Interim Honolulu councilman chosen, LoPresti challenges state Senate election results, Southwest Airlines closer to Hawaii route, Big Island council advances tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Surfing Waikiki PC: Tor Johnson Hawaii Tourism Authority

State lawmakers consider commission to tie surfing back to its Hawaiian roots. Has the sport of surfing strayed from its roots? A State Surfing Commission would help connect the culture. KITV.

Former state Rep. Matt LoPresti is asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider his challenge of election results in his close contest for a state Senate seat, saying he recently learned the Honolulu City Clerk included 126 invalid ballots in the vote tally in his race. Star-Advertiser.

These Lawmakers Think The State Should Charge $20 To Unblock Porn Sites. The ACLU argues the bills, which would require manufacturers to place blocking devices on computers and phones, are unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says increase to minimum wage ‘definitely’ happening this year. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat Sues To Get Teacher Misconduct Records. The Hawaii Department of Education has refused to turn over much of its information regarding the  disciplining of employees accused of wrongdoing. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers say they're open to tougher punishment for repeat and first-time DUI offenders. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are urged to stop sales of flavored e-cigs and tobacco. State health officials and lawmakers are pushing to ban flavored tobacco products in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

“Candy flavored tobacco hooks kids.” That’s what the Hawaii Public Health Institute is warning through a new public display. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers are working to reduce waste by preventing restaurants from giving out single-use plastic straws. The bill was co-introduced by Representative Roy Takumi and Representative Linda Ichiyama, and would not completely ban plastic straws, but would require full-service restaurants to provide them only if requested by a customer. KITV.

Long-distance flight test indicates Southwest getting closer to Hawaii routes. Southwest Airlines is expected to carry out a long-distance test flight to Hawaii on Tuesday, an indication that the carrier is getting closer to beginning its long-awaited service to the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines performing validation flights for Hawaii routes. Southwest Airlines is getting one step closer to beginning passenger service to Hawaii. KHON2.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday voted to recommend former city transportation chief Mike Formby to be the temporary District 4 representative, pending resolution of the Trevor Ozawa-Tommy Waters election conflict. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Likely To Appoint Mike Formby As Interim Member. A council committee votes unanimously for the former city transportation director and congressional chief of staff to fill in until the Ozawa-Waters special election. Civil Beat.

Former congressional chief of staff tapped for vacant council seat. Mike Formby served as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and was also previously the acting executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Hawaii News Now.

Mike Formby favored to fill interim city council seat. KHON2.

By a vote of 8 to 0 Monday Honolulu City Council passed a resolution recommending interim representation for the District 4 seat. Former City Department of Transportation Services Director, Mike Formby was the pick for the interim position. KITV.

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Ala Wai Flood Control Project under fire. The project includes a stand-alone debris catchment, three multipurpose detention areas in open spaces through the developed watershed, and concrete flood walls averaging 4 feet high along one or both sides of approximately 1.9 miles of the Ala Wai Canal, including two pump stations. Star-Advertiser.

The state is in the process of creating a high-resolution map detailing how a tsunami would affect coastal areas on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials said today that work on an extensive repaving project in the Manoa Valley area is scheduled to begin next Monday and will involve more than 30 roads, including Oahu Avenue, Old East Manoa Road and Woodlawn Drive. Star-Advertiser.

Sara King of Ala Wai Elementary School, who has wanted to be a teacher ever since she was little, was singled out Monday as among the nation’s best with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A doubling and 10-year extension of the county’s general excise tax moved forward Monday on an 8-1 vote after the County Council Finance Committee heard dire warnings of property tax hikes and service cuts from Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County officials are considering another tax increase, and are taking a look at increasing the General Excise Tax surcharge that just went into effect in January. Big Island Video News.

