Friday, August 30, 2013

Hawaii tourism slows, Maui mulls time-share ban, alleged Tulsi stalker arrested, gay marriage doesn't cause teen suicide, sneak peek at Health Connector on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News
Waikiki beach (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
July is historically one of the best months for Hawaii's visitor industry. But tourism slowed last month as price sensitivity to the increasing cost of a Hawaii vacation, rising oil prices, a fragile world economy and the strengthening of the dollar affected arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels charged an average daily room rate of $234.69 last, a 12.3 percent increase compared to the same week last year, while the statewide hotel occupancy rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 78.8 percent, according to the latest report by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

A former Maui man who authorities believe stalked Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for two years and in early August threatened to brutally kill her was arrested in Mexico earlier this week. Aniruddha Sherbow, 43, was being held in San Diego in connection with the threat on the congresswoman’s life. Civil Beat.

A man with a history of harassing and threatening Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been arrested after he allegedly sent an email to the FBI and media threatening to decapitate the first-term congresswoman. Associated Press.

Nearly three years after she began receiving vulgar and threatening phone calls, a grateful U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged the work of law enforcement agencies from Washington, D.C., to Mexico after the arrest Wednesday of a 43-year-old man in Tijuana who allegedly said he would decapitate her. Star-Advertiser.

The former Hawaii resident who threatened to decapitate Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was arrested Wednesday in Tijuana, Mexico, by Policia Estatal Preventiva, Baja California State Police Fugitive Unit. Hawaii Reporter.

A former Hawaii resident is under arrest in San Diego, accused of threatening to kill Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva’s claim that kids who have gay parents are more prone to suicide is FALSE. All the respected scientific studies to date have consistently found that children who grow up with gay parents are at least as likely to lead a great life as those with heterosexual parents. Civil Beat.

A new report by the Cato Institute gives Hawaii’s Department of Education an F-minus for financial transparency. Only Alaska ranks worse. Hawaii Reporter.

The former head of the state's embattled State Historic Preservation Division has worked on projects there as a state employee since stepping down from her leadership post last month, officials say. Pua Aiu resigned July 2 as the division administrator days after National Park Service officials reported that "serious problems" remain at the division. As a "high risk grantee," the division could lose its federal funding if those problems aren't fixed within a year. Star-Advertiser.

One of the largest gatherings to focus on Native Hawaiian issues takes place next week, and establishing a more direct relationship with the federal government is expected to be one of the key topics of discussion. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who could play a critical role at the federal level in helping guide the process, is scheduled to attend the conference Wednesday and give a keynote address, a conference planner said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
The Marine Corps put on a miniature air show Thursday at Kaneohe Bay to showcase the abilities of the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey while also getting in some training on its first afloat deployment through the Pacific as part of the three-ship Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. Star-Advertiser.

The Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay will eventually be home to two dozen Osprey. But since the Corps announced the aircraft is coming, residents who live alongside K-Bay's flight line have been worried, fearing the Osprey would crank up the noise. Hawaii News Now.

City maintenance crews continued to clear Honolulu sidewalks this week, removing 28 shopping carts and hauling away 2.14 tons of waste from Chinatown, Aala Park, Waikiki and Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown has had problems with crime before, but now witnesses say a new group of thieves are just little guys, some as young as eight years old. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy is a free man, but he still faces the possibility of another murder trial. That's an expensive proposition, not only for Deedy but also for Honolulu taxpayers. Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro has vowed to take the case back to court next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A contractor is gearing up to begin widening a 2.5-mile stretch of Keaau-Pahoa Road. The $15 million project between Shower Drive and Keaau Bypass Road will result in a new 12-foot lane and 8-foot shoulder in the Hilo-bound direction, providing for two lanes open at all times. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning a new fence to protect the Manuka Natural Area Reserve from hoofed animals. The 22-mile fence will encompass about 24,000 acres, almost the entire reserve, and will run from sea level to 5,500 feet. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council is considering a bill to prohibit new time-share units or time-share plans. Maui News.

Within a year, the state wants to charge for parking at Maalaea Harbor, much to the dismay of fishermen and those who work on the charter boats in the harbor. Maui Now.

A 45-day period for fast-track consideration has started on the proposed 48-unit Waikapū Gardens-Phase II, affordable housing project in Central Maui, council officials announced today. Maui Now.

The Maui Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in an online survey to help the department improve services to the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai was treated to the first public demonstration of the Hawaii Health Connector, the state’s online health insurance marketplace, Thursday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative announced that after Sept. 30, it will charge a fee for those who already have a smart meter installed but want it replaced with a “non-standard” meter. Garden Island.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Man arrested in Gabbard threat, Abercrombie drafts gay marriage bill, general excise tax broad-ranging, a court win for special ed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

KTA superstores
Hawaii cashiers (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Hawaii's average 4.35 percent general excise tax rate may be relatively low when compared with sales taxes in other states, but the GET's structure makes it a greater burden on economic activity than the headline number suggests, according to a report released Wednesday by the Tax Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday presented state lawmakers with a draft of legislation that would legalize gay marriage in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Speaker of the Hawai'i House of Representatives, Joseph Souki, says that Gov. Neil Abercrombie will not be calling a special session on same-sex marriage anytime soon, but did not rule out the possibility it could happen before January, when the next regular session convenes. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday released the latest draft of a gay marriage bill and invited state lawmakers to offer feedback over the next week before he decides on a special session. Star-Advertiser.

State House Fails to Muster Votes for Special Legislative Session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Everyone, it seems, wants to put in their two cents on gay marriage. Extreme critics argue that it will bring huge moral costs. Others decry how much money it would cost the state in tax revenue — given that married working couples enjoy tax breaks — and increased benefits, such as health care coverage for married partners of state and federal employees. Civil Beat.

