Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Waikiki Beach makeover, Big Island doctor shortage, electric vehicles and other Hawaii news of the day

The most popular beach in Hawaii is due for a partial makeover. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle is releasing a $140,000 appropriation for a training program on the Big Island to help relieve a worsening statewide physician shortage, especially in rural areas. Star-Advertiser.

Doctor Raymond Fodor has a problem not found on any X-ray. Hawaii News Now.

The status of Hawaii's physician shortage could reach critical condition in the next 10 years.KHON2.

Hawaii's largest bank is saying it hasn't taken a position on a civil unions measure pending on Gov. Linda Lingle's desk. KITV.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday brushed aside pointed criticism from the governor's chief of staff on the city's policy on homelessness, saying it's a "laughable joke" to say the city hasn't done enough to address the issue. Star-Advertiser.

The city set a July 19 as an eviction deadline for homeless families camped out near the beach at Maili Point. KITV.

The state is moving ahead with plans to begin charging nonresidents and commercial tour vehicles at least $10 per vehicle to park at Iao Valley State Monument. Maui News.


Hawaii is considered ideal for electric vehicles because the size of the islands limits driving distances and it has some of the highest gas prices in the nation. Civil Beat.

Timed to coincide with the arrival of a flotilla of ships from Pacific nations for the biennial Rim of the Pacific naval exercises, a U.S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile successfully intercepted its intended target during a test Monday night. Garden Island.

Next week, Hawaii will mark one year of extreme drought and it looks like there's no relief in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers grilled state officials Tuesday over taxpayer dollars spent to put a damper on airport security fines. KHON2.

Officials at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture say a common pest is becoming more noticeable. KHON2

The Department of Water Supply needs to tighten its internal controls because an employee was able to steal more than $78,000, an audit released Monday says. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that makes numerous changes in the Puna Community Development Plan is headed to a County Council committee with a negative recommendation from the Windward Planning Commission. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A new transitional housing project in West Hawaii means more units available for families in need, but will provide less than half the number of units Hawaii County officials have said they planned to build at the site. West Hawaii Today.

Maunaloa Elementary School has passed the second of four hurdles in the community’s effort to keep the school open. Molokai Dispatch.

The Kaua‘i County Council has again deferred a bill that would allow farmers who meet certain criteria to build up to three farm-worker houses on their properties. Garden Island.

Patrons and friends of the 55-year-old Lahaina Public Library — which badly needs refurbishing — will get a chance to show their support next month, when the Royal Lahaina Resort and Rotary Club of Lahaina host a first-of-its-kind fund-raiser. Lahaina News.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Military might gathering off Hawaii for war games, $1B taxes lost in cash economy, telescope moves forward, Honolulu sewer settlement reached, more

Fourteen countries have converged in Hawaiian waters. KHON2.

Dozens of ships from 14 nations were parked two deep yesterday in Southeast Loch as the U.S. prepares for the start of Rim of the Pacific war games next week in and around Hawaii's waters. Star-Advertiser.

Another successful test for the Missile Defense Agency off Kauai. Around 9:30 Monday night, a target missile was launched from a platform in the Pacific Ocean, and then it was shot down by an interceptor missile. Hawaii News Now.

One billion dollars a year. That’s the estimated taxes in Hawaii that don’t get paid by contractors and waiters, accountants and attorneys, hairdressers and everyone else who hides all or part of their cash income. Hawaii Business.

A landmark settlement regarding Honolulu's sewers means big improvements are coming down the pipe, but it will also mean rate increases to pay for what's estimated to be more than a billion dollars of work. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously approved yesterday a plan to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would explicitly legalize hundreds of existing transient vacation rentals on agricultural lands is gaining ground. Garden Island.

Law- makers Want State Money To Ship Out Homeless. KITV.

Depriving taxpayers of lower burden. West Hawaii Today.

Public school students will not see teacher furlough days in the coming school year, but they will feel the pinch of budget cuts in other ways, Board of Education members warned. Star-Advertiser.

How would you like to be the boss and not have control over who's on your team? That's the situation Hawaii school principals say they find themselves in — and they're not happy about it.Civil Beat.

The state judiciary said it upgraded its online services to include a license-plate match in order to help people see records of their own parking tickets. KITV.


Like a tomato left too long on the vine, the Saturday farmers market at Eddie Tam has burst its skin and will have to be picked. Maui News.

A dentistry residency program is making pediatric oral surgery more accessible for Big Island keiki. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A civil defense siren that went off around 11:45 a.m. Monday was malfunctioning, said Mahina Martin, Maui County spokeswoman. Maui News.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Future of Mauna Kea telescope in the offing, Inouye now longest-serving member of Congress, publicly funded elections to be tested, fireworks laws in the works, more news from around the state

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is deciding whether to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka becomes longest-serving member of Congress with death of Sen. Robert Byrd. AP

Maui County is moving forward with a contract to study the impacts of pollution on Maalaea's reefs, but some ocean advocates complain the project has been watered down. Maui News.

Numbers Don't Add Up at New Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

 SPJ awards are a reminder that the media world is changing. Ian Lind.

After feeding Hawaii for centuries, the future of many of the state’s ancient fishponds rest in the governor’s hands. Molokai Dispatch.