A vision for Maunakea. While law enforcers are preparing a response to anticipated protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, Mayor Harry Kim is talking to stakeholders, has assembled a committee of Hawaiian cultural leaders and released his vision statement for the mountain’s future. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim’s vision statement for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

No Aloha So Far For A Puna Spaceport. A public meeting Wednesday is the next chance for residents to hear about the idea of launching about 24 rockets a year. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui visitor numbers keep climbing each year with over 3 million expected in 2019. Maui News.

Affordable Housing Presentation at MNHCOC Networker. The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce welcomes Howard Kihune, Jr. and Sandra Duvauchelle to make a presentation at their next general membership meeting on Feb. 12 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. Maui Now.

A free public lecture on Maui wildfires will take place this week at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at the Maalaea Harbor Shops on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai celebrated one year of the county’s transition to 100 percent Electronic Plan Review services on Friday. Garden Island.

Rushing To Save Kauai’s Ohia Trees From A Deadly, Fast-Spreading Disease. Rapid ohia death, which has felled hundreds of thousands of the environmentally and culturally important trees on the Big Island, was first spotted on Kauai in May. Civil Beat.

Female employees of the Kauai Marriott Resort want to add sexual harassment and retaliation charges to the class-action lawsuit filed against their employer last year when a coworker’s phone was allegedly found recording women in the hotel’s employee locker room. Garden Island.

Inspector General report urges changes to Hawaii's missile alert system, high surf, high seas spur Honolulu action, two election lawsuits filed over close votes, humpback whale no-shows cause concern, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii missile alert info session ©2018 All Hawaii News

Missile alert report urges FEMA to make vendors change software. The report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General urges FEMA to require that software used by local authorities to access and operate the emergency alert system include features such as the ability to preview or cancel alerts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii False Missile Alert: New Problems Found In Federal Warning System. A recent inspector general report highlights shortcomings in FEMA’s oversight of the emergency warning system. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has recommended changes to the nation’s emergency alert system after Hawaii officials in January mistakenly warned the public about an incoming ballistic missile. Associated Press.

Read full inspector general emergency alert system report here.

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New Tax System Targets Cash Economy. The state’s Tax System Modernization or TSM will cost $60 million when completed. Rollout 4 was launched earlier this month to enable electronic filing for individual income tax returns. Hawaii Public Radio.

From school custodian to the sole Republican in the state Senate. For Kurt Fevella, the results of the general election are still sinking in. The former school janitor is now hiring staff for his office, as the newly elected lone Republican in the Hawaii state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Every vote counts, but not all get counted. Thousands of votes statewide were invalidated, mostly on Oahu, and most affected voters won't necessarily know if theirs was counted. KHON2.

Black Market Babies. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, a string of low-lying coral atolls halfway between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, had no law governing international adoptions in the 1990s. Hawaii quickly turned into a hub for what American judges and newspapers widely described as “black market adoptions.” The flow of babies soon spread to other states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii AG Demands Civil Rights Protections for Transgender People. Attorney General Russell A. Suzuki joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general urging the Trump Administration to abandon efforts to adopt a definition of “sex” that would exclude transgender and gender nonconforming individuals from the protections of federal civil rights laws. Maui Now.

Clues sought for decline in Hawaii humpback whale sightings. Researchers are gathering to compare clues on the reasons behind a significant decline in the number of sightings of North Pacific humpback whales in their traditional breeding grounds in waters around Hawaii. Associated Press.

Auction brings more broadband funds to Hawaii’s rural areas. Hawaiian Telcom will receive more than $18 million to deploy broadband in approximately 4,000 new areas across our state over the next six years. These areas include parts of Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland and Pepeekeo on Hawaii island; parts of Haiku, Hana and Olowalu on Maui; parts of Kaunakakai and Ualapue on Molokai; part of Lanai City; parts of Hanapepe, Kekaha, Kilauea, Kokee and Waimea on Kauai; and parts of Kahuku and Malaekahana on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Sears to sell off most of its Hawaii stores. Sears Holdings Corp. listed four Hawaii outlets — at Pearlridge Center, Windward Mall, Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo and an appliance store at Ala Moana Center — among 505 of the company’s most profitable locations to be sold or auctioned off as part of its bankruptcy, according to court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Retail giant Sears announced Monday that its putting four of its Hawaii stores on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

