Hawaii Senate committee kills death with dignity bill, high-tech tax credit costs $500 million, humpback has broken back from boat collision, smoking bill moving in Capitol, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

After citing numerous examples of loved ones who outlived a doctor's terminal diagnosis or of their own victory over suicidal depression, opponents of a proposal to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Hawaii applauded as a Senate committee defeated the measure last night. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Unions Bill Hearing Today. KITV4.

There's a bill moving through the State Legislature that aims to change part of that law, by allowing smokers to light up at bars and nightclubs in Hawaii. KHON2.

The latest report on Hawaii’s controversial Act 221 high-technology tax credits concludes the laws was successful in helping prompt investment here, but that it came at a cost of more than a one-half billion dollar loss in tax revenues. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Senate has confirmed the first two of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet appointees. Associated Press.

The House Education Committee has approved a bill that would exempt Hawaii's four most crowded schools from a new state law extending the academic year to 180 days in all public schools. Associated Press.

There's a leadership crisis at the Charter Schools Administrative Office. Civil Beat.

Either in your face bullying or the newer cyberbullying the penalty for picking on others may be getting more severe. Hawaii News Now.

The state's budget, long-term state planning, job creation and the promotion of renewable resources are atop the list of legislative measures forwarded by West Hawaii's state representatives. West Hawaii Today.

Ricebird Roz flies high for Maui. Lahaina News.

Hawaii lawmakers will hear a bill this week that would make selling aquatic life and fish found in local waters illegal. KITV4.

A boat is suspected of injuring a humpback whale spotted Monday morning in shallow waters off the Port Allen Airport.Garden Island.

The head of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply wants to accelerate the pace of pipe replacement and other system improvements — fixes that could sharply increase consumers' water bills. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental groups say the federal government has settled a lawsuit over regulations protecting Pacific loggerhead sea turtles from the Hawaii-based longline swordfish fishery. Associated Press.

A Pearl Harbor-based guided missile destroyer is due to return from a seven-month deployment to the Middle East and western Pacific. Associated Press.

No injuries are reported after an Army Black Hawk helicopter made an emergency landing on a grass field at Koko Head Elementary School. Associated Press.

A local astronomy pioneer was killed Sunday afternoon when he failed to stop at a busy Hilo intersection, slamming his mo-ped into a sport utility vehicle, police said. Tribune-Herald.

Wrongfully imprisoned: UH students reach back through an imperfect justice system. Hawaii Independent.

The new executive director of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens wants to cultivate public interest in what she calls "a cultural gem in the middle of Kahului." Maui News.

Native ecosystem preservation group gets help from Young Brothers. Garden Island.