Happy Thanksgiving! Mahalo to our sponsors. ... You can be one too!

Pig taken from an imu for a feast © 2016 All Hawaii News

Mahalo.

That's the Hawaiian word for "thank you," and it means more now than ever, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.

"Ohana" is the Hawaiian word for family, and "hoaloha" means friend.

But generally, in Hawaii, friends are considered family, so "hoaloha" isn't all that commonplace. Instead, an older man is called "Uncle," an older woman, "Auntie," even if the speaker doesn't know you. It's a term of respect, even if you might be a "haole," (white person), "Kepani," (Japanese) or otherwise non-Hawaiian.

"Thank you," "family "and "respect" are terms to remember this holiday season and today more than ever. We need to pull together, to emphasize our similarities, not our differences.

Hawaii has been called a melting pot, but even better than that, it's a mixed salad, all the various components contributing their own unique flavor while not losing their identity, so that the whole is even greater than its parts. That's what makes Hawaii special, and helps it serve as a model for our troubled nation.

It's a good time for All Hawaii News to say mahalo nui for your support over the years (More than eight years!) by reading, subscribing and contributing to this blog.

No fake news here! Instead, your All Hawaii News curator is up before the sun every weekday, compiling and curating the top news from dozens of vetted sources -- real news by real journalists -- and providing it in one aggregated site by 7:30 a.m. every weekday. (Usually earlier!)

All Hawaii News is a labor of love. I've been doing this day in and day out for eight years now. Advertising is kept to a minimum.

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Nancy Cook Lauer

Audit questions big film industry tax breaks, Health Department mulls food handler certification, other rules, water tank vandalism closes Molokai schools, Big Island faces electricity hikes, more ado about University of Hawaii politicking, House picks leaders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Five-O promo, courtesy Hawaii Film Office

The tax breaks the state of Hawaii offers to lure Hollywood productions to the islands are probably sweeter than they should be under state law, according to a report released Tuesday by the state auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's film tax credit may not be helping the state as much as its film office claims. Civil Beat.

Read the entire film tax credit audit here.

The Hawaii State Department of Health said Tuesday that it will introduce amendments and updates to the state's food safety code, including a new education requirement, that will affect restaurants and other food service operations in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

More about the food safety rule changes and public hearings here.

The leadership of the state House of Representatives announced Tuesday who will head 20 committees that will oversee everything from tourism and transportation to the environment and education when the 2017 legislative session gets underway in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House unveils lineup of committee chairs. Civil Beat.

See the entire House lineup at All Hawaii News.

A federal judge's nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of the Department of Labor’s overtime rule could be good news for employers in Hawaii, according to Ryan Sanada, director of legal and government affairs for the Hawaii Employers Council. Pacific Business News.

Communities such as Hawaii that continue to see their homeless populations rise “tell us that something is broken” and changes need to be made, the regional coordinator for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness told the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday.

Oahu

A donor has pulled funds supporting art students at the University of Hawaii after the art department’s chairwoman organized a sign-painting party on Facebook to protest President-elect Donald Trump. Associated Press.

Why Keith Kaneshiro Is Standing Behind Katherine Kealoha. Honolulu’s top prosecutor has been a harsh critic of a Justice Department investigation into Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

One of the largest food pantries on Oahu is preparing to close next month if a new location is not found.  Civil Beat.

State investigates water pollution complaint at Keehi Marine Center. KITV4.

Kahumana Community, a 50-acre nonprofit organic farm and community in Leeward Oahu, has been waiting for more than two years to get a solar energy project approved by Hawaiian Electric Co., delaying plans to house several dozen homeless individuals, businesses involved in the project confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The public soon will have a chance to weigh in on two scenarios posed by Hawaii Electric Light Co. that could raise typical residential electric rates by $9.31 a month in one case or possibly provide savings in another. West Hawaii Today.

The House of Representatives Majority named its 2017 Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs during a caucus meeting today. Kona-Ka’u representative Richard Creagan has been declared the new chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Big Island Video News.

KTA Super Stores dives deeper into the digital age this week with the introduction of “virtual clinics of the future.” Shoppers in need of medical checks for scrapes, respiratory ailments, urinary infections, colds, sunburns or prescription refills can connect through iPad telemedicine. Tribune-Herald.

