Honolulu council cracks down on vacation rentals, prosecution rests in Kealoha case, some lava evacuees told to give FEMA money back, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high rises along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Council OKs vacation rental policy bill. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Monday to impose stiffer fines and harsher regulations on Oahu’s vacation rentals, tossing the entire short-term rental industry on the island on its head. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council Approves Crackdown On Vacation Rentals. Under the measure expected to be signed by the mayor, property owners who rent out entire houses outside of resort zones could face major fines. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Adopts Two Approaches To Short-Term Rental Regulations. The Honolulu City Council on Monday unanimously approved Bill 89 that would implement stiffer regulations for short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council approves pair of tough new regulations for vacation rental industry. After months of debate, the Honolulu City Council on Monday night passed a pair of bills that are considered some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in decades. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental bills approved by Council. After hours of testimony, the City Council approved two bills that would severely limit the number of rentals, while putting heavy restrictions on those that would be allowed. KHON2.

City Council passes both bills to restrict and regulate vacation rentals on Oahu. KITV.

Emotional day as vacation rental bills pass. KHON2.

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State chipping in for farms’ compost purchases. The state Department of Agriculture wants to help local farmers buy compost under a new pilot program established by Hawaii lawmakers and paid for by tax­payers. Star-Advertiser.

A Growing Number Of Hawaii’s Keiki Live In Economic Insecurity. Hawaii is in the middle of the pack for overall child wellbeing, with keiki falling behind in education and economic security markers but tracking ahead of most states in measures of health, family and community. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks #3 in the country as the most dangerous state for elderly pedestrians. Between 2018 and 2017 a new report by non-profit Smart Growth America shows 226 pedestrians were hit and killed in the state. KITV.

Oahu

Prosecutors rest case in Kealoha trial. Federal prosecutors Monday wrapped up their case in the public corruption and conspiracy trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha, and by day’s end two of the five defendants, including former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, already had completed their defenses. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Trial: ‘A Conspiracy Is A Living, Breathing Thing’. Prosecutors wrap up their case. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Gets Second Defense Lawyer Late In Trial. Earle Partington joins the former’s prosecutor’s defense team in her public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Rests His Defense In Corruption Case. A retired Honolulu police chief charged in a corruption case won't be testifying in his defense. Associated Press.

After 58 witnesses, prosecution rests its case in Kealoha ‘mailbox trial’. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 13: Prosecution rests, defense attorneys call first witnesses. KITV.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Time for Katherine Kealoha's attorney, her first witness is Gerard Puana. KHON2.

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As Sanctuary City Bill Dies, Question Arises: How Progressive Is Hawaii? States, counties and cities across the country have adopted sanctuary policies to protect unauthorized immigrants and limit the role of local law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement but similar efforts have not gained traction in the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents: Growing piles of garbage in Chinatown may be linked to city rule change. Residents and businesses in Chinatown say there are growing piles of garbage blocking sidewalks and creating health hazards. Hawaii News Now.

Residents: Pieces Of History Could Have Been Lost To Future Ball Fields. City and state officials may have allowed part of Sherwood Forest to be stripped bare without proper archaeological monitoring. Civil Beat.

Enchanted Lake residents fear planned development will destroy wetlands. Developer Lacus LLC plans to build a residential development in the heart of Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

FEMA wants some eruption evacuees to return disaster assistance funds. Dozens of eruption evacuees say a federal agency that gave them funds after last year’s Kilauea disaster is now asking for some of the money back. Hawaii News Now.

Committee to receive update on county’s disaster relief efforts. County administrators will present an update on their plans to continue to provide disaster aid to lava-affected communities during a meeting today of the County Council Finance Committee. Tribune-Herald.

As Emergency Funding Ends, Crisis Counseling Turns To Community Resources. Emergency proclamation funding is no longer available and officially ends June 20, 2019, the health department says, and those in need of crisis counseling services are being referred to local resources. Big Island Video News.

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Is towing the answer? Council unclear on window tinting bill. Should police be able to impound your car because its windows are too dark? West Hawaii Today.

County slates public meeting to discuss Hilo landfill closure. The county Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division will host a public informational meeting next week to discuss the upcoming closure of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Korean War Memorial to be dedicated Saturday in Hilo. A long-envisioned Korean War Memorial in Hilo will be dedicated Saturday, three days prior to the 69th anniversary of the beginning of the three-year-plus conflict known as “The Forgotten War.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In battle over iwi kupuna, Maui judge invalidates license for archeology firm. A Maui judge has invalidated the license for a company accused of desecrating ancient burials in Wailuku’s sand dunes. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Metropolitan Area Designated Most Dangerous in the State for Pedestrians. A new report lists Hawaii as being the third-most dangerous state in the nation for older pedestrians. Maui Now.

