Deal struck on Hawaiian monarchy lands, Hawaii credit card debt up, Honolulu surf rules rile some, Hawaiian to fly to New York City, council seeks to delay rail contract, APEC less expensive than feared, Maui ag land discounts rethought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ceded land rally (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state of Hawaii and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said Wednesday they have agreed in principle to a deal that would give OHA $200 million worth of prime Honolulu real estate to settle a decades-old claim on revenue generated by Hawaiian monarchy lands. Associated Press.

The state has reached an agreement subject to state legislative approval that would give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs about 25 acres of Kakaako parcels worth an estimated $200 million to settle long-standing ceded lands claims. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ocean-front property to settle $200 million in past due claims on lands formerly owned by the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

For the second time in three years, the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have reached a tentative agreement to settle some $200 million in claims to ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced today that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle Hawaiian Kingdom or ceded land claims dating back 33 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Abercrombie administration and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have agreed on a proposal that would satisfy OHA's claims against the state for its use of ceded lands dating back to 1978. Hawaii News Now.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give 10 parcels or 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to reconcile a longstanding disagreement over ceded lands. KITV4.

In 2008 then Governor Lingle and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs came to a settlement over ceded land claims dating back to 1978 but the legislature denied the plan. KHON2.

The Judicial Selection Commission has amended its rules and will now release the names of judicial candidates it sends to the governor for appointment, the panel announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Civil unions will soon become a reality in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Average consumer credit card debt in Hawaii rose 6 percent in October to $7,497, according to CreditKarma.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's largest carrier will be launching nonstop flights between Honolulu and New York City starting in June 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

Surfers, Bodyboarders and contest promoters didn't flock to a surf spot Wednesday but instead to a public hearing on Oahu's North Shore. KHON2.

The city came in at least $10 million under its $43 million budget for hosting last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, city officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's lone gripe about the week-long economic summit is that visiting U.S. Secret Service agents didn't smile enough. Civil Beat.

APEC is over, and Iolani Palace is hoping to make up for the money it lost from last week's forced closure. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of Honolulu City Council members are calling on city transit officials to delay final approval of a rail transit contract worth up to $1.4 billion, an agreement that would be the largest contract in city history. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Prosecutor announced today that an Oahu grand jury indicted U.S. State Department special agent Christopher W. Deedy for murder in the second degree and the use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony in the shooting death of a Kailua man on November 5 in Waikiki. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Mitch Roth, a veteran deputy prosecuting attorney, announced Wednesday he will challenge Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida for the Office of County Prosecutor. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Councilmen J Yoshimoto and Dennis Onishi have been thrown into the same County Council district, leading to what Onishi says could be "a very interesting race." West Hawaii Today.

County council members will no longer get a flat $600 a month for mileage. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School could find itself placed on probation before its first year of classes begins -- or worse, have its charter revoked -- if the school's interim board does not hold elections for a permanent board by Nov. 21, according to the state Charter School Review Panel.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

People who own homes on agricultural land could end up paying more in property taxes - maybe a lot more - if the county starts taxing their house lots like other residential properties. Maui News.

Officials at Kaahumanu Hou Christian School hope their prayers for more students and for donations will be answered to put the school back in the black. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty at a vehicle maintenance shop on Kaua‘i, defense officials said in a news release. Garden Island.