A guide sign that was misdirecting South Kona drivers through a new intersection came down in recent days and new, correct signs are expected to go up in its place. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Land Use Committee members recommended approval of A&B Properties’ Waiale South project Monday, while continuing to wrestle with questions about the developer’s vetting of prospective homebuyers for its 600-home Kamalani project in north Kihei. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply is advising customers in the Honokōhau area to boil water before consumption due to possible E. coli contamination. Maui Now.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has been sold for the second time in about two years to a partnership that includes Trinity Investments and Area Property Partners, which also are part of a consortium that owns the shuttered Makena Beach & Golf Resort. Maui News.

Melon Headed Whale Stranding Off Sugar Beach, Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in vandalizing the utility’s hydroelectric power infrastructure. Garden Island.

Molokai
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is urging the public on Molokai to avoid using water from two storage tanks in Hoolehua after they were damaged by vandals. Star-Advertiser.

Several schools on Molokai are closed Wednesday due to water quality concerns after vandals damaged two 3.5-million-gallon storage tanks, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Press release: Hawaii House names committee leadership, creates new Intrastate Commerce Committee to focus on business regulation

Hawaii House of Representatives

 The House of Representatives Majority named its 2017 Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs during a caucus meeting today.

A new committee, Intrastate Commerce, will focus on regulations and licensing of Hawaii businesses such as banking, telecommunications and property insurance.

House Leaders, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs are:

Speaker: Joseph M. Souki
Speaker Emeritus: Calvin K.Y. Say
Vice Speaker: John M. Mizuno
Majority Leader: Scott K. Saiki
Majority Floor Leader: Cindy Evans
Majority Policy Leader: Marcus R. Oshiro
Majority Whip: Ken Ito
Assistant Majority Leaders:
                Chris Lee
                Dee Morikawa
                Roy M. Takumi

Agriculture (AGR)
Chair: Richard Creagan
Vice Chair: Lynn DeCoite

Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC)
Chair: Angus L.K. McKelvey
Vice Chair: Linda Ichiyama

Economic Development & Business (EDB)
Chair: Mark M. Nakashima
Vice Chair: Jarrett Keohokalole

Education (EDN)
Chair: Roy M. Takumi
Vice Chair: Sharon E. Har

Energy & Environmental Protection (EEP)
Chair: Chris Lee
Vice Chair: Nicole Lowen

Finance (FIN)
Chair: Sylvia Luke
Vice Chair: Ty J.K. Cullen

Health (HLT)
Chair: Della Au Belatti
Vice Chair: Bertrand Kobayashi
Higher Education (HED)
Chair: Justin H. Woodson
Vice Chair: Mark J. Hashem

Housing (HSG)
Chair: Tom Brower
Vice Chair: Nadine Nakamura

Human Services (HUS)
Chair: Dee Morikawa
Vice Chair: To be announced

Intrastate Commerce (IAC)
Chair: Takashi Ohno
Vice Chair: Isaac W. Choy

Judiciary (JUD)
Chair: Scott Y. Nishimoto
Vice Chair: Joy San Buenaventura

Labor & Public Employment (LAB)
Chair: Aaron Ling Johanson
Vice Chair: Daniel Holt

Legislative Management (LMG)
Chair: Bertrand Kobayashi
Vice Chair: John M. Mizuno

Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs (OMH)
Chair: Kaniela Ing
Vice Chair: Cedric Gates

Public Safety (PBS)
Chair: Gregg Takayama
Vice Chair: Matthew S. LoPresti

Tourism (TOU)
Chair: Richard H.K. Onishi
Vice Chair: James Kunane Tokioka

Transportation (TRN)
Chair: Henry J.C. Aquino
Vice Chair: Sean Quinlan

Veterans, Military & International Affairs & Culture and the Arts (VMI)
Chair: Ken Ito
Vice Chair: James Kunane Tokioka