Paul Simon to play at MACC Aug. 13-14. Concert benefits two biodiversity groups including Maui Auwahi Forest Restoration. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s Kuhio Highway off to slightly bumpy start. It wasn’t all smooth riding when a 2-mile stretch of Kauai’s Kuhio Highway opened Monday, restoring access to some of the Garden Isle’s most popular tourist attractions under new tourism management guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

It was the moment that many had been waiting for — or dreading — the reopening of Kuhio Highway and reintroducing Wainiha and Haena to the rest of the island. Garden Island.

Haena State Park reopens to little fanfare. Garden Island.

The Hanalei Initiative launched the Kauai North Shore Shuttle upon Monday’s re-­opening of the Waipa–Haena portion of Kuhio Highway to the general public. Garden Island.

Evidence made public in Kealoha case, former Kauai police chief files $2M harassment claim, Case seeks re-election, Kamehameha Schools $80M sex abuse settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ohia lehua captures the rain ©2019 All  Hawaii News

To Save Ohia, A Genetic Resistance Program Will Be Grown. In an effort to save Hawaii’s native forests from the devastation of Rapid Ohia Death, scientists are touting the use of natural, genetic resistance as the most promising tool. Big Island Video News.

Kamehameha Schools and St. Francis lock horns over sex abuse settlement. Two of Hawaii’s charitable heavy-hitters are engaged in a fierce legal battle over the $80 million settlement of a sex abuse case that has roiled both organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Rhodes scholar comes forward as a plaintiff in the Kamehameha sex abuse lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmaker wants to take away licenses from drivers with 2+ violations in a moving vehicle. State Senator Glenn Wakai plans to turn his idea into a bill the next legislative session. KITV.

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Hawaii Congressman Ed Case on Sunday announced his intention to run for reelection. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Case Announces Candidacy For 2020 Re-Election. The Hawaii congressman says “this is as good a time as any.” Civil Beat.

Ed Case announces his candidacy for re-election in 2020. He's currently in a two-year term that runs through 2020. KITV.

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Late lawmaker with a troubled past remembered for his kindness and compassion. Flags in Hawaii flew at half-staff Saturday in honor of former lawmaker Rod Tam, who was remembered as a troubled figure with a big heart. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Kealoha trial took a break last week. That gave the court a chance to release some of the exhibits prosecutors have presented to the jury. Civil Beat.

Contributions grow as vacation rental bills advance. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser review of campaign finance records over the last 2-1/2 years shows that Council members have received contributions both from major donors who support and would benefit from the bills, and from heavy hitters who oppose and would be negatively affected. Star-Advertiser.

Sale of seedy Kuhio corner could finish transformation. A derelict plot of land along Kuhio Avenue has been put on the market, likely bringing an upgrade to a critical portion of Waikiki’s expanding tourism center. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean-friendly Kakaako garden project blossoms. Amid the parched fields and tent-covered sidewalks of Kakaako during a mid-June heat wave, the two dark-green plots and freshly turned topsoil of a new community garden on Ilalo Street made a refreshing and hopeful sight. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat journalists took home more than 20 awards for their work in 2018 at the Society of Professional Journalists annual awards dinner Friday, including being named the state’s best overall news site for the ninth year in a row. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Planning Commission to take up CDP amendments Thursday. The Leeward Planning Commission this week is expected to take up for consideration a batch of amendments proposed for the Kona Community Development Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Grassroots community effort seeks to tackle homelessness before it gets worse. West Hawaii Today.

Meet Argos: Friends of the Missing Child Center donates tracking dog to West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Vexed by vaping: Schools see increase in use, find it harder to police. The use of electronic smoking devices, or “vaping,” remains a problem in East Hawaii high schools, and it’s becoming more difficult to detect, local administrators say. Tribune-Herald.

Coping With The ‘Big Litter’ Of Abandoned Vehicles. Like everywhere else in the state, Hawaii County is looking for solutions to the increasingly costly problem of people leaving their junkers on the side of the road. Civil Beat.

Mauna Lani gets $200M overhaul, brings luxury Auberge brand to isle. The Mauna Lani will reopen by January as the state’s first hotel in the luxury Auberge Resorts Collection after doubling its renovation budget to $200 million. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Calls made to end recreation activities at Ko'ie'ie Fishpond in Kihei. Residents want pond restored to historic site. Maui News.

