Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Hawaii telescopes help with first black hole image; Legislature mulls vacation rental tax, minimum wage, tax credits; Maui corporation counsel resigns after arrest, homeless count mixed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
First black hole PC: Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
Hawaii telescopes help create first image of black hole. “It’s a historic moment,” declared Jessica Dempsey, deputy director of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, one of two Mauna Kea observatories that joined six others from across the globe to collect the imaging data two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii telescopes play key role in creating first image of black hole. Two of the world’s most powerful telescopes atop Mauna Kea played a key role in producing the first image ever made of a black hole. Hawaii News Now.

Two telescopes located at the top of Maunakea helped to capture the very first image of a black hole, and a renowned Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner helped name it. Big Island Video News.

Proclamation by Gov. David Ige celebrating Hawaii's role in the discovery. Governor's Office.

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Hawaii closer to forcing Airbnb to collect taxes on rentals. Hawaii lawmakers eager to gather tax revenue from the state’s flourishing, yet mostly unpermitted, vacation rental sector today passed legislation that would require websites like Airbnb to collect and pay taxes on behalf of short-term rental hosts. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers hope a recent ruling will play in their favor in regulating vacation rentals. There is a new push to start taxing thousands of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii. A recent court ruling means this could be a breakthrough year. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Increase Among Hundreds Of Bills Moving Forward. But there was no action on a controversial measure — stymied for now — that would allow continued diversion of stream water. Civil Beat.

Minimum Wage: How High Is Too High? A university economic think tank ponders the most effective level for a minimum wage. Civil Beat.

Ige having a rough year at the Legislature. With the state Legislature entering the final weeks of the 2019 session, this is shaping up to be a notably lousy year for Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

As confirmation looms, lawmakers grill Public Safety director. Just two days before the Senate Public Safety Committee will make a decision about his reconfirmation, Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda faced tough questions from lawmakers trying to dig deeper into last month's riot at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Nolan Espinda was back in the hot seat as lawmakers try to find out more about recent high profile incidents under his watch. KHON2.

Film industry officials say productions may not come to Hawaii amid tax credit cap. In January, the law changed, putting a cap on the amount of tax credits productions can claim. This is currently set at $35 million dollars. KHON2.

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Neighbor island homelessness drops 2%. While homelessness overall was down on the neighbor islands, a snapshot from January shows a wide range for each county compared with the data collected in 2018 — from a wild 51% increase on Kauai to a 21% drop on Hawaii Island to a 1% decrease on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Big Swings In Homelessness on Kauai, Hawaii Island. New homeless count numbers are out. Civil Beat.

Recent Point In Time Count Reveals Overall Decline In Neighbor Island Homelessness. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. to face audits: Bill ties corporation funding to a look at the books. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Ozawa-Waters votes continue to increase. The City Clerk’s Office reported that as of 4 p.m. Tuesday it had received 29,785 votes via mail while 301 walked into Honolulu Hale to cast their ballots. Votes are being collected through Saturday, when the envelopes are opened and the ballots counted. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 30,000 Have Voted In Special Election For City Council. The long campaign for the right to represent East Honolulu finally ends Saturday for Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters. Civil Beat.

More than 30,000 ballots already cast in special election for city council. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Police Corruption: ‘Don’t Try To BS’ The Judge. U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright is known for his intelligence, fairness and outstanding legal ability. Civil Beat.

Trial of former HPD officer delayed as more info tied to Kealoha is sought. The swirling Katherine Kealoha scandal leads to another delay in the DUI trial of former Honolulu Police Sergeant, Albert Lee. Hawaii News Now.

City to test scheduling bulky trash pick-ups to solve illegal dumping problem. Curbside bulk trash dumping is an ongoing issue in many neighborhoods. KHON2.

Almost a year after damage from record rainfall and flooding forced its closure, Aina Haina Public Library reopened Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu home sales drop in March. The number of homes and condominiums sold on Oahu dropped last month, compared to March a year ago, while the median price of a single-family home rose 3 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Residents speak out on possible road usage charge. While some residents say they could see how an idea for a road usage charge could work as a “revenue neutral replacement” for the existing state fuel tax that helps fund state road projects, not all of them are so confident in the state’s ability to manage such a switch. West Hawaii Today.

Annual Point In Time Count shows decrease in homelessness on Big Isle. While homelessness statewide decreased only slightly, homelessness on the Big Island dropped from 869 to 690 this year, a substantial decrease. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless Count Results Revealed On Hawaii Island. The Big Island experienced the largest overall decrease with a 21% drop in homelessness, according to data collected during the annual Point in Time Count conducted in January. Big Island Video News.

Council set to settle Waimea rezoning. With the planning director saying “yes” and the Leeward Planning Commission saying “no,” it’s up to the County Council to decide if a Waimea property owner can split a 10-acre plot in two. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island homes sales drop by double digits in March. Home sales on Hawaii’s Big Island fell by double digits in March, compared to a year ago, while the median price of a condominium declined and single-family home prices remained flat, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County attorney resigns from post following abuse allegations. Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong resigned today after allegations of abuse of a household member, the Office of Mayor Michael Victorino announced. Star-Advertiser.

Maui corporation counsel embroiled in domestic violence scandal resigns. Maui County’s top civil lawyer resigned Tuesday amidst the swirling controversy from his recent domestic violence arrest, a county spokesperson said. Hawaii News Now.