SBA opening disaster loan centers this week on Maui, Hawaii's Big Island. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open disaster loan outreach centers on the Big Island and Maui on Tuesday to help Hawaii businesses apply for low-interest loans to recover from damage caused by the floods and wildfires that occurred during Hurricane Lane in August. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city is taking steps to prepare for the significant impacts of global climate change, but moving the route of Honolulu’s rail line more inland is not one of them, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

‘Perhaps we retreat:’ City predicts major changes as Hawaii faces coastal erosion. Following the release of a new national climate assessment, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell predicted Friday that Hawaii will see major changes in infrastructure as ocean levels rise in the decades ahead. Hawaii News Now.

City and County of Honolulu to take action on climate change. KHON2.

North Shore Beach Erosion 45-foot waves pound island. A powerful northwest swell pounded the islands Monday, bringing to some northwest-facing locations towering waves between 35 and 45 feet. Star-Advertiser.

'Nuts’: Monster waves pummel Oahu’s North Shore, trigger safety warnings. Monster surf topping out at 45 feet rolled into Oahu’s North Shore on Monday, triggering safety warnings and keeping lifeguards busy. Hawaii News Now.

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Two Losing Candidates Ask For Election Recounts. City Council candidate Tommy Waters and state Sen. Matt LoPresti both lost their races by razor-thin margins. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters, who lost to incumbent Councilman Trevor Ozawa by 22 votes in the general election, wants the Hawaii Supreme Court to either declare him the winner, order a recount of the votes or to demand that the results be invalidated and a new election be held. Star-Advertiser.

Police Security Cameras May Soon Blanket Waikiki. Tourism officials believe heightened surveillance will make visitors feel safer, but the Hawaii ACLU says it poses “grave concerns” for privacy. Civil Beat.

HPD Wants Inflatable Tents In City Parks For Temporary Use By The Homeless. Police have a $3 million plan to create “lift zones” in Honolulu parks, where the homeless can sleep in inflatable tents and receive services when shelters fill up. Civil Beat.

City launches unclutter street gutters initiative. The city is trying to get residents to take responsibility for their neighborhood's storm drains. KHON2.

The Board of Water Supply is taking a second shot at generating additional revenue by pursuing the redevelopment of part of its Beretania Street site. Hawaii News Now.

Nan Inc. wins $267M contract to expand Oahu sewage plant. The City and County of Honolulu has awarded Nan Inc. a $267 million contract to expand the secondary treatment system at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in in Ewa. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County Council names Chung chairman. Aaron Chung, a longtime councilman from Hilo, will be the new County Council chairman under an organization plan filed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

A new Hawaii County Council Chair, County Clerk, and Council Committee leadership has been nominated as the next council prepares to take office. Big Island Video News.

Hurricane Lane Disaster Recovery Center Opens Tuesday In Hilo. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a temporary Disaster Recovery Center in Hilo at the Hawaii County Building, from November 27 to December 6. Big Island Video News.

What to name fissure no. 8? A state board is taking up the issue. The Hawaii Board of Geographic Names meets Wednesday to discuss a plan to review potential new name proposals for Kilauea volcano’s features, including fissure no. 8 in Leilani Estates. Hawaii News Now.

After gathering more than a third of a million pounds of oceanborne waste from Hawaii shores, one marine waste cleanup program will continue its work for a third year. Tribune-Herald.

Over the last week, a scabies outbreak has run rampant through the ranks of Kona Community Hospital, sidelining several employees. And hospital officials say more cases are likely to appear. West Hawaii Today.