Health care leaders from across the state are meeting this week to discuss the worsening shortage of physicians in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. AP

Nearly 19 months after he took office, Mayor Billy Kenoi has yet to fulfill his "commitment to implement a transparent tracking system" for building permit applications. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A Kilauea community facility seemed like a forward-thinking idea of providing entertainment, accessibility and sustainability to the whole island. Garden Island.

Lingle must now decide. The state and consumer advocates believe the system provides transparency, many licensed professionals contend it can unfairly harm reputations and have persuaded the state Legislature to limit disclosure to complaints that have been resolved and validated. Star-Bulletin

Hawaii's students won awards in an inter- national robotics com- petition this weekend. KHON2.

Hawaii is moving forward with its test run of publicly funded political campaigns this election year, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against a similar setup in Arizona. AP

A new poll shows, a majority of Hawaii residents are against a ban on fireworks. The poll won't officially be released until later Monday, but Hawaii News Now got an early look at the results. Hawaii News Now.

It's the 68th anniversary of this trail-blazing group of veterans. They were the first Japanese-Americans to fight in World War II. Hawaii News Now.

Each time they meet, the group is smaller. KITV.

Every lap walked, skipped or jogged Saturday night during Kailua-Kona's annual Relay for Life event helped to fund cancer research and local American Cancer Society programs all the while honoring survivors and those who've died from the disease West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will take a year to review the status of seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees to determine whether they should be listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, the federal agency has announced. Maui News.

Patrons and friends of the 55-year-old Lahaina Public Library — which badly needs refurbishing — will get a chance to show their support next month, when the Royal Lahaina Resort and Rotary Club of Lahaina host a first-of-its-kind fund-raiser. Lahaina News.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Hundreds stand in solidarity as Hands Across the Sand joins Waikiki to Florida

 Waikiki Beach is usually so clean, on Saturday they had to bring in garbage bags to simulate the pollution. But the mood was as somber as if it had actually been this famed Hawaii beach besmirched by the massive BP oil gusher that is still polluting Florida beaches 4,000 miles away. Hundreds joined hands in the sand in solidarity to their Mainland beach goers with a Hands Across the Sand event sponsored by the Sierra Club Hawaii and other environmental groups.


Hands Across the Sand is spon- sored nation- ally by the Sierra Club and the Surfrider Foundation, joined by Greenpeace, 1SKY, Environment Florida, ecomb, and Urban Paradise Guild. You'll find more info here.

Search Amazon.com for bp oil spill



Friday, June 25, 2010

Homeless shuffle continues, Big Island land fund limited on ballot, Hawaii Five-O coming to former 'Tiser building, no solar panels for Kaunakakai, Lingle may veto big education pay raise, more state news


Since the city's homeless bans went into effect in April homeless people have been chased from parks and are now popping up in new spots, creating new tension. Hawaii News Now.

By now, Hawaii residents and visitors have become accustomed to seeing homeless people in parks and on streets, pushing their carts and carrying their belongings. Civil Beat.

Rim of the Pacific 2010 is underway, with navy personnel from more than a dozen countries in Hawaii. KHON2.

The Thirty Meter Telescope project faces a major test next Monday in Honolulu. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The defeat of a an unemployment and jobs benefits bill in the U.S. Senate Thursday will have financial consequences in Hawaii, especially for those who’ve been out of work for a while. KITV.


As the state's happiest group of newly unemployed celebrate the completion of 2010 census work in Hawaii, statisticians, policymakers and others are hoping that an improved participation rate will pay off in a better accounting of Hawaii's population and the economic benefits that go with it. Star-Advertiser.


The Hawaii school board is concerned that Gov. Linda Lingle (R) might veto a bill to increase the schools superintendents salary to up to $250,000. KITV.

Voters in November will have the choice of putting a minimum 1 percent land fund or no land fund at all in the county charter, after the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday fell one vote short of putting a 2 percent option on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

The question of whether Hawaii County should earmark at least 2 percent of yearly property tax collections for land purchases won't be appearing on Big Island ballots this November. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.


Businesses and residents who want to install solar panels in the Kaunakakai area are out of luck. Molokai Dispatch.

From historic newspaper building to a classic TV remake CBS will transform the Advertisers building into a television set. Hawaii News Now.


The rapid decline of British Petroleum stock is being watched carefully by money managers in charge of Hawaii’s Employees’ Retirement System, the fund which pays pension benefits to state and county workers. KHON2.


Mayor Mufi Hannemann gave final approval to the city's $1.8 billion operating budget that is balanced in part on a property tax rate increase for landlords and others who own homes they do not live in. Star-Advertiser.


The Hawaii County Council and legislative staff have joined the county administration in adopting twice-monthly unpaid furloughs.West Hawaii Today.

Ninety-five percent of endangered hawksbill sea turtles nesting on the Big Island during the summer months prefer the island's southern black sand beaches and rocky coves, said Marine Turtle Research Program leader George Balazs.West Hawaii Today.


Operating Honolulu's fleet of more than 500 buses has gotten more expensive, and beginning Thursday, riders will be paying more to help offset fuel and maintenance costs. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i County Council passed Wednesday a resolution requesting Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to consider including the council members in the implementation of the Kaua‘i Energy Sustainability Plan. Garden Island.

