Monday, December 18, 2017

Erosion eating Honolulu beaches, AG Chin confirms he'll run for Congress, another Kakaako homeless sweep, Maui mayor shuffles leadership team, two fall off mules on popular Molokai trail ride, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy City and County of Honolulu
Sand mattress installation at Kuhio Beach, courtesy City and County of Honolulu
City installs ‘sand mattress’ to combat erosion at Kuhio Beach. The city unveiled an emergency erosion control measure Sunday at Kuhio Beach Park which officials hope will thwart erosion in the middle of the state’s tourism epicenter. Star-Advertiser.

'Sand mattress' central to new effort to save Waikiki beach. Hawaii News Now.

"Sand Mattress" Installed in Kuhio Beach Park to Help Erosion. KITV.

‘Sand mattress’ technology to combat Mother Nature at Kuhio Beach. KHON2.

Public warned away from Sunset Beach after extreme erosion. The city is urging the public to stay away from Sunset Beach because of a hazardous condition caused by extreme erosion, a Honolulu Ocean Safety Division spokeswoman said. Star-Advertiser.

Building teetering on edge at Sunset Beach due to extreme erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Public advised to avoid Sunset Beach due to erosion concerns. KITV.

Erosion creates dangerous cliff conditions on Oahu’s North Shore. KHON2.

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State Attorney General Douglas Chin, who has been fighting President Donald Trump’s travel ban and other policies over the past year, has announced he will run for U.S. Congress. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Attorney General Doug Chin says he will file for a Congressional bid. Chin will file his papers on Monday for the seat that would be left empty if, as expected, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa runs for Governor. KHON2.

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Proposed ‘tent cities’ rouse debate. Legislators and Gov. David Ige fundamentally disagree on whether the use of legalized homeless camps known as safe zones are an effective way of helping the state’s massive homeless population.  Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Housing Tax Break in Trouble? Since 1986, a federal tax break has helped to finance affordable housing in Hawaii and throughout the country. Now it’s on the chopping block. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lack of state staff delays medical cannabis programs, dispensers say. Seven of 11 positions are vacant at the Department of Health, which oversees the medical cannabis patient registry and dispensary licensing programs. Star-Advertiser.

Hemp-growing program suffers setback. Plans for a statewide industrial hemp-growing program hit a snag after a shipment of cannabis seeds from Jamaica had to be destroyed in October. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s economic expansion to continue at subdued pace. Buoyed by improving global conditions, Hawaii’s economic growth is expected to continue,  according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization’s annual Hawaii forecast. Pacific Business News.

Some military in Hawaii to see double-digit housing increases. Some military personnel stationed in Hawaii who have no dependents will see double-digit increases in their basic allowance for housing rates for 2018, much higher than the national average. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Kakaako Gateway Parks closed again for homeless sweep. For the second time in a little more than two months, Kakaako Gateway Parks are closed to the public. Hawaii News Now.

This Court Offers The Homeless A Fresh Start Instead Of Punishment. Community Outreach Court doles out community service and uses social workers to help defendants get off the streets. Civil Beat.

Third of Honolulu renters spend half their income on rent, Harvard study finds. More than half of renters in Honolulu are spending more than a third of their income on rent each month, and 29 percent are spending more than 50 percent of their monthly income, according to a national rent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Pacific Business News.

Waiea tower developer sues 7 insurance companies. A tangled mess of litigation surrounding the construction of what has been dubbed the most sophisticated residence in Hawaii just got bigger. Star-Advertiser.

Shannon Alivado, director of government relations for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, has been nominated to the Honolulu Police Commission by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Census survey: Poverty dips even as incomes remain flat. The Small Area Income and Poverty Estimate, released in November, said 15.4 percent of residents were below the poverty level, down from 18.3 percent in 2015. The statewide average was 9.5 percent in 2016. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s only government-sanctioned “safe zone” — Camp Kikaha in Kailua-Kona that grew out of a crisis in August — quickly burned through Hawaii County’s homeless budget while state officials continue to decide whether the approach to reducing homelessness should be part of an overall strategy. Star-Advertiser.

A Hilo bed-and-breakfast owner is suing the county’s Planning Department and Windward Planning Commission, seeking an environmental review of the Hu Honua biomass power plant under construction in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

The beach is back: Heavy rains bring black sand, ohana to Honolii shore. Just in time for Christmas, Honolii’s typically rocky shoreline has given way to hundreds of yards of black sandy beach following heavy rainfall late last month that dumped more than 10 inches of rain over parts of East Hawaii within just a few days. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Lawmakers Forum At Hawaii Cannabis Open Expo. An educational conference and industry tradeshow for medical cannabis patients, caregivers, health professionals and entrepreneurs was held Sunday in Hilo.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

County Council moves forward bill to protect inland sand. A bill that would put a six-month moratorium on the mining of Central Maui inland sand passed its first reading Friday at a Maui County Council meeting. Maui News.

Council votes to keep Taylor as director of Water Supply. Dave Taylor earned the unanimous support of the Maui County Council on Friday to stay on as director of the county Department of Water Supply. Maui News.

Leadership changes are coming. Mayor Alan Arakawa is shuffling the deck chairs of his administrative team, tapping Chief of Staff Herman Andaya to lead the Emergency Management Agency, moving Budget Director Lynn Araki-Regan to Andaya’s post and returning Sandy Baz to his former position as budget director. Maui News.

New Deputy Finance Director Announced. Maui County Finance Director Mark Walker announced he has appointed Budget Analyst Marci Sato as the new Deputy Finance Director. Maui Now.

Changing lanes in Lahaina. Smoother sailing via the Lahaina bypass: Honoapiilani Highway will be widened to add dedicated lanes on and off the bypass. Maui News.

