out of Obamacare requirements, teachers seek better contract, Section 8 vouchers to resume in lava's path, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii visitors pose with sea turtles © 2015 All Hawaii News

Green sea turtles may stop basking on Hawaii's shores as early as 2039 if climate change continues at its current rate, a new study concludes. Star-Advertiser.

For the 2015 legislative session, Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery and IMUAlliance are drafting and sponsoring a bill to ban sex trafficking in Hawaii. Currently, Hawaii is one of only two states that fail to outlaw sex trafficking in their criminal codes. Hawaii Independent.

More than a dozen bills seeking to regulate electronic smoking in some way have been introduced at the state Legislature, and proponents of the product appear ready to fight each of them every step of the way. Four of the proposals were heard by the House Health Committee on Friday. Decision-making is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

It’s 4 ‘o clock on a Friday. Pau hana, right? Wrong. It’s time for Gov. David Ige to reveal his latest Cabinet appointment — right at that moment when no one is looking. Since he started picking people in November to serve in his new administration, 11 were named on Fridays and another seven were disclosed on New Year’s Eve. Civil Beat.

A lawmaker from the Big Island wants to hold Hawaii’s Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago accountable for voting problems that she says denied residents of her district the right to vote.Associated Press.

Members serving on the state Board of Education would have four-year terms that run concurrent with that of the governor appointing them under proposed legislation filed this week. Star-Advertiser.

The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers will be negotiating with the state for a pay increase. The Hawaii State Teachers Association told members in an email the union will return to the bargaining table in March to discuss additional salary and compensation for the remaining two years of the contract. Associated Press.

Hawaii residents may find it more difficult to see their doctor or medical specialist over the next few years. A study released by the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii found that 300 more physicians in primary care are needed statewide. All told, the state needs 3,690 doctors but has 2,800, the study found. Garden Island.

About 7,500 Micronesians and other Pacific islanders will lose their Medicaid health coverage on Feb. 28, but they will automatically be enrolled in an Obama­care replacement plan March 1, health officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering whether it makes sense to get out of some requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act so that they can make substantial changes to the state’s troubled health insurance exchange. States like Hawaii that run their own exchanges can apply for a so-called innovation waiver if they meet certain criteria. Associated Press.

More Hawaii residents are opposed to Florida-based Next­Era Energy Inc. buying Hawaiian Electric Industries than favor the sale, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

HEH. Hawaiian Electric Holdings will become the name of the new parent company of the Hawaiian Electric Cos. following the closure of NextEra Energy's $4.3 billion acquisition of the state's largest utility, according to the two companies' acquisition 374-page application sent to Hawaii regulators. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has unveiled an online system that allows customers and developers to see the status and progress of planned renewable generation projects, including rooftop solar and other types of wind and solar projects, the Honolulu-based utility said Friday. Pacific Business News.

While a majority of respondents feel there is not an overemphasis on athletics at the University of Hawaii, they also say the financially struggling athletics department should pay its own bills, the Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: When it Comes to State Taxes, You’ve Got to Consider the Source. Hawaii Legislature could improve the state's revenue situation by changing how real estate investment trusts are taxed. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Large Rail Contractors Dump $1.3 Million into Local Campaign Coffers. Companies making at least $1 million on the Honolulu rail project are donating heavily to local politicians. Some of the biggest beneficiaries include Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Hawaii Gov. David Ige and their predecessors. Civil Beat.

As the city struggles to pay for Honolulu's controversial rail system, the latest Hawaii Poll explores possible solutions. The controversial project topped the list (19%) as the most important issue facing Oahu this year in the survey conducted by Ward Research for Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Traffic came in a close second (17%), followed by homelessness (15%) and the economy (14%). Education/public schools came in a distant fifth place (4%).

As Aloha Stadium moves into middle age, the state should continue to renovate the facility, a plurality of respondents in the Hawaii Poll said. Forty percent of those who were asked for the “best solution for a stadium on Oahu” said renovating the 40-year-old stadium was their preferred option. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council member wants to meet with federal transit officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss the ballooning cost of the city's $5.3 billion rail transit project. Associated Press.

City Councilman Ernie Martin drafted a resolution that will allow him and three other council members to travel to Washington, D.C., on a fact-finding mission. Once Resolution 15-19 is approved by the full council, Martin expects to be in our nation’s capital from Feb. 21 through the 25. KITV4.

The average price of regular gas in Honolulu hit an even $3 a gallon this week, the lowest it has been since June 2009, according to AAA Hawaii's Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

Starting Monday, former low-income housing facility Pauahi Hale will operate as a service hub for Oahu's homeless population, as provided by a new five-year contract between the city and social service organization Mental Health Kokua. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

While NextEra Energy's $4.3 billion bid to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries dominates the local energy debate, a group of Hawaii island residents is quietly investigating another possible future for their utility. A Big Island Energy Utility Cooperative steering committee has been formed to discuss the idea further, but is keeping things low-key. Star-Advertiser.

A moratorium on the use of housing assistance vouchers in areas threatened by the June 27 lava flow will end Monday. The restriction, which prevented vouchers from being used on new leases in lower Puna, went into effect in October when it appeared that lava was going to cross Highway 130 sooner rather than later. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Medical Center was named the third safest hospital in the state and took first place in one key quality-of-care measure in a recent Consumer Reports comparison. The public “safety net” hospital, so-called because it is the only option for many people in East Hawaii, has long wrestled with public perception over its quality of care. Tribune-Herald.

A public information meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday on Oahu regarding the proposed master lease for Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

The dispute over whether Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is qualified for her position returns to a 3rd Circuit courtroom next month. Judge Ronald Ibarra is scheduled to hear motions for summary judgment in the case at 4 p.m. Feb 23, attorneys confirmed Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hunters on Saturday ascended upon Puuanahulu for the fourth annual Keikis of the Aina Pig Hunting Tournament.West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County isn’t defending a moratorium on genetically modified farming despite more than 23,000 voters approving the bill last fall. In a court filing Friday, the county said that it is taking “no position” on a motion for summary judgment filed by attorneys representing global seed companies Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, as well as several Maui County businesses and organizations. Civil Beat.

Democrats seeking to succeed Rep. Mele Carroll in the state House of Representatives have until 11 p.m. Friday to submit applications to the Maui County Democratic Party. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa will speak at the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce’s February Membership Dinner to outline the county’s current efforts in alleviating high housing costs affecting many Maui residents. Maui Now.

Native shrub cover increased from 3 percent to 82 percent over a 15-year period at the Auwahi dryland forest on the leeward flanks of Haleakala, thanks to the efforts of the largely volunteer-based restoration operation named for the forest. Maui News.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway may see a new traffic signal in Kilauea. Or a four-way stop sign. Or even a roundabout, which would be the first such traffic calming device on a state highway. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai retains state’s lowest percentage of unemployed. Tourism down during renovations but ‘gold mine’ awaiting island. Maui News.