Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hawaii celebrates civil unions victory, governor's inauguration cost $671,935, Honolulu airport in disrepair, Maui easing water policy, Kauai mayor off to Phillipines, short visit for Ivanka Trump, more

Gov. Neil Abercrombie inauguration photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
Gov. Neil Abercrombie made good on a promise to make public a list of donors to his inaugural gala held back in December, even though its release is not required by law. KITV4.

Organizers of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s inaugural ball raised $671,935 in private donations for the ball and other transition events, with the largest gifts coming from banks, law firms, unions, real estate developers and architectural/engineering firms, according to data released today by Abercrombie’s office. Hawaii Reporter.

Family Court Judge Sabrina McKenna promised to do her best after state senators unanimously approved her appointment yesterday to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

A group of Native Hawaiians are planning a pre-dawn demonstration at Oahu's oldest church.Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 60 percent of Hawaii taxpayers could lose the deduction for state income taxes under Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposal to streamline the tax code and help balance the budget. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to expand tax credits for film and television production moved forward at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Gay partners seeking to pledge their love on Hawaii's sandy beaches soon will have their relationships recognized by law in the Rainbow State. Associated Press.

Since civil unions were brought back to the forefront at the Legislature in 2008, hearings and floor votes have been marked by spirited sign-waving, prayer rallies and mass canvassing from both sides. Star-Advertiser.

Until yesterday, Tim Earhart had never been to the Legislature to witness a hearing, floor vote or any other action related to civil unions.Star-Advertiser.

On the Senate floor the roll call vote tallied 18 ayes and 5 no's. That led to a celebration in the gallery. Hawaii News Now.

The Senate voted 18 - 5 on Wednesday to allow civil unions for same-sex couples. Here's how the senators voted. KHON2.

The Bridal Boutique on Cooke street opened its doors Wednesday night to a crowd of couples planning for their big day. KHON2.

What a difference a year — and an election — makes. Civil Beat.

Last year more than 18.4 million people flew through Honolulu International Airport and some saw the good, the bad and the ugly. Hawaii News Now.

Several public meetings are scheduled for next week on Oahu to explain an increase in retirement compensation for federal workers in Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. territories. Associated Press.

Eleven percent of the Big Island's 43,338 families are on a waiting list for federal Section 8 affordable housing. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee Tuesday took its first steps toward tackling next year's budget by establishing an ad hoc committee to amend the annual budget expected from the mayor next month. West Hawaii Today.

County officials are ready to send the Laaloa Street extension out for bid, if only they had the money to build the road, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Ten applicants for each job opening at Safeway. Tribune-Herald.

Six weeks after moving into her office, Teena Rasmussen, the county's new economic development coordinator, said she is focusing on local events, enterprise zones and a made-on-Maui marketing campaign as top initiatives for her office. Maui News.

The Maui County Council's Water Resources Committee recommended approval Tuesday of some easing of the water availability policy (the "Show Me the Water" ordinance). Maui News.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. departed Wednesday on a cultural and economic visit to the Philippine Islands, a county news release states. Garden Island.

On a rare trip to the Islands, Ivanka Trump was on Oahu for less than 24 hours to reassert the Trump Hotel Collection’s commitment to Hawaii. Pacific Business News

In his State of the State address, Governor Neil Abercrombie proposed an increase in the alcohol tax and a fee on soda and other “similar drinks.” Hawaii Independent.

Big Island business owners say a proposed tax on alcohol that would help reduce Hawaii's budget shortfall is unfair. Tribune-Herald.

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