Maui United Way raised more than $1.1 million in its 2009-10 fundraising campaign, the nonprofit agency has reported. Maui News.

Well, the political season is in full swing with every square inch of billboard space taken up with signs — many of them there without permission of the property owners. Lahaina News.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Two named cyclones building in Pacific, civil union debate continues, various politicians in various trouble, Maui development, Big island road move forward, more

The eastern Pacific is a hot bed of storm activity right now and that's mainly because the ocean is very warm over there. A pair of cyclones are now spinning off the coast of Mexico, Hurricane Celia and Tropical Storm Darby. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service has extended a red flag warning for Leeward areas of the Hawaiian Islands.KHON2..

The Hawaii Business Roundtable clarified yesterday that it has not taken a position on a civil unions bill, responding to internal dissent and under pressure from gay rights advocates for urging Gov. Linda Lingle to veto the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Why the Roundtable Quieted Its Civil Unions Storm. Civil Beat.

The state won't be able to delay future tax refunds quite as long as it did this year, under a bill signed into law on Wednesday. KHON2.

More serious questions came out Wednesday about the state Tax Department’s contract with a Canadian technology company called CGI. KITV.

The Hawaii County Planning Department won a court victory Tuesday that could set a statewide precedent for other counties that miss self-imposed deadlines. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly eight years after taking office, Gov. Linda Lingle is still excited about Hawaii's renewable energy projects. West Hawaii Today.

Charles Djou raised $1.4 million in his special-election victory for Congress in May and had more cash in the closing weeks of the campaign to outspend state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, his main Democratic opponents. Star-Advertiser.

A recent fundraising trip to Pittsburgh is again causing heartburn for the Democratic guber- natorial campaign of Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Neil Abercrombie's campaign for governor will pay a $50 fine for filing notice for an April fundraiser in Washington, D.C., several hours late. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission is allowing city councilman Rod Tam to pay thousands of dollars in restitution and fines interest-free over three years, after an ethics probe found he improperly billed the city for hundreds of meals. KITV

A proposed project to control the spread of strawberry guava is expected to receive a finding of no significant impact, according to a draft environmental assessment released today by state officials. West Hawaii Today.

Residents have until July 23 to comment on an Environmental Assessment concerning the release of a natural predator to control  strawberry guava in Hawai‘i, according to a state Department of Land and Natural Resources news release. Garden Island.

After reviewing petitions to list seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the documents present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted, and will initiate a 12-month review of the species' status. Big Island Weekly.

Tired of the loss and damage over the years, residents on Oahu's north shore learned about some potential solutions from a special meeting in Haleiwa on Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Now that Hawaii County has the authority to pass laws restricting or even banning the use of fireworks, officials are being careful on what steps they will take next. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The Maui Planning Commission got the first public look Tuesday at detailed designs for the long-debated - and for many - long-awaited Honua'ula 1,400-unit housing development in South Maui. Maui News.

North Hawaii residents soon will have an easier time registering motor vehicles, and area crime victims will receive more privacy when talking with prosecutors. HHawaii Tribune-Herald.

The Ane Keohokalole Highway took another step forward Tuesday, when a Hawaii County Council committee approved the donation of nine lots and 16 easements from adjoining landowners. West Hawaii Today.

An early-afternoon brush fire caused massive traffic tie-ups Tuesday in Kahului after police closed a section of Hana Highway because of poor visibility caused by smoke and dust. Maui News.

The Heart Center at Hilo Medical Center is currently operating without its full-time cardiologist. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

With an adult day care center opening at Home Pumehana in August, caretakers on Molokai can breathe a sigh of relief. Molokai Dispatch.

Our story last week about the changes in Hawaii’s journalistic landscape–and a note here about how those changes affect readers of the Weekly–brought in a strong response from readers. Honolulu Weekly.

Public safety will not be jeopardized, and the public will be inconvenienced minimally under the Honolulu Police Department's furlough plan set to begin next week, Police Chief Louis Kealoha said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County officials recently announced a two-day per month furlough plan that will be effective July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

HIV increasing in state, Lingle paves way for fireworks bans, Abercrombie fined for late campaign spending report, EIS opens door to scale insect release, more state news

More and more young people in Hawaii are testing positive for the HIV virus, according to the Life Foundation, the state’s largest anti-AIDS organization. KITV

Governor Lingle has signed a bill into law that allows the counties to enact their own laws regarding fireworks, as long as they're tougher than the state law. KHON2.

You'll have less time this year to get a fireworks permit before July Fourth. Not only does the holiday fall on a Sunday, but City and County offices will be closed on July 2 for furlough Friday. so the deadline is Thursday, July 1.. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers said Tuesday they are seriously considering a veto override if Gov. Linda Lingle (R) vetoes a bill calling for a cost-benefit audit of a privately run Arizona prison. KITV

The state is once again seeking approval to release a Brazilian scale insect into Hawaii forests to control the spread of the popular but environmentally needy strawberry guava tree. Star-Advertiser.

High salt levels in a South Kona well system have prompted health advisories from the county Department of Water Supply. West Hawaii Today.