Water and Land (WAL)
Chair: Ryan I. Yamane
Vice Chair: Sam Satoru Kong

Eleven sites mulled for new Oahu jail, more on Tulsi's visit with Trump, mourning Tsuji and filling his seat, tiny telescope headed for Maui mountain, Coco Palms seeks investors, Kauai sweep nets 39 violent fugitives, donor pulls funds over UH politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Scenic Diamond Head Road © 2016 All Hawaii News

What President-elect Donald Trump will actually do after he takes the reins of government in January from President Barack Obama remains to be seen. But nonprofit groups, lawmakers, government officials and others say Hawaii needs to remain vigilant about protecting its environment over the next four years. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was first on a long list of visitors and potential job seekers at Trump Tower Monday, but the Hawaii Democrat didn’t ask for a position in President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration and she was not offered one, her office said. Associated Press.

Hawaii Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York on Monday amid speculation that Gabbard is being considered for a high-level job in the Trump administration, including a possible appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Monday she met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York to discuss U.S. policies in Syria and on combating terrorists groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, but the Hawaii Democrat and Bernie Sanders supporter was mum on whether she and Trump talked about her joining his administration. Pacific Business News.

© 2016 All Hawaii News

A spokeswoman for a Hawaii congresswoman denied claims Monday her meeting with the president-elect was about an offer to join his administration. Garden Island.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made political waves Monday by sitting down with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard on Monday morning joined a long line of job-seekers mobbing President-elect Donald Trump at his headquarters in New York City, but her staff said Friday she’s not one of the ones looking for a post in the Trump administration. Civil Beat.
==============

Prisons vs. schools: The actual food cost of each meal for the Department of Public Safety costs taxpayers about $1.85, roughly 20 cents less than school lunches. KHON2.

Roderick Becker has been appointed comptroller for the state of Hawaii and director of the state Department of Accounting and General Services following the resignation last week of Douglas Murdock.Pacific Business News.

Oahu

There are 11 possible sites for rebuilding what is now Hawaii's most crowded jail.The state Department of Public Safety on Monday announced officials are eyeing sites in Kalihi, Aiea, Kalaeloa, Mililani and Waiawa. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety announced Monday an initial list of 11 sites identified for the redevelopment of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Eleven potential sites for a new Oahu Community Correctional Center were identified Monday by the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

Two Kalaeloa sites on a list of possible locations to rebuild the state’s largest correctional facility have raised community concerns because of the historical value of the parcels. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers of traditional taxicabs as well as Uber and Lyft vehicles sounded off with passionate testimony during a public hearing Monday on a proposed set of rules that would govern all of them under the single category of “private transportation companies and drivers.” Star-Advertiser.

UH arts donor pulls funding due to politics. Hawaii News Now.

A flaw in Farrington High School’s web security protocol caused users to get re-directed to a pornographic website, instead of being taken to one of the school’s many links.KHON2.

Hawaii leaders see win, lose, draw scenarios for rail under Trump. KHON2.

Some Hawaii residents are arguing against a proposed floating wind farm off Kaena Point, saying it could hurt wildlife and affect surfing prospects. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Foodbank's largest distributor of food to the needy is scrambling to find a new home, and warns that tons of perishable food could be wasted when operations cease on Dec. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Democratic Party members will mourn the loss of state Rep. Clift Tsuji as well as select nominees to replace him during the first weekend of December. Tribune-Herald.

It’s far too late to have any impact on the 2014 election, but the Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in January over a complaint questioning the residency status of Ron Gonzales, who unsuccessfully challenged Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille that year. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings in December on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s proposed rate increase for Hawaii island residents. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Community Aquatic Center could reopen as early as this weekend after crews complete repairs and maintenance work put on hold for the Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Questions about the status of Mauna Kea as ceded lands were disallowed during cross-examination on Wednesday, part of the ongoing the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The University of Hawaii is proposing another cutting-edge mountaintop astronomy facility — this time the world’s highest-contrast optical telescope — but instead of creating a new imposing structure like the Thirty Meter Telescope or the Inouye solar telescope, it would simply replace an old one. Star-Advertiser.

Stanford Carr Development broke ground Monday on a $90 million residential neighborhood in Lahaina in West Maui, he confirmed to Pacific Business News.

A century-old park that’s hosted the fair, Richard Nixon and scores of tennis players young and old could be up for improvements in the future as the county works toward revitalizing Wailuku town. Maui News.

