Oahu awash in garbage, MLK honored, whale watchers wanted, state bar rethinks rules, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric power slated, more Hawaii news

The humpback whale sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help it count whales on Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii islands. Associated Press.

Federal scientists say more humpback whales means more collisions between Hawai‘i boaters and the giant endangered species. Associated Press.

Medical waste and other trash continued to soil Leeward Coast beaches yesterday, washing ashore in spots farther down the shore from where the debris was initially found. Star-Advertiser.

Twelve members of the mayor’s Landfill Site Selection Committee will meet this Thursday at Honolulu Hale to begin the process of recommending an alternative site to Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, which is scheduled to stop accepting solid municipal waste by July 31, 2012. KHON2.

It's monthly bulky item pickup time but don't expect some of these items to go anywhere anytime soon -- the temporary landfill closure has led to refuse rejects.KHON2.

Leeward beaches near the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, including the lagoons at Ko Olina, remain closed Monday. Test results from ocean water samples taken Thursday show "very high" bacteria levels. Hawaii News Now.

The temporary closure of the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in Nanakuli has resulted in a bulky trash pile up in some Oahu neighborhoods. KITV4.

The heavy rain is gone but all that water left behind is producing another problem more mosquitoes.  And now there are fewer state workers to help control the pests. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the controversy over its negative rating of chief justice nominee Katherine Leonard, the Hawaii State Bar Association has amended its rules to allow for the disclosure of the reasons for its "qualified" or "unqualified" findings for judicial nominees. Star-Advertiser.

Since trying "natural farming" last year under the guidance of a folksy South Korean master farmer known as Han Kyu Cho, Delos Reyes said production on his 10-acre plot has doubled — and demand is growing even faster. Star-Advertiser.

Plans by the Castle and Cooke development company to build a 400 MW industrial wind power plant on Lanai has resulted in heated contention with the island’s residents. Hawaii Independent.

Citing the risk of $200 per barrel oil by 2013, a new report to the Hawaii Legislature by the Geothermal Working Group warns of the urgency of reducing Hawaii’s dependency on imported oil and the potential of geothermal energy to play an expanded role in the state’s energy repertoire. Pacific Business News

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is proposing the state's first significant expansion of hydroelectric power generation in decades with a series of planned projects that could provide nearly 20 percent of the island's power needs. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii is still by far the most diverse state in the country, but recent trends show the islands inching toward the U.S. mainland in race, citizenship and language. Civil Beat.

Marching in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Waikiki yesterday with her family, Latashia Ingram said she wanted her 8-year-old son to appreciate King's struggle and sacrifice for equality and justice. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of people honored the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday on the streets of Waikiki. KITV4.

A pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. challenged Americans to come together for the better of the country, a message that rang true Sunday for West Hawaii residents and visitors. West Hawaii Today.

The owner of a cattle-ranching company caused a public outcry more than a year ago after revealing plans to fence off a popular access to Lepe‘uli, also known as Larsen’s Beach, a pristine strip of sand on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Foreign Pest Saves The Wiliwili Tree. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui said his new leadership role should not prohibit him from advocating for his constituency on Maui. Maui News.

Members of Hawaii Island's all-Democratic legislative delegation will report to work Wednesday hoping to find money to expand schools and parks, help farmers and ensure food safety. Tribune-Herald.

News that a lawsuit alleging the state failed to support beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Act is revived came too late for one of the plaintiffs. Tribune-Herald.

A council that advices the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on coral reefs in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is due to meet this week. Associated Press.

Sirius XM may start providing its subscription radio service in Hawaii following a milestone Federal Communications Commission approval last month. Hawaii Reporter.