Wong Resigns, Lutey Named Maui Corporation Counsel. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today his nomination of Moana Lutey to serve as corporation counsel for the County of Maui, replacing Patrick Wong, who submitted his resignation today. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Names Deputy Corporation Counsel To Head Office. Moana  Lutey, a county deputy corporation counsel, was nominated to the top post after the resignation of Patrick Wong and a decision by the state attorney general's office to drop domestic abuse charges against Wong. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Affordable rents for tenants extended with stay. Rents at Front Street Apartments will remain affordable beyond an August deadline and possibly into next year, said an attorney for the renters who are fighting efforts by developers to raise rents to market levels. Maui News.

Maui condo sales, prices jump in March. Condominium sales on Maui jumped last month, along with the median price, compared to March of last year, while single-family home sales declined and the median price rose by 5 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Homeless count rises. A January survey found Kauai’s homeless population rose 51 percent from 2018, but officials behind the report say that’s due to improved planning and execution, not more homeless moving here. Garden Island.

Number of homeless living on Kauai streets nearly doubled since last year. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Humane Society seeks $1.2M budget. With a room full of staff and board members behind her, Kauai Humane Society Executive Director Mirah Horowitz asked the Kauai County Council on Tuesday for a $110,000 increase in funding. Garden Island.

Nearly one year after record floods hit Kauai's North Shore highway set to reopen. Nearly one year after record floods wrecked the only way in and out of Kauai's north shore, tensions are high as the state prepares to reopen the highway. KITV.

Kauai single-family home price drops as condo prices jump 18%. The median price of a single-family home on Kauai fell 17 percent last month as the number of homes dropped by more than 50 percent, compared to a year ago, while the median price of a Garden Island condominium rose by 18 percent despite fewer sales, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Kauai Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Water concerns linger at Legislature, Maui mayor reveals past sex assault, DOE accelerates school repairs, tobacco tax hike snuffed out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Pipe brings water down from the mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News
State Senate leaders say they don’t intend to revive water bill. Leaders in the Senate say they have no plans to revive a controversial bill that would extend the deadline for Alexander & Baldwin and other water users to convert their water permits into long-term leases, contrary to a flurry of concerns from the bill’s opponents that the Senate might attempt a last-ditch maneuver to ram the measure through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Possible Resurrection Of Water Bill Has Capitol Abuzz. Lawmakers supporting the measure to extend rights to divert stream water — including for Alexander & Baldwin — play hardball behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

All eyes were on House Bill 1326 at the Legislature on Monday, even though the Senate Committee on Ways and Means deferred it last week, effectively killing the measure. Garden Island.

Gathering at the State Capitol rotunda over water rights bill. The sound of chanting and pahu drum echoed through the state Capitol Monday night. KITV.

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Bills Lighten Up On Pot Possession, But Add Penalties For Drugged Driving. A Senate committee passed a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, while a House committee voted to add penalties for drugged drivers. Civil Beat.

There will be no increase to the tax on cigarettes and little cigars after a measure that initially sought to increase the cost of a pack of cigarettes by $1 was snuffed out. West Hawaii Today.

Sen. Kai Kahele says he’s raised $250K for run at U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s seat. Kahele is running for the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The seat represents rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case’s ‘Talk Story’ Has Aged Well. The Hawaii congressman perfected constituent forums when he was in office 10 years ago. Now he’s taking that show on the road again. Civil Beat.

Moving Hawaii’s Technology Out Of The Dark Ages. The Legislature is considering bills that would help modernize decades old and outdated systems. Civil Beat.

State Initiates Audit Of School Impact Fees On Developers. The fees on new residential developments in certain areas have proven controversial since they were authorized by the Legislature in 2007. Civil Beat.

DOE finds quick fix for school roofs. Previously, each roof repair for a public school had to go through the traditional design-bid-build process, which typically takes several years. The new approach, known as job-order contracting, instead relies on several companies chosen through competitive bidding to perform common repair projects at fixed prices under a multiyear contract. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Education using new contracting method to clear backlog of repair projects. KHON2.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha loses fight to keep personnel file secret, but questions remain. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo has reviewed Katherine Kealoha’s employment records from the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office, but hinted in court Monday that it didn’t provide all the information requested. Hawaii News Now.

The state is soliciting developers again to revitalize its run-down Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki 11 years after making a similar attempt that failed amid much public criticism. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources published a request for proposals Friday seeking competitive bids to redevelop 11 acres that include parking areas, public restrooms, a former fuel dock, a former boat repair site and submerged lands extending off the fuel dock and boat repair sites. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime television anchor Marisa Yamane is leaving KHON2 to join the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Yamane, 40, who co-anchors newscasts three times a day, will be director of communications and public relations at the HTA, where she will oversee a contract with PR firm Anthology Marketing Group. Star-Advertiser.

Solar permits issued on Oahu continued their downward trend and plunged 14 percent in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Verizon Tower For Lower Puna Planned. The Windward Planning Commission has some concerns about the placement of the tower near Highway 130, although they agree the service in needed in the area. Big Island Video News.

Waimea-Kohala Airport subsidy moving forward. Continuation of commercial air service from Waimea-Kohala Airport is on solid footing for the next two years, based on an agreement Hawaii County plans to sign with the U.S. Department of Transportation. West Hawaii Today.