Maui police arrested and charged a 17-year-old juvenile male from Kahului for arson in connection with an investigation into a fire that destroyed several classrooms at Kahului Elementary School over the Thanksgiving weekend. Maui Now.

Kauai

Local cattle, beef operation expanding. A Kauai cattle company and livestock processor is expanding both its product selection and availability throughout Hawaii, a year after purchasing its Oahu USDA-inspected livestock harvest facility. Garden Island.

Molokai

Two Seriously Injured in Fall from Mules on Kalaupapa Cliff-Side Trail. Maui Now.

Mycogen Seeds to shut down operations on Molokai in spring. Dozens of employees of Mycogen Seeds on Molokai received bad news just a couple of weeks before Christmas — the seed crop research company will shut down on the Friendly Isle in the spring as Dow-DuPont Agriculture consolidates operations in Hawaii. Maui News.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Hawaii Supreme Court rules clean environment is a property right in Maui case, Deedy heading back to trial, state sells $170M affordable rental portfolio, insurance snag could ground canoe clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilo canoe race © 2017 All Hawaii News
Insurance snag could keep canoe clubs statewide on land. Next year's regatta season for local canoe clubs may be in jeopardy because the parent association is having trouble finding an insurance company to cover them. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat Poll: Lottery Has Big Support In Hawaii. Most survey respondents say a lottery can bring much-needed cash to state government, but critics warn they mostly tax the poor. Civil Beat.

UH economists pump up projections for isle growth. With global conditions improving and the tourism industry continuing to set records, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization said in its latest forecast due out today that the state’s economy will continue to grow even as the upward trajectory slows going out to 2020. Star-Advertiser.

State selling affordable rental portfolio for $170 million. The state today agreed to sell 1,221 affordable rental apartments at six properties mainly serving low-income residents to a Hawaii and California real estate development partnership for $170 million. Star-Advertiser.

State sells affordable rental portfolio for $170M to California-Hawaii joint venture. The Hawaii Housing and Finance Development Corp. board voted unanimously Thursday to sell 1,221 state-owned low-income rental housing units for $170 million in cash to a joint venture of Los Angeles-based Standard Communities and Honolulu-based Stanford Carr Development. Pacific Business News.

Dept. of Human Services Prepares for End of CHIP Funding. Congress has yet to renew funding for the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides healthcare to kids in low-income families. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Will Hawaii Fare Under Federal Tax Changes? Limits on deductions for mortgage interest and state and local tax payments could offset the benefits of temporary tax cuts for island residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers voice opposition to net neutrality repeal. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General’s Office says it is “reviewing its options” following the Federal Communications Commission’s vote Thursday to repeal ‘net neutrality’ rules. Tribune-Herald.

Lesbian child support fight goes to state Supreme Court.The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether a woman who divorced her spouse in a same-sex marriage is the legal parent of the child her former spouse gave birth to during the marriage and is therefore obligated to pay child support. Star-Advertiser.

Senator Chang: Need a Youth Commission. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State Department employee Christopher Deedy on Thursday appeared headed for a third trial in the shooting death of Kollin Elderts six years ago at a Waikiki McDonald’s, but it could take years of appeals before Deedy ends up in an Oahu courtroom facing manslaughter charges. Star-Advertiser.

The city prosecutor’s office plans to try State Department federal agent Christopher Deedy a third time in the shooting death of Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s following a Hawaii Supreme Court decision today that denied an appeal by Deedy. Star-Advertiser.

The city prosecutor says he'll seek a third trial against the State Department special agent who fatally shot a man inside a Waikiki McDonald's in 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Supreme Court rules third Deedy trial can move forward. KHON2.

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As rail heads downtown, land deals get tougher. With construction of the city’s rail project working its way from West Oahu into urban Honolulu, rail officials say they may need to condemn portions of more than two dozen private properties from Iwilei through Kakaako to make way for the elevated transit system. Star-Advertiser.

The two Kakaako Gateway Parks, which have seen a resurgence in daytime homeless activity, will close from Sunday until Jan. 8 for maintenance, the Hawaii Community Development Authority announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Rising tides are eating away at private property along North Shore.  Hawaii News Now.

Department of Transportation reports high impact traffic projects island-wide are nearly finished. Department of Transportation reports a number of traffic projects that could have a significant impact on drive-times on O'ahu are nearly finished. KITV.

Developer buys Kalaeloa water, wastewater systems. A private developer that acquired 540 acres of former military base land in Kalaeloa from the Navy in 2009 now owns the water and wastewater systems for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Shannon Alivado, director of government relations for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, has been nominated to the Honolulu Police Commission by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Lost WWII sub discovered off Oahu. A wreck-hunting organization announced that its search team has located the sunken World War II submarine USS S-28 in 8,700 feet of water off Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agents raid home of death row exoneree on Schofield Barracks. A Schofield Barracks soldier and her husband, a death row exoneree, say they are being unfairly targeted because of his past. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Ready to respond: Haihai Fire Station completed, dedicated. After four years of preparation, the Haihai Fire Station construction project in Hilo concluded Thursday with a blessing ceremony as the building opened for business. Tribune-Herald.

The Hilo community joined Hawaii County officials and fire fighters for the official blessing of the new Haihai Fire Station. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim is once again bringing his former executive director back into the fold to present county priorities before the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen provided an update on Dec. 14, on high-visibility, current and upcoming highways projects. Big Island Now.

Maui

Court: Hawaii residents can sue to defend their right to 'clean, healthful' environment. By a 3-to-2 vote, the court found that the Sierra Club should have been allowed a contested case hearing when the Public Utilities Commission reauthorized use of the Puunene sugar mills power plant. Hawaii News Now.

