Hawaii airports among the worst, Health Department says stop vaping, Caldwell off to European climate summit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

Satisfaction study ranks Hawaii airports among the worst. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport nearly tops a list of this year’s worst airports for customer satisfaction, mainly because of construction, which tends to delay passengers and sour their travel experiences. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Health Department Is Prepared To Ban E-Cigs If Needed. After the second confirmed case of a vaping-related illness in the islands, the state health department is urging the public to stop vaping. Civil Beat.

Second lung patient cited as officials call for halt to vaping in Hawaii. Everyone in Hawaii should stop vaping until more is known about how it is triggering serious lung illnesses, officials announced Monday as they began investigating a second possible case here. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Officials Advising All E-Cigarette Users To Stop Vaping. The Hawaii Department of Health is advising all e-cigarette users to immediately stop vaping until more is known about its health impacts. Hawaii Public Radio.

State urges anyone who vapes to stop immediately, but decides against a ban. The state Health Department has issued a broad new advisory urging anyone who vapes to stop immediately until more is known about why people across the country who use vaping devices are getting gravely sick and even dying. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health issues public health advisory urging everyone to stop vaping. KHON2.

Department of Health: ‘Stop vaping’. The state Department of Health issued what it called a “health advisory” Monday, urging everyone to stop vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current nationwide investigations are complete. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Issues Public Health Advisory Urging Everyone To Stop Vaping. The Department of Health wants everyone to stop vaping until current nationwide investigations into illness are complete. Big Island Video News.

State: Stop vaping. The Hawaii State Department of Health has issued a health advisory urging everyone to stop vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current nationwide investigations are complete. Garden Island.

Health Advisory Urges Public to Stop Vaping. The Department of Health today issued a health advisory urging everyone to stop vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current nationwide investigations are complete. Maui Now.

Lawmakers planning to crack down on underage vaping. In light of the latest vaping-related illnesses, lawmakers are hoping to crack down on underage vaping in the next legislative session by making it harder for them to purchase e-cigarette products. KHON2.

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FBI: Violent crimes in Hawaii fall in recent years despite rise in rapes. A new report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a drop in violence in Hawaii recently. Hawaii News Now.

FBI: Property crimes and thefts on the rise in Hawaii. The latest data from the FBI shows property crimes and thefts are on the rise in Hawaii, especially on Oahu. KHON2.

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The state Public Safety Department’s top trainer appears to be off the hook — for now. The state Labor Board is dropping its request for Marte Martinez’s personnel file after fierce resistance from two other state agencies defending her: Public Safety and the state Attorney General’s Office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Struggling To Find Out If Full-Face Snorkel Masks Are Dangerous. The counties have been unable to collect enough data on the type of mask worn in drowning incidents to draw any conclusions yet. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Coffee Farmers: State Policy Is Putting Crops At Risk. Growers want Hawaii to adopt a strict federal policy designed to protect Hawaii coffee from invasive species. Civil Beat.

DOE awarded $50M federal grant to boost literacy skills in kids. The state Education Department has been awarded a five-year, $50 million federal grant to boost literacy development at Hawaii public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Land Use Commission again will convene to determine landfill’s fate. The city finally might win its long-running quest to win state approval to extend the life of Oahu’s only municipal landfill, but not if neighbors of the West Oahu facility have anything to do with it. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Bill could force non-union workers to pay union dues. Bill 37 is up for a vote in Wednesday's City Council meeting. KITV.

Councilmember calls for delay of Kakaako parks transfer to city. Honolulu City Councilmember Kymberly Pine is asking the city administration to delay taking over Kakaako Waterfront Park and other nearby parcels in a handoff from the state slated for this fall. KHON2.

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Caldwell On Business Trip To Denmark, Germany And France. The Honolulu mayor is attending a climate conference, among other things. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell left Oahu Monday morning for a two-week business trip to Europe. Caldwell will visit Denmark, Germany and France during his trip, with his first stop in Copenhagen to attend the C40 World Mayors Summit to provide an “island perspective.” Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Invited To Climate Summit With World's Largest Cities. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is off to Denmark this week for a global gathering of big city mayors. Their goal is to tackle the major challenges of climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Two young monk seals found dead on Oahu’s North Shore, NOAA says. On Monday, Hawaii Marine Animal Response officials revealed the deaths of two young Hawaiian monk seals in recent months. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki doctor pleads guilty to filing nearly $1M in false medical claims. Dr. Sung Yang admitted to filing fraudulent claims amounting to nearly $1 million to government and private insurance agencies. Hawaii News Now.

'Golf ball' radar leaves Pearl Harbor after $24M upgrade. The towering Sea-Based X-Band Radar is back at sea after nearly four months in Pearl Harbor, during which $24 million in repairs and upgrades were made, the Missile Defense Agency said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Why Dismantling of Mauna Kea Telescopes Raises Questions. The state’s commitment to remove five existing telescopes on Mauna Kea to build the Thirty-Meter Telescope remains part of the effort to resolve the protest on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kupuna meet with Kim, reject proposal for TMT. A group of kupuna, or elders, from the movement opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope being built on Mauna Kea met with Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim on Monday to discuss Kim’s plan for resolving the dispute, which proposed that the TMT would be the last telescope built on the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

A bill banning the county’s use of toxic herbicides has resurfaced at the County Council. Bill 101, sponsored by Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas, will be heard Oct. 15 by the council sitting as the Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Court order calls for property owners to clear homeless camp. A Hilo judge signed an order last week that would compel two Big Island property owners to clear a homeless camp from downtown Hilo, but they can still appeal the court’s decision. Tribune-Herald.

Legacy Hilo files for bankruptcy; Nursing facility also being sold. Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and entered into a contract to sell the facility to Hilo SNF. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Comments on East Maui Water Lease, Draft EIS Due by Nov. 7. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. and its East Maui Irrigation Company, Limited subsidiary have filed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed lease of water in the East Maui areas of Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Honomanū, and Huelo. Maui Now.