21 Graduate as Correctional Officers, One Assigned to Maui Jail. Twenty-one recruits graduated from Basic Corrections Recruit Class 19-01 training and will begin their careers as correctional officers in facilities across the state. Maui Now.

Shortage of horses almost stops Kamehameha Day parade. This weekend’s Kamehameha Day parade on Maui almost didn’t happen this year due to a shortage of horses. Hawaii News Now.

Maui News staff, columnist earn 19 SPJ awards. Newspaper sweeps three catagories — Spot News, Feature Writing/Long Form, Photography/Video. Maui News.

Kauai

Retired police chief Darryl Perry claims harassment. Retired Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry is asking the County of Kauai to pay him $2 million in damages due to what he described in a claim filed against the county last month as 'a nine-year vendetta of continuous harassment'. Garden Island.

Haena State Park and the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park will reopen on Monday, June 17. KHON2.

Brand new signs stolen from Kilauea site. A gravel road runs from Kahili Makai Road to the edge of the Kilauea River, and signs should be welcoming people to the area. Garden Island.

Along with long-awaited Kauai highway reopening comes new rules — and an ‘aloha pledge’. The state will reopen a two-mile section of Kauai’s Kuhio Highway on Monday that’s been closed since historic flooding in April 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Kuhio Highway reopens Monday for the first time since 2018. KHON2.

Gov. Ige meets with Trump, Gabbard makes DNC debate cut, taxing vacant homes, Zuckerberg property lawsuit dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige with President Trump PC:White House

Ige and Trump find common ground on some policies. Gov. David Ige found common ground with President Donald Trump on Thursday during a working lunch at the White House to discuss issues relating to workforce development, occupational licensing laws and child care policies. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, other governors meet with Trump to talk workforce development. Gov. David Ige, along with seven other governors, met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to discuss workforce development. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Sits Down With President Trump At White House Lunch. Big Island Video News.

Ige Meets with Trump on Workforce Development. Gov. David Ige joined seven other governors for a discussion on workforce development with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta at the White House today. Maui Now.

Full remarks at governors' meeting with President Trump. White House.

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Gabbard In Lineup For First DNC Presidential Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman is among some two dozen Democrats running to succeed Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Gabbard Earns Place On National Democratic Debate Stage. The Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii met the criteria to qualify for the national debate stage, along with 19 other candidates for the party nomination. Big Island Video News.

Tulsi Gabbard makes the cut for first DNC presidential debate. Hawaii News Now.

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Most Of Legislature’s Major Bills Are Still Sitting On Ige’s Desk. The governor must decide on taxing vacation rentals and real estate investment trusts, decriminalizing possession of small amounts of pot and all-mail voting. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students are suspended more days than U.S. average. Students in Hawaii miss nearly twice as many school days due to suspensions as their peers nationally, and children with disabilities, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are hardest-hit, according to an American Civil Liberties Union analysis of federal data. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Says Hawaii Schools Are Suspending Too Many Students. Not only is there a racial disparity in suspensions, but the days lost to that punishment in the islands far exceed the national average, according to a new analysis. Civil Beat.

Task force to examine rules of involuntary hospitalizations. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Marine faces discharge over racist online posts. A Hawaii-based Marine is receiving an “other than honorable” discharge for posting racist and pro-Nazi material on social media. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Schofield Barracks employee charged in bribery conspiracy. Investigators claim Victor Garo leaked information over the last decade to help a Maine company get at least $12 million in contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Could A Tax On Empty Homes Work In Honolulu? At around 12 percent, urban Honolulu has one of the highest rates of home vacancy in the country. Honolulu’s mayor wants to levy an extra tax on those vacant properties, an idea that has seen some success in one of Canada’s largest cities. Hawaii Public Radio.

No One Knows How Many Homes Are Sitting Empty Despite Housing Shortage. There’s a big discrepancy between city and federal estimates of vacancy rates. Civil Beat.

Businessman hopes ‘Seabins’ are solution to Ala Wai Harbor’s trash problem. Seabins are floating garbage bins with a pump that filters out debris and plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Ka Iwi Coast opened to the public for the second time in 40 years. Non profit Livable Hawaii Kai Hui and other groups worked together to buy the 182 acre land. KITV.

Tow truck driver who plowed into 10 cars has dozens of traffic violations. The 52-year-old woman who was driving a tow truck that plowed into 10 other cars Wednesday has dozens of traffic violations dating back a decade, records show. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

Vacation rental applications trickling in. Vacation rental registrations are coming in faster than workers at the county Planning Department can process them. West Hawaii Today.

