Friday, November 29, 2019

Visitor spending up as tourism nears 10M mark, Honolulu firearms crimes rise, news photographer alleges UH coach assaulted him, Hilo jail expansion controversial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki shoppers ©2019 All Hawaii News
Visitor spending, arrivals up in October. Both visitor spending and arrivals went up slightly in October when compared to the same time last year, according to recent data on visitor statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii could have more than 10M annual visitors for 1st time. Hawaii tourism stayed on pace in October to easily top the 10 million mark for visitor arrivals this year and extend a decade-long string of annual gains. Star-Advertiser.

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Rep. Case Demands Hawaii Be Paid Millions More For COFA Costs. If not, the congressman says renewal of the U.S treaties with three Micronesian nations may be at risk. Civil Beat.

Hurricane season ends with above-average number, below-average impact. At five tropical cyclones, the 2019 hurricane season in the Central Pacific was technically an above-average year. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving weekend gas prices remain steady for residents and incoming Thanksgiving holiday tourists, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.66 a gallon, which is the same as last week, also the same as a month ago and eight cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to AAA. Maui Now.

Oahu

Crimes involving firearms are on the rise, HPD says. With a recent string of high-profile violent crimes on Oahu, the Honolulu police chief reassured the public that there is no increase in crime overall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kai residents are upset over the removal of crosswalks. City workers removed two crosswalks at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanipuu Street in Hawaii Kai a few weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

New tiny home community for the homeless now under construction in Kalaeloa. Ground was broken Thanksgiving Day in Kalaeloa on a master-planned community for the homeless made up of tiny homes and shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Assault at UH game alleged by Star-Advertiser photographer. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographer said he was assaulted at last week’s University of Hawaii football game and suffered injuries after being shoved by the head coach and then knocked to the ground by a UH employee. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury homes on Oahu rise in October as median price declines. Oahu’s luxury home market saw a small increase in sales in October, compared to a year ago, but the median price for homes selling or $1.5 million or more declined by 4%, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Relief for overcrowded jail on the way. When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more. West Hawaii Today.

Free Wi-Fi coming to parks. Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Kalapana Without Well Service Until at Least Early Next Year. Roughly 100 households in Kalapana will make do without a working County deepwell until at least early next year. Big Island Now.

Alligator Lizard Found In Christmas Tree In Hilo. A Hilo resident spotted the large lizard on top of the Christmas tree, which was imported from Washington State. Big Island Video News.

Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Water Commission Ruling Could Mark Change In Stream Stewardship. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases has come to an end on Maui, possibly signaling a turning point in the stateʻs management of public streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA, state alerted to pesticide found in wastewater. Banned chemical was detected in 2016 test, part of Monsanto case. Maui County notified federal and state officials Wednesday of the presence of a banned pesticide at the heart of a criminal case against Monsanto Co. in wastewater at three treatment plants during testing in 2016. Maui News.

Errors discussed in river fish kill. Water panel reflects on fish ladder project. Improved community engagement, better communication among stakeholders and unrestricted water flow were among lessons that state water commissioners discussed in the wake of a pilot project that accidentally killed hundreds of native fish in Wailuku River last month. Maui News.

Kauai

County Admits It Wrongly Allowed A Divisive Brush Cutting Project. Critics say a homeowner was allowed to cut down trees and brush along a popular trail in order to improve his view. Civil Beat.

Companies respond to outage inquiry. Efforts are underway to repair the undersea cable responsible for islandwide internet outages in late October and early November, but the problem is 10 miles offshore, over a half mile deep and is expected to take several more weeks to fix, according to an executive with the company responsible for maintaining the fiber optics line. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Court rules state agency can't keep data secret, crossing guards called off Mauna Kea, lawmakers mull home care licensing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Volunteer Mauna Kea Saddle Road crossing guards in July ©2019 All Hawaii News
As costs mount, Hawaii County pulls highway crossing guards from TMT protest site. With cars traveling at 60 mph along Daniel K. Inouye highway and police reporting near accidents, the private security was hired over the summer to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Hawaii News Now.

Judge: State Can’t Keep Data Behind Its Budget Estimates Secret. A judge ruled the Hawaii Department of Taxation must make public the information and assumptions it relies on to develop revenue estimates for the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Adult Care Home Bait-And-Switch Scheme Concerns Lawmakers. State lawmakers are considering further legislative action to tighten rules and stiffen penalties governing Hawaii’s unruly adult care home industry. Civil Beat.

Airline catering workers picket for better pay and healthcare . Dozens of airline catering workers took to the picket line today at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair’s Staffer Announces Bid For Windward Seat. Ikaika Anderson is set to finish his third and last council term next year, and Alan Kekoa Texeira hopes to succeed him. Civil Beat.

City lawmaker pushing to restrict future turbines from being built too close to communities. A City lawmaker wants location restrictions on future turbine construction after one of the biggest issues over the controversial Na Pua Makani Wind Farm in Kahuku. KITV.

Annual survey allows Oahu residents to express opinion on city operations. It's a survey the city auditor hopes will make a difference. KITV.

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A first-of-its-kind ship launches service out of Oahu. After 14 years and $30 million, the Semisub One officially launched its service along Oahu’s coastline. Hawaii News Now.

Semisub tours underway after business’s rough start. After navigating more than a decade of construction problems, regulatory woes and angry investors, Semisub One LLC has finally launched commercial tours in Honolulu with a unique vessel that offers a view of Hawaii’s underwater world. Star-Advertiser.