Opening of new Kihei High School could be delayed 3 to 4 years. Andrew Beerer’s two children were just starting elementary school when he joined the campaign to build a public high school for their fast-growing Kihei community. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA Needs Help Counting Hawaiian Monk Seals. NOAA Fisheries is calling on marine life enthusiasts to help survey Mauiʻs shores for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Maui Now.

Maui Brush Fire Fully Contained But Public Asked To Avoid Burn Area. A fire that burned in the Maalaea Mauka area and forced evacuations and road closures has been 100% contained as of Monday morning, Maui Fire Department said. Hawaii Public Radio.


Kauai

Take a number. The County’s Drivers License Division is piloting a take-a-number system that started Monday to make acquiring licenses and permits for drivers of motor vehicles and customers seeking Hawaii Identification Cards more efficient and comfortable. Garden Island.

No answers in duck deaths. Near the end of September, Kilauea resident and avid golfer Barbara Trombley visited Wailua Golf Course to feed some domestic ducks dumped in the area. Garden Island.

Molokai

Original Hawaiian Homes Leases Near 99-Year Mark. The first leases awarded through the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act are approaching their 99-year limit. According to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in a press release sent out today, beneficiaries in Kalamaʻula and Hoʻolehua on the island of Molokaʻi can submit requests to extend their leases for an additional 100 years. Maui Now.

UN honors Molokai group for fishery conservation. Hui Malama o Mo‘omomi receives its prize in NYC. Maui News.

Attorney general subpoenas Hawaiian Airlines seeking TMT opponents, Maui launches aerial attack on ants, police body cameras coming to Big Island, senior housing for Honolulu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea rally in Waikiki Facebook photo PC: Valen Ahlo

Where Hawaii Legislators Stand On The Thirty Meter Telescope. A majority of lawmakers surveyed by Civil Beat support construction of the telescope — but with a lot of caveats and uncertainty about how to proceed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii attorney general subpoenas Hawaiian Airlines for names of people who donated their miles to TMT protest. State Attorney General Clare Connors issued a subpoena to Hawaiian Airlines last month seeking the names of people who donated their frequent-flyer miles to activists who wanted to travel to the Big Island to join the protests on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Ethics Board to weigh in on TMT conflict question. When your son works for NASA, and your wife works for Subaru Telescope, does that mean you have a conflict of interest if your office prosecutes criminal cases arising from protests over constructing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea? West Hawaii Today.

Thousands take part in Aloha Unity march through Waikiki. The event is aimed at expressing opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project, but also show unity for Aloha Aina movements. Hawaii News Now.

Over 20,000 people at Saturday's Aloha Aina Rally. KITV.

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Hawaii’s congressional delegation lacks consistency in holding town halls. Hundreds of informal town hall meetings with members of Congress play out across small towns and cities every year. They’re a chance for constituents to talk face to face with their representatives and, usually, ask unfiltered questions. Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation sometimes dodge them, however, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis of the delegation’s three-year track records. Star-Advertiser.

State officials aim to change water quality testings. Under federal law, the state is required to notify the public whenever bacteria levels exceed a specific threshold level. KHON2.

Bishop Museum wins grants to digitize research on species. The National Science Foundation has awarded two grants to the Bishop Museum — one for $1.3 million and another for $245,000 — to digitize its separate mollusk and insect collections, which could help identify living species of animals believed to be extinct. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu officials unveil plans for affordable senior housing at former Aiea sugar mill site. The city is on the verge of signing a development agreement with a nonprofit organization that is designed to transform the former Aiea sugar mill site into an affordable rental housing complex for seniors. Star-Advertiser.

City provides update on senior housing development at site of former Aiea sugar mill. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s Property Crime Problem: ‘Tourists Make Great Victims’. Violent crime is down but property crime is climbing, new FBI data shows. Civil Beat.

Kealohas: No Jury For Bank Fraud Trial. A hearing is set for next week to decide if just a judge will hear the case involving complicated financial issues. Civil Beat.

Kealohas want a judge, not a jury, to decide their fate in second criminal trial. Hawaii News Now.

Sunday ban on commercial activities in Maunalua Bay ignored by some tour operators, critics say. Although state law bars commercial activities on Maunalua Bay on Sundays, environmental watchdogs and some Hawaii Kai residents said some tour operators are thumbing their noses at the law. Hawaii News Now.

Group presents new vision for use of Pali Lanes. Imagine if the grounds and building of the Pali Lanes bowling alley in Kailua were completely renovated with a newly repainted, modern-style facade and grass area featuring a stage for hula performances. Star-Advertiser.

Kapilina Beach Homes finds no errors in billing amid complaints about surging utility costs. After residents in a gated Ewa Beach Community complained of unusually high electric bills the management company that runs Kapilina Beach Homes said it found no errors after reviewing billing statements. Hawaii News Now.

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Several dead hammerhead sharks found during illegal net lay seizure. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement recovered an estimated 1,000 feet of unattended lay net within Kaneohe Bay on Sunday, Oct. 6. KHON2.

1000 feet of illegal lay net seized in Kaneohe Bay. KITV.

DLNR seeks owner of illegal lay net in Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal lay net with trapped sharks in it seized from Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay set to reopen Monday. The project to repair and repave the main roadway into Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is complete and is set to open Monday, October 7 at 6 a.m. KITV.

Oahu home sales increase, sales of condominiums drop. More single-family homes on Oahu sold at a lower median price last month compared with September 2018, while fewer condominiums sold at a higher price, according to data of home resales collected by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police ready to roll out body cameras. Police Chief Paul Ferreira hopes to have Hawaii Police Department officers outfitted with body-worn cameras early next year. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 1 in 10 Big Island emergency warning sirens inoperable. When a tsunami is heading toward Hawaii Island shores, sirens blare a warning sound alerting residents and visitors to get to higher ground. But what if the siren never sounds? West Hawaii Today.

Bill Proposes To End Herbicide Use By Hawaii County. Kona councilwoman Rebecca Villegas has introduced Bill 101 to prohibit herbicide use in Hawaiʻi County parks, roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, drainage ways, and waterways. Big Island Video News.