Arakawa hit with amended campaign spending complaint. Commission alleges mayor spent too much of campaign funds on charitable donations. Maui News.

The Maui Ocean Center hopes to have 20 percent of all its marine life on display acquired from aquaculture facilities — rather than the wild — by 2020, the center’s curator said last week. Maui News.

Lahaina Bypass From Olowalu to Keawe St Slated for March Completion. The project was highlighted during an update of DOT projects currently underway and on tap across the state. Maui Now.

Kauai


DowDuPont to expand research activities, increase staffing. The agriculture division of DowDuPont has announced major changes in its Kauai operations under which it will expand its Hawaii research activities here, increasing staffing on island by as much as 50 percent. Garden Island.

KIUC election has five candidates. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has selected five candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 10. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Akaka hospitalized, lesbian child support case draws national spotlight, Arakawa fights ethics fine, kupuna caregiver plan announced, state shoreline creeps mauka, Oahu property values climb, Hawaii County OT pared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2012 file photo copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Former Sen. Daniel Akaka, right, with the late Sen. Daniel Inouye, 2012 file photo © 2017 All Hawaii News
Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka is fighting a leg infection at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. Akaka, 93, was admitted to the hospital a couple of weeks ago after a small infection on his leg worsened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin issued a formal advisory opinion today stating that when the shoreline migrates landward (or mauka) due to erosion or sea level rise, the dividing line between public and private ownership also migrates mauka. Big Island Now.

Hawaii case draws attention to same-sex child support issues. National gay rights advocates are watching a child support fight between a divorced lesbian couple in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Just Say No To Legalizing Recreational Marijuana. Survey respondents 50 and older aren’t ready to take the step, and in Hawaii, older voters still call the shots. Civil Beat.

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New state program offers aid for caregivers. The state is hoping its new program to provide up to $70 a day in services to those caring for seniors will help keep caregivers in the workforce longer. Star-Advertiser.

Caregivers to get much-needed financial help under new state program. Hawaii News Now.

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New state initiative offers support for those working and taking care of kupuna. The Kupuna Caregivers Program will provide financial help of up to $70 per day for services such as home-delivered meals, personal care, respite, adult day care, transportation or homemaker assistance. Tribune-Herald.

DowDuPont to cut jobs in Hawaii. Two global companies doing seed crop research in Hawaii became one in August, and now the company plans to consolidate local operations from six sites to three while also investing in two facilities. Star-Advertiser.

State traffic fatalities down so far this year. As of Monday, the state had 101 traffic fatalities, compared to 112 last year at the same point. Star-Advertiser.

How Will Hawaiian Airlines Weather Its Big Transition In 2018? With a new chief executive and the bulk of a new fleet set to arrive, Hawaii’s dominant airline will face a major competitor — Southwest Airlines. Civil Beat.

Republican leaders reach an agreement over tax reform. The call for sweeping changes could impact how much you pay at tax time, along with how much money is available for affordable housing in Hawaii. KITV.

Oahu

Oahu property values rise and taxes may, too. Across Oahu, the valuations for residential properties are going up 6.1 percent for the 2018-2019 tax year. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department reviews body camera pilot program. Now that the pilot program is done — will it be rolled out permanently? KHON2.

Red Hill study details 6 options for fuel tanks. The Navy has submitted a tank upgrade study for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility that examines six options ranging from enhancing current maintenance and inspection to creating a carbon steel tank within a tank. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu North Shore: Short Term Vacation Rentals. The state and counties are trying to resolve illegal vacation rentals in residential areas but it’s a complicated issue throughout the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

City sued over falling, 'twisting' hillside in Palolo. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii business could lose everything over Amazon taxes dispute. Ren Wu, the founder of the Remi Collection in Kalihi, says he has been a third-party seller for Amazon since 2009. Hawaii News Now.

Some of Hawaii's kumu hula considering trademark on halau name. A number of kumu hula are in the process of trademarking their halau after a Kaneohe hula school announced it may be forced to change its name. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County is on track to pare almost half a million dollars off overtime expenses this year compared to last year. But overtime for county employees, most notably in the police and fire departments, still accounts for millions of dollars, according to an analysis of data provided by the county Finance Department. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo parcel could be developed after arsenic removal. A proposed commercial development in Hilo will move forward only if a plan to clean up and contain arsenic gets approval from the state. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: More Rule Changes Target Kealoha Beach Park. The Hawaii County Council continues to visit laws that could curb problems at 4-mile in Keaukaha. Big Island Video News.

A year after Hawaii County celebrated a $10.3 million renovation to the renamed Mauna Kea Recreation Area, Big Island residents and visitors are still waiting to use the park’s refurbished cabins, bunkhouses, dining hall and concessionaire. Civil Beat.

Aerospace agency promotes basalt as base for new industry in Hawaii. Could basalt — the volcanic rock that makes up the ground beneath our feet — become the building blocks for a new industry in the state? Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state's Campaign Spending Commission wants to fine Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa $1,000 and wants him to pay back $8,000 to his campaign for excess donations to multiple charitable organizations. Hawaii News Now.

The chairman of the Maui County Liquor Control Commission promised a simpler application process for nonprofits seeking single-event liquor licenses after a handful of groups complained of more issues during Wednesday’s meeting in Wailuku. Maui News.

Lawsuit filed over Maui cancer institute's land leases. The Hawaii Health Systems Corp. has filed a lawsuit claiming land leases it entered into with the Pacific Cancer Institute are illegal and should be voided. Associated Press.