The world's first SemiSub — a semi-submersible jet-powered catamaran that lets guests experience Hawaii waters without getting wet — officially launched with a blessing ceremony on Tuesday. SemiSub One features three decks, two full bars, an IMAX style theater, a lounge, and services pier-to-pier tours that include a 20 minute underwater viewing session. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House to hit market at $15 million. Elite Pacific Properties announced today it is listing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House for $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Retired Honolulu police officer charged with attempted sexual enticement of minor. A retired Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday of attempted sexual enticement of a 13-year-old boy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Highway 132, cut off by lava last year, to reopen today. A 1.6-mile stretch of the upper portion of Highway 132 and a 1.5-mile section of the lower portion of the road were inundated and created a kipuka, or an isolated area cut off by last year’s lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

New Highway 132, Built Over 2018 Lava, Opens Wednesday. County officials announced on Tuesday that Highway 132 will has been restored to its pre-inundation function with two paved travel lanes and shoulders, and will open by at noon on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Highway 132 to Reopen Wednesday. Highway 132 in Pahoa, cut off to travel for more than a year by lava from the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano, will reopen Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at noon. Big Island Now.

Portion of Hawaii Island’s Highway 132 to reopen this week. More than a year after lava consumed a portion of Highway 132 on Hawaii Island, county officials announced the roadway will reopen this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Input sought on proposal to resume commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii. After a roughly two-year halt to commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii, the industry hopes an environmental review will help to revive their trade. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed Energy Code Changes On The Way. After receiving more than 200 proposed amendments, the Department of Public Works' proposal may go before a Hawaiʻi County Council committee next month for a hearing. Big Island Video News.

Sky is the limit: Friends of Greenwell planning big now that garden is theirs. Plans for a Kealakekua gem are in the works now that the Friends of Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden purchased the land from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hana resident to launch new tour company. Hana resident Kaiolohia Funes Smith plans to launch a new tour company, Hana Air & Ground Tours, aimed at giving visitors a local’s perspective of the Maui town. Pacific Business News.


Kauai

Thanksgiving meals served today. On Kauai, meals will be served today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kauai War Memorial Convention Center, and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Hanapepe Corps, 4465 Puolo Road, Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Lanai

 3,000 on Lana‘i Attend Annual Turkey and Rice Giveaway. Jim and Randy Coon, of Coon Brothers Inc, started the tradition back in the early 90’s as a way of bringing the Lānaʻi community together and helping out families who might not have the time or resources to purchase a Turkey from Maui. Maui Now.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

High tides and coastal flooding expected, Oahu vacation rentals drop amid crackdown, Trump SECNAV pick has Hawaii ties, obsolete radios hamper Kauai sheriffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii swimmers with sea turtle ©2019 All Hawaii News
NWS Issues Coastal Flooding Bulletin For Major Islands. The National Weather Service issued a special advisory Monday warning that flooding may occur this week along the shores of the major Hawaiian islands because of unusually high tides that are expected. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Unusually High Water Levels” Prompt Special Weather Statement. The greatest potential for coastal flooding impacts will be during the peak high tides, which will occur before sunrise from Tuesday through Friday, forecasters say. Big Island Video News.

 State under threat of coastal flooding this week. Coastal flooding is possible for all shores around the state this week because of unusually high water levels, the National Weather Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Special Weather Statement: Coastal Flooding to Peak During High Tides. The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement on possible coastal flooding for all islands of Maui County, in effect from Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Maui Now.

Poll: Oahu Voters Want Action On Climate Change. A new survey finds high levels of support for doing things individually and collectively to address the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

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State residents urged to get immunized. State health officials are urging unvaccinated Hawaii residents to get immunized from measles, which is rapidly spreading across the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Problems plague costly school A/C, while cheaper program makes headway. A $100 million pledge aimed to cool classrooms statewide. That was just a few years ago, and some of those classrooms are heating up again as the costly systems are breaking down. KHON2.

President’s selection for Navy secretary flew sub-hunting missions out of Barbers Point. The retired rear admiral selected by President Donald Trump to be the next secretary of the Navy started his operational career at Naval Air Station Barbers Point in 1986 flying anti-submarine missions in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air to re-launch service from Honolulu to Fukuoka. Hawaiian Airlines is bringing back a route discontinued about five years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Vacation rentals: Oahu supply dropping amid city crackdown. The number of vacation rentals on Oahu dropped in October, the second month of declines since a city crackdown on illegal rentals took effect. Star-Advertiser.

HECO partners with the Navy for new 80K-panel solar facility at West Loch. Hawaiian Electric and the Navy are celebrating a new solar energy project at Pearl Harbor's West Loch Annex. Hawaii News Now.

Big increase in guns being used for Oahu crimes. There has been a rash of crimes, including violent ones, being committed using firearms. Last year, there were 84 arrests for weapons charges on Oahu, but over the past six months, there were more arrests than all of 2018. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Another Alii development proposal scrapped. The owner and developer of a 50-unit residential community proposed across from Pahoehoe Beach Park on Alii Drive has withdrawn their application for a Special Management Area Use Permit — meaning the lot will likely be preserved for open space. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Golf Course Worries Over End To County Herbicide Use. Hilo's councilmembers were hoping the municipal golf course would be exempt under the proposed law ending the use of herbicides at county parks. Big Island Video News.

Greenwell Garden purchased. The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in South Kona has been sold to the local nonprofit that formed three years ago to ensure it remain in Big Island hands.West Hawaii Today.

Bishop Museum Sells Amy B.H. Greenwell Garden To Kona Nonprofit. Ownership of the garden has been transferred to the Kona-based Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Public Access Expands for Maui Zoning, Real Property Information. Two County of Maui departments have collaborated to make zoning and real property information more readily available to the public. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sheriff’s deputies on Kauai say obsolete radios mean they can’t call for help. The union for sheriff’s deputies on Kauai claims the state is putting them and the public at risk when they transport dangerous prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

KIUC seeks 65-year water lease to energize hydropower facilities. The public is being asked to comment on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's plans for its Waiahi hydropower plants. Hawaii News Now.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Hawaii lowest in gun deaths, DOE supervisors fined for ethics violations, Maui council approves property tax reform, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

woman pointing
Woman pointing gun
Study ranks Hawaii lowest in U.S. for gun deaths and gun-related homicides, according to a new study. Hawaii had the lowest rates of both overall gun deaths and gun-related homicides in the nation during a 10-year period from 2008 to 2017, but that still meant that someone was killed by a gun every eight days across the islands, according to a new study. Star-Advertiser.

