Friday, February 18, 2011

People pooping on Waikiki beaches, Obama birth certificate not for sale, prostitutes visit Legislature, Honolulu police paid OT for Cub Scouts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

East-West Center photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
The East-West Center is watching closely as Congress debates the organization's budget for the remainder of the federal fiscal year. The Republican-controlled House passed an amendment yesterday that would eliminate $10.7 million in funding for the 50-year-old Honolulu-based institution, which promotes understanding between the United States and Asia-Pacific nations. Associated Press.

People who come to Waikiki don’t dream of strolling in an outdoor latrine and encountering human feces. KITV4.

A proposal to sell copies of President Barack Obama's birth records to anyone for $100 is going nowhere in the Hawaii Legislature. Associated Press.

Against a backdrop of anti sex-trafficking signs, young girls and older women begged legislators for a law to punish pimps and others who profit from prostitution. Hawaii News Now.

Law enforcement and victims advocates still can't agree on whether Hawaii needs an anti-human trafficking law. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers heard testimony today from sex trafficking victims who said Hawaii needs to do more to protect people from slavery. Hawaii Independent.

The Senate is deferring action on a bill that would end Medicare Part B reimbursements for retired state workers, but a similar House measure is advancing. Associated Press.

Hundreds of youth, parents and other supporters are expected to rally and demonstrate at the State Capitol this morning to show their support for the Paxen Huli Ke Alo About Face! Family of Programs. KHON2.

Forecasters say this weekend could be wet, humid and voggy and cooling tradewinds may not return until next week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie plans to sign a bill creating same-sex civil unions into law next week. Associated Press.

It was billed as an opportunity for Aiea and Pearlridge area residents to directly address the governor, the lieutenant governor, and several other elected officials. but it was the governor who did most of the talking. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he is speaking for the silent majority when he calls for an unpopular tax on pension income, ending Medicare Part B reimbursements for public-worker retirees and spending cuts to welfare and Medicaid to help balance the state budget. Star-Advertiser.

The Governor and Lt. Governor came to talk-story with residents out in Pearl City & Aiea, BUT the discussion quickly narrowed in on one issue. KHON2.

An ethics complaint has been filed after some Honolulu police officers were paid overtime and the schedules for others shifted so a Cub Scout pack could get a tour of the police academy on a weekend day when it's normally closed. KITV4.

The Hawaii County Council advanced a plastic bag ban Wednesday, but not before ripping out the enforcement and penalty provisions. West Hawaii Today.

With no fanfare and in the pre-dawn quiet, Pasha Hawaii's first interisland cargo delivery was expected in Hilo Harbor today. Tribune-Herald.

Pasha Hawaii is upping the ante in the competition for moving vehicles and heavy cargo to and around the Hawaiian Islands. Maui News.

Police were called out Thursday when about 50 protesters gathered on the steps of Kawaiaha'o Church Thursday morning to demonstrate against any resumption of construction on the grounds. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Liquor Commission appointed attorney Greg Nishioka as interim administrator of the agency for one year, filling a position that has been vacant since former Administrator Dewey Kim quit last May. Star-Advertiser.

Medical marijuana user Aukai Edens watched quietly from his wheelchair, as a group of children shouted “We want to be drug-free!” at passing cars on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s credit ratings may take a hit given changes being made by a major ratings agency in the way it looks at public worker pension obligations. Hawaii Reporter.

Bank of Hawaii is the target of a new lawsuit filed by customers who claim the bank improperly charged overdraft fees on debit card transactions. Pacific Business News

The city Neighborhood Commission rejected a proposal yesterday to postpone board elections for two years and save $210,000 to help balance the city's budget. Star-Advertiser

The Big Island's construction industry has not recovered from the recent recession. Tribune-Herald.

Infestation of varroa mites, small hive beetles and nosema spores have created major losses and problems for Big Island beekeepers. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday passed a resolution asking Mayor Billy Kenoi to update the gas allowance for police officers, putting an end to the "open-mileage" policy for officers with the rank of captain and above. West Hawaii Today.

A South Maui gay couple applauded the state Senate's passage of the civil unions bill Wednesday, predicting it would lead to equal treatment for same-sex couples and an economic benefit for the state. Maui News.

Eight out of 10 Hawaii hotel rooms were full during the week ending Feb. 12, and most islands’ average room rates were higher than during the same week last year, according to a weekly report put together by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News

No comments:

Post a Comment