Maui hospital, cancer center lease dispute heads to court. A dispute between the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. and the Pacific Cancer Institute over the cancer center’s ground lease at the Maui Memorial Medical Center campus has reached an impasse and is headed to state court ahead of a deadline for resolution next month. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Kauai Independent Food Bank had a busy weekend. Garden Island.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

AG Chin preparing for congressional race, Hawaii slips to second healthiest state, worker's comp fails workers, mayors pledge to ban fossil fuels in vehicles, Honolulu cop hits pedestrian, basalt fiber plant planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

file photo, courtesy
Attorney General Doug Chin with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, file courtesy photo
State attorney general eyes Congress. State Attorney General Douglas Chin is laying the groundwork for his first political campaign, which will be a run for the U.S. House seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, sources said. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Support Is Still Strong For Medical Aid In Dying. Proponents of the legislation outnumber opponents by a 3-to-1 ratio. Civil Beat.

Hawaii slips to second healthiest state in the nation in annual report. After five consecutive years in the No. 1 spot, the Aloha State has fallen to second place behind Massachusetts, according to the America’s Health Rankings 2017 report by the United Health Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is no longer the nation's 'healthiest state'. Hawaii News Now.

Recent Court Decisions Beneficial For Injured Workers. The Hawaii Supreme Court made two rulings in 2015 in favor of workers who had been denied treatment for their injuries. Civil Beat.

Part 2 of an ongoing series about Hawaii’s workers’ compensation system. Hawaii’s workers’ comp system developed over more than a century, allows insurance companies to pay doctors of their choosing to examine injured workers. Civil Beat.

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Using the worldwide-traveling Hokulea docked at Pokai Bay as inspiration, leaders from all four major counties Tuesday signed pledges to eliminate the use of fossil-fuel-powered ground transportation vehicles by 2045. Star-Advertiser.

The leaders of Hawaii’s four counties have pledged to eliminate all fossil fuels from ground transportation by 2045. Pacific Business News.

Mayors pledge 100% ground transportation powered by renewable energy by 2045. KITV.

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New Ag Department Pesticides Manager Appointed. Hawaii Entomologist John McHugh, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new program manager of the Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Big Island Now.

Cannabis Cardholders Increase, But They Aren’t Flocking To Dispensaries. A by-the-numbers look at the medical marijuana landscape now that dispensaries have opened on Oahu and Maui. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, which provided the majority of the health services rendered to Island Air employees in November, said Tuesday it will absorb the more than $137,000 in costs incurred during the month even though the now-bankrupt airline did not pay its premiums for the month. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


A state effort to partner with a private developer to overhaul several sites in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor has prompted community skepticism from those who fear redevelopment could leave them with a soaring tower on prime public land intended for recreation. Star-Advertiser.

Political candidate with history of incendiary remarks sparks new controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless return to popular bike path despite major cleanups. After two large-scale cleanups along a popular bike path in Aiea, homeless campers are starting to return. KHON2.

HPD vehicle strikes pedestrian during morning rush. KITV.

Products made by Hawaii inmates will be featured in the Hawaii Correctional Industries Holiday Showcase Sale. KHON2.

Worst erosion in years on Sunset Beach forces tough decisions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Officials still making rounds urging vigilance for N.Korean attack. It’s an emergency message no one wants to hear: “The U.S. Pacific Command has detected a missile threat to Hawaii. A missile may impact on land or sea within minutes. This is not a drill”. West Hawaii Today.

Isle lava could be source of high-tech building materials. A state research organization wants to know if turning volcanic rock dust on Hawaii island into a versatile, high-strength building material can become a new local industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii aerospace center seeks proposals for basalt fiber manufacturing feasibility study. Pacific Business News.

Back out to bid for Waimea Highway project. About a month after Hawaii County scrapped a bid solicitation for the Mamalahoa Highway widening project amid concerns about fairness, the county is once again soliciting bids for the work. West Hawaii Today.

Mobile spay, neuter clinic down the road for HIHS. The Hawaii Island Humane Society is raising money to purchase a vehicle for a mobile spay and neuter clinic. Tribune-Herald.

Police, HDOA say parasites may be playing role in Ka'u cattle deaths. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sand Mining Moratorium Resolution to Resurface in Council. A resolution recommending a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui surfaces again for first reading at the council’s next meeting on Dec. 15 after the item was deferred earlier this month. Maui Now.

No support found for lifeguard tower move. Testimony calls for the funding of new tower at popular tourist beach. Maui News.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui increased by more than 8 percent last month, compared to last year, even as the number of sales dropped 21 percent, while condominiums recorded increases in sales and prices for November, according to the monthly report by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC plans changes to Wailua River diversions. Water is going to be returned to the North Fork of the Wailua River, at the Blue Hole and Waikoko diversions. Garden Island.

Hokua Place may face fight. Members of the community are expected to show up in force at a county meeting today in opposition to a development that would be located behind Kapaa Middle School. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Caldwell mulls future of Waikiki Natatorium, tourism officials fined for ethics violations, state pension shortfall increases, voters want more say in government, UH athletics a tax drain, Kauai pesticides studied, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki Natatorium © 2017 All Hawaii News
Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he’s willing to consider the idea of making improvements at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium that would allow the public to swim in it again, but only if a new proposal being offered pencils out financially and makes sense. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell outlines four alternatives for future of historic Waikiki Natatorium. The City and County of Honolulu is considering four options for the reconstruction of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, with an environmental impact study expected to be released in spring 2019. Pacific Business News.

City outlines potential options for future of Waikiki Natatorium. KHON2.

All the plans for Waikiki Natatorium share one thing: They're costly. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu mayor backs governor for re-election. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is throwing his support behind Gov. David Ige. KHON2.

Civil Beat Poll: Power To The People — Voters Want More Control. Respondents support term limits for legislators, all-mail balloting and establishment of a statewide system for initiatives, referendums and recalls. Civil Beat.