The planning for the removal of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory from Mauna Kea is underway, but an event that occurred at the facility in 2009 sparked some discussion at the Maunakea Management Board meeting on April 2 in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Thirty Meter Telescope has green light, but protesters aren’t giving up fight. On Monday, Native Hawaiians gathered at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus to honor the season of Ku -- and honor those who stand for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The future of marijuana: Island cannabis industry reps talk hurdles, economic woes. The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Medical Cannabis Forum brought business owners together to participate in a panel discussion about medical marijuana on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Breaks Silence on Sex Assault. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today, recounted a very personal account of sex assault that he shared for the very first time as joined in offering a proclamation to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Maui mayor reveals haunting personal details of an incident from teenage years. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor to announce decision Tuesday on corporation counsel. There have been calls for the mayor to dismiss Patrick Wong. Maui News.

Maui mayor faces mounting pressure to oust appointee after abuse arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Make way for Southwest. Inaugural flight of Maui service touches down at Kahului Airport. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kekaha woman was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars she stole from the federal government while working as a clerk at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Police misconduct reports may include names, feds indict police accused of making man lick urinal, Big Island may have special election, water rights bill resurfaces, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii police on parade ©2019 All Hawaii News
Public disclosure of the names of officers discharged or suspended from a county police department could come as early as 2021. A bill, if enacted into law, would require Hawaii’s four county police chiefs to disclose in annual reports to the state Legislature the identity of an officer upon an officer’s suspension or discharge from a county police department. West Hawaii Today.

Water Rights Bill May Have New Life. There is talk that the Hawaii state Senate will vote on the controversial legislation as early as Tuesday. Civil Beat.

A legislative panel has passed a bill that would reduce penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The measure adopted by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Friday says possession of 3 grams or less of marijuana would be a petty misdemeanor punishable by a $30 fine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers tout ‘Hawaii Saves’ program despite pushback from some. State legislators are expected to vote this week on “Hawaii Saves," a measure which would create a state retirement savings program for local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Bill expands authority to eradicate invasive species on private property. The Hawaii Legislature is close to passing a measure that will provide invasive species committees another weapon in the fight against biological intruders. West Hawaii Today.

Following Lawsuit, DOE Revives Its Gender Equity Committee. After a long absence, Hawaii’s education department is bringing back a committee to advise top leaders on how schools can comply with Title IX. Civil Beat.

Ige Appoints Kamehameha Schools Official To Board of Education. Damien Barcarse of the Big Island would bring Hawaiian language fluency and cultural knowledge to the position. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Defends SNAP Benefits. Attorney General Clare E. Connors joined a coalition of 21 states and territories in opposing the Trump administration’s effort to end Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Maui Now.

Oahu

Feds Indict Two Honolulu Cops For Making Man Lick Urinal. They are accused of violating the victim’s civil rights. Four officers were initially disciplined after the January incident. Civil Beat.

Officers who allegedly forced man to lick urinal indicted on civil rights offenses. Two Honolulu officers who allegedly forced a homeless man to lick a urinal in a public restroom were charged Friday with civil rights offenses, federal authorities said. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Officers Allegedly Forced Man To Lick Urinal. Two Honolulu police officers arrested Friday are innocent of allegations they forced a man to lick a urinal, a defense attorney said. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Impeachment proceedings for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney hit a snag over signatures. Organizers switch websites to help the state verify signatures. Hawaii News Now.

Judge OKs recorded testimony from 99-year old key witness in Kealoha case. A key witness in the case against the Kealohas will be deposed ahead of the May trial because the 99-year-old is in failing health. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed ‘food hub’ would foster small-scale diversified farming. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rentals in Waikiki rival largest hotels. New research from AllTheRooms, a New York-based search engine, shows there are about 3,300 vacation rental units in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Kahana Valley living park concept ‘broken’. About a half a century ago the state paid $5 million to acquire a prized 5,000-acre Windward Oahu parcel, stretching from the mountains to the sea, and subsequently adopted a unique approach to protect the rural area from development. Star-Advertiser.

One of Hawaii’s first state-licensed pot growers shows off its operation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Charter Commission will consider holding a special election later this year, rather than adding charter amendments to a 2020 general election ballot already crowded with candidates for president, Congress, county mayor, prosecutor and County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Charter Commission wraps up six-town roadshow. A sparse audience Thursday evening capped off six public hearings as the county Charter Commission wrapped up its roadshow giving residents all over the island a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to the county’s fundamental governing document. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed in toddler death: Family of child who died in foster care seeks justice, awareness and change. West Hawaii Today.

The state Land Board will consider Friday renaming Mauna Kea Recreation area after the late-Sen. Gil Kahele. Tribune-Herald.

Revitalizing Banyan: Bill to create agency on its way to final vote. The peninsula consists of mostly state land and is home to Hilo’s large hotels, including the Hilo Hawaiian and Grand Naniloa Hotel, and the shuttered Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, along Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is looking for additional partners to help fund the Subaru Telescope. Michitoshi Yoshida, Subaru director, said Japan would remain the owner and main source of funding for the 8.2-meter telescope, located on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The former vice chairman of the state Real Estate Commission was sentenced Friday to 10 years of court supervision, including six months in jail, for embezzling more than $200,000 from Hilo clients. Tribune-Herald.

