Lingle to announce U.S. Senate bid, three lawmakers donate raises, new PUC commissioner, redistricting lawsuit filed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle

Former Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to announce as soon as today that she will run in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, sources say. Star- Advertiser.

Sources tell KHON2 that former Governor Linda Lingle will be making an announcement about her political future Tuesday. KHON2.

At least one Hawaii senator says he's been cutting a check back to the state each month, essentially negating the pay raise lawmakers received in 2009. And at least two other lawmakers say they've been donating their pay increases to nonprofits in their respective districts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii island Democratic Party groups have sued the state Reapportionment Commission, arguing that the inclusion of nonpermanent residents favors Oahu and denies the shifting of a state Senate seat to their island. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Human Services has sharply reduced the number of children taken into state custody each year since 2003 under a relatively new approach that DHS officials say is drawing national attention.Star-Advertiser.

New Commissioner Brings Deep Resume, Distinct Ideas to Energy Debate. Civil Beat.

Two new top advisers to Gov. Neil Abercrombie started work on Monday following the resignation of four aides in two days last week. Associated Press.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is in Asia right for the next two weeks. He left town right after four staffers announced their resignations. Hawaii News Now.

If somebody jumps ship, you really don't take notice. Even two people vaulting the gunwales isn't necessarily cause for alarm. But when there's a crowd jumping ship, something's amiss. West Hawaii Today.

Room rates for Hawaii hotels rose in August for the 14th consecutive month while occupancy statewide nudged upward by 1.8 percentage points, according to a monthly survey by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Pro rail group pays for Honolulu officials' trip to DC. KHON2.

Former state Legislator and City Council Member Rod Tam, who pled guilty to 26 counts in November 2010, will be sentenced a year later in November 2011. Hawaii Reporter.

On average, a water main breaks every day on the Island of O’ahu …causing disruptions in service … and more often than not … damage to roads. Hawaii Public Radio.

Security measures for the November economic summit could restrict access to the popular Diamond Head state park. KITV4.

The 5,000-home Koa Ridge development plan is headed back to the state Land Use Commission for the third time in a decade. Star-Advertiser.

The concept calls for converting a shipping container into an affordable home, and then putting it on agricultural land. Hawaii News Now.

This Tuesday, October 11 is National Coming Out Day, a nationally recognized civil awareness day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) issues. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Water Department is seeking to replace Manager and Chief Engineer Milton Pavao, who is retiring Dec. 30 after 39 1/2 years in the department, 17 of those as manager. West Hawaii Today.

After a roughly two-year absence, the sounds of bouncing balls, referees' whistles and children's laughter are once again coming from the A.J. Watt Gymnasium in Mountain View. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Ocean View Estates residents claim a memo from a county consultant working on the Ka'u Community Development Plan amounts to a land grab. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dogged effort: Group hopes to improve breed’s bad reputation. Maui News.

Hot, barren and dusty . . . that's how Maui High School faculty and alumni remember the school's Kahului campus when it first opened in 1972. Maui News.
Kauai

“Howl-lelujah,” the Rev. William Miller said, welcoming people to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Kauai

“Howl-lelujah,” the Rev. William Miller said, welcoming people to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.