State pension fund shortfall rises to $12.95 billion. A preliminary report presented Monday by an independent actuary to ERS trustees showed the deficit in the fund widened from last year’s $12.44 billion, but the funded ratio — what is needed to meet future obligations — improved to 54.8 percent from 54.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has fined Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti and three other tourism officials more than $12,000 for allegedly violating the state’s Ethics Code when accepting and soliciting travel upgrades for business trips. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism authority execs fined for failing to report travel upgrades. The Hawaii Ethics Commission has fined four top current and former Hawaii Tourism Authority executives more than $12,000 for failing to report that they received free travel upgrades from international airlines. Hawaii News Now.

Insurance ‘Hell’ Leaves Many Injured Workers Broken. In Hawaii’s workers’ comp system, people with long-lasting injuries are often forced to battle doctors hand-picked by insurance companies to get treatment. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii won a $23 million federal grant to help improve the well-being of residents at risk due to serious health disparities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Health Institute: Farm to School and Obesity Prevention. The Hawaii Public Health Institute is focusing on childhood obesity prevention in the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charter School Debuts An Online Hawaiian-English Dictionary. Students at the immersion school say the product could prepare them for a vocabulary test. But it’s also designed for the wider community. Civil Beat.

Former Island Air employees will get about $35,000 of their misdirected 401(k) contributions restored to their accounts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Even with a combined $3.4 million infusion from the Legislature and the Manoa campus, University of Hawaii athletics ran at a $1.7 million deficit for the 2017 fiscal year, according to an independent auditor’s report. Star-Advertiser.

Sweeping The Boat People Of Ala Wai Harbor. Plenty of them are illegally sleeping aboard vessels — only 129 “live-aboard” permits are allowed out of the 747 slips. Civil Beat.

Howard Hughes gearing up to launch public sales efforts at next Honolulu tower. The Howard Hughes Corp. is getting ready to launch public sales efforts next month for its next Ward Village mixed-use tower, the 42-story Aalii, which is being marketed as a building for “smarter living” with units ranging from less than 300 square feet for a studio to nearly 850 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. Pacific Business News.

Aging fuel storage tanks at Red Hill could soon get an upgrade. A newly released study could get the ball rolling on upgrades to the aging fuel storage tanks at Red Hill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Meeting On The Future Of Mauna Kea. An aha has been convened, bringing together Hawaii Island residents who sometimes find themselves on opposite sides of tough issues facing the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Two new meatpacking facilities might open on the Big Island next year following the success of the Hawaii Island Meat Cooperative’s mobile slaughterhouse. Tribune-Herald.

Arsenic-Contaminated Soil Removal Considered For Hilo Land. There is a potential buyer for the 6.2-acre portion of the former cane plant site near Waiakea Pond, and a Removal Action Report has been drafted. Big Island Video News.

As North Kona approaches the one-year anniversary of its first mandatory water usage restriction, questions about how and why deep well equipment prematurely failed at several sites across the region remain unanswered. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s nonnative birds might have found a friend in the coqui frog. A new study on coquis, an invasive species known for its piercing two-tone chirp, noted a connection between the abundance of the small frogs and higher populations of introduced birds in a forest. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor says water chief lacks management abilities. Arakawa cites low morale in his request to terminate Taylor. Maui News.

$14K in Back Wages, Penalties Recovered for Maui Surf Instructors. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations recovered $14,360.12 in back wages and penalties on a wage complaint made by two surf instructors hired by a Maui business that offers a variety of ocean-related recreational activities. Maui Now.

State puts up delineators to deter illegal parking on Hana Highway. East Maui residents who were frustrated by traffic backups from cars illegally parking on narrow portions of Hana Highway near scenic areas got some relief last week when the state Department of Transportation installed delineators to deter motorists from parking at one popular spot. Maui News.


Kauai

Pesticides remain key concern. The purpose of the briefing to the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the House Committee on Agriculture was for legislators to find out how to help move forward the fulfillment of the 2016 Kauai Pesticide Joint Fact Finding Study Group’s recommendations. Garden Island.

KIUC receives approval for holdover of hydro permit. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will be able to operate two hydroelectric facilities after the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole Diversion.  Pacific Business News.

Dawn of digital dollars. One Kauai property is opening up its sale to digital currencies in the midst of a rapidly changing cryptoasset market that many are still trying to understand. Garden Island.

Molokai

Latest crash underscores risks of airspace around Molokai. National Transportation Safety Board records show that six of the state’s 12 fatal air crashes occurred in and around Molokai, with four of them happening in just the last 14 months. Star-Advertiser.

Plane crash kills former Kahala dentist and his wife. The family of William F. Vogt, 78, and Lynn Vogt, 74, notified the office of his former dental partner, Dr. Derek Takai, that the two were killed in the crash. Star-Advertiser.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Ige's union support falters; lawmakers to take up payday loans, suicide prevention, self-driving cars in upcoming legislative session; Kauai post office to be moved; Big Island income lags; rail station privatization mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy HSTA
Teachers union supported Gov. David Ige in 2014. Other unions are not so happy with him. Courtesy HSTA
Twice this fall the state’s largest union has issued dire warnings about efforts by Gov. David Ige’s administration to upgrade critically important state computer systems, and that pushback is taking on political implications as Ige prepares for a tough Democratic primary next year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov’s chief of staff shifts to deputy role. Mike McCartney, Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff, has been moved into a lower-­level position and salary — but gets to keep his old title — under what Ige describes as a reorganization of his office. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Pot: Taking Your Medicine Can Get You Fired. Cannabis advocates may try to strengthen patient protections in workplaces and public housing during the next legislative session. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Let’s Have A Constitutional Convention. Two-thirds of Hawaii voters surveyed in our poll support the state holding a “con con,” the first in 40 years. Civil Beat.