A county employee says abrupt transfer station closures like those experienced last week could pop up again in the future unless the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management adds to its solid waste division workforce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Preliminary injunction issued over handling of Hawaiian burials. Meeting planned for next week to mull specifics for Maui Lani project. Maui News.

Report on isle coral resiliency a mixed bag of good, bad news. Some reefs surviving better but all areas at risk with climate change, land-based sediment, toxic runoff. Maui News.

Kauai

An emphasis on renewable energy. The world is getting closer to matching Kauai’s renewable energy profile, according to recent statistics, but Kauai is still strides ahead in renewable energy generation. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Making it right with Kahoolawe. Restoration of Kahoolawe is a multigenerational endeavor after all. Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission’s ocean resources manager said the restoration work they are doing won’t be completed in his generation but “might be done in my children’s generation.” Maui News.

Friday, April 5, 2019

Legislature kills water permit plan, flavored vape bill dies, Public Safety director confirmation delayed, Maui jail riot evidence missing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Flume brings water from the mountain to valley farmland ©2019 All Hawaii News
Senate panel shelves bill on access to public water. A Senate committee Thursday killed a bill that would have allowed an assortment of utilities, landowners, ranchers and farmers to continue accessing public water under revocable permits while they worked to satisfy stringent state requirements for obtaining long-term leases. Star-Advertiser.

Water Rights Bill Goes Down The Drain In ‘Historic Vote’. The land company Alexander & Baldwin is among the big losers after senators can’t agree on a proposal to allow stream diversion to continue. Civil Beat.

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Decision on reappointment of public safety director is delayed. The Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday delayed making a decision on whether to advise the full Senate to reconfirm Nolan Espinda as Gov. David Ige’s pick to lead the department after hearing two hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ Scrutiny Of Public Safety Chief Will Stretch Into Next Week. Nolan Espinda faces two more days of committee hearings before his reconfirmation will be considered by the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Defers Decision On Public Safety Chief’s Confirmation. A state Senate committee deferred a decision Thursday on Governor David Ige’s nominee to head the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public Safety Director fights to keep his job, faces opposition. Senate committee to decide if they'll recommend Espinda for the director position to the full Senate next week. KITV.

Embattled Public Safety director testifies at confirmation hearing. Embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda addressed senators at his confirmation hearing Thursday, saying he’s proud of the progress he’s made at the head of a department that oversees the state’s correctional facilities and sheriff’s division. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii legislative committee kills ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Hawaii lawmakers today killed a proposal that would have banned flavored electronic smoking devices and e-liquids, saying they suspected teenagers would continue to get the products online even if sales were prohibited. Star-Advertiser.

Surprising Support For New Tax On Hawaii’s Powerful Real Estate Interests. Past efforts to tax REITs, which own $18 billion of property locally, have gone nowhere. This session, the proposal has already passed the full Senate and House committees. Civil Beat.

In wake of critical audit, OHA board approves internal reboot. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved a new governance framework for the agency Thursday in a push to address the results of a critical audit. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesians In Hawaii Still Struggle To Get Health Care. Low-income patients are afraid of going to the doctor and being saddled with co-payments. Unlike U.S. citizens or many green card holders, they aren’t eligible for Medicaid. Civil Beat.

Legislators Seek Ways To Improve Healthcare for Micronesians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meth, weed use up, cocaine down. Marijuana and amphetamine use is on the rise in Hawaii, according to an analysis of drug test results. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines begins service to Boston. Hawaiian Airlines on Thursday celebrated a milestone in its 90-year history by becoming the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waters Leads Ozawa In Money Raised And Spent In City Council Race. The service workers union AiKea Unite Here raised $170,000 in three months to support Waters. Civil Beat.

Waters out-raising and out-spending Ozawa. Tommy Waters raised more and spent more than Trevor Ozawa through March 29 in their winner-take-all, third-round election duel for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat. Star-Advertiser.

The Special Election for the District 4 seat in the Honolulu City Council is eight days away. Tommy Waters has raised about $97,000 more in campaign contributions than Trevor Ozawa. KITV.

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Unsealed court documents released Thursday show Katherine Kealoha is mentally fit to stand trial. A forensic psychiatrist evaluated Kealoha last November for about two and a half hours. KITV.

Caldwell plan for garbage fee could be trashed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to impose a $5 monthly curbside trash pickup fee on Oahu households may be tossed into the rubbish heap, Honolulu City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan said. Star-Advertiser.

Solvent contamination delays rail work. The discovery of contamination from an industrial solvent in a monitoring well near the Honolulu airport halted drilling for columns on a segment of the Honolulu rail project for more than three months, according to the rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

One year after major flood, repairs to Aina Haina Library finally complete. A year after floodwaters rushed through Aina Haina Library, leaving behind a big mess, the popular community gathering place is set to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Hippo Louise moves into her newly renovated home at Honolulu Zoo. After the completion of a $3.5 million capital improvement project, the hippo habitat now features an upgraded barn and a filtration system that cycles the 40,000-gallon hippo pond every 20 minutes. KHON2.

Oahu home prices continue to rise despite lower sales. Single-family home prices on Oahu rose over the past 12 months even as overall sales dropped and condominium prices remained flat. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Fish in marine reserve off North Kona coast are recovering, surveys find. Signs that fish populations are beginning to recover at the Ka‘upulehu Marine Reserve off the North Kona coast are giving scientists and community members hope after two years of restrictions on fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Fish Recovering At Kaupulehu Two Years Into Moratorium. Based on surveys conducted in 2018, the Nature Conservancy reported an increase in fish populations at the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. Big Island Video News.

