Mauna Kea shows global warming, Lingle stands by Liu, islanders cranking up credit and other news

The readings at the 2-mile-high Mauna Loa Observatory show a troubling upward curve as the world counts down to crucial climate talks: Global warming gases are building in the atmosphere at record levels from emissions that match scientists' worst-case scenarios.

Gov. Linda Lingle is standing by Ted Liu, her state business director, as the legislative auditor insists Lingle should consider firing him for "numerous and egregious acts."

The state auditor, citing "numerous and egregious acts," has recommended that Gov. Linda Lingle remove Ted Liu as director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday that she would not "rubber stamp" the final environmental impact statement on Honolulu's $5.5 billion rail project, promising a thorough review of whether the city adequately explored alternatives and whether the financial plan remains sound given the recession.

Disabled Maui veteran Robert Glass said a proposal to reduce state child-care subsidies for preschoolers, including his 3-year-old son, is taking away their chance for a bright future.

Hawaii credit card users were saddled with an average card debt of $6,002 in the third quarter and posted the steepest percentage increase over the second quarter of any state.

The University of Hawaii West Hawaii Center has cleared one hurdle, but several more remain before the community finally sees construction on a long-promised West Hawaii campus.

Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Monday announced his recommendation that Phase III of the multi-use coastal path along the island’s Eastside continue on Wailua Beach as previously planned rather than be diverted to a mauka route to assuage cultural concerns.

The Honolulu City Council will be considering a proposal from Mayor Mufi Hannemann's administration to levy fines against people who put bulky trash items on curbs in front of their homes well before the scheduled pick-up day.

Honolulu police on Monday arrested a driver accused of dragging an officer during a routine traffic stop in Kakaako on Sunday.

The Hawaii County Council is moving its Puna office to a smaller space in the same Pahoa Marketplace shopping center, which will save $2,000 in monthly rental fees.

A Maui man accused of selling military secrets to China has been found competent to stand trial.