Authorities in the District of Columbia say they've arrested a man for making threats against Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Associated Press.

A man accused of making threats against Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been arrested in Mexico. Hawaii News Now.

A GOP operative traveled to Hawaii this spring in an effort to make the Senate race there competitive. The National Republican Senatorial Committee sent western regional political director Sarah Morgan, who managed Jeff Flake’s Senate campaign in Arizona last year, for a “campaign school” to train potential candidates and to meet with Hawaii GOP leaders. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court gave Hawaii’s special education students a victory Wednesday by ruling the state must provide public schooling to disabled students up to age 22. Associated Press.

A Hawaii law that bars special-needs students 20 years of age or older from attending public schools violates federal law, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. Civil Beat.

Special education students will be able to receive a free public education for an additional two years beyond the state's cutoff age of 20 which violates federal law, according to a U.S. appeals court ruling Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy is moving ahead with plans to increase training between California and the Hawaiian Islands, rejecting concerns from environmental groups in both states about the impact of sonar and underwater detonations on marine animals. West Hawaii Today.
http://westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/navy-advancing-pacific-training-plan.html

Hawaii regulators are re-examining a program that's designed to encourage the addition of more renewable energy projects in Hawaii called the feed-in-tariff, or FIT, program. Pacific Business News.

Have a passion for Hawaii's history and culture? Are you a strong leader who can cultivate relationships with public officials, professional groups and the general public? Want a six-figure salary and generous state benefits? If so, you might consider applying to lead the State Historic Preservation Division. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu's unemployment rate declined to 4.2 percent in July, tying it for the 13th lowest jobless rate among 372 metropolitan areas nationwide, the U.S. Labor Department reported Wednesday. Honolulu improved from 21st place on the list in June when the city's unemployment rate was 4.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply has come under fire lately for miscalculating up customers’ bills and responding to complaints in a timely fashion. It’s gotten so bad that Honolulu Councilman Ikaika Anderson — who’s running for Congress — has pushed to give the council more oversight of the semi-autonomous agency’s finances. Civil Beat.

A local activist says state's largest private landowner shortchanged the city $2 million in property taxes over a 16-year-period. Holly Huber said the city gave Kamehameha Schools a sweetheart deal on its 555 South St. property in Kakaako by allowing the $7.3 billion trust to pay residential tax rates instead of commercial rates. Hawaii News Now.

Water not regularly tested at Ala Wai Canal. KHON2.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn has sealed transcripts of a bench conference and a closed court session held Monday before she declared a mistrial in Christopher Deedy’s murder case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Unlike five years ago, when Hawaii County almost got on the hook to buy a $125 million waste-to-energy incinerator with taxpayer money, garbage technology companies today are paying for their own facilities and assuming the risk of selling the resulting product, the county Waste Management Commission learned Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The number of Hawaii County administrators who would receive pay raises has been cut by about half under a new plan before the county’s Salary Commission. Tribune-Herald.

The  Federal Public Defender’s Office has bowed out of the case of Justin Wade Smith, citing the effects of federal budget cuts on the office that provides legal counsel to many of the criminal defendants in U.S. District Court. Tribune-Herald.

We are still a year away from the 2014 Primary. But the Hawaii County Elections Division team is hard at work to make sure next year's elections run smoothly...and so it won't face problems that affected the entire state in 2012. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

The federal government is considering restoring wetland that once surrounded the royal residence of King Kamehameha III before the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom moved to Honolulu in 1845. Star-Advertiser.

‘Challenging and difficult’ as Waterfront closes doors. Maui News.

The Maui Ocean Center hosts a honu or turtle release this morning in West Maui, according to a company announcement. During the Holomua nā Honu event, six 2-year-old juvenile Hawaiian green sea turtles will be released into the ocean. Maui Now.
Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Wednesday that its board of directors have approved the final version of its 2013-2025 strategic plan, which focuses on rates, cost-control and clean energy with specific targets to achieve. Pacific Business News.

Kapaa firefighters and a HAZMAT crew responded to Kauai’s Eastside Wednesday morning after a 100-gallon fuel tank containing an odorous liquid washed ashore. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hawaii researchers probe mercury in fish, Deedy jury was leaning to acquittal, health costs climb, special session for gay marriage would cost $25,800, solar may get more pricey, Honolulu has bad drivers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii fishermen (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Hawaii and Michigan researchers say they've discovered how large quantities of toxic mercury end up in the fish we eat — and their work suggests that levels will rise in the coming decades. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i took an especially hard hit during the recession, and families with children are among those who suffered the most, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A new report using data from the American Community Survey and Current Population Survey released Tuesday indicates the number of unemployed parents trying to raise a family in Hawai'i skyrocketed by 95% from 2005 to 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Malama Solomon and other members of Hawaii's Senate Water and Land Committee say the state should sue the U.S. Navy for roughly $100 million because it didn’t clean up all the ordnance that it dropped on the small island of Kahoolawe. Civil Beat.

A State Senate Committee conducted a hearing today on the impact of federal cuts on departmental operations and state jurisdiction over Hawaiian waters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health care costs in Hawaii have grown 6.2 percent annually for nearly the past two decades but are still rising at a slower rate than the national average. Statewide costs rose to an average of $6,856 per person from 1991 to 2009, according to a study due out today by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. That compares to the national average of 6.5 percent and health spending per person of $6,815. Star-Advertiser.

