Hawaii lawmakers report iPad, other pricy gifts, civil union applications to go online, Hawaii, Maui counties mull lawsuit over reapportionment, Honolulu police face court over OT scam, lawmaker fights Oahu sewage trucking plan, more Hawaii news

Honolulu civil union protest (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Civil unions in Hawaii begin Jan. 1, but in the meantime the state is creating an Internet-based system that will get those certificates to couples more quickly. Associated Press.

The Hawaii lawmaker who accepted an Apple iPad from a Hollywood film studio executive says she viewed the gift as a "good gesture" and a sign that the studio cares about Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Two neighbor island advisory councils are considering a lawsuit to ensure Hawaii County -- the fastest-growing county in the state -- doesn't lose its shot at a fourth state Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

The state on Monday defended its decision to unilaterally impose a contract offer with wage reductions for teachers, saying that “collective bargaining remains important” but that the labor savings were needed to avoid lost instructional days or layoffs. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association's legal complaint against the state is really simple, says President Wil Okabe: "We want to bargain in good faith." Civil Beat.

In the State of Hawaii’s quest to get 70 percent of its power from clean energy by 2030, lawmakers are looking at all options, including nuclear power.Hawaii Independent.

Hawaiian Electric Industries’ Chairwoman Connie Lau has been nominated by President Barack Obama to become a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu cannot begin trucking of raw sewage into Kailua, or other communities, until an environmental assessment is completed to examine secondary impacts, a state lawmaker contends. Star-Advertiser.

Four Honolulu Police officers charged with falsifying records to accumulate overtime are scheduled to be arraigned in court today. KITV4.

A complaint accusing City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro of ethical misconduct has been filed with the state Bar Association’s disciplinary board but Kaneshiro said the accusation is baseless and comes from a former deputy prosecutor “with an a axe to grind.” Hawaii Reporter.

Thirty teachers from Hawaii, Guam and Saipan are to meet with World War II veterans and civilian survivors during a five-day Pearl Harbor workshop. Associated Press.

Star light, star bright, this orange laser will help Subaru telescope see better at night. West Hawaii Today.

The issue of streamlining, and legalizing, the short-term rental process has been a hot-button issue for a long time. Maui News.

Kauai's electric power company says it is reviewing a petition calling for a member meeting to discuss hydropower development. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Monday received a petition calling for a member meeting on the Board of Directors’ May 29 decisions relating to the member vote certified Friday. Garden Island.

County boards and commissions, control over the Department of Water Supply and the creation of a county auditor are some of the early topics being floated before the county Charter Commission. Maui News.

The drop in visitors after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan is not deterring Hawaiian Airlines. KHON2.

58 people died in O’ahu traffic accidents last year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A 43-year-old Puna man is missing after a brief but heavy downpour swelled the Kawainui Stream in Pepeekeo on Sunday night. Tribune-Herald.

When tsunamis threatened the state in 2010 and again this year, the first priority for some county employees wasn't saving themselves, but rescuing the moldering piles of paper stuffed in boxes in the basement of the county building. West Hawaii Today.