Friday, June 22, 2018

Hawaii Supreme Court hears Thirty Meter Telescope case, Kilauea volcano simmers, teachers quitting at 'alarming' rate, Caldwell to decide budget and rail costs today, Hawaii County to reconsider GET, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News
Once again the fate of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope rests with the state Supreme Court following oral arguments on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court Hears New Arguments Over Thirty Meter Telescope. Opponents say a state appeals judge had a conflict of interest when she granted a permit for the project. Associated Press.

After a three-year legal battle, the fate of the Thirty Meter Telescope will now be decided by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

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Online tax law could open state to challenge. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that online retailers can be required to collect sales taxes in states where they don’t have a physical presence appears to be a boon for Hawaii’s tax coffers under a bill Gov. David Ige signed into law last week stipulating that online businesses with significant sales are subject to Hawaii’s general excise tax. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can levy sales taxes on purchases made through out-of-state online retailers, dealing a blow to Wayfair Inc. and other companies that have fought taxation. Pacific Business News.

Many on-line purchases will now be taxed after recent Supreme Court ruling. KHON2.

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Hawaii Farm to School program receives $100,000 of federal funding. KITV.

All 8 Lieutenant Governor Candidates Together for the First Time. The 5 Democrats and 3 Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor appeared together for the first time. Hawaii Public Radio.

Campaign Cash: A Tale Of Two Bert Kobayashis. Two longtime Honolulu political donors with the same name are going different directions in the Hawaii governor’s race. Civil Beat.

How Low Is Hawaii Voter Turnout? In the 2016 general election, turnout estimates ranged from 43 percent to 58 percent — depending on what formula is used. Civil Beat.

The number of teachers quitting their jobs in Hawaii’s public schools and leaving the state has shot up by 84 percent since 2010, and fewer local graduates are entering the profession, worsening the teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's high cost of living is spurring Hawaii teachers to quit their jobs at an alarming rate. Hawaii News Now.

Ongoing teacher shortage sparks debate. KHON2.

More students will get assistance with education costs after legislation expanding the Hawaii Promise scholarship program was signed by Gov. David Ige earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

An 800-pound chunk from the USS Arizona battleship that sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor is heading to Texas for display at a war memorial. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The recently completed $375 million Kaneohe-Kailua Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Facilities project, which features the state’s first gravity-fed underground sewage tunnel, is expected to lower energy costs, reduce the risk for overflows during storms, offer odor relief for Aikahi area residents and possibly provide more sewage capacity for the area. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year, $375 million project to build a gravity sewer tunnel and make other infrastructure upgrades in Windward Oahu was officially wrapped up Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell to render decision on city and HART budget bills. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said a bill he submitted Thursday to the Honolulu City Council will “level the playing field” for ride-hailing companies and traditional taxicab companies. Star-Advertiser.

Child sex crimes, prostitution alleged at Hawaii home for naked parties. Hawaii News Now.

Marks Garage, the reliable Pauahi Street parking oasis and epicenter of the downtown arts scene, has been sold to a mainland real estate investment trust for more than $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

It ain’t over till it’s over. Baseball great Yogi Berra’s famous quote could well apply to the general excise tax hike in Hawaii County, which is coming back in a special June 29 County Council meeting, just one day shy of the state-imposed deadline to pass it. West Hawaii Today.

As the reality of the county’s budget crisis sank in Thursday, Mayor Harry Kim held an emergency Cabinet meeting seeking $5 million in cuts, and the Salary Commission voted to postpone discussion of a new round of top officials’ raises until August. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa alert level lowered. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Alert Level Downgraded. Hawaii Island's massive volcano goes from an "advisory" to "normal" volcano alert level, and the aviation notice from "yellow" to "green". Big Island Video News.

After keeping many people on edge, the U.S. Geological Survey has dropped the alert level at Mauna Loa from “Advisory” to “Normal”. Big Island Video News.

An increasing number of Hawaii residents and tourists have been so determined to see flowing lava from the ground on Hawaii island that they have been risking fines and potentially jail by sneaking into restricted zones. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has brought a Puna traffic resource back online, and is planning to create a new, alternative path around Highway 130. Big Island Video News.

Volunteers warm lava evacuees' hearts — by filling their stomachs. Hawaii News Now.

'We probably will not ever return.' Park official reflects on Kilauea's past, present, and future. KHON2.

Guardsman reflects on time spent in eruption zone. Tribune-Herald.

Free medical care available this weekend for Big Isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

One more meeting left to consider charter changes. Council panel loses quorum; July 2 last meeting to review proposed amendments. Maui News.

Wailea, Maui is a Top Emerging Summer Travel Destination. Maui Now.

Starting Sunday, July 1, the Maui Bus will begin a new Waihee Villager route #8 and will change service on Kula Villager route #39. Maui Now.

Kauai

While China put the kibosh on accepting plastic waste from other countries, Kauai Recycles drop bins have nearly doubled in the past fiscal year. Garden Island.

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