Hana Hwy (360) near mile marker 14 in Hana is closed to traffic in both directions due to a landslide across the road. Maui Now.

Kauai

The developers of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai are looking for investors for the project, which is scheduled to start construction in February and reopen in 2018 as part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. Pacific Business News.

Thirty-nine fugitives on Kauai were arrested as a result of a four-day, multi-agency operation that focused on finding people charged with violent crimes. Garden Island.

Update: Tulsi issues statement on Trump meeting

Gabbard © 2016 All Hawaii News

U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on her meeting with President-elect Donald Trump regarding Syria:

"President-elect Trump asked me to  meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face. I felt it important to take the opportunity to meet with the President-elect now before the drumbeats of war that neocons have been beating drag us into an escalation of the war to overthrow the Syrian government—a war which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions of refugees to flee their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families.

“While the rules of political expediency would say I should have refused to meet with President-elect Trump, I never have and never will play politics with American and Syrian lives.

“Serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly.  Representing the aloha spirit and diversity of the people of Hawaiʻi, I will continue to seek common ground to deliver results that best serve all Americans, as I have tried to do during my time in Congress.

“Where I disagree with President-elect Trump on issues, I will not hesitate to express that disagreement.  However, I believe we can disagree, even strongly, but still come together on issues that matter to the American people and affect their daily lives. We cannot allow continued divisiveness to destroy our country.

“President-elect Trump and I had a frank and positive conversation in which we discussed a variety of foreign policy issues in depth. I shared with him my grave concerns that escalating the war in Syria by implementing a so-called no fly/safe zone would be disastrous for the Syrian people, our country, and the world. It would lead to more death and suffering, exacerbate the refugee crisis, strengthen ISIS and al-Qaeda, and bring us into a direct conflict with Russia which could result in a nuclear war. We discussed my bill to end our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government, and the need to focus our precious resources on rebuilding our own country, and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups who pose a threat to the American people.

“For years, the issue of ending interventionist, regime change warfare has been one of my top priorities. This was the major reason I ran for Congress—I saw firsthand the cost of war, and the lives lost due to the interventionist warmongering policies our country has pursued for far too long.

“Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance."

Tulsi meeting Trump for job consideration, Speaker-emeritus Say residency cleared, friends remember former Kauai councilman Byum, new rules could hamper homeless efforts, unexploded ordnance found on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard © 2016 All Hawaii News

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, will be meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team Monday for a possible top job in the new administration, according to a report. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team Monday for a possible top job in the new administration, a source said. CNN.

Commentary: Hawaii’s congressional delegation: 4 ambitious politicians jockeying for advantage. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Calvin Say’s legal battles over his residency appear to have been settled. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled in Hussey v. Say that the state House of Representatives “is the only body” that can decide whether the speaker emeritus satisfies the constitutional residency requirements of a sitting member. Civil Beat.

Members of Hawaii’s Board of Education say they’re frustrated with the state’s perennial teacher shortage, which has again resulted in hundreds of public school classrooms being staffed this school year with emergency hires and substitutes lacking proper teaching credentials. Star-Advertiser.

The CEO of Hawaiian Electric Co. says the utility remains committed to 100 percent renewable-energy dependence despite having a climate change denier as the nation's incoming president. Associated Press.

Eight Hawaii homeless shelters estimate they would be forced to collectively eliminate 662 beds under changes proposed by the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

Other States Are Shrinking Prison Populations — Why Not Hawaii? The Justice Reinvestment Initiative approved in 2012 was supposed to be a game-changer in the islands. It hasn’t been. Civil Beat.

Hawaii could improve on its laws to combat drunken driving by imposing tougher penalties for people who drive drunk with a child in the car, according to a new report by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services Director Douglas Murdock, who serves as the state comptroller, is stepping down today, the governor’s office announced. Gov. David Ige has appointed Roderick Becker, the state deputy budget director since December 2014, to replace Murdock. Civil Beat.

In a ghost town of dead coral off a remote Pacific island, scientists have found a bit more life. Associated Press.