State legislators aim to regulate high-interest payday loans. State lawmakers plan to again consider imposing stricter regulations on so-called payday lenders issuing loans that can carry interest rates as high as 459 percent in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers urge more funding, awareness to suicide prevention. Hawaii legislators are grappling with how to prevent suicides, the leading cause of fatal injuries in the state.  Associated Press.

Inouye among skeptics of testing self-driving cars. Hawaii’s drivers might soon share the road with self-driving cars, after Gov. David Ige signed an executive order last month allowing statewide testing of the autonomous vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Longliners Are Paying Big Bucks To Go Over Quota. Environmentalists worry short-term deals will result in overfishing. Meanwhile, fishermen seek more access to restricted areas. Civil Beat.

China ups recycling regulations, causes ripple effect felt in Hawaii. China wants to rehabilitate its environment, but one of the country’s primary initiatives to do so could leave pollutants piling up over much of the rest of the world, including Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

State creates Hawaii Defense Economy website to share data. Total defense spending in Hawaii averages around $7.8 billion a year, according to the website, and defense spending is 9.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom took a step closer to being acquired by Ohio-based Cincinnati Bell on Friday, receiving one of two necessary Hawaii regulatory approvals. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Cable Television Division on Friday conditionally approved the merger transaction transferring control of Hawaiian Telcom’s Oahu cable franchise to Cincinnati Bell Inc. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines Federal Credit Union merged with Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union last month after Hawaiian Airlines FCU’s board of directors and membership voted in favor of the merger on Sept. 8. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Hawaii Reserves Inc. has scrapped its contentious plan to put up houses in rural Malaekahana and is instead proposing a scaled-down project allowing for 300 additional residential units within the Laie ahupuaa. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail officials have brought on Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors LLC to study the potential use of a public-private partnership for the remainder of the 20-mile elevated rail project. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration will award Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children $514,532 to fund resident training. Pacific Business News.

Waianae latest stop for Hokulea in its 'mahalo sail' around the islands. The voyaging canoe Hokulea received a warm welcome when it arrived at Pokai Bay in Waianae Saturday as it continues its Mahalo Hawaii Sail around the islands. KITV.

Hokulea sails to the west side, celebrates Buffalo Keaulana. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island household income falling behind. It’s long been said a rising tide lifts all boats, but census data released last week shows the Big Island remains grounded on the reef of a faltering economy. West Hawaii Today.

Council questions scrutiny of contingency funds. Hawaii County Council members often use their contingency funds as grants to nonprofits, which they say allows them to provide quick aid to their districts. Tribune-Herald.

Delay sought in TMT sublease contested case. Attorneys for the University of Hawaii and TMT International Observatory are asking that a contested case for the telescope’s sublease not proceed at this time. Tribune-Herald.

Raises for UH staffers: Many at UH-Hilo, HCC earn more than $100K per year. Nearly a dozen executive and managerial employees at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College will get merit-based raises effective Jan. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Wind farm seeks incidental take permit.  The operator of Lalamilo Wind Farm has applied for a federal permit that would allow for the incidental taking of two endangered Hawaiian species during the project’s operation. West Hawaii Today.

$30M Waikoloa resort project moving forward. Two years after the Planning Department accepted applications to rezone part of a Waikoloa parcel and grant a special management area use permit for a proposed 44-unit resort development, the Leeward Planning Commission is expected to take up the issue this week. West Hawaii Today.

Non-native birds thrive where coquis abide, study finds. The proliferation of coqui frogs in Hawaii has had a significant, and surprising, impact on non-­native birds — not that indigenous birds have bothered to notice. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Illegal fireworks are booming. Resident: ‘It cannot be a cultural thing, every single night from Halloween to the first week in February’. Maui News.

Maui residents call for end to Illegal fireworks. With New Year's around the corner, Maui residents are complaining over social media about loud booms in their neighborhoods, which are irritating residents and frightening children and pets. Associated Press.

Pilot program aims to use oysters to filter pollution from Maalaea bay water. According to UH researchers, oysters can filter 50 to 100 gallons of water a day. Maui News.

Kauai

Community blasts USPS decision to close Lihue office. The U.S. Postal Service is under criticism for giving the Kauai community “false hope” that it would prevail in its appeal to save the historic Lihue Post Office. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

2 killed in fiery crash of small plane on Molokai. The Cessna 206 propeller plane crashed while en route to the Molokai Airport under unknown circumstances, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer. Star-Advertiser.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Grounded fishing boat finally moved off Waikiki, Honolulu council approve state hospital expansion, Pearl Harbor survivors commemorate anniversary, Miss Hawaii wants to be state rep., Kauai mayoral candidates meet, Queen Kaahumanu Highway costs escalate, LUC mulls Maui development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Levasseur / U.S. Coast Guard
Pacific Paradise PC: Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Levasseur / U.S. Coast Guard
Pacific Paradise finally towed away, sunk at sea. The Pacific Paradise sank to its watery grave Thursday afternoon, ending a nearly two-month saga to get the grounded fishing vessel off the reef at Kaimana Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Salvage Team Tows Wrecked Fishing Boat Off Waikiki Reef. Aided by a high tide, a tugboat pulls the Pacific Paradise out to sea where it will be sunk two months after it ran aground. Associated Press.

2 months after it grounded off Waikiki, big fishing boat finally removed. Hawaii News Now.

Remaining survivors determined that Pearl Harbor not be forgotten. The dwindling sentinels of Pearl Harbor faithfully returned on the 76th anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack Thursday to reminisce and honor fellow warriors from the greatest generation still living and gone. Star-Advertiser.