Discovery begins, another plaintiff files in ‘lava bomb’ federal suit. Attorneys involved in a federal lawsuit regarding a “lava bomb” that tore through a lava tour boat and injured numerous passengers near Kapoho on July 16, 2018, started exchanging documents and witness lists Friday, according to a lawyer for several plaintiffs. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Game management plan still in the works. A spokesman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife said in an email the agency is working to “update a game management plan” for Maunakea prepared and presented to them by a volunteer group of Big Island hunters in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Report shows mixed results for Big Island school performance. While some Hawaii Island schools are making strides and improving in proficiency, others continue to struggle, according to 2018-19 Strive HI Performance System results released last week by the state Department of Education. Tribune-Herald.

2019 Ironman Championship Forecasts $30 Million In Economic Impact. More than 20,000 athletes, family, friends, volunteers and staff are gathering in Kona for the annual event. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Hawaii Scientists Launch Aerial Attack Against Invasive Ants. Hawaii scientists have used helicopters to launch an aerial attack against an invasive ant species in east Maui. Associated Press.

Pukalani has seven workforce housing units available. The deadline for applications for seven workforce housing units in the development in Pukalani is Oct. 19.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County’s Drivers License Division is looking to make the acquirement process more efficient. Kauai County’s Drivers License Division is piloting a take-a-number system starting Monday, Oct. 7, to make acquiring licenses and permits for drivers of motor vehicles and customers seeking State of Hawaii Identification Cards more efficient and comfortable. KHON2.

Kauai Drivers License Division piloting program to ease lines. KITV.

Hotel peeping Tom gets year in jail. A former janitor at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club will spend the next year in jail for secretly recording cell phone videos of his female coworkers using an employee bathroom. Garden Island.

Neighborhood centers closed for renovations. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced that the Kalaheo and Kapaa neighborhood centers will be closed due to construction through March 31. Garden Island.

Construction boom, workforce shrinks, student scores lag, rail costs soar, Maui to ban commercial park activity on Sundays, HECO wins $638.5M Army contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction cranes dot Kakaako skyline ©2019 All Hawaii News

Construction industry spending will continue at around $9 billion until 2021, report finds. It’s a good time to be working in Hawaii’s construction industry. It’s so good that concerns are being raised about a labor shortage being on the horizon if some exceptionally big planned projects go forward. Star-Advertiser.

What’s up with Hawaii’s incredible shrinking civilian labor force? State figures for August put the civilian labor force in Hawaii at 656,800 people. That’s down by more than 20,000 from the same month in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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Test scores stall for Hawaii students. The academic performance of Hawaii public school students stagnated this year, with the proficiency rate in math staying flat and slight dips in language arts and science. Star-Advertiser.

How ‘Green Fees’ Might Offset The Hidden Costs Of Tourism In Hawaii. A growing number of tourism hot spots, ranging from Mallorca to Bhutan to New Zealand, are imposing new taxes and fees on visitors. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers faces customer, regulatory hurdles with 34% rate hike ask. Interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers says it needs an unprecedented 34 percent rate hike to survive. What could this mean for residents, businesses and the future of the more than century-old shipper? KHON2.

US Gives Limited Approval To Hawaiian-Japan Airlines Venture. Hawaiian officials expressed disappointment that the preliminary decision doesn’t give the two airlines with full antitrust immunity. Associated Press.

Oahu

HECO wins $638.5M Army contract. Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has been awarded a $638.5 million contract to own, operate and maintain the electrical distribution system for the Army’s 12 installations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

HECO Wins $639M, 50-Year Contract As Army Privatizes Its Electric System. Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. has been awarded a contract to own and  operate the electrical system for the U.S. Army's Oahu installations, a deal valued at $638.5 million over 50 years, the company said in a release Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu Rail’s West Side Station Costs Are Soaring. The HART board is poised to approve an $18 million deal to resolve about 150 construction claims. Civil Beat.

Major rail preparation work to kick off on Dillingham Blvd. next month. Rail officials say construction on Dillingham Boulevard is about to accelerate dramatically ― with hundreds of workers on the strip up to 20 hours a day. Hawaii News Now.

People unpaid and underpaid for rail move wait for make-good; Dillingham construction starts Nov. 12. KHON2.

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Acting prosecutor’s truth questioned after defending Katherine Kealoha’s actions. Did the head of the Honolulu prosecutor’s office lie to a city council committee? Hawaii News Now.

The Sun Is Setting On One Of Hawaii’s Last Legacy Estates. The Damon Trust spans much of the island’s modern history, with roots back to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

Heart Disease May Be Linked To Pesticide Exposure. A new finding has emerged from historic data from the Kuakini Medical Center Honolulu Heart Program, which began to track the health of about 8,000 Japanese American men on Oahu in the mid 1960s: pesticide exposure may increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Civil Beat.

Invasive thrifts spread on Oahu, prompting officials to call for drastic measures. Worried that an invasive insect will ravage Oahu’s native naio population as it did on Hawaii island, state officials are now urging people to remove healthy naio trees from their gardens before they become infected. Star-Advertiser.

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A suspected brothel in St. Louis Heights is raided by authorities. Authorities zeroed in on a St. Louis Heights home suspected of operating as a brothel. Hawaii News Now.

Investigators carry out search warrant at St. Louis Heights residence suspected of operating as a brothel. Investigators with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney carried out a search warrant Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at a residence on St. Louis Heights suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV.

St. Louis Heights residence investigated after prostitution complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Despite delays caused by hot lava rock, Highway 132 could reopen next month. Paving on the reconstructed portion of Highway 132 has been completed, and the county Department of Public Works anticipates opening the road in November. Tribune-Herald.

HVO scientists explain how lava flows cool. The lava flows near Highway 132 could take decades to completely cool down, according to scientists. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy, the company that plans to burn trees to produce energy using the refurbished and refitted Pepeʻekeo power plant, is actively courting the community for support, as environmental activists continue to fight the project. As Hu Honua, aka Honua Ola Bioenergy, drills deeper injection wells, the company juggles DOH, PUC approvals and neighborhood improvement projects. Big Island Video News.