County seeks bids for Alii Drive culvert replacement project. A contractor is being sought to replace a rapidly deteriorating culvert on Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hearings begin to update Maui island water plan. Twenty-year blueprint helps guide the management of water resources. Maui is working to update its 20-year plan for islandwide water uses at a time when major decisions by the state’s water panel are slowly restoring streams in the wake of big sugar. Maui News.

County of Maui DPR announces closure of Baldwin Beach Park all day Tuesday. Major flooding has resulted from high surf and has caused safety concerns to the County facility. KITV.

The Lanai Community Health Center has launched a more user-friendly website. Maui News.

Kauai

Meeting set today on council chair selection. A meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. today at the Historic County Building for the members elected to the Kauai County Council for the term commencing Dec. 3 to discuss their organizational structure for the 2018-2020 council term. Garden Island.

Settlement likely in civil suit. A tentative settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit filed against the Kauai County Police Department by the family of a 19-year-old Hanapepe man killed by a speeding police cruiser, according to court documents and a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

Hawaii losing one of its two dairy farms, Caldwell vetoes condo bill, hotel occupancy down, Big Island vacation rental bill passes, Maui affordable housing breaks ground, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island Dairy, Facebook page photo

Big Island Dairy owners confirmed Tuesday that they will discontinue dairy and milk processing operations at the Ookala facility for financial reasons. Tribune-Herald.

One of two of the state's only dairies is closing. Big Island Dairy has announced it's ending operations in February next year. KHON2.

Embattled Big Island Dairy Farm Plans To Shut Down. A lawsuit filed last year alleged repeated spills and runoff of cattle manure, cattle urine and other waste from Big Island Dairy violated federal laws. Civil Beat.

Big Island Dairy will discontinue its operation of raw milk production and milk processing operations at its farm on the Hamakua Coast. Big Island Video News.

Embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations, lay off employees. An embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations in the new year and lay off its 24 employees. Hawaii News Now.

Those concerned about opening a dairy in the Mahaulepu valley started celebrating Tuesday after Big Island Dairy owners announced they’ll be shutting down operations on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

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Occupancy rates at Hawaii hotels decline. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority on average hotels statewide reported decreased occupancy in October compared to the year before. KHON2.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday that hotels statewide had a drop in occupancy last month, the fifth month in a row of declines. Occupancy fell to 76.4 percent, a drop of 2.4 percentage points from October 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Sex-Sting Vigilantes Are Trying to Bust ‘Predators’ In Hawaii. But concerns are being raised by police and others about the type of tactics used by groups like Hawaii Predator Hunters Facebook Group. Civil Beat.

Despite reports of a Christmas tree shortage on the mainland, it appears Hawaii will see plenty of trees this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive more than $400,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to curb harmful pollution from diesel vehicles in the state. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor cites safety in condo bill veto. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have provided condo owners an extra two years to comply with requirements of a fire safety law enacted in the wake of the fatal Marco Polo fire in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor vetoes fire sprinkler bill 'for the safety of our citizens'. The new bill requires high-rises to do a sprinkler system evaluation within five years instead of three, and then be fitted with sprinklers within eight years instead of six. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor vetoes bill offering fire safety evaluation extension. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill that would have extended the deadline for high rises to get a fire safety inspection. KITV.

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Native Hawaiians claim voter suppression at Leeward Oahu polling sites during general election. After a massive effort by several Native Hawaiian organizations to get out the vote for the general election, advocates are accusing state elections officials of stymieing their efforts. Hawaii News Now.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson raised eyebrows — but received no official admonishment — for using lewd descriptions at a recent council meeting to criticize a lack of action on homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

The driver of the trolley that struck and killed an elderly pedestrian in Kakaako on Thursday had a blood alcohol concentration of more than twice the legal threshold for drunken driving, according to Honolulu police reports. Star-Advertiser.