A special session to consider same-sex marriage legislation would cost Hawaii taxpayers about $25,800 — or about 1.9 cents for each of the 1.39 million men, women and children in the state. That cost estimate, provided to Civil Beat from state House Chief Clerk Brian Takeshita, assumes that a session would last just five days. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Democratic Party and numerous special interest groups are pushing lawmakers to hold a special session to legalize gay marriage. The governor, a long time proponent of gay marriage, can call lawmakers into session, but first wants to ensure he has the votes. Hawaii Reporter.

A proposed rule change that would allow only licensed electricians to install solar photovoltaic panels may increase the cost of installations in Hawaii and limit the number of companies that install projects, according to several sources within the solar PV industry. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 28. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu is among the worst when it comes to safe driving, ranked at 128 of 200 cities in Allstate America's Best Drivers Report. Island drivers aren't as bad as those in New York; Oakland, Calif.; New Orleans; Buffalo, N.Y.; Pittsburgh; San Jose, Calif.; Los Angeles; Miami; Dallas; San Francisco; and last-place Washington, D.C., the report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ranks among the worst cities for road conditions and traffic congestion, but a new study by Allstate Insurance gives Oahu drivers a bad rating as well. Honolulu comes in a No. 128 of 200 U.S. cities in the newly released 2013 “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” and is considered one of the least safe cities for drivers. Hawaii Reporter.

People who work in town and drive through Central Oahu to get home can easily easily spend an hour in pau hana traffic. But the State Department of Transportation is working to ease afternoon commute times by creating a PM zipperlane, and the project is about to ramp up. KHON2

About 40 workers within the Athletics Department at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus have been forced to forgo overtime compensation after a memorandum of agreement with the state’s largest public worker union expired June 30. KITV.

A Circuit Court jury reached an impasse at 8-4 in favor of acquitting State Department special agent Christopher Deedy of murdering Kollin Elderts in the 2011 shooting at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant, the foreman of the jury said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro was unapologetic Tuesday for how his office handled the Christopher Deedy murder trial that ended Monday in a hung jury. Civil Beat.

Next summer Christopher Deedy will be retried on second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts. Hawaii News Now.

A protest on behalf of shooting victim Kollin Elderts was held in Waikiki Tuesday. Protesters are angry about the mistrial and believe Christopher Deedy is guilty of murder. KHON2.

Oahu fishermen will get an opportunity to air their concerns before the chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. DLNR Chairman William Aila Jr. will listen to fishermen and answer questions at an informal "talk story" session on Sept. 4. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will pay another $400,000 for a water tank completed in 2004 that hasn’t yet been put into use. West Hawaii Today.

Jessica R. Walsh and Victoria C. Fiore testified in U.S. District Court on Tuesday in a hearing to determine whether the court will allow marijuana advocate Roger Christie and his wife, Sherry­anne, to use the religious defense in their upcoming trial for marijuana possession, distribution, manufacture and conspiracy charges. The trial is scheduled for early October. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island led the way in the state during the first half of 2013 in new car sales, according to the latest Auto Outlook scorecard from the Hawaii Auto Dealers Association. Big Isle new retail light vehicle registrations increased by 16 percent through the end of June this year, compared to the same period last year, when a total of 2,517 new registrations were filed. Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved a plan to construct 22 miles of fencing to protect a key watershed in Ka`u from the negative impact of pigs and other ungulates. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he believes most shark bites are accidental in nature, and does not personally like the idea of hunting sharks or setting up barrier fences off shore. Maui Now.

Jeff Bagshaw's first visit to Haleakala National Park was a "light bulb experience." On that 1988 hiking and camping trip with his college group from Washington state, he saw more endangered wildlife in three days than he had in months on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

After months of searching, Kauai County officials are still looking for a vendor to set up shop in a vacant Wailua Golf Course clubhouse concession area. “The county has not received any bids on the operation of the Wailua Golf Course restaurant to date,” County of Kauai spokeswoman Mary Daubert said in an e-mail. “Our hope is to find an operator and get the concession running as soon as possible.” Garden Island.

For the second time in a week, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard returned to the Garden Isle Tuesday, with a jam-packed schedule. Garden Island.

A juvenile Hawaiian green sea turtle found entangled in a fishing line or netting off Kauai's north shore was euthanized Monday after it suffered irreparable damage to its flippers. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of 35 volunteers removed more than 1,500 pounds of marine debris from Hanamaulu Beach on Saturday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Honolulu council tackles Stairway to Heaven, mistrial in Deedy case, gay marriage special session decided tomorrow, Osprey over Hawaii, tuition freeze proposed, GMO debate rekindles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hiking trails
Stairway to Heaven
On Monday, Honolulu City Council members Joey Manahan, Kymberly Pine and Ikaika Anderson planned to hike the “Stairway to Heaven,” which has been off-limits to the public for years. Manahan, who heads the city’s Parks Committee, has been exploring the possibility of reopening the stairway to hikers. But in doing so he’s inadvertently stepped into a bureaucratic quagmire that could keep one of Oahu’s most alluring trails off the maps of hikers — at least officially. Civil Beat.

Calls for and against a special session to consider a bill on gay marriage are increasing as lawmakers and Gov. Neil Abercrombie continue internal debate on whether to return before the regular session in January. House Democrats are to meet Wednesday to discuss the matter and inform the governor whether they have the votes to pass a bill. Such a measure has enough support in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Larry Silva, the bishop of Honolulu, is urging all Catholics in Hawaii to contact their state legislators to let them know how they feel about same-sex marriage — and he hopes they don't feel good about it. Civil Beat.