Oahu

While some Honolulu rail leaders are encouraged by President-elect Donald Trump’s pro-infrastructure rhetoric, others are wary of how the new administration might react to a transit project that’s over budget, behind schedule and technically in breach of its federal funding deal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate continues to drop, according to new numbers released in November, but this poses a challenge for new businesses popping up on Oahu. KHON2.

Jesse Souki, who held executive positions at several state agencies, could become the next head of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state agency regulating development in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, the HCDA said this week. Pacific Business News.

City Emergency Services and Fire Department officials have agreed to compile a report looking into the feasibility of consolidating ocean safety services. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: It’s Time To Get Real About The Honolulu Zoo. The fifth director in six years has resigned, days after voters agreed to steer property taxes to a fund to help the zoo. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Honaunau Rodeo Arena improvement project is finished, and on Saturday South Kona celebrated. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Billy Kenoi and Councilwoman Maile Medeiros David joined the South Kona rodeo community Saturday to celebrate the new and improved Honaunau Rodeo Arena. West Hawaii Today.

State and federal researchers confirmed that a giant ohia tree near Laupahoehoe was killed by rapid ohia death, marking the first known case of the plant disease in Hamakua. Tribune-Herald.

Widening of Highway 19, Queen Kaahumanu Highway, is likely to take a year longer than initially expected. West Hawaii Today.

Construction for a portion of a frontage road that will run along Queen Kaahumanu Highway is expected to begin today. West Hawaii Today.

A Public Meeting on a Draft Environmental Assessment for new roads in and around Fern Acres was held last week at the Mountain View Elementary School cafeteria. Big Island Video News.

Cooperative exercise center offers classes, studies, support. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Another workforce housing project has had prospective affordable homebuyers pre-qualify for home loans through a developer-approved lender — despite the Maui County Code calling for such vetting to be done by the applicant’s choice of lender. Maui News.

The state Department of Health will be holding a public information meeting Tuesday on its proposal to update rules regulating businesses that generate or handle hazardous wastes and used oil in Hawaii. Maui News.

The Kīhei Maui Self Storage facility is closed due to the discovery on Thursday afternoon, of a piece of unexploded ordnance in a storage unit. Maui Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers discovered “unparalleled” nitrate levels in Kuau Bay linked to adjacent sugar cane fields, the lead author of a recent study said Thursday. Maui News.

Improving wastewater treatment systems, reducing nitrogen and phosphorous within injection wells and changing the public’s perception of recycled water are key areas the county should consider, according to a former county wastewater operations superintendent. Maui News.

A team of University of Hawaii scientists has completed an intensive study of nearshore ecosystems around Maui that paints a clear picture of the impact of discharged treated wastewater. Star-Advertiser

The crop that once defined Hawai‘i is facing its final harvest. Next month, Hawai‘i Commercial & Sugar Company will close its operations. For many, the industry was more than just a place to work—it represented an entire way of life. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Those who knew Tim Bynum say he was a gentle giant who genuinely cared about the island. Bynum, who served on the Kauai County Council for four terms, from 2006 to 2014, died Friday at the age of 62. Garden Island.

Gary Hooser may no longer have a seat on the Kauai County Council, but he’ll continue trying to make a difference in the lives of island residents. Garden Island.

The access road leading to Mahaulepu Beach should be open again in early December, according to the state Department of Health. Garden Island.

Special report: 7 Hawaii media takes on 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on GMO

Kauai anti-GMO rally, courtesy Katja Jordan King

Biotech companies operating in Hawaii scored a major victory Friday when a federal appeals court threw out ordinances on Kauai, Hawaii island and Maui that banned or restricted the cultivation of genetically modified crops and sought greater regulation over pesticides. Star-Advertiser.

Monsanto, Syngenta and other seed companies that farm in Hawaii won a significant victory after a federal appeals court ruled that counties can’t regulate pesticides or genetically modified crops. Civil Beat.

A federal judge has ruled that three Hawaii counties can't enact their own bans or regulations on genetically modified crops and pesticides, handing a victory to the major agriculture companies that fought the regulations. Associated Press.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday ruled that three Hawaii counties cannot regulate genetically modified crops or pesticides. Pacific Business News.