New Outdoor Warning Sirens Coming To Three Hawaii County Parks. Construction on three new warning sirens will begin on June 14 at different public locations in the Hilo area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Affordable Housing Needed Now, Identified as Top Priority. A council member on Maui has put forth a proposal to “stop the talk” and start building affordable rental housing. Maui Now.

Maui council member pushes for affordable housing. Council member Michael Molina today put out a "Call to Action" in the hopes that more affordable housing projects become a reality sooner rather than later. KHON2.

Craft breweries back sample sizes, larger 16 ounce ‘standard’. Liquor panel looking at defining drink size, other rules. Maui News.

A public forum on Maui’s renewable energy future will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kuleana case dismissed. A Fifth Circuit judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed earlier this year against Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor who recently bought four kuleana land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s property for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

People still residing at Coco Palms. Near the Coco Palms resort concrete ruins that line the north side of Kuhio Highway, on 14 acres of state land, a house overflows with trash, and derelict vehicles sit outside. Garden Island.

Kaiser sues Queen's in contract dispute, Honolulu no sanctuary city, OHA trustees must pay back misused money, water buffaloes on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu cityscape ©2019 All Hawaii News

Study: Average Honolulu resident would have to save for 40 years to afford a home. Urban Honolulu tied with San Francisco for the second-longest length of time a prospective homeowner would have to save up. Los Angeles was in the top spot -- at 43 years. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaiser sues Queen’s over billing. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against The Queen’s Health Systems, after the hospital provider said it intended to directly bill Kaiser members who receive emergency medical services at its facilities as of May 31. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Sues Queen's Health System In Contract Dispute. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has sued the Queen's Health System in federal court after it said the parties failed to reach agreement over a hospital provider contract that expired last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser files lawsuit against Queen’s following contract expiration at end of May. Kaiser Permanente on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against The Queen’s Health Systems after Queen’s told the health plan it will be billing Kaiser members for the balance of any emergency services it provides that aren’t reimbursed. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser Permanente files lawsuit against Queen's Health System to protect patients from 'unfair billing practices'. According to Kaiser Permanente, it has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Queen’s Health System to "protect their patients from unfair billing practices." KITV.

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Ethics Commission forces several OHA trustees to pay back thousands. The state Ethics Commission has ordered several members of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees to pay back thousands of dollars in travel and meal expenses. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii Looks to Build Tech Industry, Attention Turns To Esports. Hawaii has long sought to diversify its economy and build up its tech industry. One area gaining ground at local colleges is the competitive video gaming known as esports. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push To Increase College Financial Aid Applications May Be Paying Off. Education officials hope this results in more graduating seniors enrolling in college this year, especially those from low-income families. Civil Beat.

This Texas Lawyer Flies Marshallese Women Through Hawaii For Black Market Adoptions. In texts and emails with adoptive parents, Dallas lawyer Jody Hall openly flouts laws restricting Marshallese adoptions in the U.S. Civil Beat.

The State Department of Defense put out a warning about a scam involving the late Hawaii U.S. Representative Mark Takai. A person is sending text messages to people using his photo. He claims to be Sergeant Philip Lee Alexander Junior, a soldier in the Army stationed in Syria. KITV.

Oahu

Bill to make Honolulu sanctuary city dies. Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, who co-authored Bill 31, said there are no plans to move the bill beyond the approval it received on first reading June 5. Star-Advertiser.

Power Outage At Honolulu Airport Causes Travel Delays. For about an hour, security checkpoints at Terminal 1 were not operational and there was no electricity at the gates. Civil Beat.

Faulty transmission line blamed for power outage at Honolulu’s airport. A power outage shut down a large portion of Honolulu’s airport Wednesday morning, but it’s now back to business as usual. Hawaii News Now.

Charges dismissed against ousted principal. A state judge has permanently dismissed felony theft charges against the ousted director of the now-defunct Halau Lokahi Public Charter School because the state took too long to take the case to trial. Star-Advertiser.

‘An ongoing problem’: Kailua residents worry a stretch of road is too dangerous for pedestrians. Two people have been hit by cars in two days on the same road in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Injured man, 5 others cited for trespassing after rockfall at Sacred Falls. State conservation officers on Tuesday afternoon cited an injured Honolulu man, along with five others, for trespassing at Sacred Falls State Park following a rockfall incident. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Garbage diversion is the goal: Solid Waste Advisory Committee wraps up draft report. The newest crop of trash-talkers advocates the carrot, not the stick. West Hawaii Today.