Open space fund draws most opinion at charter meeting. The Charter Commission afforded West Hawaii residents a platform Wednesday to make their voices heard on potential amendments to the county’s foundational document. West Hawaii Today.

Possible relocation of HVO to Oahu raises concerns. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno is among those concerned about a potential move of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Farmers Market Permit Revoked, New Permits Sought. A plan to construct a 3-story commercial building at the current Hilo Farmers Market site has been abandoned in favor of a “scaled-down, open-air building concept” that requires different permits. Big Island Video News.

Farmers market’s SMA permit revoked. Long-abandoned plans to build a three-story building at the Hilo Farmers Market have been formally scrapped. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

DOE will build underpass or overpass to Kihei high school. This follows LUC vote reaffirming project condition. The state Department of Education said Wednesday that it will comply with the requirement to build an overpass or underpass across Piilani Highway to Kihei high school — but not until after the school opens. Maui News.

Infrastructure Exploratory Work Begins in Wailuku. The first phase of the Wailuku Civic Complex project includes the full upgrade of roads and utilities on the block of Church Street between Main and Vineyard streets as well as the two blocks of Vineyard between High and Market streets. Maui Now.

Video Evidence from Maui Jail Riot is Missing. The incident remains under investigation but, department officials have pointed toward “extreme overcrowded conditions” as the motivation behind the riot. Maui Now.

Vital piece of evidence in investigation into Maui jail riot is missing. Hawaii News Now.

Phone threat prompts lockdown at Maui hospital. A spokesman from the Maui Police Department says Maui Memorial Medical Center was placed on lockdown Thursday night. KHON2.

Kauai

Recycling facility moves to Ahukini. The certified redemption center accepts all Hi5 products and also will have a buy-back program for aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel scrap metals. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Hawaii population decline spells trouble, Tiger Woods golf course planned, confirmation hearings draw controversy, electric rate hikes looming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Eating at the food court Ala Moana Center ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s Population Decline Signals Future Economic Challenges. Hawaii is one of just nine states that lost population in 2018, reflecting a level of out-migration far deeper than the brain drain of past years. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Confirms DHHL Deputy William Aila. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of Public Safety director engage in questionable tactics ahead of confirmation hearing. As embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda prepares for tough questions from lawmakers Thursday at his long-awaited confirmation hearing, his strongest supporters are engaging in last-minute — and questionable — tactics in a bid to save his job. Hawaii News Now.

Despite mounting criticism, governor stands by reappointment of Public Safety head. The governor is standing by embattled Public Safety director Nolan Espinda ahead of what’s certain to be a tough confirmation hearing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Coffee labeling measure deferred. A measure originally intended to change labeling requirements for coffee blends died quietly with a few passing words Tuesday morning in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Plan to allow solar farms on top-rated agricultural lands dealt setback. State lawmakers on Wednesday halted a proposal that would allow large solar projects on the state’s most valuable agricultural lands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii considers reforming bail system called unfair to poor. Lawmakers are considering allowing defendants accused of non-violent offenses to be released on bail without paying cash up front. Associated Press.

State Criticized For Cutting Services For The Developmentally Disabled. Agency representatives say they’ve gotten more efficient with the help of a new budgeting tool, but advocates for patients are filing more complaints. Civil Beat.

Amid push to unionize, UH grad students say their voices aren’t being heard. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesia Official Pleads Guilty To Bribery In Hawaii. Authorities said he accepted a bribe from a Honolulu company in exchange for $7.8 million in government contracts. Associated Press.

HEI seeks renewable options as end nears for 2 plants. In an effort to prepare for the closure of two fossil-fuel plants in the state — the coal-fired AES Hawaii plant on Oahu and the oil-fired Kahului Power Plant on Maui — Hawaiian Electric Companies is seeking more renewable energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More than one-third of registered voters in Honolulu City Council District 4 have already cast votes in the special election between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters. The official election day is April 13. Star-Advertiser.

Council members oppose Kealoha fees. Key Honolulu City Council members want the city Police Commission to reverse its approval of the use of taxpayer money to pay for former Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Council leadership: Taxpayers shouldn’t pay for ex-police chief’s legal defense. In a strongly-worded letter to the Honolulu Police Commission, Councilman Ron Menor is expressing his concerns over the body’s decision to have taxpayers foot the bill for ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal defense. Hawaii News Now.

Defendant Wants To Stop Early Testimony Of Katherine Kealoha’s 99-Year-Old Grandmother. Federal prosecutors want to get the testimony of Florence Puana in a videotaped deposition before the Kealohas’ trial starts because she’s fallen ill. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower tells police commission concerns about upcoming promotions. The retired Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who recently received a $550,000 payout from the city spoke on Wednesday before the Honolulu Police Commission. KHON2.

Critics Renew Calls To Stop Honolulu Rail At Middle Street. While shortening the line could save hundreds of millions of dollars, rail leaders argue the system would lose nearly half its projected ridership. Civil Beat.

UH Researcher Skeptical of Housing Proposal To Build $300,000 Units. A proposal at the state capitol to address the lack of affordable housing in Hawaii's largest population center has garnered significant community attention in recent weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiger Woods is designing the newest luxury golf course on Oahu. Oahu’s Leeward Coast will soon boast a golf course that’s been re-shaped by one of the game’s greatest players. Hawaii News Now.

