Sea turtles in jeopardy, Case and Hirono debate Social Security, Cayetano slipping in poll, Maui judge appointed, disappointed, military drops Upolu airport for training, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle grazing (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Officials are reminding the public that green sea turtles remain protected in Hawaii, despite a petition by Native Hawaiian groups to remove them from the endangered species list. A decision is expected soon on the petition, which could launch a yearlong study of the proposal to change the status of the turtles or could simply be denied. Star-Advertiser

A government agency tasked with regulating commercial fishing in Hawaiian waters wants to let longliners ensnare twice as many endangered sea turtles. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case vowed Tuesday to preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations, but Case said he would consider raising the retirement age under Social Security for younger workers to help keep the program solvent, while Hirono ruled out that option. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are both vowing to protect Social Security and Medicare if elected to the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case faced off on Maui on Tuesday. The AARP Hawaii debate focused on issues concerning Hawaii's seniors. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Now video of the entire debate.

HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO HOSTS HIRONO/CASE LIVE BROADCAST DEBATE ON JUNE 13TH; Political Reporter Wayne Yoshioka Will Moderate Hour-Long Session from 7 to 8 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Democrats will not file a legal challenge to block Laura Thielen from running for state Senate as a Demo­crat, but might attempt to expel her from the party for not following internal rules. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday that his appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill to be a judge in the 2nd Circuit Court for Maui County was made two days late. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday made an appointment to fill a Maui Circuit Court judge vacancy — two days too late. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie waited too long to appoint Maui lawyer Peter Cahill to the Circuit Court bench. Hawaii Reporter.

The appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill as judge to the 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday has been derailed because Gov. Neil Abercrombie made the appointment two days late. Maui News.

Oahu

With election day approaching, Ben Cayetano's massive early lead in the 2012 Honolulu mayoral race is shrinking. Civil Beat.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity bills higher on Oahu in June, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Federal Agent Started Fight That Led to Shooting. Civil Beat.

Oahu's largest brush fire this year swept through Wai­anae and Lua­lua­lei valleys charring almost 1,200 acres, but leaving 100 acres near the Wai­anae Kai Forest Reserve mostly untouched — except for a nearly 3-decade-old, 30-foot Hawaiian grass hale. Star-Advertiser.

The extremely popular Kapiolani Community College Farmers' Market is expanding. KHON2.

Hawaii

North Kohala’s Upolu Airport is no longer being considered for use as a tactical training area, U.S. Marine Corps officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Underwater sonar use and detonations, and their potential harm to marine mammals top the list of concerns Hawaii and California residents have about a Navy training plan for the Pacific Ocean between the two states. West Hawaii Today.

Eight alala — the world’s most endangered crow — have hatched so far this year in a captive Hawaii bird breeding center, bringing the entire population to more than 100 birds. West Hawaii Today.

The dilapidated two-story building, jokingly referred to as the Pink Palace, is one of the few structures still left from the old Hilo hospital. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police said they are investigating damage to papaya trees in Puna. KITV4.

Maui
A man allegedly carrying a knife and threatening to kill the Maui mayor came as close as his reception area Tuesday morning, leaving only after being told the mayor was not in the office. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrested a 25-year-old Wailuku man for allegedly threatening the life of Mayor Alan Arakawa this morning.Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Farmers Market will resume business on Saturday, with management and vendors saying they are pleased with the county’s assistance in a quick resolution of a legal threat. Garden Island.

Since January, online surfers have been able to learn how to grow food in water, thanks to a program offered by the University of Hawai‘i. Garden Island.