A partial ban on growing genetically modified crops in Hawaii County will remain invalid following a ruling Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Tribune-Herald.

A federal appeals court has sided with supporters of GMO, or genetically modified organisms, by affirming an earlier district court ruling in their favor. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii counties and cities don’t have the authority to regulate genetically engineered crops and pesticide use, according to a decision handed down Friday from the U.S. Court of Appeals. Garden Island.

Hawaii homeless moving to neighbor islands, tourism economy perking, smoking rate drops, Hawaii senators fight Trump official's internment camp talk, $4M Ala Moana rail fix, Thirty Meter Telescope hearings pause until December, fire ants found on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai view © 2016 All Hawaii News

National Geographic Traveler magazine on Thursday released its rundown of 21 “Best of the World” must-see destinations for 2017, and Kauai is one of three U.S. locations on the list. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii economy is expected to finish the year slightly stronger than previously projected, with tourism and construction fueling the growth. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s economy is moving forward with stable growth due to an increase in jobs, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s quarterly statistical and economic report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu’s homeless population grew by less than 1 percent from January 2015 to January 2016, but an increase of homeless people living on the neighbor islands boosted Hawaii’s overall rate to a 4 percent increase, according to federal data released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

©2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii saw its homeless population grow another 4 percent from 2015, federal officials announced today, making the islands only one of 14 states and territories — and Washington, D.C. — that saw their homeless numbers grow. Star-Advertiser.

HUD homeless report can be found here.

Hawaii is one of only 13 states whose homeless population has grown since 2010, according to a new state-by-state report to Congress. Hawaii News Now.

The Aloha State has among one of the largest increases in homeless individuals in the nation, according to a report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development Thursday. Garden Island.

===================

Hawaii’s two U.S. senators joined a growing chorus of politicians and civil rights organizations Thursday in condemning comments made by a prominent supporter of President-elect Donald Trump that suggested World War II-era Japanese internment camps could serve as a precedent for creating a federal registry for Muslim immigrants in the United States. Associated Press.


U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has called on President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his job offer to former Breitbart News chief Stephen Bannon. Associated Press.

A Civil Beat analysis of election results and U.S. Census data found that President-elect Donald Trump tended to do well in some of the most affluent parts of the state, where many tourist accommodations are located. They include parts of the Princeville and Hanalei area on Kauai; Kapalua, Kaanapali and Wailea on Maui; and the Kailua-Kona area on Hawaii Island.


Hawaii’s adult smoking rate has dropped 17 percent in a decade to one of the lowest in the country, and the state will now focus its efforts on specific groups that haven’t kept up with the societal shift, including Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ala Moana Center management officials estimate it will cost about $4 million to make repairs and improvements to faulty railings at the state’s largest shopping mall, and the work will likely run well into, if not beyond, the holiday shopping season. Star-Advertiser.

Will Residents Ever Feel Safe In This Downtown Honolulu Park? In a scenario that plays out in many parts of downtown and Chinatown, nearby residents are afraid to go to Kamalii Park. Civil Beat.

The Whitmore Project fits in with a statewide priority of seeing through and achieving the state’s goal of doubling food production by 2030. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. opened two mobile chargers to the public Thursday. HECO and Energy Excelerator — a Honolulu-based program that helps energy startups — sponsored the chargers stationed at the Honolulu Airport Trade Center. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Beer Co., headed by Hawaii real estate executive Steve Sombrero and noted brewer Dave Campbell, is reopening in Honolulu, this time in the neighborhood of Kakaako, once home to the state’s booming beer business, Sombrero confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Installing water bottle filling stations at Hawaii County parks and encouraging use of an anti-littering phone app are among the recommendations of the county’s packaging waste task force. Tribune-Herald.

A contingent of wounded veterans and their families trooped to the testimony table Wednesday, and one by one, gave tearful gratitude to the promise of a new Purple Heart memorial planned for the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources Contested Case Hearing on the Thirty Meter Telescope project proposed by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, wrapped up for the month and will resume in December. Big Island Now.

A highly anticipated witness took the stand during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing on Wednesday. Wally Ishibashi – the senior advisor for the Office Of Mauna Kea Management – is a longtime supporter of TMT, dating back to his union days with ILWU Local 142. Big Island Video News.