 Neil Aber- crombie's gub- ernatorial campaign was recently fined by the Hawaii Campaign Spending Com- mission over late notice about a mainland fundraiser. KHON2

The June 14 release of the project's Final  Environmental Impact Statement  offers the most up-to-date list of homes and businesses that will have to move to make way for the train. Civil Beat.

The city is spending $400,000 in federal stimulus money on a mural and flowering trellises at two new transit centers. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii County Public Works employee is under investigation for allegedly hitting a Kona bicyclist Thursday morning while driving a county vehicle with a suspended license. West Hawaii Today.

New refuse carts are in preparation for Kauai County’s move toward automated refuse collection which is scheduled to start July 1. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii Maui College officials dedicated an array of photovoltaic panels Monday, saying the school is expanding its educational curriculum while installing renewable energy systems to reduce the college's energy costs. Maui News.


Geologists with the Hawaii Volcano Observatory flew over the Big Island's Pu'u O'o Crater Monday, getting good views of a new gas vent on the crater's east wall. KHON2.

A deal between the Kaua‘i County Council and developers of a South Shore project was supposed to offer its workers and the community 75 affordable houses in exchange for an approval to build 1,500 high-end units in Kukui‘ula, plus a golf course and shopping center. Garden Island.

Islanders going to bed late Friday or rising before dawn Saturday might see a partial eclipse of the moon if clouds don't obscure it. Star-Advertiser.

With less than a month left until the election filing deadline, 21 Big Island residents have entered County Council and state Legislature races, while 28 others have shown interest in joining them. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

Citing “a desperate need to reduce county regulation that is currently strangling small businesses and holding back literally thousands of jobs,” Paul Laub is running for the West Maui seat on the County Council. Lahaina News.


Although poor first semester grades in Molokai High School’s (MHS) online courses prompted school officials to further examine the e-school program, second semester grades revealed significant improvement among students. Molokai Dispatch.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

William S. Richardson remembered, Honolulu budget up under Hannemann, Lingle stalls on civil unions veto decision, Maui water plant challenged, more

William Shaw Rich- ardson, a statehood advocate and Dem- ocratic Party leader who became lieutenant governor, chief justice of the State Supreme Court and a Bishop Estate trustee, died early Monday. KITV

William S. Richardson, a former Hawaii State Supreme Court chief justice, had a lifelong commitment to social justice that has served as a model for thousands of students whose juris doctorates bear the name of the law school he helped found. Star-Advertiser.

A longtime leader is gone. William S. Richardson died Monday at the age of 90. Hawaii News Now.


Former Hawaii Chief Justice William S. Richardson died early Monday morning at his home in Honolulu at the age of 90. KHON2.

Hawaii's political leaders mark the passing of Chief Justice William S Richardson. Excerpts from their statements are below: Hawaii News Now.


Gov. Linda Lingle on Monday bought herself two more weeks to make a decision on contentious legislation that would allow same-gender couples to form civil unions. AP.


Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday that she had not made up her mind on civil unions and described her deliberations on the bill as perhaps the most difficult of her political career. Star-Advertiser.


Gov. Linda Lingle (R) on Monday released a list of 39 bills she may veto, including the civil unions bill. KITV.


After months of consideration, the governor has put the civil unions bill on her list of potential vetoes. KHON2.


Here is a list of the 39 bills that Governor Linda Lingle has submitted to the state legislature for potential veto. Hawaii News Now.


On Monday Governor Linda Lingle recapped her 11-day trip to Asia Hawaii News Now.

During Mufi Hannemann's half-decade as mayor, annual spending on operating expenses has gone up 39 percent to $1.2 billion, despite the nation going through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Civil Beat.


Earthjustice filed a lawsuit Monday in 2nd Circuit Court, challenging Alexander & Baldwin's plans to build a $30 million water treatment plant in Wailuku that would draw 9 million gallons of water from contested Na Wai Eha streams. Maui News.


Breene Harimoto, an eight-year member of the Board of Education who in recent months has become an outspoken critic of its operations, will resign effective June 30 to run for City Council. Star-Advertiser.


A new plan calls for building an estimated $12 million municipal parking structure with more than 360 stalls in the heart of Wailuku town. Maui News.


Renew our faith, unite our efforts, ensure our future" is the theme of Hilo Meishoin's centennial celebration. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.


As robotics experts from around the world continue to work with submersibles to stanch the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the next generation of experts will be honing their skills right here in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Akaka Bill again in jeopardy, civil unions on potential veto list, Army makes nice with natives, taxes going up, bus spy-cams tested, more news from all the isles


After a 10-year slog, supporters of the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill think they have their best chance yet to pass the legislation. Civil Beat.

The Army is trying to improve the often antagonistic and deeply distrustful relationship it has long had with many Native Hawaiians. KITV.

The civil unions bill is likely to be on Governor Linda Lingle's list of potential vetoes when it's released Monday. KHON2.


The emotional nature of civil unions has Gov. Linda Lingle giving herself the full amount of time available by law to make, then explain her decision. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle returned Saturday from a two-week journey to Asia confronting the same thorny question as when she left - to sign or veto legislation that would allow gay couples to form civil unions. AP.