A state lawmaker says he will introduce a proposal to freeze tuition at the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

On the first day of the 2013-2014 academic year, several Univeristy of Hawaii students, along with state Rep. John Mizuno, passed out copies of a proposed bill to dozens of students at the Campus Center. The measure he plans to introduce during next year's legislative session calls for a tuition freeze throughout the UH system for the 2014-2015 academic year. Star-Advertiser.

It’s never good news when sharks attack. It’s even worse when someone dies from a shark bite. But when eight shark attacks are reported in a single year, it could be devastating to Hawaii’s tourist-rich economy.Hawaii Reporter.

The Marine Corps’ distinctive MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft will make its first appearance Wednesday over Hawaii as the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group heads through the region on a deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Journalists, recovering journalists and other talented actors, singers and dancers put on the show Gridiron 2013: #SequesterThis over the weekend. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for August 27. Associated Press.

In brief | State briefs 082713.Associated Press.

Oahu

A mistrial declared Monday in the seven-week Christopher Deedy murder trial sets the stage for a rematch that could see many of the same arguments play out again if a new jury is selected next summer. Civil Beat.

A mistrial was declared Monday after a Circuit Court jury could not reach a verdict on whether State Department special agent Christopher Deedy should be convicted or acquitted of second-degree murder for a 2011 shooting in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

A judge declared a mistrial Monday after jurors said they couldn’t unanimously decide whether a federal agent is guilty of murder in the early-morning shooting of a customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Waikiki. Associated Press.

Weeks after the high profile murder trial of a U.S. State Department special agent began in Honolulu, jurors told Circuit Court Judge Karen Ahn they were unable to come to a unanimous verdict and a mistrial has been declared in the case. Hawaii News Now.

On Monday Oahu Circuit Court Judge Karen Ahn declared a mistrial in the Christopher Deedy murder case after jurors told her they could not agree on a verdict, even if they had more time to deliberate. KHON2 News spoke with a juror on Monday night, on the condition that the juror remains anonymous.

It’s been one of the most highly publicized trials in recent memory. During the past two months, barely a day went by when there wasn’t something about the Christopher Deedy murder trial on television or in the newspaper. KHON2.

Bus No. 13, which travels from Liliha to the University of Hawaii with stops in Chinatown and Waikiki, has been restored to full service as of Sunday. KITV.

The first traditional Hawaiian dry-stacked stone marker or ahu used to designate an ahupuaa (land division) in an ongoing project, erected July 27 at Castle Junction, was destroyed Saturday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu-based startup that developed a technology to help battle a massive global counterfeiting problem was recognized by the World Economic Forum on Monday with a prestigious award that counts firms like Google, Twitter and Kickstarter among past recipients. Star-Advertiser.

In a classroom for preschoolers, a group of adults is trying to revive a language that is foreign to their ear but not to their heart. The language is Okinawan, or "Uchinaaguchi," as it is pronounced in the language itself. Star-Advertiser.

A Retiree Tries Not to Get Burned in Hawaii's White-Hot Solar Market. Civil Beat.

Local experts say a new report by Homes.com indicating home sale prices in Honolulu have surged by 23% in the past year doesn't paint an accurate picture of the current housing market.  Analysts say that would mean an average increase of over $100,000 and that's not what their data shows. Hawaii News Now.

Recently, approximately 50 new unit victim advocates from across Hawaiian Army units were certified after completing an 80-hour Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention certification course on Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island’s food fight is about to get even more messy. After sitting on the sidelines during the last three months, South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford has entered the debate over genetically modified organisms with her own bill that would ban all transgenic crops, including modified papaya. Tribune-Herald.

A member of the Salary Commission has resigned in protest of Hawaii County’s requirement that members of boards and commissions file financial disclosures, sparking a debate about whether the disclosures serve the best interests of the county. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard came to Kealakehe High School Monday afternoon prepared to talk about how the federal government works, from how the three branches balance each other to how she got her first piece of legislation passed as a freshman legislator. West Hawaii Today.

You won’t find any “Under New Management” signs hanging out front, but seven Hawaii Island public schools welcomed new principals as the academic year got under way this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawmakers say the effects of sequestration are not immediate. Gabbard, Hanabusa, Schatz attend Maui event. Maui News.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard offered a balanced perspective on the debate between national security and civil liberties brought about by the revelations of the National Security Agency's surveillance program derived from the leaks of highly classified material by Edward Snowden. Maui News.

One of U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz's "missions in life" is to make sure lawmakers of every party understand that climate change is a problem and it should be addressed immediately.  Maui News.

Haleakalā Ranch kicks off its 125th anniversary year with a historical exhibit about Upcountry ranching. The year-long exhibit opens on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center on Baldwin Avenue in Makawao. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Charter Review Commission is considering a proposal that may significantly affect how elections — and campaigning — for Kauai County Council members are conducted. The commission heard a report Monday from a special Committee on County Districting, which proposes dividing council elections into five district seats and two at-large seats. Garden Island.

After many years of providing a prime spot for barbecues and gatherings, the two northernmost pavilions at Lydgate Beach Park were demolished last week due to safety concerns, but new ones will be built by the year’s end, according to county officials. Garden Island.

The Kiahuna Golf Course on Kauai’s South Shore is on the market for $13.75 million, according to Paul Kyno of Sleeping Giant Sotheby’s International Realty, which is marketing the course. Pacific Business News.