100-year-old veteran inspires bill for Pacific war memorial. A bipartisan bill called the “Admiral Lloyd R. ‘Joe’ Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act” unanimously passed the U.S. House on the 76th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Trump travel ban to be heard by federal appeals court. President Donald Trump’s updated travel ban is headed back to a federal appeals court in Virginia. Associated Press.

VIDEO: Hawaii vs. Donald Trump At Appeals Court. A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Wednesday on the merits of the third version of the President’s ban on travel from several Muslim-majority nations. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Urges DHHS Not to Roll Back Contraception Coverage Mandate. Attorney General Doug Chin announced that Hawaii has joined a letter authored by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman pressing Eric Hargan, Acting Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, not to roll back the contraception coverage mandate that is part of the Affordable Care Act. Maui Now.

Feds: Many Public Housing Units For The Disabled Aren’t Really Accessible. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is appealing the preliminary findings of a federal investigation. Civil Beat.

Island Air bankruptcy is 'a catastrophe,' judge says. A federal bankruptcy judge lashed out at Island Air in court Thursday for the treatment of its employees as the liquidation of the state’s second-largest airline appeared to be headed for an early termination due to lack of funds to administer the case. Star-Advertiser.


Trade "Clusters" and Hawaii's Economy. U-H Economic Professor, Carl Bonham, says the Hospitality and Tourism cluster in Hawaii is five times more concentrated based on employment than in other states. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii employees of GE's power division not affected by layoffs, source says. Hawaii employees of General Electric Co.'s power division are currently not affected by the company's decision to cut its global workforce by 12,000 positions. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii mumps cases reach 685; health officials broaden recommendation. The Hawaii Department of Health is asking all residents to get an “outbreak vaccination” against the ongoing flareup of mumps cases statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Council approves expansion of State Hospital. Long-range expansion plans for the Hawaii State Hospital have been approved by the Honolulu City Council after the facility’s staff gave assurances that improvements would include a perimeter fence and other public safety measures prompted by the recent escape of a patient deemed to be dangerous. Star-Advertiser.

City to convert empty building into 30 affordable apartments. The city has purchased another three-story building in town — on Young Street, Ewa of McCully Street — which will add another 30 studio apartments for people who earn just over $36,000 per year. Star-Advertiser.

One Ala Moana Condo Development Approved And Another In The Pipeline. Developer Jay Fang wins approval for his 26-story tower despite some rocky moments at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. Civil Beat.

Former Kawamoto lot on Kahala Avenue sells for $13M. A 1-acre beachfront lot on Kahala Avenue that once belonged to Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto was sold this week for $13 million to a Chinese multinational company that is planning to build a new house on the site. Pacific Business News.

Fire department releases 911 calls made during deadly Marco Polo building fire. KHON2.

No threats against Honolulu Marathon, but authorities aren't taking any chances. On Sunday, 28,000 runners from all over the world will participate in the 45th annual Honolulu Marathon. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Queen Kaahumanu Highway project costs rise again. It’s going to cost another $16.3 million to widen Queen Kaahumanu Highway from Kealakehe Parkway to Keahole Airport Road, compared to numbers released earlier this year, putting the project more than $30 million over initial estimates from its groundbreaking two years ago. West Hawaii Today.

Miss Hawaii 2015 to run for state House. Former Miss Hawaii Jeanne Kapela announced Thursday she’s throwing her crown in the ring for what’s shaping up as a competitive race for the open District 5 House seat. West Hawaii Today.

Paradise Helicopters expands fleet with first twin-engine helicopter. Paradise Helicopters has added a twin-engine Bell 430, becoming the first Hawaii tour company to operate a twin-engine helicopter. Pacific Business News.

Ohio investor to buy state’s second-largest dairy. An Ohio entrepreneur and financial planning company executive is advancing an initiative to acquire Hawaii’s second-largest dairy as part of a plan to more than double the production of local milk in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Three injured after state vehicle strikes school bus. Two children and a state employee were injured Wednesday morning after a state pickup truck struck a school bus in Mountain View. Tribune-Herald.

Keauhou Beach Hotel demolition progresses.  The Keauhou Beach Hotel is literally a shell of its former self — the soft demolition completed and the inside of the structure gutted. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter disciplined after reportedly ‘reeking of alcohol’ while on duty. A Hawaii island firefighter is being disciplined for having alcohol in his system while on duty. KHON2.

Thieves target Big Island humane society — twice. The Hawaii Island Humane Society is looking for crooks who stole animals at a shelter. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Atherton’s Waikapu project finishes evidentiary phase. LUC chairman orders drafting of panel’s proposed final action. Maui News.

LUC members hear testimony backing ‘agrihood’ project. Land Use Commission members heard several hours of testimony Wednesday as part of hearings on proposed state district boundary amendments for the nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project. Maui News.

Maui Cannabis Conference hosts its inaugural Maui Cannabis Conference on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6-7, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor candidates state cases. Derek Kawakami, Lenny Rapozo and Mel Rapozo mingled with attendees at the Christmas party setting before taking the stage Thursday at in the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Hawaii still tops in homelessness, new tax chief named, Honolulu police chief admits error in gun confiscation, Kauai council passes GET surcharge, attack siren failures reported, Pearl Harbor remembered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless sleep on Honolulu sidewalk © 2017 All Hawaii News
Hawaii still leads nation in homeless count per capita. The 7,220 homeless people counted across the islands in January as part of an annual, nationwide homeless census put Hawaii’s rate at 51 homeless people for every 10,000 individuals, the worst of all 50 states, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Despite broad concerns, governor says tax system upgrades are on track. The governor says a $60 million project to modernize the tax department's outdated computer systems is moving forward with the right team in place. Hawaii News Now.

