Surf's up, traffic deaths down, foster children decline, senators endorse Hanabusa, another candidate for lieutenant governor, Akaka Bill stalls, more news

The number of traffic deaths in Hawai'i rose slightly last year due to a big increase in motorcycle-related fatalities. Nevertheless, 2009 marked the second straight year in which overall deaths were far below recent average.

Federal Aviation Administration investigators today plan to inspect the scene of a fiery Piper Cherokee crash that killed at least one person yesterday just off the Lanipo Trail in East Honolulu.

Firefighters plan to return today to the scene of a fatal airplane crash near Kaau Crater above Maunalani Heights to recover the remains of at least one person.

A high-surf warning is in effect for most north- and west-facing shores of the state as a large northwest swell rolls in.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is kicking off her 2010 diplomacy agenda as she did a year ago, with a trip meant to strengthen U.S. relations with key partner nations in the western Pacific.

Concerns over the language of the Akaka Bill continue to be worked out, but both of Hawaii's senators say they expect legislation granting federal recognition to native Hawaiians will be taken up by Congress shortly.

The congressional race is heating up, as one candidate shows off her new headquarters and picks up some key endorsements.

Hawaii's U.S. senators came out early with a strong endorsement of Colleen Hanabusa in her run for the congressional seat to be vacated next month by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii.

The head of the Democratic party for Hawaii is now throwing his name into the hat for lieutenant governor.

The owners of vacant land along Komohana Street envision a $286 million "Hilo-style neighborhood marketplace" complete with medical offices, hundreds of dwellings and business space intended to attract "local" vendors.

The number of children entering -- and remaining -- in foster care in Hawaii has steadily declined over the last decade.

The state Land Use Commission cleared the way Friday for Castle & Cooke Resorts to continue using brackish water drawn from Lanai’s high-level aquifer to irrigate The Challenge at Manele golf course

Signs warning residents and visitors of the possibility of lead in the water at a pair of drinking fountains at Ka‘ana Picnic Area in Koke‘e State Park were removed last week — a year and a half after tests deemed the water to be safe for consumption.