Cesspool rules in limbo, OHA chair and UH Cancer Center head step down, Kauai dairy farm wins approval, agencies seek FEMA funds in lava disaster, Maui ends Kihei curbside recycling, rail speeds up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hibiscus blooms along Hawaii coast © 2014 All Hawaii News

Responding to public opposition, the state Department of Health dramatically watered down its proposed rules phasing out cesspools, but it’s unknown if Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign the package before he leaves office Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Colette Machado announced Tuesday that she would step down as chairperson of the nine-member board when the new panel takes office in December. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc., the largest ocean cargo transportation company in the state, announced Tuesday that freight rates to and from Hawaii will rise an average 5.4 percent effective Jan. 4. Star-Advertiser.

A strong flow of recovery and reconstruction supplies through Hilo Harbor kept Young Brothers shipping totals on the rise at that port, even as other maritime entry points around the neighbor islands saw cargo volume slip 2.1 percent in the third quarter. West Hawaii Today.

Texas-based Blue Jay Wireless, has received so much government money through the federal Lifeline cellphone program over the past year that the former head of the state Public Utilities Commission is calling for an investigation. Civil Beat.

Michele Carbone, the embattled leader of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center who resigned on Friday, has issued a detailed account of his triumphs while director of the center. Civil Beat.

A report by the Center for Disease Control found that lax security measures and a number of safety hazards at the University of Hawaii's biolab. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Rep. Bob McDermott is slamming the University of Hawaii over its refusal to disclose data collected from middle school students during a controversial sex education program. Hawaii Reporter.

A state employee has been charged with felony theft after an act she allegedly committed while working for the governor. Authorities said Roxanne Kamalu used a computer in September 2013 to spend hundreds of dollars in state money for personal benefit. KHON2.

Opinion: Why is Medical Marijuana Legal Only for Green Thumbs? Fifteen years after its approval, Hawaii’s process is changing. But that won't necessarily make it any easier for patients to get their medicine. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former banker Roy Amemiya Jr., once praised by politicians and civil servants for helping maintain the integrity of city government, is back at Hono­lulu Hale, this time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell's second-in-command. Star-Advertiser.

Lanes in sections of H-1 and H-2 near Leeward Community College will be closed at night beginning next week as workers begin building a section of Honolulu's $5.16 billion elevated rail guideway that will connect Waipahu to Pearl City, officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Pacific Business News.

Another round of partial freeway closures is slated to begin next week — this time for construction of the rail guideway overpass. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Monday the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (Hart) will start the most dramatic piece of construction along the 20 mile rail route and with it there will be considerable traffic impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Removal of a filthy water feature at Chinatown's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park should be completed by the end of November, giving hope to residents that the work will eliminate an unhealthy and unsafe haven in the neighborhood and draw more people to the Hawaii Theatre next door. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Community Development Authority met one last time before the new Governor takes office and approved the development of two high rise towers in Kaka’ako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Attorney General's Office staffers armed with a search warrant seized records from the financially ailing Halau Lokahi Public Charter School on Tuesday for an investigation into expenditures. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Lava that recently was threatening homes and a nearly $4 million waste transfer station continued to cool Tuesday as Hawaii County prepared to reopen a closed section of Pahoa Village Road in time for Thanksgiving. Tribune-Herald.

Eight applications have been submitted by qualifying organizations and state and county agencies seeking federal reimbursement for protective actions taken or planned in response to the June 27 lava flow ahead of the Dec. 3 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Maui County announced that its pilot "3 Can Plan" curbside recycling project in Kihei will end Feb. 1 after a 2year run. Maui News.

Future plans for Pāʻani Mai Park in Hāna, Maui, will be the focus of discussion for an upcoming meeting hosted by the Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaii Dairy Farms has been awarded building permits for its proposed $17.5 million, 578-acre dairy in the Mahaulepu Valley. Garden Island.

A planned Kauai dairy has received building permit approval from the county. Hawaii Dairy Farms announced Tuesday the state Department of Health has completed its review, which allowed for the approval of the building permits. Associated Press.

A county employee has filed a civil complaint against the County of Kauai, alleging retaliation and violations of the whistleblower’s act. Garden Island.

The old pavilion/comfort station at Hanamaulu Beach Park is scheduled for demolition starting at 8:30 a.m. today and is expected to be completed by the end of the day. Garden Island.