Man indicted in crash that killed HFD veteran. A Kona grand jury met June 10 and indicted Christopher Raymond Helmlinger, 21, of Waimea, on charges of manslaughter and second-degree negligent homicide in connection with the May 22 multiple-car crash that took the life of David Mahon, a 49-year-old Kailua-Kona resident who had a lengthy career with the fire department. West Hawaii Today.

HMC adds cardiologist. Hilo Medical Center’s cardiac program has expanded once again, with the addition of a second interventional cardiologist. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council budget in fact $43M more than mayor’s. Budget Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez comments at news conference incorrect. Maui News.

On Hawaiian Kingdom, Maui County Goes Where Hawaii County Would Not. On May 15, Dr. Keanu Sai, a political science professor at the University of Hawaii, made a presentation to the Maui County Council regarding the status of Hawaii as an occupied nation State under international law. Big Island Video News.

Snake hitchhikes to Maui in Virginia visitor’s backpack. Maui police and state officials caught a small, juvenile snake that slithered out of a visitor’s backpack Monday night at a vacation rental in Pukalani. Star-Advertiser.

Stowaway Snake Found Slithering from Backpack of Maui Visitor. A small juvenile snake was captured after it was seen slithering out of a newly arrived visitor’s backpack Monday night at a Maui vacation rental in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rules ready when highway reopens. It’s going to be different for Kauai residents trying to get to Kee Beach for sunset or take a weekend hike to Hanakapiai. Garden Island.

Hanalei Initiative to launch North Shore Shuttle. It will begin running with the reopening of Kuhio Highway to the general public. Garden Island.

Kauai climbs ‘The Hill’. Kauai’s contingent sent to this week’s “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C., was on a mission of aloha. Garden Island.

Water buffaloes arrive on a Kauai farm. Kauai farmer Don Heacock has four new additions taking up residence on his 25-acre farm — water buffaloes from Arkansas that he considers a dream come true. Star-Advertiser.

Hot, hot, hot! Record temperatures, warming seas. Plus, news on Honolulu rail, OHA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii wilts under sweltering temps and there’s little relief in sight. Forecasters say the state has broken or tied 35 heat records since mid-May. The reason: Warmer sea surface temperatures and weak tradewinds. Hawaii News Now.

Blistering heat keeps setting records for Honolulu and Kahului. More record high temperatures have been set in early June, including 92 degrees on June 10 in Honolulu that broke the record set in 1982, according to weather officials. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight to the sunshine and light trade showers for the islands. High pressure north of the islands will keep light to moderate trades in place through the remainder of the work week, with showers favoring windward and mauka areas, mainly at night and through the early morning hours. KHON2.

The world’s oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path, according to a new study. Associated Press.

Molokai, Kauai Groups Recognized For Restoring Sustainable Fisheries. This is the first time the prestigious Equator Prize has been awarded to indigenous communities in the United States. Civil Beat.

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Deaths in Hawaii from suicide, alcohol and drugs have spiked over the past 12 years. Deaths from suicide, alcohol and drugs have climbed substantially over the past 12 years in Hawaii, though the state tops the nation for overall health care, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

The Problem With Hawaiian Homestead Land? Much Of It Can’t Be Developed. Some senators question why the agency charged with providing homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries must also manage so much land where building can’t occur. Civil Beat.

Homestead Leaders Applaud OHA for Housing Program Investment. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded a 2-year grant of $484,114 to the nonprofit, Homestead Community Development Corporation also known as the Homestead Housing Authority. Maui Now.

OHA trustee in trouble for alleged disloyalty. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees has a code of conduct policy that requires trustees to publicly support a board decision even though he or she might disagree with it personally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is prepping for a national gathering of mayors. But who’s footing the bill?  The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held on Oahu later this month. It’s expected to cost the city about $5 million to put on. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell and Anderson optimistic after FTA meeting about rail funding. Following a meeting with federal transit officials Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson said they’re optimistic that a recovery plan for the city’s over-budget $9.2 billion rail project will be approved. Star-Advertiser.

Some council members concerned with cost of Blaisdell renovations. After gathering input and ideas for years, the Final Environmental Assessment for the Blaisdell Center Master Plan is out. However, will construction be put on the back burner because of rail? KHON2.

City-funded domestic violence shelter that was barely used is slated to close down. The decision came after the City Council rejected a funding request for the facility, a pet project for embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who has since gone on leave amid a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents Wary Of Subdivision After Bulldozers Damage Cemetery. They say some burial sites may remain undiscovered in the 1920s-era plantation graveyard near where a residential development is proposed. Civil Beat.