Pay by the gallon or mile? State looks at fuel tax alternatives. A state project exploring a replacement for fuel taxes remains on schedule, but some remain skeptical. Tribune-Herald.

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High ranking DOE supervisors fined thousands for ethics violations. The state Ethics Commission has fined three high-ranking supervisors in the Department of Education’s facilities maintenance branch for misusing state employees on private construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

Three DOE Facilities Staff Members Fined By Ethics Commission. A facilities manager was fined for using agency employees to do work on his home and another property. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian community renews push to recognize holiday overshadowed by Thanksgiving. La Ku'oko'a recognizes the day in 1843 on November 28th when the Kingdom of Hawaii's sovereignty was officially recognized internationally by Britain and France. KITV.

Department of Education to offer Hawaiian courses to employees. The state Department of Education plans to offer free Hawaiian language courses to all of its employees, beginning in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Kai Kahele Finds Money, Connections In DC. Now that Tulsi Gabbard has said she won’t seek reelection, the CD2 candidate is finding receptive ears in the nation’s capital. Civil Beat.

Mental Health Services On Hawaii Campuses Lag Far Behind Demand. At UH Manoa, students can wait as long as two months to sit down with a therapist. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Windward Oahu school grapples with an uncertain future. At Keolu Elementary in Kailua, there are 15 students in the entire first grade class. Keolu’s total enrollment is at 115, one of the lowest in the state according to DOE figures. Hawaii News Now.

HART’s Last Original Board Member Hasn’t Left As Planned. Damien Kim announced his departure five months ago, but the City Council can’t find a qualified successor. Civil Beat.

Bikeshare Hawaii sets sights on electric bikes. Bikeshare Hawaii, founder of Honolulu’s first bikeshare system, is looking toward the future with an eye on electric bikes. Star-Advertiser.

‘Makoa,’ a recently weaned monk seal pup, found dead. NOAA officials say a male monk seal pup named Makoa has died. He was found dead on Oahu’s North Shore the morning of Nov. 9. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists investigate the death of a young Hawaiian monk seal. NOAA says the male seal RL-36, also known as Makoa, was found dead on the North Shore of Oahu last weekend. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Draft EIS Proposes 14 Commercial Aquarium Fishing Permits For West Hawaii. Supporters of commercial aquarium fishing have posted a draft environmental impact statement examining the future collection in the West Hawai’i Regional Fishery Management Area. Big Island Video News.

Pharmacy school faculty vote ‘no confidence’. Faculty members in the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy have taken a vote of “no confidence” for Dean Carolyn Ma. Tribune-Herald.

Months after article exposed security woes, KVBID reports improvements. Two months after a news article highlighted frustrations with security issues and businesses downtown, the Kailua Village Business Improvement District offered its status report to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Island Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Home in Kukio sells for $25M, highest price in Hawaii in 2019. A six-bedroom home in the Maniniowali section of the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii Island recently sold for $25 million, the highest price in the state for a single-family home so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Council OKs property tax reform bills. Pointing to an imbalance where longtime Maui residents cannot afford one property while out-of-state buyers scoop up multiple dwellings, the Maui County Council approved a pair of property tax reform bills that will change tax classifications and set the framework for new tiered rates. Maui News.

Airport runway rebuilding to force changes. Part of old Haleakala Highway to close, private plane area will be relocated. Maui News.

Grand Wailea Development Request Strikes Opposition. Native Hawaiian activists are expressing disapproval over proposed development at the Grand Wailea Resort, which they argue would disturb iwi kupuna, or human remains. Maui Now.

More than $1 million in diamonds stolen. $50,000 reward offered in Lahaina Halloween robbery. Maui News.

Maui Hotels, Vacation Rentals Lead State. Hotels and vacation rentals throughout Maui County outperformed others in the state during October, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority announced earlier this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Golden Rule arrives in Nawiliwili on Dec. 1. The small sailboat with a big mission, the Golden Rule, was in Hawaii in the 1950s, and played a pivotal role in ending global atmospheric nuclear testing. Garden Island.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Trump honors fallen Hawaii soldier, Monsanto fined $10M for illegal pesticide on Maui, Legislature to mull red light cameras, former judge launches bid for Honolulu prosecutor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami PC:Department of Defense

Fallen Keaau soldier remembered as ‘strong, courageous’. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr., an Army pilot, was participating in a night raid when the Apache helicopter crashed. Tribune-Herald.

Trump pays respects to Army officers killed in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump paid respects Thursday to two Army officers who were killed when their helicopter crashed this week in Afghanistan, holding his salute until each of the flag-draped cases containing their remains were returned to their grieving families. Associated Press.

Big Isle man, 25, among 2 Army aviators killed in Afghanistan chopper crash. A Hawaii Island man who had recently started a deployment to Afghanistan was one of two U.S. Army aviators killed when their AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed Wednesday in Logar province, the Pentagon said today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii service member killed in Afghanistan chopper crash remembered as gentle, kind. The Department of Defense said Thursday that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., of Keaau, and another soldier — identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle — were killed on Wednesday in Logar Province. Hawaii News Now.

Keaʻau Man Dies In Afghanistan In Support Of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fuchigami died in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island man killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr. died in Logar Province while providing security for troops on the ground. KHON2.