Ige appoints new director for troubled state tax department. Gov. David Ige today named Linda Chu Takayama as the new director of the state Department of Taxation in an effort to quickly replace outgoing director Maria Zielinski in what has emerged as a pivotal position in Ige’s administration. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Chu Takayama
Ige appoints new interim director of taxation. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has named Linda Chu Takayama as the new interim director of the state Department of Taxation following Maria Zielinski's sudden resignation on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Governor Appoints Linda Chu Takayama as Interim Tax Director. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trump advised to alter Pacific Remote Islands monument. Commercial fishing has been banned for nearly a decade in 490,534 square miles of water around several western Pacific islands and atolls. But that could change based on a recommendation issued Tuesday to President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Can Voluntourism Offset the Environmental Impacts of Hawaii's Growing Visitor Industry? Most tourists come to Hawaii on vacation for rest and relaxation, but there’s a popular trend in visitors coming to Hawaii to volunteer their time and labor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Used To Hearing About Potential Conflicts Of Interest. Legislators argue there are good reasons to vote even on issues where they may have potential conflicts. Associated Press

Why Hawaii Residents Can’t Build Their Own Private Power Grids. As solar systems and battery storage gain popularity, some say Hawaii’s law needs to catch up with the technology. Civil Beat.

Survivors, families to mark 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. The crowds will be smaller this year. There will be fewer headlines and cameras and big names. Hawaii News Now.

76th Anniversary of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Maui Now.

WWII veterans accomplish final mission. Seventy-six years have passed since the “day of infamy.” The call to “Remember Pearl Harbor” has faded, Hotel Street has faded, and the men like Lauren Bruner and Lou Conter, who were there and fought back, are fading, too. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Survivors take special flight to mark 76th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. KITV.

USS Arizona survivors take aerial tour ahead of Pearl Harbor’s 76th commemoration. KHON2.

How Hawaii airports stack up against the competition for international passengers. Pacific Business News.

Island Air workers unable to access 401(k) funds. The company’s 423 workers, already without their final November paycheck and health insurance, now are being shut out from accessing their 401(k) retirement funds — some of which have been deposited in the wrong account. Star-Advertiser.

Following report, judge in Kamehameha Schools sex abuse case recuses herself. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Preparing For Hawaii’s Next Constitutional Convention Vote. A referendum is set for Nov. 6, 2018, but now is the time to begin the discussion. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Emergency Leader Concerned Siren Was Hard To Hear In Waikiki. Beachgoers hardly noticed the alarm, which also was hard to hear in some other areas. Associated Press.

HPD in error over cannabis patients with guns, chief says. Honolulu police Chief Susan Ballard said her department’s controversial policy requiring medical marijuana patients to relinquish their guns was wrong. Star-Advertiser.

Council Gives Preliminary OK To Changing How Police Panel Selected. The resolution would allow the City Council to select three members of the seven-member commission. Civil Beat.

Council OKs measures trying to rein in ‘monster’ homes. The Honolulu City Council approved legislation Wednesday that directs the Department of Planning and Permitting to come up with stiffer regulations on large-scale houses and renewed an effort to impose a moratorium on building permits for such structures until new rules are in place. Star-Advertiser.

Council gives OK to Keeaumoku condo tower project. The developers of the Hawaii City Plaza condominium tower in the Keeaumoku area have been given the go-ahead by the Honolulu City Council, despite lingering ill feelings toward the developers by some Council members and concerns by community members that the approval was rushed. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed High Rise With ‘Poor Door’ Stalls At City Council. Councilwoman Kymberly Pine said the developer needs to address concerns about a planned separate entrance to the lower-cost rental units. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials have issued an advisory telling people not to eat fish or shellfish caught in the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii fuel pier and marina area due to unsafe levels of contaminants. Associated Press.

Crews Are Close to Finally Ridding Waikiki Of The Pacific Paradise. The Coast Guard says the cost of salvaging the wrecked vessel has already exceeded $1 million. Civil Beat.

The state attorney general says no criminal charges will be filed for now in the case of a toddler who was assaulted in a babysitter's care. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu home prices continued their mostly slow and steady rise this year, notching 3 percent gains in November. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales post double-digit increases as prices rise. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

State adding more sirens to alert Big Island about emergencies. The state is adding 17 new Big Island sirens to its system of emergency alerts as it works to fill gaps in a program designed to bolster public preparedness in natural and man-made emergencies. West Hawaii Today.

People in Hilo thought they were hearing sirens. It was actually a leaf blower. Hawaii News Now.

The owner of Cloverleaf Dairy is looking to hand his family business over to another company after a deal reached in 2016 fell through. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Hungarian Automated Telescope On Mauna Kea Made Permanent. A request for permanent continuation of the Hungarian Automated Telescope, or HAT, was approved by the Maunakea Management Board on November 28. Big Island Video News.

Maui

LUC members hear testimony backing ‘agrihood’ project. Land Use Commission members heard several hours of testimony Wednesday as part of hearings on proposed state district boundary amendments for the nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project. Maui News.

Letter: County Liquor officials did not prohibit children at event. The county Department of Liquor Control defended its “limited role” in an October fundraiser by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, writing in a letter last week to the club that no liquor laws or rules prevented youths from receiving awards at the event that served alcohol. Maui News.

Infographic: Sewage Spills on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council OKs tax hike. On Wednesday, the county council approved Bill 2670 to establish a general excise and use tax surcharge. Garden Island.

Officers seize illegal plants from Kalalau Valley. The Kauai Police Department participated in a two-day multi-agency operation this week that led to the removal of 15 coca plants from Kalalau Valley. Garden Island.

Molokai

New emergency sirens will be tested at five Molokai sites between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. today and Friday, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said. Maui News.