State drug czar questions big jump in medical marijuana use, ahi tuna running short, deer invade Molokai farms, Sarah Palin steps into Hawaii races, "light" governor candidates seek heavier role, Honolulu Hale exodus nears, more Hawaii news

The number of medical marijuana patients in Hawaii has skyrocketed more than 3,000 percent over the past 10 years, leaving the state's top narcotics enforcement officer questioning just how many of those patients actually need the drug. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's bigeye tuna fishery is on course to hit its annual catch limit for waters west of the islands on Nov. 19, meaning the supply of locally caught ahi will likely drop sharply more than a month before demand peaks during the year-end holidays. Associated Press.

Nearly 5,000 volunteers will provide endless words of encouragement and support to the 1,800 triathletes competing Saturday in the Ford Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Army seeks to reactivate Selective Service local board. Garden Island.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie and running mate Brian Schatz on Thursday announced a plan to bring more federal money to Hawaii. KITV.

The major candidates for lieutenant governor both envision more prominent roles for the state's No. 2 job, which has become largely ceremonial. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Re- pub- lican Party officials showed up at a democratic candidate's headquarters to offer a helping hand. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee is backing Republicans James "Duke" Aiona for governor and Lynn Finnegan for lieutenant governor. Associated Press.

Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Democrat former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie faced off Wednesday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's McCoy Theater to discuss their views on education, the environment and economic development. Maui News.


KITV 4 News has learned several key members of the former mayor's cabinet are leaving Honolulu Hale, as Honolulu Mayor-elect Peter Carlisle works to fill vacancies in his cabinet before taking office Monday. KITV.

Candidate Claims Campaign Signs Stolen by Opponent. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Teachers association is reminding its members how the union feels about a ballot question in November’s general election. KHON2.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is putting her political star power behind two little-known Hawaii candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Furloughs mean we'll have to wait an extra three days to see the final campaign spending reports from the primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka is urging widows and widowers of deceased veterans to be sure they received compensation for the month of their spouse's death. Associated Press.

HMSA told its members Thursday that they could pay more for care at several Hawaii hospitals if a new contract agreement is not reached before the current expires next year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's biggest insurance company is making it tougher for people to get full anesthesia for colonoscopy, a cancer screening everyone over 50 should receive. Some doctors say it's a debate over cost versus patient comfort. KITV.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a rezoning allowing a group of investors to build a medical office complex and doctor's dormitory on 3.7 acres of residential land adjacent to Kona Community Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

City officials released yesterday a new vision for Koolauloa that includes plans to rezone agricultural land north of Brigham Young University-Hawaii to allow shops, churches and hundreds of homes under a proposal that has divided the tightly knit Laie community. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa teacher named 2011 Hawaii Teacher of the Year. KHON2.

Hawaii County will attempt to lease a 21.3-acre Pohoiki parcel envisioned as the future site of a swimming area and cultural center. Tribune-Herald.

A softened version of the Puna Community Development Plan was approved Wednesday by a 7-2 vote of the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

On top of a dry summer, the Molokai agriculture community is facing a deer problem – lack of water and food in their usual habitat has driven deer into the fields for nourishment at the farmer’s expense. Molokai Dispatch.

Maui County has changed the definition of "agricultural consumer" for Department of Water Supply customers to add aquaculture and for the first time to set a minimum gross annual income to qualify. Maui News.

A motion to reject the Kula Ridge fast-track housing application failed Thursday at a Maui County Council Public Services Committee meeting. Maui News.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved on Sept. 28 what could become the largest solar-energy facility in the state. Garden Island.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) officials and Goodfellow Bros. Inc. joined the West Maui community in celebrating the groundbreaking of the second phase of the Honoapiilani Highway Realignment Project — also known as the “Lahaina Bypass” — on Friday. Lahaina News.