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OHA appoints permanent CEO at ‘critical moment’ in its 40-year history. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ board Thursday voted unanimously to appoint educator and administrator Sylvia Hussey as its permanent CEO. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to implement red light cameras may return to Legislature. After a string of crashes, some deadly, some are revisiting the idea of bringing red light cameras island wide. KHON2.

Seed Industry Is Shrinking Dramatically But It Still Grows Hawaii’s No. 1 Crop. Despite controversy and declining production, executives say Hawaii will remain a key player in growing GMO seeds for years to come. Civil Beat.

USDA Announces $13M for Community Facilities in Hawai‘i. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday it will invest $13,450,000 through its Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to improve the quality of rural life in Hawai‘i and the Western Pacific. Big Island Now.

Sexually Transmitted Infections On The Rise In Hawaii. But programs for getting screened and tested for STIs on the neighbor islands are scarce and sometimes expensive. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto appears before grand jury for 3 hours. Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto spent roughly three hours before a grand jury in U.S. District Court today and emerged with little to say to reporters. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu May Sue Convicted Police Chief To Claw Back Retirement Money. The city will likely take its former police chief to court. Civil Beat.

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Steve Alm, a former judge and U.S. attorney, announces bid for Honolulu prosecutor. Promising to restore integrity in a Honolulu prosecutor’s office that’s “in crisis,” former state judge and one-time U.S. Attorney Steve Alm announced he is running for the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s post next year. Star-Advertiser.

Former Judge Steve Alm Announces Bid For Prosecuting Attorney. He has the support of the police union and the chair of the police commission. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu rail authority budgets $200K to help employees cope with federal subpoenas. Another batch of federal grand jury subpoenas was delivered to the offices of the Honolulu rail authority last month, and the rail board approved a budget Thursday that includes $200,000 for next year to hire legal counsel to assist rail employees who have been served. Star-Advertiser.

More HART Employees Hit With Federal Subpoenas. It’s the second round of orders sent to rail staff. The agency still won’t say how many employees have received subpoenas. Civil Beat.

Kapolei residents raise concerns over development as rail is poised to roll. Construction on the city’s rail project began in East Kapolei after ground was broken in 2011. Hawaii News Now.

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Faceoff set for controversial Kaneohe cemetery expansion plan. Fresh battle lines are now drawn in a more than decade- old effort by the largest funeral and cemetery service business operator in the nation to expand Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe on forested conservation land near a residential subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs bill extending Oahu lifeguard services from sunup to sundown. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law today a bill extending the hours of city lifeguards from sunup to sundown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor signs bill to extend beach lifeguard hours. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed a bill extending lifeguard service hours from dawn to sundown. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s largest prison doesn’t have an overcrowding issue — but that doesn’t mean it’s free of any others. Halawa Correctional Facility is the state’s largest prison. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Homeless camp razed. A long-standing homeless camp in downtown Hilo was torn down by county workers Thursday after existing for nearly a year. Tribune-Herald.

Unpermitted Hilo Structures Demolished. The County of Hawaiʻi, with a court order, removed unpermitted structures from a property in downtown Hilo on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

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Big Isle cancer patient sues Johnson & Johnson over asbestos-containing talcum power. A Hawaii Island woman with a rare form of cancer is suing Johnson & Johnson and Foodland Super Market Ltd. for selling talc-based baby powder she claims was contaminated with asbestos. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island woman sues Johnson & Johnson over mesothelioma diagnosis. An Ahualoa woman is suing the manufacturer of a popular brand of baby powder, claiming asbestos contamination of the talc-based powder caused her mesothelioma. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island woman claims that her rare form of cancer was caused by Johnson & Johnson product. Since February a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma took her out of the saddle. KITV.

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More delays for Hele-On contract. Hawaii County Council members continue to have confidence in Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira, despite a fumble in the department that forced the cancellation of a long-overdue contract award. West Hawaii Today.

HOPE Services Hawaii Receives $2.75 Million Bezos Grant. The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund is granting $98.5 million to 32 nonprofits around the United States that are assisting families experiencing homelessness. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Monsanto Fined $10 Million For Using Banned Pesticide On Maui. The chemical company continued to use a pesticide banned in 2013 for about a year after the prohibition. Civil Beat.

Monsanto Pleads Guilty To Illegal Pesticide Use In Hawaii. Agrochemicals company Monsanto on Thursday pleaded guilty to spraying a banned pesticide on research crops on the Hawaii island of Maui in 2014, prosecutors said. Associated Press.

Monsanto admits to illegal use of pesticides on Maui. Monsanto Co. has agreed to plead guilty to using a banned pesticide on corn seed and research crops at its Valley Farm facility in Kihei, Maui, and will pay $10 million for illegally storing the chemical on Maui and Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Monsanto to Plead Guilty to Illegally Spraying Banned Pesticide on Maui. Monsanto Company has agreed to plead guilty to illegally using a banned pesticide known as Penncap-M on research crops at one of its facilities on Maui, according to the Department of Justice. Maui Now.

Monsanto to plead guilty to criminal count of spraying banned pesticide. Monsanto has agreed to plead guilty to illegally using a banned pesticide on Maui research crops, the U.S. Justice Department said. Hawaii News Now.




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Mayor confronted over injection wells. Victorino still firm on stance that case should be decided by US Supreme Court. Maui News.


Makani Kai wins service to Hana. Airline to cover route without any subsidy. Maui News.

Kauai

Shoreline creeps closer. Kauai’s multi-use path, Ke Ala Hele Makalae, is being threatened by coastal erosion, triggering community concern and a little government action. Garden Island.