Stepped-up DKI Highway enforcement nets 591 citations, six arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 591 traffic citations and arrested six suspects for 10 offenses on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Sept. 26-Oct. 2, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Pool Scheduled to Reopen This Month. Kona Aquatics Center is set to reopen this month after it was forced to close indefinitely for repairs in March. Big Island Now.

Maui

County to halt all commercial activity at parks Sundays, holidays. New permit restrictions to take effect in about 30 days. Maui News.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. The move could help preserve affordable units for about 250 tenants. Civil Beat.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that the state has completed its transaction to acquire the land under Front Street Apartments on Maui. Maui Now.

State buys land under Maui apartment complex in bid to keep it affordable. The state purchased the land for $15 million. Hawaii News Now.

New bridge over Wailuku River mulled by County Council. Council members say new crossing needed to advance housing projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Historic County Building illuminated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Historic County Building at night is lit with pink lights through October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Garden Island.

Costs climb for Mauna Kea enforcement, worker drug use rises, Honolulu stalls wind power enforcement measure, Maui wildfire strands tourists, Ige extends Kauai disaster declaration, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea access road in July ©2019 All Hawaii News

Cost grows to $8.3M in policing Mauna Kea. The state and counties have spent at least $8.3 million on law enforcement costs related to the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff on Mauna Kea that began in mid-July. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag for the government’s response to the TMT protest: $7.8M and growing. State and county government agencies have now spent more than $7.8 million responding to the ongoing Thirty Meter Telescope protest at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

$8 million in taxpayer money spent on law enforcement and first-responders at TMT site. Costs are nearing $8 million in taxpayer money for law enforcement and first-responder at the site of the Thirty-Meter Telescope protests since the occupation of Mauna Kea Access Road began in July. KHON2.

Hawaii's Attorney General releases updated numbers of cost to keep law enforcement on Mauna Kea. Combined the state and Hawaii County has spent at least $7.8 million on law enforcement for Mauna Kea so far. KITV.

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New immunization requirements begin for Hawaii students. State health officials are requiring public school sixth graders to be immunized with a controversial vaccine before the start of the next school year or risk being excluded from enrolling in middle school. Star-Advertiser.

Test results show a spike in drug use among Hawaii workers. New numbers shows that more workers across Hawaii are using amphetamine and cocaine. Hawaii News Now.

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Tulsi Gabbard to join 11 others onstage for next Democratic debate, the most ever. The next Democratic presidential primary debate, on Oct. 15 in Westerville, Ohio, will feature a supersize lineup of a dozen candidates onstage at once, party officials said today. New York Times.

How Tulsi Gabbard Got Back On The National Debate Stage. A New Hampshire poll last month gave U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard the push she’d needed to get back on the Democratic National Committee’s debate stage. Civil Beat.

Dutch inventor says his system for catching plastic in Pacific is working. fter a series of setbacks, a system for catching plastic floating in the Pacific between California and Hawaii is now working, its Dutch inventor said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Council stalls on a resolution to regulate turbine project. A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday held off action on a resolution sought by Kahuku residents that presses the Department of Planning and Permitting to more tightly regulate a wind farm project going up next to area schools. Star-Advertiser.

EPA preparing to remove elevated lead concentrations in various areas on Factory Street in Kalihi. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to remove the soil under Factory Street in Kalihi “to abate the potential imminent and substantial endangerment posed by lead contamination to this densely populated neighborhood,” and says it can begin the work as soon as Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Formerly Homeless Now In Charge Of $3.8M Grant To Help Kids Still On The Streets. A federal youth homelessness project in Honolulu is being guided by nine young people who know the issue first-hand. Civil Beat.

Next Ward Village tower wins approval. A go-ahead for another luxury condominium tower at Ward Village was issued Wednesday, but it came with a deadline to finish much of a central public plaza that critics contend should have been delivered sooner. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes gains approval for their latest luxury highrise in Kakaako. The Hawaii Community Development Authority Wednesday approved Howard Hughes Corp.'s latest highrise in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pizza the road repair pie: Big Island gets $5k Domino’s grant to fill potholes. Hawaii County is the only county in the state to get a “pizza” the road repair pie, as delivery giant Domino’s wraps up a 50-state pothole repair campaign to promote its pie dispatch service. West Hawaii Today.

Kupuna Soon Able to Apply for Hilo Housing. Applications for residency will be available this month for 92 units at a senior living community housing project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

After years of delays, Kuawa ball fields set to open. Nearly three years after it was initially supposed to open, work on the Kuawa Street park is finally complete. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Pepeekeo bridge slated for repairs. A bill that would allocate more than $1 million to repair a historic bridge in Pepeekeo passed its first reading Wednesday before the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

A Popular Volcano Trail Is Rebuilt With A Lot Of Sweat Equity. Seven tons of gravel and two tons of large rocks had to be brought in by wheelbarrow to repair the famed Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Civil Beat.

Maui

Roads on Maui reopened, but wind-whipped brush fire continues to burn. A wind-whipped brush fire on Maui that triggered evacuations, forced road closures and stranded hundreds of cruise passengers on island is still burning early Thursday, county officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire burns 4,100 acres by Wednesday night; traffic finally moving on pali. finally moving on pali. Fueled by strong winds on “extremely steep” mountain slopes above Maalaea, a morning brush fire grew from 5 acres to 4,100 acres by 9 p.m. Wednesday, forcing a handful of evacuations, closing off major arteries in and out of Lahaina and impacting West Maui businesses and travel plans. Maui News.

Honoapi‘ilani OPEN, Intermittent Closures Possible Overnight Due to Fire. Maui Now.

Evacuations are underway as firefighters work to put out large brush fire in Maalaea. Maui firefighters are responding to an ongoing fire in Maalaea, Wednesday, October 2, around 9 a.m. KHON2.