Tiger Woods to design golf course in Makaha. Golf superstar Tiger Woods will design his first golf course in Hawaii as part of a $300 million master-planned development that aims to establish a new resort in Makaha Valley. Star-Advertiser.

New solar PV panels expected to reduce Honolulu airport’s electric bill by nearly half, state says. Hawaii Department of Transportation officials said an additional 2,980 solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on the 5th floor of the Terminal 2 parking garage at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public hearings next week to determine whether a 3.4 percent rate increase for Hawaii Electric Light Co. is “fair and reasonable.” West Hawaii Today.

Plan To Drive Tourism To Hawaii Island Announced. State officials held a press conference on Oahu today to announce $2.5 million has been allocated to bolster marketing efforts in the U.S. mainland and Japan. Big Island Video News.

Tourism authority to launch major ad campaign to woo visitors to Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Albizia abatement measure heads to governor’s desk. A bill that would allow property owners to enter neighboring properties to remove dangerous albizia trees needs only the governor’s signature to become law. Tribune-Herald.

15 possible names for fissure 8 already submitted; nominations still being accepted. The state Board of Geographic Names formalized a committee for naming one of the most prominent features from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report: Maui County comes in second in Hawaii health rankings. Higher numbers for alcohol abuse and housing shortage are among state’s worst. Maui News.

New medevac chopper blessed. Crew responds to incident in Hana at end of ceremony. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami met with the residents of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments on March 28, along with Managing Director Mike Dahilig, Housing Director Kanani Fu and Councilman Mason Chock. Garden Island.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

High bacteria closes Hanauma Bay, 'gender X' could appear on state IDs, licenses, attorney general drops charges against Maui corporation counsel, Oahu pedestrian plan hearings set, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Elevated bacteria level closes beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay To Close Wednesday Following Elevated Bacterial Reading. City parks officials are planning to close Hanauma Bay Wednesday after the state health department found bacterial levels exceeded its established threshold. Hawaii Public Radio.

High bacteria levels force closure of Hanauma Bay. The city said levels of the enterococci bacteria were nearly twice the threshold allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Elevated bacteria level at Hanauma Bay, park closed Wednesday. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday, April 3, following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. KITV.

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Beyond Hotels And Beaches: Can Hawaii Really Diversify Its Economy? Hawaii’s economy is thoroughly dominated by tourism. But alternative energy and research-and-development offers some of the best chances for creating new, higher paying jobs. Civil Beat.

Gender 'X’ could soon be an option when applying for IDs, drivers licenses. A measure toward furthering gender equality in the state is moving forward at the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers lose sleep over controversial water rights bills. The bills would extend for seven years temporary permits to divert water from streams. Hawaii News Now.

A Senate committee voted in favor Tuesday of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director William Aila’s confirmation — despite opposition to his nomination. The move comes days after the Ige administration decided not to nominate DHHL Chair Jobie Masagatani to another term. Hawaii News Now.

After Humpback Whale Count, Researchers Say It's Too Early To Determine Trends. A total of 109 humpback whales were counted in Hawaiian waters on Saturday as over 430 volunteers finished data-gathering from the shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines adds California route, expands Oceania code-share agreement. Competition between Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s largest carrier, and Southwest Airlines, one of the U.S.’s top four carriers, is rising. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

ACLU pushes back against ex police chief’s attorney who called for firing of Kealoha critic. The Hawaii ACLU fired back against Rustam Barbee, the taxpayer funded attorney for ex police chief Louis Kealoha on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

ACLU tells Kealoha attorney to back off. The University of Hawaii Law School and the ACLU are standing behind by a faculty member who's been asked to stop commenting on legal cases. KHON2.

Navy’s new high-tech destroyer USS Zumwalt arrives in Pearl Harbor. A striking and controversial Navy destroyer pulled into Pearl Harbor for the first time this morning, garnering attention for its sheer size (610 feet long), stealth features, and unorthodox wave-piercing “tumblehome” hull on its first operational sail from San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers look to reduce helicopter noise, but how to do so is up in the air. Residents along the coastline from Waikiki to Diamond Head and Kahala have been raising their voices for years to complain about noise from tour helicopters disrupting their neighborhoods. Hawaii News Now.

Public meeting coming up on Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. The City and County of Honolulu is hoping taking pedestrian safety a step further by creating Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. KHON2.

Feeding The Homeless When The City Says Not To. A nonprofit bringing food and hot shower services to Kakaako Gateway Park is sparking a debate about the downside of free meals in parks. Civil Beat.

With repairs on schedule, state shoots down idea of adding Pali contraflow hours. The state transportation department says it's "on schedule" to complete repairs to the landslide-damaged Pali Highway by the end of August. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Highway repairs on schedule; contra-flow hours to remain the same. State transportation officials said today that current contraflow hours for Pali Highway will remain the same, as emergency repairs continue in the wake of damaging rockslides in mid-February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$3M Settlement After Rock Slide Adds To Taxpayers’ Legal Bill. The state Department of Transportation is set to pay a $3 million settlement in a 12-year-old case brought by a Big Island couple injured when falling rocks smashed into their car.  Civil Beat.

Ka'u ranchers and farmers find themselves once again stuck in the middle of a contentious legislative fight over Hawaii water rights. Big Island Video News.