Jim Benkert sees potential with eco e-bikes Kauai. The Lihue man recently opened eco e-bikes Kauai on Rice Street. He rents and sells pedal-assisted, battery-powered two-wheelers for a relaxed and relatively easy way to cruise the island. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanaʻi Health Center Expands Telehealth Team. The Lanai Community Health Center named its newest pediatrician, Dr. Jeesun Nam. Maui Now.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to strike, Big Island council bans herbicides, Gabbard attacks Democratic Party in debate, acting Honolulu prosecutor subpoenaed in FBI probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO
Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket PC:Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO
Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to authorize strike. The union representing Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants said today that members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air flight attendants vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike. After three years of negotiations and no deal, Hawaiian Airlines’ flight attendants Wednesday approved their first-ever strike authorization vote. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air strike possible over holidays. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants voted to strike on Wednesday, making history with 99.9 percent of votes authorizing the strike and 95.1 percent of flight attendants participating. Garden Island.

How will the Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant vote to strike impact your upcoming travel plans? Negotiations are ongoing. If that fails, they will go to mediation, then possibly arbitration. The only time a strike could happen is if the national mediation board gives the flight attendants permission to strike. KHON2.

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Tulsi Gabbard’s fiery exchanges stand out in ‘good-natured’ debate. Tulsi Gabbard sparred with Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg during Wednesday evening’s presidential debate, adding tension to what was a generally collegial event among the top 10 Democratic presidential candidates and highlighting a growing unease among the party with her candidacy. Star-Advertiser.

Presidential Debate Puts Gabbard At Odds With Harris, Buttigieg. In addition to candidates, she took on her own party. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joined nine other Democratic candidates for the White House on Wednesday for the fifth presidential debate in Atlanta. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto is expected to appear before a federal grand jury today after being subpoenaed by the FBI earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Top Honolulu Attorney Served With Federal Subpoena. Acting City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto, who received a federal subpoena on Monday, said on Thursday that he has done nothing wrong and intends to comply with it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Acting city prosecutor gets FBI subpoena to testify in ongoing criminal probe of his boss. City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto confirmed Wednesday that he’s received a subpoena to testify before the federal grand jury investigating his boss: Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

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Delivery of Kahuku wind turbine parts complete. The last of the large turbine parts for the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project in Kahuku arrived Wednesday, developer AES Corp. announced. Star-Advertiser.

Transport of wind farm equipment wrapped up ahead of schedule. The company behind a controversial wind farm project says they’ve finished the transport of equipment to the North Shore a week early. Hawaii News Now.

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New Snags Hold Back Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Both the city and a state court judge have issues with the environmental impact reports, halting the controversial flood control project. Civil Beat.

Short-staffed and overcrowded. And for the state’s largest jail, that’s just the start. Oahu Community Correctional Center is the state’s largest jail facility, with more than 1,000 detainees. And like the state’s other jails, it’s over-capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Community Calls For Red Hill Tanks To Be Moved Now. Members of the public packed Moanalua Middle School cafeteria last night, many calling for the Navy to move its Red Hill fuel tanks away from drinking water aquifers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Finally, satellite city halls on Oahu start taking credit and debit cards. “Cash or checks only” is a thing of the past at Oahu’s satellite city halls. Hawaii News Now.

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Shawn Ching to depart as Hawaii News Now 5 p.m. co-anchor. Emmy Award-winning news anchor Shawn Ching is departing Hawaii News Now to return to his law practice and spend more time with his wife and young son, General Manager Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

News anchor Shawn Ching leaving Hawaii News Now to spend more time with ohana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council bans county herbicide use. Urged on by new mothers, beekeepers, organic farmers and a soccer coach, the County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the county’s use of herbicides on public property, making Hawaii County the first local government in the state to do so. West Hawaii Today.

Council Passes Ban On County Herbicide Use. A bill that prohibits the use of herbicides in Hawaii County parks, roads, and waterways was approved by the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday, after it passed by a 6-3 vote. Big Island Video News.

County to Ban All Herbicide Use by 2024. The Hawai‘i County Council voted Wednesday afternoon to ban the use of herbicides on any County managed or maintained property — including parks, roadways and waterways — beginning in 2024. Big Island Now.

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Roy Takemoto appointed county managing director. Roy Takemoto has been selected managing director effective Dec. 2. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Appoints New Managing Director. Roy Takemoto is set to replace Managing Director Wil Okabe, who announced his resignation Monday. Civil Beat.

Roy Takemoto Named Managing Director After Okabe Departure. Takemoto, appointed by Mayor Harry Kim, will be before the Hawaiʻi County Council for a confirmation hearing on December 4. Big Island Video News.

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6K+ Mauna Kea citations called ‘misconduct’ by retired officer. A retired Hawaii county police officer has launched a complaint against his ex-boss, Chief of Police Paul Ferreria, because of beefed up traffic enforcement at Mauna Kea. Police have issued 6,585 citations since August 15 according to HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Council passes resolution urging collaboration on waste reduction strategies. The Hawaii County Council passed a resolution urging county agencies to work together to reduce waste and generate more clean energy. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Excluded From North Kohala Enterprise Zone. The Hawaiʻi County Council is advancing the renewed Enterprise Zone designation for North Kohala, before the previous designation expires in April 2020. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Dengue fever confirmed in Kahului resident. Person no longer infectious, but mosquito control still encouraged. Maui News.

Eighteen inmates penalized in March fire, riot at Maui jail. Repairs from the disturbance at MCCC are almost complete. Maui News.

Mahi Pono, hui reach water pact. Officials: Plan may create new chapter in ag history. Maui News.

Kauai

More dead birds found. Another seven wedge-tailed shearwaters have been found dead along the Maha‘ulepu coast, about a week after 35 birds were killed on the cliffs above Shipwreck Beach. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Hawaii economy sours, TMT reaches Canary Island land agreement, Honolulu may lift rent caps, millions pledged for Maui jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Endangered Koloa Maoli duck in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News
New study bolsters efforts to save endangered Hawaiian duck. New findings suggest conservation efforts aimed at protecting an endangered Hawaiian duck are working. Hawaii News Now.