Thanksgiving came a week early in Kona, as Hope Services Hawaii hosted the 19th annual Homeless Luncheon and Resource Fair Thursday at the Old Airport Pavilion. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community College departments partner to serve up local produce. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Little Fire Ant Infestation Found on 12 Acres in Kapalua, Maui. Maui Now.

A new infestation of the little fire ant has been found on Maui. Maui Watch.

A Maui County Council committee Tuesday deferred a resolution to grant a lease to redevelop the Old Maui High School campus, which sits vacant in Hamakuapoko. Maui News.

Kauai

According to the annual Point in Time count released in June, there was 442 homeless people on Kauai in 2016, a 30 percent increase from last year’s figure of 339. Garden Island.

Kapaa Beach Park substation sold for $1,125 at auction. Old police substation to be moved. Garden Island.

Homeless count details coming today, union tries to unseat Souki coalition, first super-majority female Hawaii County council chooses leaders, Maui reef threatened by groundwater degradation, pushing Honolulu rail to its limits, Honolulu attorney Galiher remembered after Molokai chopper crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Living in the park © 2016 Al Hawaii News

Homelessness in the U.S. declined over the past year. Even so, there were large increases in several cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. Hawaii Public Radio.


The federal government is estimating the number of homeless people nationwide. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce state-by-state figures Thursday. Associated Press.


If its campaign contributions and endorsements are any indication, Hawaii’s second-biggest public employee union seems intent on pushing for new leadership in the state House. United Public Workers gave twice as much money to candidates this election compared to the prior one, but that money did not go to the coalition led by Speaker Joe Souki, Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and Majority Leader Scott Saiki that has controlled the chamber since 2012. Civil Beat.


Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is moving ahead with a measure supporting construction of the full 20-mile rail transit line to Ala Moana, despite the project’s crippling cost overruns and lengthy delays. Star-Advertiser.


A public hearing on proposed rules that would govern traditional taxis, Uber and Lyft operations will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Mission Memorial Building hearing room. Star-Advertiser.


State health officials are warning the public to stay out of a section of Lake Wilson in Wahiawa after raw sewage spilled into waters. Star-Advertiser.


Sex on the streets, it's a sight bystanders say they're seeing way too much of among Hawaii's homeless. KITV.

A school construction project that ended up hundreds of thousands of dollars over-budget and took an extra two years to build is finally finished. KHON2.


Two new residential towers are now open in Kakaako, marking milestones for separate but slowly converging master-planned communities in Honolulu’s urban core. Star-Advertiser.

Two years after the death of one of its hippos, the Honolulu Zoo plans to reopen its hippo exhibit. Hawaii News Now.

Gary Galiher was a hard-charging lawyer who dedicated much of his Honolulu law practice to those who got a raw deal in life, many of them victims of negligent corporations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With four new members starting next month, the Hawaii County Council has chosen a new leader. Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter was voted chairwoman and North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff was chosen as vice chairwoman, Poindexter said late Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Despite warnings from local attorneys that the measure probably violates the County Charter, the County Council voted 6-2 Wednesday to send the mayor a bill giving the council more say about the firing of county civil attorneys. West Hawaii Today.


Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung expressed some buyer’s remorse this week over supporting a $99.75 million bond. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi have released a new study that links the quality of coastal groundwater with reef degradation on Maui. Maui Now.

In a study published recently in PLOS ONE, UH Mānoa scientists used a combination of field experiments and chemical analysis of water and algae to show that the quality of coastal groundwater plays a major role in determining the health of nearshore ecosystems in Hawai‘i. Maui Watch.

This week, the Maui County Council considered toughening its ban on plastic bags—and extending it to other items that wind up in landfills. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai Lifeguard Association donates trucks, jet skis to Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

Kauai veterans seeking to immerse themselves back into society may soon have a support system. Garden Island.

Beachfront views and whispers of yesteryear cast a spell over a five-bedroom house fronting Hanalei Bay that just sold for $16.2 million. Garden Island.