Tuesday’s Mauna Kea Management Board meeting – the first one held since May 2018 – began with a report from Office of Mauna Kea Management director Stephanie Nagata. Big Island Video News.

Another botched transport: Kailua-Kona man charged with attempted murder not released by HCCC for hearing. A preliminary hearing was rescheduled after a Kailua-Kona man, accused of assaulting a police officer, was not transported by deputies from the Hilo jail to the Kona courthouse. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Charges dropped against top civil lawyer. Attorney general won’t prosecute Patrick Wong. The state attorney general’s office said Monday that it will not prosecute Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong over domestic violence allegations. Maui News.

Dagdag-Andaya, Nakagawa named to director posts in administration. Confirmation still required by council. Maui News.

MCCC staff were ‘scared for our lives’. Letter describes chaos during March 11 riot. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawaii Community Foundation announced Monday that more than $600,000 in grant funding is being distributed to Kauai nonprofits from the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund that was created following the storm and flood of April 2018. Garden Island.

Upgraded sirens sound off. Several new Kauai outdoor warning sirens were included as part of Monday’s statewide outdoor warning siren test. Garden Island.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Water rights at issue in Legislature, taxing REITs, lava-locked residents finally go home, more seniors seek medical marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Freshwater stream enters the ocean at Kawa Bay ©2019 All Hawaii News
Battle over water rights once again comes to a head at state Legislature. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear a bill that would extend temporary permits for seven years to big water users like Alexander and Baldwin, giving them more time to get water leases. Hawaii News Now.

Water bill appears to give A&B a financial break. A state measure that would give an assortment of large landowners, agricultural concerns and electrical utilities seven more years to meet stricter requirements for access to public water appears to give one particular company a huge break. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents Want Accountability As Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Extension of Water Diversions. State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow a dozen private users statewide, including Alexander and Baldwin, to continue to divert fresh stream water temporarily. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Legislature to consider bills on asset forfeiture and water leases. State lawmakers have scheduled hearings on bills that would reform Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program, allow developers to build solar farms on prime agricultural land and extend the period of time that companies and farming interests have to comply with a deadline for obtaining water leases as a Friday deadline approaches for moving bills out of their final committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s fastest-growing set of medical cannabis users are over 66. The average age of Hawaii’s pot patients is 51, and those between the ages of 56 and 65 are the largest population of medical marijuana users statewide, Health Department statistics show. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Revive Bail Reform Efforts To Reduce Overcrowding. Several criminal justice measures are still alive and will likely be hashed out in Senate-House conference committees. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to consider PSD Director's future. A Senate committee will discuss the future of Director Nolan Espinda later this week. Senator Clarence Nishihara has been collecting evidence and reports for Espinda's confirmation hearing, scheduled for this Thursday. KHON2.

Rifles bought for deputy sheriffs never distributed because they violate state’s own policy. Taxpayers have built an arsenal of long guns for the Public Safety Department in recent years, but dozens of those firearms are just collecting dust in the armory because the state’s own policy doesn’t allow them to be used. Hawaii News Now.

Gun owners in federal suit: Hawaii’s open carry law amounts to a ban. Gun owners are taking aim at Hawaii’s open carry law, saying it’s unconstitutional. Hawaii News Now.

Programs that depend on state money to serve Hawaii's homeless rallied Monday. Nonprofits say it can be difficult to work with homeless long term if they're constantly worried about not being able to sustain themselves the next year. KITV.

Bill to tax Hawaii REITs clears final committee. A bill that would eliminate the corporate income tax deduction on dividends paid by real estate investment trusts in Hawaii cleared its final committee and is headed for passage by the state House of Representatives. Pacific Business News.

Charter School Clampdown Has Educators Worried About Their Independence. Versions of a measure giving the state some financial oversight of the schools have cleared both chambers. Opponents say it takes away their autonomy. Civil Beat.

Lofty hopes and dreams in Legislature coming down to reality as session progresses. Star-Advertiser.

Governor encourages residents to ‘invest the time’ to participate in 2020 census. The Census won’t happen for another year, but Hawaii leaders are already putting in the work to ensure every Hawaii resident is counted. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Announces 2020 Census Count Committee. The committee is charged with increasing awareness about the importance of being counted; organizing state resources effectively and cost-efficiently to promote the count; and improving the response rate for the 2020 Census questionnaire. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police chief is pressed on handgun carry permits. The Honolulu Police Commission was mostly effusive in its praise of Police Chief Susan Ballard in the first-year review that was released recently, but key members are clearly troubled by the answers she’s given them on the Police Department’s policy regarding handgun carry permits. Star-Advertiser.

Duo curbs helping Kakaako’s homeless. Under the threat of state Health Department fines of up to $1,000 per violation, a Kaimuki couple who used to provide meals and hot showers to homeless people around Kakaako Waterfront Park is backing down and looking for a different spot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kipuka residents rejoice as PGV opens graded route over lava channel. More than 30 residents of a lava-locked kipuka in lower Puna drove across the lava channel from last year’s Kilauea eruption Monday to return to their homes. Tribune-Herald.

Joyous Moment As Lava-Locked Residents Regain Access. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials say they were unaware that federal officials are considering moving the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory off the island where there are erupting volcanos. The possibility of the relocation came to light last week during a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing for David Bernhardt, the nominee for secretary of the Department of  Interior. Hawaii Public Radio.