State Economist: Challenges Ahead As Visitor, Construction Sectors Soften. Total visitor spending declined and the value of private building permits decreased this year through September, signs that the Hawaii economy is ratcheting back. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chinese Visitors Numbers Continue To Decline. Why Geopolitics, Free Market May Be To Blame. Chinese visitors to Hawaii are down 26 percent through the third quarter of 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tourism Authority marketing now includes teaching tourists to be responsible. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is adding “responsible tourism” to its traditional marketing, a departure from its past focus on promoting Hawaii’s beaches, weather, natural beauty and unique Hawaiian culture. Star-Advertiser.

Gen. LaCamera assumes role in change of command ceremony. There’s a new man in charge of the more than 85,000 soldiers of U.S. Army Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

What’s Behind Hawaii’s Rising Test Scores For English Learners. A policy shift several years ago that makes “exiting” out of an English language program more rigorous could hold some clues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City affordable housing rent caps might be lifted. In an effort to ease Oahu’s housing crunch, the city in May passed the Affordable Rental Housing Bill, which provides tax waivers and other incentives to property owners who agree to rent most of their units to median- and lower-income families at federally established guideline rates of no more than about $1,500-$2,000 a month for one- or two-bedroom units. Star-Advertiser.

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Navy says their plan to reduce risk from Red Hill fuel tanks will take some time. People crowded into a public meeting on Tuesday to weigh in on the U.S. Navy and Defense Logistics Agency's proposal to upgrade the underground storage tanks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Hawaii News Now.

Public comments taken at community meeting about Red Hill fuel storage tanks. People came to a public meeting Tuesday, Nov. 19 to let the federal Environmental Protection Agency know what they think about military fuel storage at Red Hill, and the risks it poses to Oahu’s water supply. KHON2.

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Honolulu officer expected to plead guilty in urinal case. A Honolulu police officer is expected to plead guilty to depriving a homeless man of his civil rights by forcing him to lick a public urinal. Associated Press.

Officer accused of forcing man to lick urinal set to change his plea. Another Honolulu Police Officer accused of forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal is expected to confess to the civil rights violation. Hawaii News Now.

HPD officer accused of forcing homeless man to lick urinal expected to plead guilty. A Honolulu police officer is expected to plead guilty to depriving a homeless man of his civil rights by forcing him to lick a public urinal. KITV.

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More arrests made as hundreds of wind farm protesters turn out to Kalaeloa again. Several wind farm opponents were arrested late Wednesday after hundreds showed up in Kalaeloa for another night of protests. Hawaii News Now.

This Honolulu Lawyer Has Run A Marshallese Baby Business With Impunity. Laurie Loomis’ operation, including flying women from the Marshall Islands for adoptions, resembles that of a recently indicted Arizona lawyer, but thus far she has faced no consequences. Civil Beat.

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Marine Corps’ plans for 1,500-foot sea wall raises concern in Ewa Beach. Some Ewa Beach residents are concerned that a Marine Corps plan to install 1,500 feet of steel barrier to protect part of the oceanfront Puuloa Range Training Facility from beach erosion could create new problems for residents on either end. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz To Marines: Rethink Project That Threatens Ewa Beach. Neighbors and government officials say an environmental study is needed, but the Marine Corps has said it isn’t legally required to do one. Civil Beat.

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Prisons Chief: A New Halfway House On The Way For Hawaii. The state’s only re-entry facility for federal inmates closed after the city of Honolulu purchased the building and destined it for drug treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land agreement reached between TMT, Canary Islands. A governmental body in the Canary Islands approved a land concession deal with the Thirty Meter Telescope partners, although Maunakea remains the project’s preferred location. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County spends $5 million on TMT protests, mostly on police. The protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope have so far cost Hawaii County more than $5 million, according to the latest cost update provided to members of the Hawaii County Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens Say Vote by Mail Cards Never Came. Concerns of disenfranchisement have cropped up recently on the Big Island, as residents and state officials alike have pointed to a potential flaw in Hawai‘i’s new vote by mail system that could leave some voters without a ballot come election day. Big Island Now.

Council panel hears task force recommendations for changes to property tax structure. County Council members on Tuesday heard a host of recommendations from a task force charged with making the property tax code more equitable, but they stressed there’s a long way to go before any recommendation becomes law. West Hawaii Today.

Council members hear bleak presentation about greenhouse gases. America and other developed nations have 10 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero to prevent a runaway climate catastrophe, a University of Hawaii professor told a Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A ʻPromising Path Forwardʻ: Mahi Pono Strikes Deal in Water Use Application. A hearing for closing arguments in the nearly two decades-long Hui o Na Wai ʻEha contested case took place Tuesday before the State Water Commission. Maui Now.

Maui water rights deal praised as step toward resolving years-long dispute. After a decades-long battle over public water rights in Central Maui, there’s finally an agreement over stream flows. Hawaii News Now.

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Lawmakers set aside millions for overcrowding at Maui jail to prevent further riots. It’s been eight months since destructive riots broke out at the Maui Community Correctional Center ― and damage inside the modules is still visible. Hawaii News Now.

Eight Months After Riot, Maui Jail is Still 40% Overcapacity. Eight months after a riot that caused an estimated $5.3 million in damage, overcrowding remains an issue at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Maui Now.

First look inside Maui Community Correctional Center following riot in March 2019. It has been eight months since the riot at Maui Community Correctional Center that caused nearly $5 million in damages. KITV.

Kauai

County Council meets today. Waste Management Hawaii is withdrawing from its agreement with the county to operate the Kekaha Landfill, effective Dec. 1, and Managing Director Michael Dahilig will brief the council on the Department of Public Works’ plans to ensure uninterrupted service and get input concerning long-term landfill operations. Garden Island.