Maintaining Hawaii Island's agricultural diversity is dependent on residents sharing seeds, and the Hawaii Island Seed Exchange provides the venue for people to do just that. West Hawaii Today.

On his first trip back home, newly elected U.S. Rep. Charles Djou yesterday defended his call for a waiver of the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged ships to respond to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and his use of taxpayer-funded automated phone calls to connect with Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has now had its first experience with the new homeowner category of real property taxation. Garden Island.

All Kauai County rates will increase slightly, but the move will mostly affect households that use more than 35,000 gallons of water a month. Garden Island.


To save an estimated $3.5 million, Maui County will furlough most of its employees for 12 days in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Maui News.

After testing surveillance cameras out last month, the city is now reviewing nine bids on the project. KITV.

As robotics experts from around the world continue to work with submersibles to stanch the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the next generation of experts will be honing their skills right here in Hilo. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa could be an evacuation nightmare in the event of natural disaster, but thanks to new evacuation plans and facilities for the settlement, there will soon be less reason to worry. Molokai Dispatch.

A total of 12,867 vehicles were towed during a recent four-month period that ended June 15, according to Honolulu police. Star-Advertiser.

They've taken on all comers and over the last 5 years the Pure Light Canoe Club has won more races than they've lost. Hawaii News Now.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Just sayin' -- Subliminal messages in 'Lost'?

Is “Lost” a vile and reprehensible show sending subliminal messages that force you to keep watching anyway? That’s what one viewer claims in a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.

“… well into season 2, I decided that I dind't (sic) like Lost anymore because the plot had gone stupid and it was getting worse with each episode. Yet I feel an urge to keep watching anyway,” lamented a viewer from Norway who filed a complaint. “ Why? Am I getting fed some mind-controlling subliminal messages saying something like, ‘Watch Lost! Watch every episode! Don't leave us!’ or could it be worse?”

Most folks I’ve encountered are either rabid “Lost” fans, or they can take it or leave it. But there’s another small group out there who just can’t stand the Hawaii-based show’s nudity, partial nudity, cuss words and/or violence.

Not to mention the subliminal messages. You don’t have to run the video backward to see these messages, but, according to our Norway viewer, the World Trade Center, an upside-down man riding a bicycle and other subliminal messages are easy to see if you slow down the show.

“One of the messages in this very clip is, ‘God loves you ... ‘ I am sure that non-Christians would not like hearing that, that they may have been brainwashed by watching Lost,” the viewer continues. “I am a Christian and I don't like it, because this is NOT the proper method in which to spread Christianity!”

The hit ABC TV show might have signed off on its last season, but the complaints linger on. You can find them on the Government Attic website, run by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) group that, as it puts it, “rummages in the government attic,” to save government documents from the Washington D.C. bureaucracy, where things truly can get lost.

The “Lost” complaints document, titled “All informal complaints received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the television show 'Lost' between January 2003 and May 2010,” contains 15 complaints and runs some 30 photocopied pages.

The FCC duly logged all the complaints, assigned them numbers and codes, but generally found the complaints without merit, or as translated into FCC-speak, “Denial. Broadcast outside of subject matter definition.”

The government has redacted all identifying information about the complainant except the city and state, or country.

Oh, and it includes the mandatory butt-covering language: “The FCC receives many complaints and comments that do not involve violations of the Communications Act or any FCC rule or order. Thus, a complaint or comment does not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing by any individuals or entities named in the complaint or comment.”

I’ve taken the liberty of transcribing and/or describing the complaints below.


From Whitmore, Calif.
Two complaints about the Lost - character Sawyer
2-21-08 Lost! ABC/profanity (SOB)
Sawyer uttered “son of a bitch.” This is not the first time.
A follow-up complaint came from the same city about the 4/17/08 show, where Sawyer apparently said, “bastard.”

From Bear, Delaware: “This episode showed a man being hung and his murderer enjoying the action and destroying all evidence.”

From somewhere in Norway:
“I would like to report something 1 have found alarming in a "sneak-peak" of the new series of Lost, which I have found on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v 4bTvAUVPyLI. If that link does not work, the title is "New Lost Season 4 Sneak Peak!!! New Hatch!, The Orchid". The following are scenes that are flashed at lightning speed-subliminally-so you have to play at very slow speeds to find them ... At 0:39 there is a scene of a man watching you, at 0:49, is a scene of a building that looks a lot like building 7 of theWorld Trade Center just before it went down, however, Lost fans say it is some building owned by "the Dharma Initiative" which is supposedly in Narvik, Norway. Then, at 01:09 is a message saying, "God loves you as He loved Jacob", at 0 1 :42 is an upside-down image of someone riding a bicycle. These are four subliminal images in just two minutes! How many do they put in an hour-long episode? I don't like that. Isn't that illegal? I know these are just silly things, but I don't like what they could be doing. For example, well into season 2, I decided that I dind't like Lost anymore because the plot had gone stupid and it was getting worse with each episode. Yet I feel an urge to keep watching anyway. Why? Am I getting fed some mind-controlling subliminal messages saying something like, "Watch Lost! Watch every episode! Don't leave us!" or could it be worse? One of the messages in this very clip is, "God loves you ... " I am sure that non-Christians would not like hearing that, that they may have been brainwashed by watching Lost. I am a Christian and I don't like it, because this is NOT the proper method in which to spread Christianity! If 1 have not sent this to the proper department, please forward it to them. Please investigate.P.S. I am an American citizen, but I am currently living in Norway. That is why I thought of filing a complaint with You.”