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Beached whales appeared to be fighting infection. Researchers looking into cause behind sickness, strandings. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige extends disaster relief. Gov. David Ige issued a 10th supplementary emergency proclamation Wednesday, extending the emergency relief period for last year’s Kauai floods. Garden Island.

Former TVR owners sue county. The former owners of a vacation rental property in Haena are suing the County of Kauai over an emergency order restricting visitor access to North Shore neighborhoods following severe flooding in the area last April. Garden Island.

Poll shows Tulsi in trouble, Caldwell raising money for gubernatorial bid, first humpback of the season spotted, Sherwood on hold after artifact found, Mauna Kea police price tag rises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard, Kai Kahele

Poll: Gabbard’s Constituents Want Her To End Presidential Campaign. The Hawaii congresswoman might be in trouble, too, if she decides to run for re-election to keep her House seat. Civil Beat.

Caldwell Schedules Campaign Fundraiser For Governor’s Race. It’s the first time the Honolulu mayor has officially sought cash for a run for Hawaii’s top job. Civil Beat.

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Humpback whale spotted off Kauai a month ahead of official start of whale season. Whale season in Hawaii doesn’t officially start for another month, but the first humpback sighting has already been reported. Hawaii News Now.

Humpback whale season begins with first apparent sighting off Kauai. It’s official. Humpback whale season in Hawaii is here, with the first sighting of one off the northwest coast of Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

First Humpback of Season Sighted Off Kaua‘i. It’s officially whale season again in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

First whale spotted. Tuesday started out as just another day on the water for Holo Holo Charter captains Aaron Pearlman and Casey Heaton, but they got quite a surprise when they reached the waters offshore of Ke‘e Beach. Garden Island.

Humpback Sighting Marks Start of Whale Season. Captains aboard a tour boat off the coast of Kauaʻi may have spotted the first humpback whale of the season. Maui Now.

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Record Heat Thrusts Hawaii Corals Into ‘New Era’ Of Bleaching. The reefs have never had to endure such conditions. Marine scientists remain optimistic but warn that time is running out for society to step up. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants strike vote count planned for November. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants are gearing up for a strike vote. The workers say they’ve been fighting for almost three years for a new contract. KHON2.

Oahu

Caldwell halts work at Sherwood. The city will halt further work on its contentious improvements project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park until it hears back from the State Historic Preservation Division and the Oahu Island Burial Council about an object that was found at the site over the weekend, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell Hits Pause On Controversial Waimanalo Park Project. State historic preservation officials are taking another look at what Native Hawaiians say is a historic and sacred site that was torn up to build a ball field. Civil Beat.

Waimanalo park redevelopment on hold as authorities investigate possible artifact. A controversial Waimanalo park redevelopment project is on hold as government agencies investigate a possible stone artifact found at the site. Hawaii News Now.

Construction paused at Sherwoods during artifact investigation. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has paused construction of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park or Sherwoods. KHON2.

Controversial Sherwood Forest redevelopment project on hold. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell made the decision on Tuesday after a possible artifact was found at the construction site on Monday. KITV.

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Attorneys Who Requested Honolulu Rail Subpoenas No Longer At DOJ. It’s not clear how the departures have impacted the federal probe that’s ensnared the rail project, if at all. Civil Beat.

Texas buyer sues seller of illegal vacation rental. A Texas man who bought a home in Portlock earlier this year for $2.3 million as an investment is suing the seller and broker for not disclosing that he cannot legally rent out the property for periods shorter than 30 days. Star-Advertiser.

United Nations climate study daunting for Hawaii, but City planning is ahead of the research. The City and County of Honolulu was warned of this in June of 2018 by the Climate Change Commission, whose similar figures noted that a sea-level rise of 3.2 feet would displace 13,300 Honolulu residents and cause $12.9 billion dollars in structure and land loss locally. KHON2.

Chinatown Board To Take Up Yellow Trash Bag Mandate After Complaints. Some Chinatown merchants are not happy with the new garbage bag mandate that requires their trash be disposed of in city-required yellow bags for pickup by city trash collectors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Soaring electric bills raise alarm at Kapilina Beach Homes. Many residents of Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach were recently shocked to receive huge electrical bills — some $1,000 or more — that are significantly higher than earlier, sizzling summer power costs. Star-Advertiser.

53,000 streetlights on Oahu converted to bright, energy-efficient LEDs. The streets of Oahu are a little bit brighter thanks to the city’s partnership with Johnson Controls. Hawaii News Now.

Switching to LEDs nets city a big rebate. The city on Tuesday received a $1.9 million rebate check from the ratepayer­-funded Hawai’i Energy program for converting more than 53,000 city streetlights across Oahu to more energy-­efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

TMT response costing Hawaii County $50K daily. Hawaii County police have spent nearly $4.2 million on overtime, fringe benefits and other costs so far in connection with 11 weeks of protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, members of the Hawaii County Council were told Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Update on TMT standoff-related expenses raises reimbursement questions. The ongoing standoff at Maunakea Access Road has now cost Hawaii County more than $4 million, but the county might be on the hook for more. Tribune-Herald.

Anti-TMT forces step up their campaign off the mountain. Sensing new momentum for the cause, opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope have turned up their outreach campaign this week to rally against the $1.4 billion project and push for Native Hawaiian rights. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters: Kim’s proposal is dead on arrival. Leaders of the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope said they are not satisfied with Mayor Harry Kim’s proposal for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii County’s 2-Bin recycling program will no longer accept paper, plastics. Starting mid-October, paper and plastics will no longer be accepted for recycling at transfer stations on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Council sees climate as emergency. At the urging of some 50 testifiers, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a resolution committing to implement a “just, equitable, countywide emergency climate mobilization effort.” West Hawaii Today.

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$95.8M Keahuolu Courthouse dedicated. Scores of people, including legislators, dignitaries and current and retired judges and employees, gathered Tuesday to bless and celebrate the opening of the 140,000-square-foot Keahuolu Courthouse, which began operations Sept. 3. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawai‘i Dedicates New Kona Courthouse. Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday morning outside the new Kona courthouse to celebrate its completion and join in dedicating the newly-finished project to the service of justice. Big Island Now.