Better than before. Haena State Park played host to the Hawaii House of Representatives finance committee Tuesday morning, the first time members have returned since 2017. Garden Island.

Water used to run through it. Hike at least three hours upstream and into the interior of Kauai’s east side, and you’ll find yourself at the base of the two-tiered Makaleha Falls. Garden Island.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Wind farm protesters in court, Supreme Court sides with Ige in nomination dispute, Honolulu auditor slams monster houses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm protests PC: Choon James
Arrested wind farm protesters appear in court as more are detained. More than 30 people accused of disobeying a police officer in the Na Pua Makani wind farm protest made their initial appearance in court Monday on the same day 18 additional people were arrested for attempting to block yet another convoy of turbine parts. Star-Advertiser.

Energy Giant AES Has A Big — And Growing — Footprint In Hawaii. The Kahuku wind farm developer opposed a proposed ban on coal in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaiian Flags, Parking Tickets, Arrests Are Raising Free Speech Questions. There’s been a noticeable spike in Hawaiian flags seen on roads and highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court rules in favor of Ige in dispute over PUC appointment.  The 4-1 decision clarifies confusion over the governor’s authority to make appointments when the Legislature is not in session and brings some closure to a legal dispute that arose when the PUC rejected Florida- based NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries. Star-Advertiser.

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Stings net more than 2 dozen suspected child sex predators in Hawaii. Law enforcement officers pose as children online, using chat rooms and common social media apps. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General announces results of Operation Keiki Shield. The name of the operations are "Keiki Shield" and so far have involved 95 law enforcement officers and professional staff from over a dozen county, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies. KITV.

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Kauai’s Carvalho Backs Kahele For Congress. The Democratic state senator continues to rack up the endorsements. Civil Beat.

Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho endorses Kai Kahele for Congress. Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho has endorsed Kai Kahele in his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, adding to the list of well-known political figures who have thrown their support behind the state senator for Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii unemployment rate remains steady at 2.7%. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 2.7% in October for the third straight month while nonfarm payrolls were virtually flat in falling by just 100 jobs, according to data released Monday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Jobless rate holds steady. The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations on Monday announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 2.7 percent, for the third consecutive month. Garden Island.

Oahu

Auditor’s report slams city agency on ‘monster houses’. A just-completed audit of the city Department of Planning and Permitting’s handling of the explosion in the number of large, detached dwellings in recent years concluded the agency has been lax, inconsistent and ineffective in dealing with the “monster house” issue. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Monster Houses Still Running Amok Despite City Law. The city blamed turnover, reduced time for training and other factors for its failure to enforce the 2019 law. Civil Beat.

Audit: City failed to control ‘monster homes’ or take residents’ complaints seriously. Critic says city “took their eye off the ball”. Hawaii News Now.

New city audit finds DPP mismanaging monster home permits. Recommendations include better coordination and increasing fines for not having permits. KITV.




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Top Honolulu Rail Official Leaves HART As Project Reaching Critical Stage. Paula Youngling is the second high-level procurement officer to leave HART in recent months. Civil Beat.


Ridership on The Bus continues to decline. Since 2015 the City is seeing fewer people riding the bus. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls it a product of competition. KITV.

Public input sought on fix for Red Hill fuel tanks above aquifer. A letter mailed recently with every water bill was the Board of Water Supply’s way of drawing attention islandwide before a public meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Million-Dollar Oahu Homes Shrink In Size. The square footage is smaller than it was just five years ago. Civil Beat.

Restoring Kaiwainui Marsh After Years Of Neglect Is Not As Easy As It Could Be. Lots of different groups want to restore and protect the iconic Oahu wetland. Civil Beat.

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A community park on the outskirts of Downtown is getting new life. The city, the YMCA and a local school celebrated are celebrating a deal that will revitalize a troubled downtown park. Hawaii News Now.

YMCA partners with city for Kamamalu park makeover. The Young Men’s Christian Association of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.7 million for improvements at Kamamalu Neighborhood Park, the city facility next to the YMCA’s busy Nuuanu branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Managing Director Okabe resigns. Wil Okabe, Mayor Harry Kim’s managing director and right-hand man, is resigning effective Nov. 30. West Hawaii Today.

Climate crisis to be topic of presentation during council committee meeting. A Hawaii County Council committee will discuss strategies today for protecting the Big Island from rising sea levels brought about by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

In search of a solid waste solution. A resolution urging the departments of Environmental Management and Research and Development put their heads together to come up with a way to reduce waste and generate clean energy received unanimous backing at a committee hearing and is scheduled Wednesday for its final County Council vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Getting $10 Million From State For Mauna Kea Costs. The Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee will make a recommendation on accepting the funds during its meeting Tuesday in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Governor accepts final EIS for Pulehunui master plan. Water, wastewater, roads mapped out for state projects. Maui News.

Wailuku Community Divided Over Proposed Hotel. Landowners Jonathan Starr and Helen Nielsen are hoping a new hotel will revitalize the streets of Wailuku. Others, however, fear it could gentrify one the islandʻs last untouched towns. Maui Now.

Hawaii Among Recipients Of $29M In Fed Coastal Protection Grants. The University of Hawaii Office of Research Services is receiving $399,506 -- $199,506 in grants and $200,000 in matching funds -- to restore and enhance the Maui coastal dunes. Associated Press.

Home prices cool after record-breaking August. Median prices in September, October lower than houses selling at same time last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Finance Committee members tour affordable housing site, hemp farm. Members of the House Finance Committee toured two project sites on Monday that they hope will benefit from bills they intend to pass during next year’s legislative session. Garden Island.

Kauai’s jail is getting upgrades, but it won’t solve the overcrowding. The Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC) is different from the other Hawaii jails: It doesn’t have a guard tower, and it sits alongside a busy road, Kuhio Highway, with no fence separating it from the Highway, just a ditch. Hawaii News Now.