From Rock Valley, Iowa:
“At the end of the commercial a topless woman is standing on the ocean front. Waves are crashing in the background. I thought the showing of nudity was prohibited on public channels, in any context?”

From Orange, Maine:
“There was a commercial on before the Rolling Stones preformed at the halftime show of the Super Bowl. It was a commercial for the TV show “lost.” Near the end they show the TV screen they are looking at in the commercial and you can clearly see a naked woman with both breasts openly exposed. I would think after the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction incident of years past they would have put an end to this. Thank you.”

From Lawrenceburg, Indiana:
“Jack and Sawyer were speaking to each other about another character that Sawyer had sexual relations with and Sawyer said to Jack ‘I screwed her,’ referring to having sex with her.”

From Lolo, Mont.:
“I’m disturbed by the graphic violence, physical and psychological torture displayed on lost to humans and animals in the 10/18 and 10/25 episodes. Beating Sawyer to a bloody pulp, killing a rabbit, using tasers on people, beating them with sticks. I loved this show and am angry that I have to stop watching it now.”

From McDonough, Ga.:
“I was trying to watch the Country Music Awards last night with my two children (8 and 10) when ABC kept running the commercial for Lost that comes on Wednesday night. The commercial showed and (sic) man and a woman in a steamy sex scene. They were standing up, kissing and pressed against each other while the man pulled the woman’s shirt off. They did not show nudity but you could see the sides of her breast. This is unacceptable for a commercial. They do this all the time. Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, any other show. The commercials and entirely too racy for children. It doesn’t matter what children are watching. I try to make sure that my children are not exposed to sexual material as much as possible. It makes me sick that I cannot even let my children watch a regular, clean TV show because I have to be careful of the commercials.  signed .. concerned parent.”

From Durham, N.C.:
“Dear FCC: In all my 25+ years of TV watching, I have never been inspired t complain to you until tonight. ABC’s season finale of Lost employed a plot device that has become too common on today’s television: the feel-good murder. It’s time you put a stop to it: when Sawyer killed one of the others tonight with righteous indignation, justifying himself by saying this is for when you took the boy off the boat – he succeeded in befriending the entire viewing audience. No doubt, all of America agreed with him. The just sentence for so bizarre a kidnapping as we witnessed on the high seas during season one was the death penalty. Regardless of the fact that this particular ‘other’ was so merciful that he choose to disobey orders and NOT kill the three good guys who carried out the anti’other’ operation with dynamite explosions; what I am arriving at is the following conclusion: it’s one thing when the TV airways ALLUDE to killing, for the sake of plot development. But it’s quite another when the airwaves teach the masses how and when to kill in order to gain a pleasurable senses of justice. It is likely, unfortunately, that tonight’s television entertainment will encourage unnecessary violence in our society. Please enact and enforce regulations that will prevent such a misuse of the public airwaves.”

From Kissimmee, Fla.:
“I wish to register a complaint to you against the ABC Television' network. While I am aware the ‘so-called’ adult language on network television has become more crude (and. sad1y accepted, even by your commission) an incident has occurred that I  must bring to your attention. I was highly offended by it and I hope that your organization will see fit to look into it. On the September 29th episode of the new series "LOST" at about, 45 minutes into the show, the Iraqi character, Shahid, very clearly  says the word f..k.! I played it back several times and it is unmistakable.    My family and I were mortified. This, of course, is a new low in television. After hiking up a cliff to try to get better reception for an airplane transponder this character is shocked and amazed when. the radio sudden1y comes to life. It is at this time when he utters ‘f..k!" I am certain that there are a hundred words or phrases that would have been appropriate other than that ·vulgarity. I have personally erased the ABC network from all of my TV sets. I hope that you will look into this matter and show some fortitute (sic). The network should be held accountable and be fined to the fullest extent. If your Commission allows this to slip by, then you are nothing but a pawn to the entertainment industry. The majority of the public does not want  to hear
F . . k on its airwaves!  It is unacceptab1e! ! !”

From Norfolk, Mass.:
“I wish to file a complaint against the ABC network for indecency. On January 12, 2005 at 8 p.m. ET, ABC (via affiliate WCVB channel 5 in Boston) aired the show Lost. During the broadcast a male character and his legal sister were shown French kissing and it was implied that they had sex. My wife, myself and my 8 yr old daughter were (up until last night) fans of this show and watched it weekly. We were disgusted that ABC would air such immoral filth during a family viewing time knowing full well that many children are fans of Lost. I demand that ABC be fined and be reprimanded for this outrage; I am confident that you will come down on ABC and punish them with a hefty fine. Please let us know if you have any questions."

Sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Just sayin’.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Maui to regulate aquarium trade, Mauna Kea telescope participates in major find, Djou reaching out on taxpayer dime, school calendar set, more communication coming to Molokai, more news

Maui County is on its way to becoming the first county in the state to regulate the collection of reef aquatic life and demand the humane treatment of the animals for both industry professionals and private aquarium owners.