Complaint served to ‘two main individuals’ involved with problem homeless commune in Hilo. A lot located between Ponahawai and Mamo streets behind Agasa Furniture and Music Store near Hilo Farmers Market has become a fenced-off community of tents and other temporary structures, in defiance of multiple orders by county agencies to clear the lot. Tribune-Herald.

Injured hiker rescued on Maunakea. A 68-year-old grandfather from Arizona who suffered a broken thighbone while hiking off a Maunakea trail below the W.M. Keck Observatory was rescued Monday night. Tribune-Herald.

Man With Broken Leg Rescued From Mauna Kea Summit. Rescue crews located the injured man - said to be in his 60's, with an apparent femur fracture - approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500 foot elevation. Big Island Video News.

Charges dropped against former Hilo doctor accused of drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors are dropping all 40 charges against a Hilo doctor accused of ordering fake opioid prescriptions. Court-appointed doctors say Dr. Ernest Bade is not mentally competent to stand trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Victorino issues line-item vetoes to council budget. Mayor displeased spending not kept in check, requests more information. Maui News.

Hotel official: Time to ‘diversify tourism’. Hannemann says there is no other industry offering as many jobs. Maui News.

Warm oceans, no trades lead to heat wave on Maui. There have been 16 record-breaking days since May 16. Maui News.

Kauai

County attorneys push courts on TVR issue. County attorneys are taking increasingly aggressive legal action against the owners of short-term vacation rental properties who failed to renew annual permits on time. Garden Island.

A wedding at an off-limits area on Kauai’s North Shore is now under investigation. On Kauai, as the county continues to recover from last year's historic flooding, it has opened an investigation after an apparent wedding ceremony was held illegally at a popular North Shore beach park. Hawaii News Now.

Lobbyist spending #fail at Legislature, Slom to seek old Senate seat, Kaneshiro loses bid to drop impeachment case, Big Island councilwoman violated ethics code, Maui mayor vetoes parts of budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Today is King Kamehameha Day, a state holiday. King Kamehameha statue lei draping, file photo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Spending Big On Lobbying Didn’t Guarantee Success At Legislature. Opponents of taxes on real estate trusts and vacation rentals couldn’t kill the bills last session, while a retirement savings program was rejected despite AARP support. Civil Beat.

Ige Extends Emergency Declaration on Homelessness. Governor David Ige issued a third supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Maui Now.

Sam Slom Wants To Be A State Senator Again. He is challenging incumbent Stanley Chang in 2020 for the Hawaii Legislature seat. Civil Beat.

A controversial Hawaiian scholar comes under fire amid calls for an investigation. The state Office of Consumer Protection has made a criminal referral for controversial Hawaiian scholar David Keanu Sai, saying he has committed a felony. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge denies request to drop petition to impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s request to have an impeachment petition against him thrown out on procedural grounds was denied Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Refuses To Dismiss Kaneshiro Impeachment Case. The Honolulu prosecutor, who is on paid leave after receiving a target letter in a federal criminal investigation, tried to get the case thrown out on procedural grounds. Civil Beat.

Judge Declines To Throw Out City Prosecutor Impeachment Petition. A state judge on Monday dismissed a motion that aimed to toss out an impeachment petition against Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City Council Considers Measure To Make Honolulu A ‘Sanctuary City’. A proposal would prevent police from honoring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment and information requests in many cases. Civil Beat.

Tensions run high as Waimanalo residents spar over Sherwoods development. At a community meeting Monday night, there were tears, flaring tempers and police as the community argued over the development. The Waimanalo neighborhood board passed a resolution Monday night urging the city to stop the construction of a new athletic field immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli residents at wits’ end over volatile homeless camp on federal property. Illegal campers in Nanakuli have once again taken over a piece of land owned by the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Court for homeless defendants moves to Kaneohe. The idea is to help clear minor offenses from an overbooked court calendar and, perhaps more important, connect the “participants” to social service agencies that staff each court session helping the participants find jobs, get back their IDs and a whole array of services including housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz violated the county ethics code when she didn’t disclose a potential conflict of interest in a bill being considered by the County Council, the Board of Ethics ruled unanimously Monday. West Hawaii Today.

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Relocating Hawaii Island’s Pohoiki Boat Ramp cheaper than rebuilding, state says. Engineers have recommended that building a new boat ramp, rather than excavating a new channel through the black-sand beach, is a less costly alternative for Pohoiki Bay in Lower Puna, state officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR: New Boat Ramp For Puna Costly, ‘Challenging’. The Pohoiki Small Boat Ramp was closed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp for lower Puna. More than a year after Pohoiki boat ramp closed because of the Kilauea eruption in lower Puna, engineers have recommended that rather than reopen the existing ramp, a new boat ramp be built. Tribune-Herald.