Multi-million dollar courthouse opens in West Hawaii. Leaders held a blessing Tuesday for the new Keahuolu Courthouse in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Judge Ronald Ibarra Tells Old Kona Courthouse Stories. After his speech, Ibarra was surprised by the naming the of Self-Help Center in the new courthouse in his honor. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Woman shares inappropriate images she says Maui officer at center of misconduct case sent her. Maui County prosecutors say the Maui police officer in the center of a misconduct and abuse of power case is facing a federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Mahi Pono replaces HC&S on water application. Contested case on stream diversions drawing to an end. Maui News.

Study: Maui, Molokai coastal roads among those most vulnerable. 10 highways in county make UH erosion list. Maui News.

Off-road Vehicle Damages Silverswords and Trail at Haleakala Summit. On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, Haleakala  National Park law enforcement rangers observed tire tracks leaving the paved road at Haleakala’s summit. Maui Now.

Kauai

County fires deputy attorney. A deputy county attorney was fired earlier this month and says she may sue the county for retaliation and workplace discrimination. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s and Kauai’s birthrates declining. Kauai is following the national trend with birthrates dipping over the past decade in the midst of a statewide trend of declining resident population, too. Garden Island.

Kim releases Mauna Kea plan, more housing options on Hawaiian Home Lands, Oahu jail project stalls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Kim reveals Mauna Kea plan, which includes TMT. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim officially released his long-awaited plan for resolving the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea on Monday, distributing a pamphlet that asserts that the site designated for the Thirty Meter Telescope will become the last area of the mountain that is ever developed for a telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Mayor Calls For Restructuring Management On Mauna Kea. Harry Kim’s plan for resolving the TMT standoff makes few new promises, but offers Native Hawaiians a larger voice in determining the future of the mountain. Civil Beat.

Kim Releases 'Maunakea Booklet' Calling For Core Group To Move Forward. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim issued his long-awaited proposal Monday to resolve the protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, calling for a "core group" as a next step to provide future direction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor unveils Maunakea document that includes policy ‘pledges’ from state officials. Mayor Harry Kim released a proposal Monday for Maunakea that includes pledges from Gov. David Ige and other officials promising to improve Native Hawaiian relations. Tribune-Herald.

Kim Offers ‘Way Forward’ in Maunakea Booklet. On Monday, Mayor Harry Kim released a nine-page PDF that he’s calling his Maunakea Booklet. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Mayor releases vision for Mauna Kea moving forward. After months of zero construction activity on Mauna Kea, because protestors continue to illegally block access, Mayor Harry Kim has released a booklet on the government’s next move. KHON2.

'The Heart of Aloha': Mayor Kim releases booklet in hopes of moving forward on Mauna Kea. The hope was to bring together the people of Hawaii to find and create a way to move forward 'in a good way.' KITV.

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New DHHL rules allow more housing options. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed new administrative rules that allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to develop multifamily, rental and kupuna housing on trust property, providing a new tool that Ige and the state agency say eventually will help address a huge backlog of Native Hawaiians waiting for homestead leases. Star-Advertiser.

Ige OKs Rentals, Multi-Family Units On DHHL Land. The governor says the rules will help ease Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat.

New DHHL Rules Allow Rentals, More Options. Gov. David Ige today signed new administrative rules for planned communities, multi-family complexes and rental housing within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Homes is Expanding its Housing Options. A new set of rules will allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer multi-family units, kūpuna homes, and rental housing options. Maui Now.

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Clare Connors: Hawaii’s Attorney General Is ‘Answering The Call’. She was on the verge of being a federal judge, but stalled in the Senate. Now she’s Hawaii’s top law enforcement officer.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Is Already Seeing the Consequences of Falling Birthrates. The latest data show that number of babies are being born in Hawaii has been declining for a decade. That follows a national trend of falling birthrates. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teachers Weary Of Pay That Makes It Tough To Stay In The Classroom — Or Hawaii. During a series of DOE “listening sessions,” many teachers drew a connection between salaries and classroom conditions and Hawaii’s teacher shortage. Civil Beat.

Even Free Tuition Isn’t Enough To Attract People To This Hawaii Teacher Program. A three-year-old initiative to train highly qualified teachers in Hawaii isn’t seeing a high number of applications, despite a push to recruit new candidates. Civil Beat.

Controversial Aloha Poke plans on mainland expansion. he Chicago-based Aloha Poke restaurant chain — which infuriated Hawaiians and Hawaii residents last year by trademarking the terms “Aloha” and “Poke” and threatening other businesses also using those terms in their names — plans to expand to 100 restaurants across the mainland within three years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ala Wai Project Undergoes Changes, State Reiterates Funding Support. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will modify designs for a controversial flood control project on Oahu. The public will have a chance to further hear about the Ala Wai Flood Control Project on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Oahu Jail Project Is Stalling Out Over Lack Of Cash, Community Support. OCCC has a five-year master plan, but it’s unclear when the five-year period starts or ends, and nobody wants to pay for it. Civil Beat.

Newly Released Minutes Reveal How Louis Kealoha Got His $250K Buyout. The Honolulu Police Commission recently released minutes from secret meetings where commissioners and city attorneys hashed out a lucrative retirement deal for the former police chief. Civil Beat.

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‘Artifact’ discovered at Sherwood Forest construction site. An investigation by State Historic Preservation Division employees at Sherwood Forest began Monday as arguments continued over the validity of a construction project and its worth to the community. Star-Advertiser.

Historic artifact discovered at Sherwood Forest park project. A find of a historic artifact was reportedly discovered at a city park project in Waimanalo. KITV.

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Senate Panel Approves $16.7M For East-West Center. Sen. Brian Schatz says the institution continues to play “an increasingly important role” in national security and regional cooperation. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. rejects sweeps, pitches idea for master-planned communities for homeless. The Lt. Governor says possible locations are being looked at in Waianae, Waimanalo (across from the beach park) and in the urban core (off Middle Street). Hawaii News Now.

