Hawaii Blackhawk in fatal Afghanistan crash, Hirono ducks Maui debate, Elections Office blasts Hawaii county clerk, Gabbard steps down from Honolulu city Council, Ellison mum on Lanai plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blackhawk over Mauna Kea (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A Schofield Barracks Black Hawk helicopter crashed Thursday in southern Afghanistan, and at least some of the seven Americans onboard who were killed were out of Hawaii, sources said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is observing Statehood Day. The third Friday in August marks when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation that made statehood official in 1959. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's economy is growing at a slower pace than previously estimated despite a stronger-than-expected performance by the visitor industry, according to a report released by the state Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Prices at the gas pump are rising again after 11 weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser.

Governor suggests federal mediator to resolve teacher dispute. KITV4.

Many Hawaii high school students say they aren't going to gym class or playing on a sports team, something that could be leading to higher rates of obesity and health problems, a new survey found. Civil Beat.

With the primary election wrapped up, candidates and super PACs have begun to gear up for the next chapter of campaigning. Hawaii's U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono are already laying into each other in a feisty back-and-forth that began even before the primary. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Aug. 16. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard's decision to resign from the Honolulu City Council on Thursday sent the Oahu political community into a frenzy, with at least 10 potential successors putting out their election feelers. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard might be saving taxpayers money with her resignation, but her vacancy on the Honolulu City Council raises many more questions about the future of the government body, the mayoral race and, of course, the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii law prohibits intimidation of voters and interfering with completion of their ballots. Those issues are at the core of allegations made by a Kalihi family against state House candidate Romy Cachola. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu company that develops algae for use in biofuels is receiving a clean technology award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii News Now.

A one-of-a-kind mountain bike owned by a tireless advocate for bicycle safety was stolen Wednesday outside of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of people, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie and several lawmakers, were among those who gathered Thursday to celebrate the soon-to-open new campus for the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Thirteen precincts in Hawaii County failed to open on time for the primary election, a report released Thursday shows, but the delays and other irregularities do not appear legally sufficient to change election results. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Elections issued a report Thursday highly critical of Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi’s handling of the primary election. Tribune-Herald.

In a scathing six-page report, the state Office of Elections criticized Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi after several problems at Big Island polling places during Saturday's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

In the months leading up to the primary election, Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said the office was frustrated by the lack of communication with Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi. KITV4.

There's reaction from the Hawaii County Clerk over a new report that accuses her of poor planning and leadership. KHON2.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has requested a 4.2 percent rate increase. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former governor and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle on Wednesday evening had the Historic Iao Theater stage to herself when her opponent, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, opted out of a debate saying it wasn't fair. Maui News.

As Debate Rages Nationally Over Taxpayer Expenditures, Ninth Circuit Court Judges and Lawyers Enjoy Maui's Peaceful Sanctuary. Hawaii Reporter.

Bio-Logical Capital - which describes itself as a land investment, development and conservation company - has signed a sales agreement to purchase the 4,500-acre Hana Ranch in rural East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Princeville Community Center was standing room only with about 20 percent raising their hands as burglary victims. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Department of Water has scheduled a public hearing next week regarding proposed amendments to the rules and regulations of the Kaua‘i Board of Water Supply. Garden Island.

Lanai

It’s still a mystery as to what Oracle CEO Larry Ellison plans to do with the island of Lanai. Pacific Business News.