New Boat Ramp For Puna Recommended At Malama Flats, Not Pohoiki. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says engineers have identified an alternative location for a boat ramp in Puna, following the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that blocked the Pohoiki boat ramp with a new black sand beach. Big Island Video News.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp vs. re-opening Pohoiki. Representatives from Sea Engineering Inc. are saying that installing a new boat ramp is a better option. KITV.

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Queen’s Health Systems, Kaiser agreement expires. The Queen’s Health Systems hospitals are no longer considered participating providers within Kaiser Permanente’s network after an agreement between Kaiser and The Queen’s Medical Center expired toward the end of last month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Uses Line-item Veto to Strike a Dozen Provisions. Mayor Michael Victorino line-item vetoed the Maui County Council’s fiscal 2020 budget on Monday, providing a measured reduction of what he called the “council’s record-high $823.47 million spending proposal.” Maui Now.

State recruiting guards from other islands to help Maui jail. Staffing levels at the Maui Community Correctional Center have grown so bad that the state is trying to fly in guards from other islands to help out with shifts, according to a June 4 internal memo from Nolan Espinda, director of the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Bottle by bottle, an upcycled zero-waste facility takes shape. Research station aims to help farmers move toward regenerative practices. Maui News.

Spitting Caterpillars From Asia Are The Latest Threat To Native Insects On Maui. People are urged to be on the lookout for the newcomer to Hawaii, which adds to the problems already hindering the rarely seen Kamehameha butterfly and host plants. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai heads for the ‘Hill’. The vibes are great for the sixth annual Hawaii on the Hill. Garden Island.

Vacation rentals changing Hawaii economy, empty Kakaako condos, fighting beach erosion, Molokai policeman arrested on drug charges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii allocates $13M to keep Waikiki Beach from disappearing. The economic impact to Hawaii of Waikiki Beach was recently estimated at $2.2 billion a year, but the crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin and other man-made structures are all that is keeping the state’s most visited beach from being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

HTA: Visitors In Vacation Homes Spend Less. Hawaii Tourism Authority data might seem merely to quantify the obvious, but the data could explain a trend that concerns local economists. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental guests contributing less to tourism economy. Guests staying at vacation rentals in Hawaii aren’t exactly big spenders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air fixes tech glitch that grounded some flights on Saturday. The airlines says it's a software problem that interrupted reception of the Global Positioning Satellite system. KITV.

Oahu

Vacation rental giants look to temper Council bills. Representatives for two of the world’s largest operators of web platforms that broker vacation rentals voiced disappointment at a Honolulu City Council committee’s decision Friday to advance two bills they said will cause thousands of job cuts in Hawaii and severely hurt the visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako’s Empty Condos: ‘At Night, It’s A Ghost Town Down Here'. Merchants say they leased new space in Ward Village expecting to benefit from the proximity of hordes of condo-dwellers. Now they wonder where they are. Civil Beat.

Kakaako homeless group wants state to provide land for a 'safe place'. A group of homeless residents in Kakaako are working towards finding state land to live on permanently.  KITV.

Honolulu Rail Officials Hand-Deliver Recovery Plan To Feds. The trip to San Francisco was made in hopes that the Federal Transit Administration will start releasing more money for the project. Civil Beat.

Scientists hopeful for endangered orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly. Today only one population of the colorful native aquatic insect remains on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

21 charter amendments heading to 2020 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR bounces wells application back to PGV. Applications for two new geothermal wells have been reviewed and returned to Puna Geothermal Venture with comments, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed this week. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Delays Compound While Waiting For Court Judgement. The bioenergy company says the continued employment of its workers are placed at risk as it awaits the Hawaii Supreme Court Judgement that will reopen the PUC docket. Big Island Video News.

New possibilities for Alii corridor. More than a decade after an effort to develop Alii Parkway stalled, a subcommittee under the Kona Community Development Plan action committee is taking a new look at a possible future for the project. West Hawaii Today.

Legacy still on watch list. Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has shown improvement since being named a special focus facility nearly two years ago, according to a list of such facilities provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that was updated in May. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Problems at Baby Beach. Effort to halt erosion, block access to some wrongdoers backfires. Maui News.

Celebrity couple’s request highlights Maui’s housing woes. A celebrity couple’s request to convert their Hawaii home into a short-term rental is landing them in the middle of a housing debate on the island of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.