Discrimination lawsuit over dorm-style housing for families filed. The U.S. Justice Department Monday sued a student housing company for discrimination against children and families. Hawaii Student Suites Inc. offers dorm-style housing in several buildings in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood Commission chief resigns. The head of the agency that oversees Oahu’s neighborhood board system is stepping down to take a job with the city rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Farmers Still Need Unique Assistance After Kilauea Eruption, USDA Urged. The Hawaii Congressional Delegation again write to Secretary Of Agriculture Perdue asking for needed relief for Puna farmers. Big Island Video News.

Following more dump closures, officials looking for new ways to bring on staff. Staff shortages continue in the county Department of Environmental Management, this time prompting the closure Monday of two transfer stations and a green waste site in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Sees Rise in Visitor Spending and Arrivals. Tourists on Maui spent a total of $404.8 million last month, a 14 percent increase from the same time last year. Maui Now.

Tourism spending, arrivals spike on Lanai. Maui County leads hotel performance. Maui News.

Rare birds on Maui to be relocated in hopes of saving the species. There’s an ambitious plan to save one of Hawaii’s most endangered birds. Conservation groups will trans-locate the Kiwikiu, or Maui Parrotbill, to a restored forest in October. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

State approves Ho‘opi‘i permit. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to continue a permit that allows public access to Kauai’s Ho‘opi‘i Falls. Garden Island.

Threats close 2 schools. Threats of violence forced two schools on the island to close early on Monday, as law enforcement officials investigated reports of text messages about plans to “bomb every single building” on the Waimea High School Campus and “shoot every student and teacher” at Kauai High School. Garden Island.

When the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes out with administrative rules governing the cultivation of hemp, expect Hawaii to submit a state plan, said Micah Munekata, legislative coordinator, state Department of Agriculture. “We’re trying our best to move as fast as we can at the state level,” Munekata said to about 40 people at the Lihue Business Association meeting Thursday at Duke’s Canoe Club at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Repairs coming to Diamond Head summit, Waimanalo park opponents file lawsuit, feds pan Honolulu rail property purchases, Mauna Kea telescope decommissioning delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors crowd Diamond Head summit ©2019 All Hawaii News

State to demolish crumbling tower at Diamond Head State Monument. A year ago, the state Land Department started getting reports of the crumbling tower. Hawaii News Now.

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Opponents of Sherwood Forest construction threaten further legal action at rally in Waimanalo. An attorney for a group that opposes the city’s plan to develop a portion of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park said today he plans further legal action, including filing for an injunction to stop the project and for relief to get it returned to its pre-construction condition. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Park Opponents Are Settling In For A Long Fight. Protesters returned to the site just two days after being arrested by police for blocking access to the area. Civil Beat.

More than a hundred turn out to support lawsuit to stop controversial park development in Waimanalo. Protesters lined the entrance to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as “Sherwood Forest,” Saturday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Protectors at Sherwoods in Waimanalo file federal lawsuit against the City. Those opposed to construction of a new playing field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwoods, have filed a lawsuit against the City to stop the project. KHON2.

Protester arrested in Sherwood Forest confrontation says Mayor's plan is not compromise. Pilialoha Callahan says the fight over Sherwood Forest isn't over. KITV.

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Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman says he was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman has announced he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism earlier this month, and is undergoing treatment. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell’s approval ratings drop to all-time low. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s approval numbers continue to slip to new lows as he approaches his final year in office — probably not exactly what a guy who is expected to run for governor in 2020 would want to see. Star-Advertiser.

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HART overpaid some property owners and shortchanged others. The Honolulu rail authority apparently shortchanged 16 tenants or property owners who were relocated to make way for the city’s 20-mile rail line, and made overpayments or ineligible payments to 28 other property owners, according to an intensive federal review of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation relocation records. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Say Honolulu Rail’s Relocation Payments Are A Mess And Must Be Redone. HART first self-reported its “potential problems” last year. A new federal report shows just how bad those violations actually were. Civil Beat.

FTA: Honolulu rail project botched program to relocate homes, businesses. The federal government says the city’s $9 billion rail project botched its program to relocate homes and businesses along the route. Hawaii News Now.

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Kapiolani Boulevard is becoming a magnet for new hotel projects. No one is redrawing the edge of Waikiki, but a growing number of planned hotel projects on Kapiolani Boulevard promise to stretch the primary urban zone for vacation accommodations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC guard, deputy sheriff will not be prosecuted in fatal shootings. The state Department of Public Safety had zero fatal shootings in the past 10 years until Feb. 18, when a deputy sheriff shot in the back a small, disabled, homeless man who had been drinking beer at the state Capitol rotunda. Star-Advertiser.

Power bills topping $1,000 draw ire of residents at gated West Oahu community. Residents in a gated Ewa Beach community are demanding answers after they were hit with shockingly high electricity bills this month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Board votes to leave UH-Hilo observatory in place — for now. The University of Hawaii’s Maunakea Management Board on Friday voted against decommissioning the former site of an educational telescope on Maunakea until there is a firm plan to reinstall the telescope elsewhere in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Board Fails To Advance Hoku Kea Telescope Decommissioning. The board did not approve a Notice of Intent to Decommission the small, educational telescope on Mauna Kea, although the TMT permit requires it to come down. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea CSO Decommissioning Update. The CSO Decommissioning Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, and Hazardous Materials Report, have been approved by the Mauna Kea Management Board. Big Island Video News.

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Barry Taniguchi: ‘He had a tremendous amount of love and aloha for the community’. Since the passing of Barry Taniguchi on Sept. 20, plaudits for the late chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores and condolences to his family have poured in from leaders of Hawaii’s business, government, health care, education and nonprofit sectors. Tribune-Herald.

Tour companies in Kona try to curb use of full-face snorkel mask. As concerns rise about the safety of full-face snorkel masks, more and more Hawaii Island tour companies are following the example of their island neighbors by banning the use of the masks on their boats. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahului Airport Ranked “Dead Last” in US for Traveler Satisfaction. Kahului Airport has the lowest satisfaction rating compared to similar-sized airports nationwide. That's according to a study from global marketing company J.D. Power, which ranked Kahului Airport last on a list of 16 “medium” airports throughout the country. Maui Now.

