Race to the Top focus of federal visit today, teacher pay analyzed, Honolulu Police Department loses records, rail transit foes respond, invasive ogo seaweed overtakes Waikiki, Molokai couple get $3.9M in condo dispute, new manager for Volcano House, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new report by an education policy think-tank echoes the U.S. Department of Education’s concern about progress by Hawaii schools on promised Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

A four-person review team from the U.S. Department of Education is in Hawaii to meet with state education officials about progress island schools are making under the Race to the Top program. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Education spends a wide range on salaries per pupil, depending on which school they attend, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The last two years at Hawaii's Department of Education were marked by leadership turnover and pay cuts, even as the overall budget and student enrollment grew. Civil Beat.

Bill would require paid leave for domestic violence victims. Star-Advertiser.

March 27 — At the Ledge. Civil Beat.

The state terminated three Medicaid physicians who were prescribing relatively high amounts of potent psychiatric and pain drugs, while two other providers are under investigation by federal agencies, according to information provided to a U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser.

The Missile Defense Agency's big Sea-Based X-Band Radar tracking ship sailed out of Pearl Harbor on Friday — about three weeks ahead of North Korea's planned space launch. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Tens of thousands of Honolulu Police Department reports are missing from HPD's computerized records system and the department has launched an investigation to figure out the scope of the problem. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is one of the 10 markets identified as a “hot spot” when it comes for foreign investment in residential real estate. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki Beach is under siege by a silent enemy. Invasive algae is taking over in the waters causing negative impacts to the environment. Hawaii News Now.

It's a battle for survival on the beach in Waikiki. The delicate ecosystem there is being destroyed by invasive algae. Which is why Monday's cleanup was more than just a good deed. It's a critical effort to save a dying species. KITV4.

Despite Sewer Work, Storms Still Cause Spills. Civil Beat.

Grading and other groundwork for a future subdivision in Nuuanu has generated three notices of violation this month that some neighbors say have come far too late. Star-Advertiser.

Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit aiming to stop construction of the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail system have a new secret weapon in the fight against the project - energetic and enthusiastic law students. Hawaii Reporter.

Ben Cayetano responds to the Star-Advertiser’s criticism of his release of rail-related emails. Hawaii Independent.

First Wounded Warrior Conference Held in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A professor at UH Manoa was part of movie director James Cameron's deep sea submarine dive.  KHON2.

Hawaii

After many false starts, the National Park Service has awarded a contract to operate the historic Volcano House hotel, with a full renovation by early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Two Hawaii Island robotics teams will be part of the state’s delegation to an international robotics competition next month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

14 recruits earn Maui Police Department badges. Maui News.

MauiGrown Coffee is reporting a record harvest this year of their Arabica coffee varieties grown at their 500-acre Kaanapali Estate, which includes portions of Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms. Maui Now.

HC&S Responds to ‘Cane Burning Dangerous?’ Article. Maui Now.

Kauai
Throughout the past week, festivities honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi have centered around Po‘ipu and Koloa, coordinated by Stella Burgess of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday is expected to consider a bill first introduced in January that would significantly increase real property tax exemptions for resident homeowners. Garden Island.

Molokai

A jury awarded Molokai residents Jim and Nancy Bevill last week $3.87 million in general and punitive damages against a condominium association, according to an attorney representing the Bevills. KITV4.