A Maui County Council committee has approved a bill by Councilman Wayne Nishiki to set up an application and permit system to regulate the aquarium fish trade.

A small capsule that landed in South Australia early this week may contain a key to understanding pieces of Earth's early composition. And Mauna Kea's Subaru Telescope played a small part in getting the capsule home

A new 1.8-meter telescope has begun surveying the skies, looking for killer asteroids, the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy announced Wednesday.

Lihu‘e Airport first in state with all-body security scanner

First came the sparks, citizens outraged about plans to develop on the Kakaako shoreline area. They were blasting the consultants as they unveiled possible blueprints, some citizens are upset that some of the consultants the state hired are from the mainland.

Safeway Inc. intends to build eight stores in Hawaii within the next three years, while Walgreens Inc. has as many as nine island projects in the works.

The Department of Education posted its calendar for the 2010-2011 school year Thursday. There are no furloughs and all DOE employees will return August 2.

With little hesitation the Board of Education became one of ten states to support a nationwide effort to use Common Core State Standards in schools.

A $23 billion proposal to help states pay teachers and avoid layoffs faltered last month in Congress. And Democrats have since then been scrambling to find a backup plan.

Rep. Charles Djou said Thursday that videotape paid for by taxpayers dollars was taken off his campaign website as soon as his campaign office was made aware it violated U.S. House rules.

U.S. Rep. Charles Djou is taking advantage of one of the privileges of being in Congress: taxpayer-financed messages back home.

Deja vu. Deja Djou.

Hawaii Reps. Mazie Hirono and Charles Djou did not take part in the grilling of BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward, but they did express their views about the oil spill.

Having just solved a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, state leaders are expecting expenditures to exceed revenues for three more years, the House Finance Committee chairman told a Hilo audience Wednesday.

The state Legislature relied primarily on spending cuts to balance its budget this year, rather than raise taxes or fees.

Following a year of state furloughs, the Kaua‘i County Council approved, with a few exceptions, two-day-per-month furloughs of county employees during the fiscal year beginning July 1

Mobi PCS plans to construct six new cell phone antennas on the roof of Paddlers Inn that will improve service for Molokai customers.

Dennis Moresco doesn't get the opposition to the proposed Ooma development.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Plant Pest Control Branch on Wednesday released tiny parasitic wasps in an effort to control the stinging nettle caterpillar

Citing “a desperate need to reduce county regulation that is currently strangling small businesses and holding back literally thousands of jobs,” Paul Laub is running for the West Maui seat on the County Council.

Shortly after arriving on Maui earlier this week, young movie star Zac Efron went for a swim in front of his resort.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Kauai considers new form of government, Hannemann under investigation, Djou blasted for robo-calls, TV stations dispute who is 'undisputed news leader,' more news from all the isles

The Campaign Spending Com- mission says it will launch an in- vest- igation over a Pittsburgh fundraiser held on behalf of Mayor Mufi Hannemann's gubernatorial race.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann defended what was to be a campaign fundraiser in Pittsburgh last week as legitimate and "all done above board," but acknowledged that mistakes in planning "cast a cloud" over the event.

New fireworks in the governor's race, both men are accusing the other of shady fundraising.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has picked up the endorsement of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association in his campaign for governor.


Hawaii’s newest con- gressman, Re- publican Rep. Charles Djou, was elected in a special election after campaigning for restraint in spending government money. Now he has offended some voters, by using taxpayer money for automated telephone calls that some say sound like campaigning.

The state Ethics Commission voted yesterday to fire Executive Director Daniel Mollway based on an investigative report critical of his work habits and management style.

Kaua‘i voters may be faced with a major decision next election that could have far-reaching implications in how the county is governed.

Is there something in the water here that makes it all but impossible for people with strongly held views to work out their differences?

The line of tired and weary pet owners can stretch out the door at the Honolulu Airport's animal quarantine office, and tempers occasionally grow testy.

In 2003, the Department of Transportation developed a plan to turn Hawaii into a bike friendly state.

The Board of Education is expected to adopt common national standards for Hawaii public schools today as part of a push to standardize what students across the country learn and better compare school performance.

Residential home sales rose 80 percent in May on Kaua‘i compared to last year, but the increase was based on an already “tiny number” in 2009, said University of Hawai‘i Department of Economics Professor Byron Gangnes.

Water rates will go up by as much as 8 percent starting next month for all except commercial farmers and ranchers after a temporary rate hike was approved Tuesday by the Hawaii County Water Board.

A new principal partner and possibly a different landlord won't stop Hu Honua Bioenergy from attempting to resurrect the Pepeekeo power plant, company President Rick McQuain said Tuesday.

Residents here brought new questions to Mayor Billy Kenoi Tuesday night, asking about topics from West Hawaii school impact fees to cross-island garbage hauling.

Mayoral Candidate Chris Hart is known as the “Man with a Plan” – a nickname justified by his extensive resume that includes serving under the Maui County Planning Department for two decades.

Staying true to his earlier pledges, former Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama, who held the Lanai residency seat for five consecutive terms, officially filed as a candidate Tuesday to enter the race and try to get back his old job.

A team of two students from Maui High School took ninth place at the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Final on Tuesday.

