GOP Lingle almost triples fund-raising of closest rival Hirono, UH prof caught in x-rated escort sting, Education leaders detail plans, HGEA grumbles about contract, emergency contraception bill advances, appeals court upholds Mauna Kea plan, Maui's Papapawahawa Bridge opens Friday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle's campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat.

Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat

State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off "high-risk" status. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state's school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state's progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii's Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News.

The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter.

It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter.
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123

Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore residents demand solution to 'Turtle Beach' traffic. Hawaii News Now.

The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald.

After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County's Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald.

An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui's Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News.

Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News.

The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now.

A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News.

Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4.

Kauai

How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.