Gov. Abercrombie too dizzy to greet Obama, blocks of Waikiki set for demolition, Hawaii pension plan overtaxed by OT, Hawaii County councilman leaves hospital, Paul Mitchell heir donates Kona waterfront, case dismissed against Kauai council, state to fence thousands of acres on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale NOAA courtesy photo

Humpback whale aficionados have an opportunity to help scientists keep tabs on a growing population in the nation's primary mating and calving grounds. West Hawaii Today.

President Barack Obama and his family spent a warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon at one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu, where they released four green sea turtles into the water. Associated Press.

Some Americans are bothered by President Barack Obama's decision to take a million-dollar vacation to Hawaii during these tough economic times. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie suffered from dizziness on Friday, preventing him from greeting President Barack Obama when he arrived in Honolulu. KITV4.

Abercrombie's First Year, According To Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

Some 100 Hawaii clergy and other potential officiants have learned how to obtain online licenses to perform civil unions beginning just after midnight Sunday, offering a hint of the potential scope of civil unions in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Shortly after the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, Gary Bradley and Paul Perry will be among the first couples in the state to enter into civil unions as soon as a Hawaii law goes into effect. Tribune-Herald.

Trustees of Hawaii's public pension system are finalizing proposed legislation aimed at preventing employees from "spiking" their pay to dramatically boost retirement benefits. Civil Beat.

Hawai`i’s Filipino Cultural Center is the largest of its kind outside of the Philippines. Filcom is organizing statewide donations through three banks in Hawai`i to help provide disaster relief to typhoon survivors. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Professional and Vocational Licensing Branch will hold extended hours on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 to accommodate those needing to renew their licenses before the end of the year. KHON2.

State roundup for Dec. 28. Associated Press.

Oahu

The International Market Place, Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel will be demolished and redeveloped into a new three-level retail, dining and entertainment center beginning in 2013 — a long-awaited project expected to cost up to $300 million and revitalize an aging but iconic six-acre block in Hawaii’s main tourist hub. Pacific Business News.

A highly restrictive fireworks law has put a damper on the first New Year's Eve -- traditionally Hawaii's biggest annual fireworks celebration -- under the new city ordinance, say fireworks shoppers. Star-Advertiser.

The closure of two Oahu hospitals is having a ripple effect on the medical community. KITV4.

City Not Rushing To Implement "Sidewalk Law". KITV4.

Hawaii

A "rare treasure" of Hawaii island property containing spring-fed pools connected to Kiholo Bay in North Kona has been donated to The Nature Conservancy by the son of hairstyling company founder Paul Mitchell. Star-Advertiser.

The heir to a hairstyling and hair-care products dynasty has donated seven acres of land on the North Kona Coast to The Nature Conservancy. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii resident best known for manufacturing hair care products has donated seven acres of land on the North Kona Coast to the Nature Conservancy. KHON2.

Hawaii County Council meetings will not be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center until contractors make long-overdue fixes, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago headed home Tuesday, after spending two days hospitalized on Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

The state is considering appealing a Big Island judge’s recent decision to allow a project in South Kohala to move forward. Civil Beat.

Maui
Maui residents are not holding back on spending money on fireworks for New Year's Eve. Maui News.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has awarded more than two dozen homesteads to Native Hawaiian families. Maui News.

A 45-day public comment period has started on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement filed for the proposed Kihei High School in South Maui. Maui Now.

The state is proposing the construction of an enclosure fence around approximately 2,350 acres of native remnant koa forest on the Leeward side of Haleakala. Maui Now.

Kauai

A civil complaint against the Kaua‘i County Council brought by two of its council members was dismissed in 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday. Garden Island.

The last of the “five side-men” is leaving the Kaua‘i Police Commission. Garden Island.