Enrollment at Kauai Community College changed from a deficit to an increase within a matter of minutes Monday. When the doors to the Puhi campus opened for the fall semester, the initial student estimate showed a decline from a year ago. But by midmorning, unofficial estimates indicated 1,463 students registered. Garden Island.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hawaii looks to China for tourism, war games, churches wrestle with gay marriage, schools want $34M, UH Maui to run hotel, Inouye library has big price tag, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all right reserved
Honolulu gay rights protest (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Resigned to the political reality that gay marriage might soon become state law, several state lawmakers who are uncomfortable with gay marriage are calling for a broader exemption for churches that do not want religious facilities used for gay weddings. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in seven years, Chinese navy ships will pull into Pearl Harbor next month in conjunction with a search and rescue exercise that is part of a growing number of military-to-military exchanges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's new marketing representative in China is asking the state's travel industry to do more to accommodate travelers from China, a country the Hawaii Tourism Authority has identified as a major growth market. Associated Press.

As Hawaiian Electric Co. has committed in recent weeks to drive down electricity rates that are three times the national average, there are signs that biofuels may not be able to compete with other energy sources. Yet, the utility could be locked into long-term commitments to buy the fuel at a fixed cost. Civil Beat.

Public schools will need an additional $34 million next year to help meet increasing demands with new teacher evaluations, tougher curriculum and other initiatives, according to a committee that analyzes the per-pupil funding Hawaii schools receive. The money is spent at the school level and is mainly used for payroll. It also can cover special projects and programs or supplies and equipment. Star-Advertiser.

The Regents Candidate Advisory Council is looking for people to fill the remainder of Eric Martinson’s term on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Council Chairman L. Thomas Ramsey says the deadline to apply for the vacancy is Sept. 16. Associated Press.

The group that nominates candidates to serve on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents says it will be moving fast to fill an unexpected vacancy. Thomas Ramsey, the Regents Candidate Advisory Council chair, said Friday that there will be a special recruitment to fill the seat of Eric Martinson, who resigned this week for personal reasons. Civil Beat.

The proposed University of Hawaii center that will house the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's congressional papers is projected to come with a hefty price tag. The estimated cost already has reached $25 million, up as much as 56 percent since June, according to UH documents. Star-Advertiser.

An independent researcher who has worked with the National Geographic Channel tracking great white sharks has begun a study on the movement of tiger sharks around Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors who come to Hawaii as the result of a company reward or incentive program have made up one of the fastest-growing segments of the state’s visitor industry so far this year. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Navy judge at Pearl Harbor who found that a comment by President Barack Obama about sexual assaults in the military could illegally influence two trials is being given the chance to reconsider his decision after the secretary of defense issued a memorandum on the matter. Star-Advertiser.

Historic preservation advocates are opposing plans to raze up to half of the iconic Honolulu Advertiser Building. The Kapiolani Street frontage of the 84-year-old Advertiser Building will not be touched but the back half of the building will be demolished to make way for a parking lot. Hawaii News Now.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists and island residents dart across the highway at Laniakea Beach to marvel at the sea turtles that swim ashore there — a chaotic scene that often imperils pedestrians and grinds North Shore traffic to a halt. Star-Advertiser.

With the proliferation of surveillance and cellphone cameras, more Hawaii juries could end up watching videos like the one in federal agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial, legal experts say. Star-Advertiser.

A traditional Hawaiian stone marker was destroyed by vandals just a few weeks after its dedication. Hawaii News Now.

Many people probably don't know that Earl Derr Biggers, author of the popular Charlie Chan series, got his inspiration for the famous fictional detective from the real deal, Honolulu Police Officer Chang Apana, and the setting from the Halekulani Hotel, where he liked to stay. Halekulani guests can learn more about Biggers and the mystery of Waikiki during a recently added Halekulani historic walking tour. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Honolulu-based developer wants to put three-story time- share buildings with 321 units and 17 single family homes on 42 acres the developer is under contract to acquire from Kamehameha Investment Corp. mauka of Kahaluu Bay, doubling the residences near the popular beach park. West Hawaii Today.

When Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui released a one-time appropriation of $1.8 million last month to help fund Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s Primary Care Training Program at Hilo Medical Center, it represented a major boost for the fledgling program, organizers say. Tribune-Herald.

A Big Island charter school that educates students in the Hawaiian language claims the state Department of Education's recently released rankings unfairly imply the school is failing. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The proposed desalination system on Lanai could be ready by the end of 2015, with the first phase of the project generating 2.5 million gallons of water per day, said officials from developer Pulama Lana'i. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College is looking to start work on a fully functioning hotel that would provide "hands-on experience" for students and executive suites for guests, officials said. Maui News.

The proposed Mokuhinia Ecosystem Restoration Project at the site known as Mokuʻula in West Maui is the subject of an upcoming public meeting. Maui Now.

It’s been 30 years since the Kihei Youth Center first opened its doors in 1983, but the core values that guide day-to-day operations have not changed. Maui News.

Kauai

A postcard sent 106 years ago from Kauai has made it back to the island. Associated Press.

Condominium and single-family home sales continue to rise since 2011, but experts caution that low supply and slow development could cause long-term problems. According to MLS statistics from Kauai Board of Realtors compiled by Old Republic Title and Escrow, the 35 condo sales islandwide in July resulted in a $98,778,424 volume — a  53.8 percent increase over July 2012. The average price islandwide price is $323,750, with Hanalei the highest at $509,000, and Lihue the lowest at $163,000. Garden Island.

Lanai

Honolulu attorney Carl Caliboso, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission, has recused himself from further participation as Castle & Cooke’s legal counsel in the regulatory review of its proposed Lanai wind project. Civil Beat.


Friday, August 23, 2013

Hawaii police well-paid, no raise for election chief, Hawaii watching Fukushima, Honolulu mayor to slash $20M, Hagel addresses troups, drones for Maui agriculture, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

police pay n Hawaii
Honolulu police officers courtesy photo
Hawaii police officers are the highest-paid public employees in the state, higher even than college professors, according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday.

