Hawaii civil unions bill advances, Legislature has the way but not the will to make hearings public, Maui Electric seeking energy, lawmakers target casinos, loud music, toy guns, media enticing tourists, Honolulu seeks Limbaugh apology, more

Hawaii civil unions protest (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state House Judiciary Committee voted last night to approve a civil-unions bill with amendments to ensure that the relationships are recognized in the tax code and are under the jurisdiction of family court. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to legalize gambling in Hawaii is still alive in the legislature.KITV4.

A controversial bill dealing with liability in injuries and deaths of tourists while trespassing private property advanced Tuesday after passing the Tourism Committee in the state House of Representatives. Garden Island.

Some state lawmakers are looking to shoot down toy gun sales.  New bills introduced would make it a crime to sell a toy gun to any child under 18. Hawaii News Now.

Legislators will consider a bill today banning the sale of loud speakers and amplified subwoofers in cars. Star-Advertiser.

A new bill to silence noisy car stereos is creating a commotion in some small businesses.Hawaii News Now.

Public Access at the Legislature: Equal for All? Civil Beat.

Conservation Permitting Costs to Increase 500%. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced his appointment of former Kaua‘i state Sen. Gary Hooser as the director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. Garden Island.

Members of the Honolulu City Council are urging radio show host Rush Limbaugh to apologize for mocking China's president. Associated Press.

Sunday ban bill deferred. KHON2.

The Hawaiian hoary bat could become the official land mammal for the state of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi is recommending the Board of Education close three small elementary schools in May, a move that would save as much as $2 million a year but draw a wave of opposition from parents, teachers and community members. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales are increasing while prices are slightly down compared to a year ago. Associated Press.

The Chinatown Business and Community Association says the expanding sidewalk beds and tents in ITS neighborhood have created unease on its streets. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island police have completed their investigation into a November 19 two-vehicle crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona that seriously injured three motorists, including University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan and his girlfriend Shatki Stream. KHON2.

A North Kohala dairy is hoping to extend how long it can use state land by replacing its 25-year leases, two of which end in 2019 and 2020, with a new, 30-year lease. West Hawaii Today.

Maui Electric Co. is seeking approval from the Public Utilities Commission to issue a request for proposals to generate 50 megawatts of renewable energy. Pacific Business News.

Walter Steiger was a renaissance man, a genial polymath who is credited as a founder of modern astronomy in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Kuau Mart hasn't been just a mom-and-pop business for Leona Bak Nomura and her husband, Fred, who face closing their store at the end of this month. Maui News.