Hawaii Rep. Tsuji dies of heart attack, Honolulu taxpayers to foot police chief's $150k legal bill, education administrators to get raises, school tax scuttled along rail line, windows to be barred at state mental hospital, tainted seaweed sold on Mainland and Tokyo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Clift Tsuji © 2016 All Hawaii News

State Rep. Clift Tsuji, a former disc jockey, banker and Big Island state lawmaker known for his warm personality and his deep, booming radio voice, died suddenly Tuesday at the Queen’s Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. He was 75. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Clift Tsuji died Tuesday at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, the House of Representatives said in a statement. He was 75. Tsuji’s son, Ryan Kalei Tsuji, said his father suffered a heart attack on Saturday, and died during heart surgery. Tribune-Herald.

Tsuji, Ige

Governor’s statement on the passing of Rep. Clift Tsuji.

Clift Tsuji, the longtime state representative for Hilo, passed away at the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu today. He was 75. Big Island Video News.

State Rep. Clift Tsuji died Tuesday at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. The Big Island lawmaker was 75. Civil Beat.

Big Island State Representative Clift Tsuji has died, according to family members. He was 75. KITV.
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Maui County state Rep. Joe Souki has retained his post as speaker of the House for the 2017 legislative session that gets under way in January, according to a news release from the House on Monday. Maui News.

The Board of Education approved merit-based raises averaging 3.5 percent Tuesday for nearly two dozen senior Department of Education executives. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Failed To Take Steps Meant To Prevent Day Care Deaths. State officials promised lawmakers they’d draft new rules to protect infants, but more than three years later nothing’s changed. Civil Beat.

State looks to install bars over windows at Hawaii State Hospital. KHON2.

Ed Case, a former congressman who is the senior vice president and chief legal officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group, has joined the board of directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Pacific Business News.

James Takushi, who headed the state’s personnel and human resources departments under three Hawaii governors and was a one-time key lieutenant for Democratic Party of Hawaii , died Monday at his Alewa home, his family said in a release. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee gave preliminary approval Tuesday for up to $150,000 to hire three sets of outside attorneys to represent Police Chief Louis Kea­loha in four cases against him and the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

City attorneys asked a federal judge Tuesday to reject a request for a deposition of Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha in a lawsuit over the police killing of Sheldon Haleck, a military veteran who died in front of Iolani Palace last year. Civil Beat.

Responding to what was described as overwhelming community responses, the Honolulu Police Department said Tuesday that it has added more offenses, including violent ones, to its online crime mapping site. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department announced today that its Crime Mapping Website is fully operational, including data on violent crimes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Of the 16,000 arrests made on Oahu last year, 61 percent involved people who were severely mentally ill or abusing drugs, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu ranks among the worst in the nation when it comes to dealing with the homeless, that's according to a new national report. KITV.

Citing concerns about hindering affordable-housing developments, a Board of Education committee Tuesday tabled a proposal that called for charging builders of new homes more than $9,000 per unit to help pay for new schools in urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku sea asparagus and ogo that may be tainted with salmonella went to retailers and farmers’ markets across Hawaii as well as customers as far as Washington state and Tokyo. Star-Advertiser.

There will be more time to comment on a California wind-energy developer’s proposed $90 million-plus wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

More than two years after the County Council approved a public access trail as a condition of allowing development of a luxury subdivision, council members learned Tuesday the deal is not yet finalized. West Hawaii Today.

The state Land Board is urging the state Supreme Court to quickly dismiss an appeal by opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Associated Press.

Faith-based groups rally for West Hawaii summit to fight homelessness. West Hawaii Today.

Enrollment at Hawaii Community College - Palamanui has grown significantly after one full school year on the new campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Gov. David Ige signed an extension to the emergency proclamation originally signed on Sept. 16, to provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering following September’s heavy rains and flooding on Maui. Maui Watch.

There’s new movement on plans to restore the Old Maui High School. Hawaii Public Radio.

New program seeks to bring CPR training to county’s high schools. Maui News.

Kauai

An update on the auction and relocation of the police substation at Kapaa Beach Park will be discussed during the Kauai County Council meeting today. Garden Island.

Michael Fleiss, creator of the hit ABC television series “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” is the buyer of Julia Roberts’ Hawaii oceanfront estate, Pacific Business News has learned.