See the U.S. Census Annual Survey of Public Employment & Payroll here.

Hawaii’s four counties did little to fight against the state’s police union over a new six-year contract that will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years. An arbitrator’s decision reviewed by Civil Beat on Thursday shows that when county officials had the opportunity to push back against the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers' demands for more pay and other concessions, they merely deferred to the union or provided incomplete information that didn't withstand the arbitrator's scrutiny.

The man at the center of 2012′s general election disaster will not get a $36,000 pay hike. The Hawaii Salary Commission, an independent appointed board that recently OK’d pay hikes for the state’s executive, judicial and legislative branches, decided Wednesday against increasing Chief  Election Officer Scott Nago‘s salary to $116,000 a year. He earns $80,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Deep beneath Fukushima's crippled nuclear power station, a massive underground reservoir of contaminated water that began spilling from the plant's reactors after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami has been creeping slowly toward the Pacific. Now, 2 1/2 years later, experts fear it is about to reach the ocean and greatly worsen what is fast becoming a new crisis at Fukushima: the inability to contain vast quantities of radioactive water. Associated Press.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke to about 200 Marines and sailors on the helicopter flight line at Kaneohe Bay at the start of a four-nation trip to Southeast Asia. Star-Advertiser.

One month after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples were entitled to federal benefits, Hawaii democrats still haven't decided whether or not to call a special session of legislature.  Hawaii Independent.

State Rep. Denny Coffman, who had urged House leaders against quickly moving a gay marriage bill in special session, said Thursday that he now favors a special session. Star-Advertiser.

Obama's plan to cut college costs likely to benefit Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Foundation raised $66.3 million during the 2012-13 fiscal year, which ended June 30, down slightly from last year's fundraising totals. The nonprofit organization raises money from the private sector to benefit the university's 10 campuses. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii students could see tuition rise by as much as 35 percent in the next five years. And that’s after a nearly 50 percent rise over the past five. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved three executive appointments at its monthly meeting Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Growth in Hawaii’s tourism industry, which set records in 2012, is expected to continue this year and into 2014 at a much slower pace, and some in the industry might have to make price adjustments to stay on track. The Hawaii Tourism Authority forecast Thursday that the industry will bring 8.75 million visitors to Hawaii in 2014, a 3.2 percent increase over the 2013 arrivals goal. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority opened its annual conference today, following a year of record growth.   But, as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the conference theme --“Defining the Next Chapter”--is an attempt to position the industry to withstand the next downturn in tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hotels had a strong week last week, with average daily room rates increasing 14 percent across the major islands, and occupancy increasing on all but the Big Island, according to the latest report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii struggles with being able to feed itself. Our island chain imports more than 80 percent of the food consumed by local residents, in part because the cost of producing our own food is so high people can't afford to buy it. Civil Beat.

Federal agents have confiscated and destroyed a fungus harmful to plants that was found on brooms imported from the Philippines. While examining a cargo container in Honolulu on Aug. 9, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered the fungus on a handicraft made of native palm parts. The fungus was in a shipment of “native brooms” made from Cocos nucifera, a palm species. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of new autos in Hawaii rose 13.4 percent during the first half of the year from the year-ago period but that pace is expected to slow during the final six months of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is taking a proactive approach to an expected $26 million budget shortcoming for fiscal year 2014.  He has announced $20 million in cuts to all of his departments. Hawaii News Now.

HFD delays deployment of ladder company because of budget restriction. KITV.

A Circuit Court jury will return Monday to resume deliberations in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy’s murder case after spending four full days this week trying to reach a verdict. Circuit Judge Karen Ahn gave no reason as to why the panel would not meet today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The return of tourists is driving economic improvements across Hawaii Island, an economist told West Hawaii business owners and leaders Thursday afternoon. “The years of bouncing along the bottom seem to be over,” Jack Suyderhoud said during the 39th annual First Hawaiian Bank economic outlook forum at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

Growth in the state's visitor industry is spreading to the economy on Hawaii island, one of the last areas in the state to recover from the recent recession, a top Hawaii economist said Thursday. "Thanks to the statewide tourism boom, Hawaii island's economic outlook is better than it has been in the last five years," economist Jack Suyderhoud said at the 39th annual First Hawaiian Bank Hawai‘i County Business Outlook Forum. Star-Advertiser.

A Big Island charter school that educates students in the Hawaiian language claims the state Department of Education’s recently released rankings unfairly imply the school is failing. Associated Press.

From the muck, healthy anchialine pool habitats emerge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company held a test run of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV, that it plans to use to improve irrigation practices at the company’s sugar cane fields. Maui Now.

A miniature helicopter with high-tech cameras will soon be flying over certain sugar cane fields on Maui to detect problems with irrigation, monitor crop health and conduct scientific research. Maui News.

Barriers to bridge gap until work begins. Maui News.

Less than a year after opening their doors, Old Wailuku Grill on Market Street has closed. Maui Now.

Kauai

A proposal to add more changes to the county’s real property tax system — which has been significantly revamped in the last three years — cleared the Kauai County Council’s Finance Committee Wednesday, though with a few tweaks. Among other things, the bill eliminates a property tax cap. Garden Island.

Parking changes to begin in Poipu. Garden Island.

Molokai
A new apartment complex proposed for Manila Camp is in its initial planning stages and seeks to fulfill a need for affordable housing in central Molokai. The Chopra Hale apartments would consist of 16 units and occupy 1.04 acres located at 190 Makaena Place, according to project manager Luigi Manera. Molokai Dispatch.