Helping Small Food Companies Cope With High Costs. A new business development program on Kauai aims to provide small operators with tools and resources to grow. Civil Beat.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Protests drag on at Mauna Kea, Kahuku; Hirono's cancer diagnosis fuels health care crusade, building heights big issue on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono ©2019 All Hawaii News
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s cancer diagnosis has fueled her crusade for health care reform. It’s been two and a half years since U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced she was fighting advanced kidney cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Money flows to federal campaigns. Money continues flowing into campaign coffers for Hawaii’s congressional delegation, even for Senate candidates who have several years before their next election. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless family sent from NYC had jobs, housing.  New York City program sent a homeless family to Hawaii that had one-year’s worth of prepaid rent, prearranged housing and prearranged employment, and Lt. Gov. Josh Green is “satisfied” with the arrangements following an hourlong telephone conversation Friday with three New York City officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ‘OK’ in beach report. A new report from the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation gives Hawaii a “C” in coastal management as it relates to climate change. Garden Island.

Bilingual students outpace native speakers in graduation rates in Hawaii. Students in Hawaii’s public schools who study English as a second language and master it before high school are more likely to graduate on time than kids who are native speakers. Star-Advertiser.

Studies: Pigs good, bad for environment. New research out of the University of Hawaii supports the state’s work to eradicate invasive and prevalent feral pigs, but also shows ways in which watersheds can benefit from the animals. Garden Island.

Oahu

Kahuku Wind Farm Opponents Declare Intent to Sue Developer. A North Shore citizens group led by Hawaii Sen. Gil Riviere said on Friday that it plans to sue the developers of a major wind farm project being built in Kahuku. Civil Beat.


 More arrests made after another large crowd of wind farm protesters turns out at Kalaeloa. Several people were arrested late Sunday into early Monday after another large crowd turned out in Kalaeloa over a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.


Wind farm protesters gather in Kalaeloa. Exactly one month after the first arrests linked to the Na Pua Makani wind farm project were made, opponents of the project gathered in Kalaeloa Sunday night to once more attempt to stop the transport of wind turbines. Star-Advertiser.


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Despite Changes, Some Food Vendors Still Oppose Proposed City Plastics Ban. A measure banning single-use plastic and polystyrene products from Oahu restaurants is moving to the full City Council for a final vote after amendments, although some businesses remain opposed to it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anxious Palolo residents worry about home stability as erosion worsens. Anxious residents say the hillside erosion in Palolo is expanding. They say the collapse along Kuahea Street has moved to other streets in the neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Beach Residents Want Marines To Take Another Look At Retaining Wall. Military says it’s fine but Hawaii’s top coastal management official calls the project part of a “death knell” for the islands’ beaches. Civil Beat.

‘Kauhale’ homeless concept generating offers of donations. More construction- related companies, architects and two private landowners have stepped forward to help create a new, communal “kauhale” concept to build permanent, tiny homes for Oahu’s chronically homeless adults. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe condo complex defies city ordinance and cuts down protected trees to enhance views. On the slopes of a Kaneohe promontory prized for its ocean views, more than 1,000 trees including milo, mango, kukui, weeping banyan and silver trumpet have stood for decades as part of a lush hillside — and a knotty problem. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Honolulu Traffic Is Terrible. So Why Aren’t More People Riding TheBus? With ridership sliding, city officials are trying to get more butts in transit seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

HUD Won’t Fund Housing In Lava Zones 1 & 2. Housing projects will not get funded by HUD CDBG-DR money, but public infrastructre projects will. Big Island Video News.

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Four months later, Maunakea camp is a ‘well-oiled machine’. After the four-month anniversary of the creation of the camp at Maunakea Access Road, some things have changed but more have stayed the same. Tribune-Herald.

Retired Lt. Files Complaint Over HPD Mauna Kea Operation. A recently retired lieutenant from the Hawaiʻi County Police Department is taking action, and has filed a complaint in regards to the ongoing police activity around Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Police: Flags on cars not a problem. The Hawaii Police Department has been upfront about its law enforcement efforts around the Maunakea protests since the demonstration began in July. West Hawaii Today.

TMT supporters question sacredness of Mauna Kea, opponents disagree. This disagreement -- even among Hawaiians on what’s sacred -- indicates that a resolution or a compromise to the 126-day-old stalemate is far off. Hawaii News Now.

Visitors have turned to the Mauna Loa summit for their sightseeing needs. The 17-mile roadway, owned and managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, is near the Mauna Kea Access Road on the opposite side of the highway. Star-Advertiser.

Man makes home out of cave near protesters’ camp. While the borders of the Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu are ever-changing, they do not extend to one of the more curious developments near the Maunakea Access Road: a partially-collapsed lava tube where one man has made a home. Tribune-Herald.

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Army plans Big Isle drill with Chinese soldiers. An opening ceremony will be held Monday on Hawaii island for a military exercise with China that will involve about 100 People’s Liberation Army soldiers training alongside U.S. Army counterparts. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Residents oppose Wailuku building height increase. Proposals shelved; agency is planning public workshops. Maui News.

Kamaole dunes are up for restoration. Sand dunes play key role in slowing erosion. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Ohana Zone coming soon. Kauai County officials are finishing up plans for a facility to provide homeless residents with affordable housing and social services, and hope to break ground on the project next month. Garden Island.

New fare Kauai Bus structure to go into effect on Jan 1, 2020. As part of the recommendations provided by Kauai’s recently completed Short Range Transit Plan, The Kauai Bus is announcing that a new fare structure will be going into effect Jan. 1, 2020. KHON2.

Oceans of discovery. The new Kauai ocean discovery facility is finally coming, said Jean Souza, the program specialist with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Islands Region. Garden Island.