Molokai was awarded over $17 million to fund 21 capital improvement projects this year. The wide-ranging list includes repairs to schools, roadways and the island’s water system. 

ABC announced Tuesday it will produce a medical drama for prime-time TV in Hawaii.

Last week’s consolidation of Honolulu’s two morning dailies into a single organization was a loss on many levels, most of them already well-chronicled.

KHON2 News continues to be the undisputed news leader in all local and world newscasts and Hawaii’s television viewers again have chosen KHON2 as the station they prefer for all their news, information and entertainment.

Hawaii News Now: Sunrise is Hawaii's undisputed morning news leader, winning all half-hour periods between 5:00 – 8:00 AM and continuing a strong showing in its second book on KFVE.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wind energy plans progressing, school year extended, Hawaii teachers well-paid, Big Island looks to expand landfill, Inouye honored, dolphins born, die, more

A new emergency room for dolphins at the University of Hawaii at Hilo lost its first patient yesterday afternoon with the death of a critically injured striped dolphin found floundering on the rocks near the fishing village of Milolii.

A new Hawaii law requires at least 180 school days a year as the state tries to shed its reputation for having the least amount of instructional time in the nation

The AFT survey calculated Hawaii's average teacher salary was $51,916 in the 2006 school year; the national average was $51,009.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's chief opponents in the governor's race say he should answer questions and explain his recent trip to Pittsburgh to raise campaign funds.

Same-sex couples who are allowed to enter into civil unions would spend as much as $9.5 million on celebrations over the first four years of the new law, according to a new study.

Honolulu's mass transit project must overcome serious obstacles before groundbreaking.

A consultant is expected to be selected by the end of the month to compare the feasibility of expanding the Hilo landfill to trucking East Hawaii's garbage to West Hawaii.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann explained the city's furlough plan yesterday, noting that public safety and core city services such as TheBus and refuse pickup would be unaffected.

New 3-D movie technology coming to Oahu theatre

Hawaii's Sen. Daniel Inouye became the nation's second-longest serving U.S. senator last week.

On Thursday, the public will have another chance to decide on future development for the Kakaako waterfront.

Despite the combined efforts of three Neighbor Island leagues, the powers-that-be remain on Oahu, and it appears so will the marquee high school state tournaments. The Hawaii High School Athletic Association's Executive Council voted Monday to reverse a recommendation to include Maui and the Big Island in a rotation to host the Division I and II soccer championships.

The Department of Water Supply reduced production at the Olinda Water Treatment Facility on Monday because the reservoirs that feed the plant were nearly empty.


Sea Life Park Hawaii, one of Oahu’s favorite family attractions, has had a delivery from the stork in the shape of a baby dolphin and wants to get you to join the celebration!

NexGen Energy Partners LLC is seeking the Leeward Planning Commission's approval on a request to install a windmill at the Waikoloa sewage treatment plant.

Wind energy company First Wind has announced it will not pursue a proposed wind project on Molokai’s Hawaiian homestead land. The company is now negotiating with Molokai Properties Ltd., also known as Molokai Ranch, to build a similar wind farm on Ranch land.

About an acre of former sugar cane land near Palani Place in Hanama‘ulu was scorched during a brush fire Tuesday afternoon, a county news release states.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Improvements coming to Diamond Head, Honolulu train gets nod from feds, ignition interlock becomes law, rats panic parks, more Hawaii news

The state has started its much anticipated improvements to Diamond Head State Monument, including a new park-like pathway to the entrance to the Diamond Head trail and a new second trail down from the crater's summit.

A civil rights group is exploring the possibility of an economic boycott against Hawaii Business Roundtable members who supported a letter from the organization's executive committee urging a governor's veto of House Bill 444, the civil unions measure.

A final environmental study of Honolulu's planned 20-mile, elevated commuter rail line picked up a key federal endorsement and now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle for her review.

Full speed ahead, maybe.

The Federal Transit Administration has given the City's rail transit project the green light to proceed.

The Hawaii Republican Party is accusing national Democrats of a "flip-flop" because they're now supporting Colleen Hanabusa.

Drunken drivers will have to get ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles starting in January as the state tries to prevent repeat offenders from threatening the safety of other motorists.

Locked out? By prohibiting any consumption of beverage alcohol, ignition interlocks punish responsible guests and threaten your business.(AT ISSUE): An article from: Cheers

The state’s goal of laying an interisland undersea cable to carry energy from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu took a big step forward last week with the announcement that a California contractor will soon begin an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.

Helicopters Dropping Poison: Coming Soon To A Forest Near You?

Downtown Honolulu is just 30 miles away, but in remote Kahanahaiki, it feels like 3,000 miles.

Staff Sgt. David Flowers stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan on May 11, 2009.

Firefighters made "good progress" this weekend against a brush fire burning for a week above Maalaea, but it still remains 90 percent contained and not yet extinguished.

The Kaua‘i County Council recently passed a bill to allow wastewater fees to gradually increase over the next few years.

A federal Bankruptcy Court judge approved yesterday the potential sale of Hawaii Biotech Inc. and set a July 19 auction date for the financially troubled company that is conducting clinical trials to produce vaccines for dengue fever and the West Nile virus.