Last week, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz made a visit to Molokai and talked story with business owners, farmers, advocates and residents. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Congressional delegation split on domestic spying, shark victim dies, Hawaii lags in college readiness, gay marriage bill in the works, Honolulu struggles to pay union wages, another Sunshine Law lawsuit on Maui, no bingo for Hawaii County, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Obama inauguration
Hawaii's U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono at Obama inauguration
As more revelations come out about the NSA’s controversial domestic surveillance program, Hawaii’s congressional delegation is taking an array of different stands on the issue. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted to just kill it. Other members want to reform it. But to varying degrees, they differ in where they think the balance between privacy and national security should be. Civil Beat.

State House Speaker Joseph Souki said Wednesday that a majority of House lawmakers supports gay marriage, but he wants to make certain the vote count is firm before informing Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The governor is waiting for word from the House before deciding whether to call a special session on gay marriage. The state Senate has the votes to pass a gay marriage bill. Star-Advertiser.

The ACT Wednesday released the results of the graduating Class of 2013’s performance on its college-readiness standardized exam, which is administered across the United States. A  majority of Hawaii’s Class of 2013, similar to the rest of the nation, did not meet the test’s college-readiness benchmarks. Hawaii graduates who tested as juniors in the spring of 2012 posted a statewide average composite mark of 20.1. The national average composite score was 20.9.  Star-Advertiser.

In Hawaii, it pays not to work. A new report by Cato Institute, which examines the state-by-state value of welfare for a mother of two, said benefits in Hawaii average $49,175 — tops in the nation. Michael Tanner, co-author of the Cato study, said that since welfare isn’t taxed, a person would have to earn $60,590 in Hawaii to take home the same $49,175 a person on welfare would. Hawaii Reporter.

As Hawaii’s debate about GMOs rages, the editorial board of Scientific American has come down strongly against a policy requiring labeling of genetically modified ingredients in foods.  (A statewide policy requiring GMO labeling failed to pass the Hawaii legislature this past session.) Civil Beat.

Starting this fall, Hawaii drivers will likely have to pay a few dollars more to get their vehicles inspected for registration. But with a new electronic filing system, they won't have to worry about those inspection records getting to the Department of Motor Vehicles weeks after the fact, state officials and local inspectors say. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents member Eric Martinson has resigned, a year before his term was set to expire. Martinson was appointed to the board in 2009, and was elected chairman in 2011 and again in 2012. John Holzman was named chairman in July. Star-Advertiser.

New group pushes for open records enforcement. Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest to ensure law-mandated transparency. KITV.

Scientists have developed a more accurate way of measuring populations of opihi, a Hawaii delicacy and fixture of first birthday baby luau and graduation parties in the islands. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members questioned the wisdom of plans by the administration to curtail some city services to make up for a projected $26 million shortfall in the recently adopted $1.8 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu needs to cut $20 million from its operating budget even though the city isn't even two months into the current fiscal year. A satellite city hall in Kailua will close, the size of new recruit classes for police and firefighters will shrink, the ocean safety lifeguard program and tree trimming services will face reductions. Civil Beat.

Leaky pipes at city pools pouring money down the drain. KHON2.

Pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers would need to file standardized electronic transaction reports into an online data system and meet other stricter regulations under two bills now going through the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., on behalf of Paulette Kaleikini, is in settlement negotiations with the state after filing a lawsuit last week alleging a breach of its settlement agreement from a lawsuit involving the development of the Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on Keeaumoku Street in Honolulu, an attorney involved in the matter told PBN. Pacific Business News.

There were concerns almost as high as the condos themselves. Kapolei residents voiced fears with a proposed plan that would build the tallest buildings in Leeward Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The owner of Ward Centers now has approval to begin developing three condominium towers at its 60-acre property in Kakaako, after a state agency authorized high-rises Nos. 2 and 3 on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members have a lot of suggestions for the state Legislature to consider when it meets in January, but allowing the counties to opt into high-stakes bingo won’t be one of them. The council, meeting in Kailua-Kona, voted 7-2 Wednesday to strike that resolution from a list approved to submit to the Hawaii State Association of Counties for presentation to the Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The drive from Kona to Hilo will get 18 minutes shorter Sept. 7. That’s when the new Saddle Road alignment, bringing the intersection with Mamalahoa Highway seven miles closer to Kailua-Kona, opens. That day, officials will dedicate the road in the morning, opening it at 3 p.m. to traffic under its new moniker, the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, federal transportation officials said. West Hawaii Today.

A federal task force agent was hurt Wednesday when he stepped on a booby trap while chasing a suspect through a Puna marijuana patch. Star-Advertiser.

South Kohala residents have had five years to attend meetings about the proposed Waimea District Park. For the next 30 days, they get another chance to offer their input on the long-awaited recreational area, through the comment period for the project’s draft environmental assessment. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Candies celebrated the opening of its new 17,000-square-foot warehouse on Wednesday with a special lunch catered by Hilo-born chef Sheldon Simeon, a finalist last season on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Weeks after a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that Maui County Council members violated the state's "Sunshine Law" by circulating written memoranda among themselves in 2008, Kaanapali time-share owners are making a similar claim in a legal challenge of their property tax rates. Maui News.

A German woman who lost her arm in a shark attack died Wednesday, one week after she was bitten while snorkeling off Maui. Jana Lutteropp, 20, who had been on life support, died at Maui Memorial Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Carol Clark said. Associated Press.

A 20-year-old German visitor died Wednesday at Maui Memorial Medical Center a week after a shark bit off her right arm while she was snorkeling at Palauea Beach Park. Maui News.

US Senator Mazie Hirono is on Maui today, where she plans to attend a function tonight honoring the late US Senator Daniel Inouye. Maui Now.