Kauai

Haena, Wainiha communities prepare to welcome visitors after a year of seclusion. Kuhio Highway on Kauai's North Shore has been closed since April 2018 after devastating flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to the Wainiha and Haena area. KHON2.

A Kapaa man is questioning the county’s actions in the delayed reopening of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei. Garden Island.

Trespassing bride and groom. Just as the sun was rising on the first day in June, a wedding planner allegedly held a private and pretty ceremony at Hanalei’s Black Pot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.

Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

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After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

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Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

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Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

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City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu homeless dying in the streets, telemedicine for abortion, Honolulu and Hawaii councils pass budgets, Kealoha uncle denies stealing mailbox, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless man sleeps along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

A ‘startling’ number of homeless are dying on Oahu streets, new numbers show. Exactly 373 in five years. That’s the amount of homeless people who have died on Oahu from 2014 through 2018, according to Honolulu’s Medical Examiner. Hawaii News Now.

373 homeless people died on Oahu from 2014-2018. The combination of drugs, alcohol, poor health, lack of hygiene and medical attention mean Oahu’s homeless population has an average lifespan potentially decades shorter than the population in general. Star-Advertiser.

Over 5 Years, 373 Oahu Homeless People Died. Honolulu’s mayor says the new statistics show the need to help vulnerable populations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner Warns Homeless Dying Early. Living on Oahu's street leads to early death, the Honolulu medical examiner said Wednesday in releasing a report analyzing the deaths of 373 homeless people over a five-year period. Hawaii Public Radio.

See where Oahu's homeless residents are dying. KITV.

Hawaii Doctors Turn To Telemedicine As Number of Abortion Providers Dwindles. Hawaii was the first state to recognize a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy, but women in rural Hawaii who wish to exercise that right face plenty of hurdles. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council OKs tax hikes for hotels, other properties. Owners of hotels, resorts and most higher-end residential properties will need to pay more in taxes under a budget plan approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Approves Hotel Real Property Tax Hike, Budget Increases. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved increases in property taxes for hotels/resorts and residential condos and houses over $1 million not used as primary residences -- all to help cover a $12.8 billion operating budget for the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City Council OKs Court Challenge Over Louis Kealoha Legal Fees. The council wants to overturn the Police Commission’s decision to pay for the former police chief’s defense in a public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s uncle describes his deteriorating relationship with niece. Gerard Puana was convinced that a team of Honolulu police officers was following him — to a party in Kailua, to Manoa Marketplace, and constantly driving around his house. Star-Advertiser.

'We Were The Best Of Friends': Gerard Puana Testifies In Kealoha Trial. The man allegedly framed in a mailbox theft that’s turned into a massive corruption case talks about the ups and downs of his relationship with his niece, Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Uncle Denies Theft In Kealohas' Corruption Trial. U.S. prosecutors say framing Puana was key to a conspiracy by ex-Honolulu chief Louis Kealoha and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Absolutely not’: Relative who Kealohas alleged stole their mailbox tells jurors he’s innocent. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: More cross-examination is expected Thursday, June 6. KHON2.

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'More ghetto’: Maili residents turn out to protest 52-unit affordable housing project. Maili residents who opposed an affordable housing project in their neighborhood turned out in force at the City Council on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako street dispute headed for hearing. A state board decided Wednesday to retain a legal expert to officiate a dispute over poor pavement conditions and parking restrictions on several privately owned streets in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council passes expanded budget. The County Council on Wednesday added $1.6 million and two more positions to the 93 new positions in Mayor Harry Kim’s $583.9 million spending plan, while moving money around in other accounts to give the legislative body more oversight. West Hawaii Today.

Foes blast Maunakea rules. More than 100 people showed up Tuesday evening at Waiakea Elementary School for a public hearing on a revised draft of administrative rules regulating public and commercial activities on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center is now open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Panel backs commercial activity ban at Hanakao'o. Canoe clubs say beach last place for them in West Maui. Maui News.

United Airlines CEO on Maui: Terminal Upgrades and Infrastructure Challenges. United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz visited with Maui employees on Wednesday, as part of a Hawaii visit that includes stops at major airports across the state. Maui Now.

Fundraising halfway there for Lahaina Fourth of July. LahainaTown Action Committee has “special and exciting” ideas for the annual Fourth of July fireworks and is about halfway to its fundraising goal of $50,000 with about a month left to go. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai condo prices doubled in May. Homebuyers last month shelled out much more money for condominiums on Kauai - so much that it caused the median sale price for such homes to more than double, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Black Pot opening delayed. County officials are now hoping to reopen the park at the end of June. Garden Island.