Pineapple perseveres on small farms on the Valley Isle.  It’s easy to see Hawaii’s connection to pineapple farming at Maui’s main airport, where plush toys, picture frames, candy and other items made in the oblong fruit’s image are for sale along with three-packs of the real thing for $29.95. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Accidentally Calls County Residents. The Maui Emergency Management Agency accidentally called thousands of county residents from a (999) 999-9999 number shortly before 9 a.m. today. Hawaii Public Radio.

S. Maui families deal with flooded homes, debris. Families in a Maui Meadows neighborhood were dealing Saturday with the aftermath of a localized storm that dumped 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour over the area a day before, leaving homes flooded and debris in yards and on streets. Maui News.

Kauai

Maverick: ‘We want to be good neighbors’. Maverick Helicopters wants to spell out its side of a controversy surrounding aerial tours it started last year out of a small airstrip adjacent to the salt beds in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Caldwell kills Waimanalo sports complex plan after 28 protesters arrested, executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers, OHA paid $39k to help Thirty Meter Telescope opponents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waimanalo Beach PC:Drums600 via Wikipedia

Caldwell Tweets: 'We Are Not Building Sports Complex In Waimanalo'. In the wake of the arrest of 28 protesters Thursday blocking access to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park that officials wanted to redevelop, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell tweeted the city won't build a sports complex planned in the Sherwood Forest area. Associated Press.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell defends plans for Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo after police arrest of 28 protesters. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today that he respects First Amendment rights after 28 demonstrators were arrested at Waimanalo Beach Park, but he accused the protestors of blocking other community members from accessing the park. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters blocking police and a construction vehicle at the Waimanalo forest cited concerns about culture and overdevelopment issues. More than two dozen protesters blocking police and construction equipment for a contentious renovation project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park were arrested Thursday morning after a two-hour peaceful standoff on the access road to the park. Star-Advertiser.

Police Arrest 28 Protesters Blocking Construction At Waimanalo Park. The protesters sang and chanted as they passively resisted the officers.  Civil Beat.

City pledges to press forward with controversial Waimanalo park project despite arrests. Officers arrested 28 people Thursday who were blocking construction equipment and crews from accessing a Waimanalo park, where a controversial $32 million redevelopment project is underway. Hawaii News Now.

HPD arrests 28 Sherwood Forest protestors in Waimanalo. Twenty-eight protestors were arrested at the entrance to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Thursday, Sept. 26 amid the Sherwood Forest protest. KHON2.

Over 2 dozen arrested after demonstrators block construction crews from accessing Sherwood Forest. Demonstrators were out in Waimanalo protesting Thursday morning. KITV.

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Hawaii saw more visitor arrivals and tourism spending in August than last year. Total visitor arrivals and spending rose again statewide in August, which was only the third month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

165 Duty Free Hawaii employees will be laid off. DFS Hawaii began the process of cutting down their workforce by deciding on Thursday, Sept. 26, to lay off 165 employees, according to the company. KHON2.

DFS Hawaii laying off 165 workers amid international visitor market declines. DFS Hawaii, which has operated in Hawaii since 1962 and employs 660 people, began taking steps to reduce a quarter of its workforce today in one of the biggest layoffs of the state’s softer tourism cycle. Star-Advertiser.

DFS Hawaii lays off 165 amid decline in tourism from Asia. Retailer DFS Hawaii laid off 165 employees Thursday from three of its Hawaii locations, citing losses due to a softening international travel market. Hawaii News Now.

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Some Principals Can Still Earn More Than Top DOE Officials. Civil Beat’s public employee salary database now includes 22,395 employees of the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Ige Picks Environmental Director To Lead Energy Office. As chief executive officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office, Scott Glenn will play an important role in achieving the state’s renewable energy goals. Civil Beat.

Ige Taps Glenn to lead State Energy Office. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers in exchange for contracts. John Winslett admitted giving thousands of dollars in goods, weapons and a vehicle to the managers of the Schofield firing range in return for about $19 million in contracts to improve and maintain the range.  Hawaii News Now.

City Council Bill To Increase Trespass Fines Headed To Public Hearing. A Honolulu City Council committee approved a public hearing for a bill that will increase fines for people who illegally enter watershed areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Windfarm Seeking Increase In Authorized Bat Deaths. Kawailoa Wind, LLC, has been operating five miles north of Haleiwa since 2012. The company is asking regulators to increase the number of endangered species it can legally kill by its presence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hefty Property Fine? Honolulu Will Happily Settle For 10%. City officials say they’re less interested in raising money than in getting property owners to comply, so are willing to take much less when the violation is corrected. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Has Spent $39K To Support Activists On Mauna Kea. The state Attorney General’s office has subpoenaed the information on OHA’s support for demonstrators against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Civil Beat.

Police Are Giving TMT Opponents Space For Negotiations, AG Says. A new poll shows "most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward". Big Island Video News.

Speakers talk food access, self-reliance at summit. More than a hundred Big Island farmers, gardeners, officials and more gathered in Hilo Thursday for the second annual Hawaii Island Community Food Summit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pulama Lanai proposing 200-acre industrial park. LUC to review project's environmental assessment. Maui News.

Bail money returned to Maui officer accused of abuse of power, misconduct. The Maui Police Department charged Officer Brandon Saffeels with hindering prosecution and tampering with a witness, but the Maui Prosecutor’s Office declined charges. Hawaii News Now.

Maui teachers say pay not enough with the cost of living. Housing an issue, some work two jobs. Maui News.

Kauai

‘The Hanapepe Massacre Mystery’. A new documentary by Kauai native, former journalist and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo will launch Saturday with a video shoot of researchers searching for the Hanapepe site where 16 Filipino sugarcane workers were believed to have been buried in an unmarked grave in 1924. Garden Island.