Will they raise the GET or won't they? Gubernatorial candidates unclear, Mighty Mo closes for movie, more news

Film crews from the Universal Pictures movie "Battleship" have taken over the state's resident dreadnought, the Mighty Mo, forcing the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association to close the popular tourist attraction to the public for several days. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor differed Tuesday on raising taxes, with Neil Abercrombie opposing a hike in the general excise tax "without equivocation" and Mufi Hannemann saying such an increase wouldn't be considered "initially." Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the two leading Democratic candidates for governor, said yesterday that they would not raise the general excise tax to help stabilize the state's budget. Star-Advertiser.

The two leading Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor were asked at a candidates' forum on Tuesday whether they would raise the state's general excise tax. KITV.

The leading Democratic candidates for Governor traded barbs over business issues at a debate today. KHON2.

I like candidate “debates”, even though the definition of that term has been totally bastardized since the days when I participated in the National Forensic Society version when I was in high school and college. Hawaii Reporter.

Concerns are growing over this month's voter turnout as state elections officials continue to spread the word that there will be 97 fewer polling places across the islands for this year's elections. Star-Advertiser.

Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald will be sworn in as the state’s fifth justice at 4 p.m.  Sept. 14 at the Hawaii Supreme Court courtroom. Star-Advertiser.

The battle between Democrat Colleen Hanabusa and Republican Charles Djou will heat up after September's primary, just weeks away. Civil Beat.

Entrepreneur Pierre Omidyar is due to give the keynote address at this year's Hawaii Business Magazine's "Top 250" luncheon. Associated Press.

The stacks of paper are tall and the list is long of all contractors and sub contractors for rail. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to open a transitional home for mentally ill patients have people in an Ewa neighborhood worried about crime and plummeting property values. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday announced her choices to fill two vacant seats in the state Senate. KITV.

Gov. Linda Lingle has filled a pair of state Senate seats that were left vacant when their incumbents resigned to run for higher office. Associated Press.

Hawaii's volatile economy isn't scaring away investors. Dozens of people have lined up to purchase a unit in Kakaako's newest high rise and they are willing to wait days. KHON2.

Labor day weekend marked the official end of the summer tourism season, and the visitor industry is celebrating some big numbers that haven’t been seen in two years. KITV.

A shortage of tsunami sirens is leaving some Hawaii Island beachgoers and coastal residents vulnerable, says Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, who wants new developments to include the warning devices. Tribune-Herald.

About 500 volunteers are needed to help the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office with an exercise testing its emergency preparedness mass medication dispensing plan also known as the Strategic National Stockpile, a DOH news release announced Tuesday. Garden Island.

The retiring principal of Lahainaluna High School has left his home, a place that he loves and a place that loves him. Maui News.

Christ Church Episcopal and Family Support Services of West Hawaii's Up Country Faire fundraiser couldn't have had a more fitting name. West Hawaii Today.