Kauai

Recently KHON2 uncovered an extreme backlog at the Department of Education when dealing with complaints that rise to the level of investigations, with just one permanent position in the administration-level unit dedicated to the task. It’s part of a deep divide centered at one Kauai school.

If people start with a genuine and deep respect for one another, unbelievable things can be accomplished, according to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. That is something Hale Opio Kauai has been doing for nearly four decades. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council’s Finance Committee by a 3-2 vote approved Wednesday a bill that raises dog license fees, but included an amendment to soften the blow on hunters. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hawaii studies uptick in shark attacks, Abercrombie's ego factor in reelection bid, gay marriage bill unveiled, BOE chief's alleged conflict draws sheriffs to meeting, GMO hot topic on Kauai, PUC questions ex-member's possible conflict, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

sharks in Hawaii
Tiger shark
Hawaii officials plan to spend the next two years studying tiger shark movements around Maui amid what they call an unprecedented spike in overall shark attacks since the start of 2012. Associated Press.

A state-funded study to look at tiger shark movements around Maui is scheduled to begin next month in the wake of an alarming jump in shark attacks and the life-threatening injury of a visitor from Germany last week. Star-Advertiser.

PHOTOS: Hawaii Shark Attacks in 2013. Hawaii News Now.

News of the recent shark attacks is helping to boost business for at least one local company. Its product is called the Electronic Shark Defense System, or ESDS, and it acts like a shark deterrent. KHON2.

The draft of a gay marriage bill contains a more muscular religious exemption than the state's civil unions law, recognizing that the clergy and others have a constitutional right to refuse to perform gay marriages. Star-Advertiser.

A majority of Maui's state senators and representatives said Monday that they are in favor of a special legislative session to take up gay marriage. Maui News.

State sheriff's deputies were called to Tuesday's Board of Education meeting following a feisty exchange between advocate Mitch Kahle and board Chairman Don Horner, who is a pastor at one of the churches allegedly underpaying the state $5.6 million for use of school property. Star-Advertiser.

It's not every day that sheriffs are called to a Board of Education meeting. That happened after Mitch Kahle accused the BOE's chairman Donald Horner of a conflict of interest and threatened to subpoena Department of Education officials. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's surprising 50,000-vote victory in 2010 over the better-funded and heavily endorsed Mufi Hannemann boiled down to a simple political dynamic. Hannemann's ego-driven style as Hono­lulu mayor left droves of antagonized voters itching to take him down a peg, and Abercrombie sold himself as an acceptable alternative. Ironically, the same dynamic is at play in next year's Democratic primary between Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige, except this time it's Abercrombie who must beware of antagonized voters. Star-Advertiser.

The state Ethics Commission has been shorthanded for more than a year, but that could change soon. The commission is set to welcome Ruth Tschumy as its newest member Wednesday. That’ll keep the five-member commission at four members, since it was already down two and the most recent meeting was Chair Maria Sullivan's last. Civil Beat.

State roundup for August 21. Associated Press.

Oahu

As the newest addition to Mayor Kirk Caldwell's administration, newly appointed Chief of Staff Ray Soon said his years of experience in public- and private-sector work should help him hit the ground running in his new role. Star-Advertiser.

In recent months an announcement of a new high-rise condominium tower usually meant it was going up in Kakaako, but today a developer will outline plans to build four condo towers in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

California developer Franco Mola recently submitted a scaled-down proposal for the 803 Waimanu St. project in Kakaako to the Hawaii Community Development Authority, his third attempt at developing a Honolulu condominium project. Pacific Business News.

A Circuit Court jury deliberated a second full day without reaching a verdict in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial. The panel returns to court this morning for more deliberations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three Big Island public schools are among the top-ranked institutions in the state, according to the Hawaii Department of Education’s newest Strive HI performance standards. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital CEO Jay Kreuzer on Tuesday laid out a laundry list of physical needs hospital officials hope the state Legislature will address. West Hawaii Today.

Someone else’s trees would have to create a “clear and present danger” to a neighbor before the county could step in, under amendments to a bill considered Tuesday by the County Council Environmental Management Committee. The bill makes it easier for the county to remove unsafe trees from private property, and to place a lien on the offending property if the owner doesn’t pay for removal. West Hawaii Today.

Renovation work has begun in earnest to attract new tenants to the Waiakea Villas commercial complex in Hilo, Peter Savio said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

After about a month and a half of providing paratransit services, Maui Economic Opportunity looks to have everyone on "the same page" wanting to "make things better," said one rider who uses the service. Maui News.

A measure to remove parking restrictions at the Old Wailuku Post Office parking lot and other lots near the Kalana O Maui building passed the Maui County Council on Tuesday. Maui News.

Molokai

Molokai’s Maunaloa Elementary school earned high marks in the state’s new report card. The school was the only one in Maui County to earn high performance classification with 343 points out of a total of 400, under the state’s new Strive HI Performance System. Maui Now.

Kauai

More than 20 people wearing blue shirts attended a Kauai County Council meeting Tuesday afternoon to show opposition to Bill 2491, which would affect companies that grow genetically modified organisms. Garden Island.

In a pair of letters sent to The Garden Island Monday, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association Executive Director Alicia Maluafiti described the conduct and videotaping of public hearings on Bill 2491 as “discriminatory” and “manipulative.” Garden Island.

Several committees at the Kauai County Council are scheduled to work today on more than a handful of proposals, some of which have attracted passionate testimony during previous public hearings or meetings. Garden Island.

Lanai

A former state utility commissioner who is now representing a company that wants to build a wind farm on Lanai is in ethical hot water with his former colleagues. Civil Beat.