Volcano Observatory Future Discussed With Scientist-In-Charge. Big Island Video News.

Time is ticking down for a handful of bills that would impact the Big Island to secure their final committee hearings in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Sold. Big Island Now.

Maui


Public Works, Environmental Management Director Appointees Announced. Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday afternoon that Rowena Dagdag-Andaya and Eric Nakagawa are his nominees as directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management, respectively. Maui Now.

Four promoted to fire captain. Four Maui Fire Department firefighters have been promoted to captain and six have been promoted to firefighter III. Maui News.

Volunteers count on whales showing up. Volunteers look for whales off Maui on Saturday during Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count. A total of 219 whales were seen off Maui from 12 sites. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Kahului to Sacramento Non-Stop Flights. Hawaiian Airlines today launched daily, nonstop service between Kahului, Maui and Sacramento, giving West Coast travelers enhanced access to the Valley Isle. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, distributed $38,000 in grants to seven nonprofits on Kauai during a ceremony Monday at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Developer faces more litigation. A real estate developer, whose long-delayed timeshare proposal on Kauai faces mounting financial trouble, is struggling to cover debts on projects on the mainland as well. Garden Island.

After more than a decade of dreaming, Kauai Community College is composting. It’s a grassroots effort started by a few professors and Emily Broderick’s biology class, combining movement toward a more sustainable campus with lessons on the scientific method. Garden Island.

Monday, April 1, 2019

Reducing plastic straws, lawmakers look to tax hikes, two Cabinet members out, flavored vape bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News
A new bill would require customers to ask for plastic straws. A bill making its way through the state Legislature would require restaurants in Hawaii to provide customers with straws only if they ask for them, or face a fine of $25 a day. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii Taxes And Fees Are Almost Certain To Rise. The leaders of the Legislature’s money committees say more revenue is essential, and there’s a raft of proposals to raise more cash. Civil Beat.

Ige Decides Not To Renominate Two Cabinet Members. Jobie Masagatani, chair of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Rod Becker, director of the Department of Budget and Finance, will not be nominated to serve new four-year terms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Considers Flavored E-Cigarette Ban To Curb Teen Vaping. The first state to limit tobacco and electronic cigarette sales to people 21 and older is contemplating a new nicotine crackdown: outlawing flavored electronic cigarette liquids and flavored tobacco to combat a spike in teenage vaping. Associated Press.

Oahu


UH law instructor under fire for speaking to media about Kealoha corruption case. The defense attorney for Louis Kealoha says the school should fire the employee if he continues to make statements to the media about the proceedings. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Attorney Wants UH Instructor Muzzled Or Fired. Rustam Barbee says that UH law school instructor Ken Lawson has crossed a line. But Lawson says Barbee is trying to bully him into silence about the case. Civil Beat.

"I won't shut up" - legal analyst responds to job threat from Kealoha's lawyer. A legal analyst says he will not be intimidated by Louis Kealoha's lawyer. KITV.

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‘Bring it on’: Judge issues stern warning to city Prosecutor’s Office. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo did not hold back in court Friday after the Honolulu prosecutor’s office ignored an order to turn over the personnel records of former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

It would save the city about $450 million to halt construction of the rail project at Middle Street, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

A move to save some trees is stalling the construction of a new school library in Manoa. Environmentalists are upset because the original plans did not call for any tree removal. KITV.

Atlantis resort not ready to rise out of the sea, but work progressing. A Chinese firm is moving its estimated $1.5 billion Atlantis resort at Ko Olina closer to construction after more than two years of planning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. Geological Survey is looking for a new home for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory after it became displaced because of the Kilauea volcano eruption last year. Associated Press.

Legislature Approves $60M In Volcano Disaster Relief. It includes $20 million in grants and $40 million in loans that the federal money is expected to cover. Associated Press.

Hawaii Legislature Passes $60 Million Kilauea Disaster Relief Bill. Big Island Video News.

Funding For Hawaii County Volcano Recovery Heads To Governor's Desk. Hawaii County is on track to receive up to $60 million in state funds for recovery efforts from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Hawaii Public Radio.

County awaits word from contractor about readiness of fields at long-delayed Kuawa Street park. The new baseball and multipurpose ball fields in Hilo were first estimated to be open in 2016, but the discovery of contaminated soil pushed the timeline back a year. Tribune-Herald.

NOAA assessment finds Kona crab fishery healthy, room for catch to increase. Despite fishermen seeking out the crabs for more than a century, it wasn’t until February that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center published a 2018 stock assessment of the main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab fishery. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor’s budget proposes upgrades to landfill. 19-acre expansion, other improvements could extend its life by as much as 10 years. Maui News.

MECO to pay for some fossil fuel cost. PUC OKs new base rate hike of 3.8% Maui News.

Maui is front and center for its focus on green energy efforts. MEDB’s Hawaii Energy Conference attendance up by 25 percent. Maui News.

Haleakala park visitor count down 6.1% in 2018. Trend continues into the first two months of 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Old plantation fuel tanks removed. While visitors were walking back and forth from the Pride of America Cruise Ship on Thursday afternoon, workers with Kauai-based Pacific Concrete Cutting &Coring Inc. were making a ruckus. Garden Island.

A food pantry that has operated out of a building on the St. Catherine Church and school campus is closing after nearly a decade of service to the community. Garden Island.