Local Christmas Tree Farm Prepares For The Season. If it’s anything the Christmas holiday season teaches us, its patience! Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

After two years, seven bill drafts and a lot of community input, Hawaii County will soon join the other three counties regulating short-term vacation rentals. The County Council on Tuesday passed Bill 108 on a 6-1 vote, setting in motion the next step in the process: formulation of rules by the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim to undergo surgery Friday. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu to clear a blockage in an artery in his lower extremities, his office said today in a written statement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday, but that didn’t stop him from testifying in Hilo today. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim to undergo surgery to clear blockage in artery. KHON2.

County to get $10 million for lava recovery. Hawaii County will receive a $10 million grant from the state to help it kick-start recovery efforts in Puna following the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope Foes Ask Hawaii High Court To Reconsider Ruling. Opponents want the Hawaii Supreme Court to reverse an earlier 4-1 vote clearing the way for the $1.4 billion Mauna Kea project. Associated Press.

Big Island bees stung by natural disasters. Natural disasters stung Big Island bee colonies and harmed honey production and hives. KITV.

Maui

Maui’s Newest Affordable Housing Complex Breaks Ground. Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation broke ground this morning on the first phase of Kahului Lani, a senior affordable rental housing development bordered by Kane, Vevau and School streets in Kahului. Maui Now.

Maui County Prosecutor John D. Kim announced the death of deputy prosecuting attorney Richard Minatoya on Sunday. Maui News.

Kahului 2070: Maui's Metropolitan/TOD Plan. Kahului 2070 is Maui County’s long-range concept plan for transit oriented development. Hawaii Public Radio.

School has been in session here for months at the Hanalei Colony Resort, where hotel rooms serve as classrooms for about two dozen students. But the satellite campus could close down come next month. KITV.

The second Maui Cannabis Conference will be held Jan. 5 and 6 at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Maui News.

Kauai

On A Now Empty Beach, Signs Of Nature’s Comeback. Kee Beach, once nearly loved to death by tourists, is now a place of solitude after last spring’s punishing storms cut it off from the rest of the island. Civil Beat.

Contrary to the recommendations by health officials, Earl Kashiwagi of Esaki’s Produce said the romaine lettuce being brought in by the biggest produce wholesaler on the island is pretty safe to eat. Garden Island.

Kauai a leader in hotel report. Hawaii hotels statewide reported no growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR), modest growth in average daily rate (ADR) and decreased occupancy in October. Garden Island.

Hawaii Election Central: Hawaii retains deep blue hue, but sends a Republican to state Senate, Ige easily wins re-election as governor, new mayors for Maui and Kauai, final vote counts, election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green ©2018 All Hawaii News

Final election results from the state Office of Elections is here.

Gov. David Ige easily clinched another term as governor Tuesday night, finishing the race with a six-figure vote advantage over his Republican opponent, state Rep. Andria Tupola. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has won his bid for re-election, fighting off a general election challenge from Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Cruises To Re-Election As Governor. Incumbent Gov. David Ige and his running mate, Josh Green, easily defeated GOP challengers Andria Tupola and Marissa Kerns in Hawaii’s gubernatorial election. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday won re-election to a second term after defeating Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola as the Democratic Party continued to dominate Hawaii politics. Associated Press.

Democratic Governor of Hawaii David Ige has been reelected, alongside the next Lieutenant Governor, Josh Green, following Tuesday night’s general election victory. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige wins re-election, Josh Green to serve as lieutenant governor. KHON2.

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U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard easily won re-election Tuesday, and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case also is headed back to Congress, ensuring an all-Democratic delegation for the islands once again. Star-Advertiser.

Case cruises to victory in race for Congress; Hirono, Gabbard easily win re-election bids. After beating out a crowded field of Democrats in the primary election, former U.S. Rep. Ed Case easily clinched his congressional bid Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Democrats maintain their dominance but GOP picks up a state Senate seat. Republican Kurt Fevella beat Democratic rival Matt LoPresti late Tuesday night to fill the open Senate seat representing Ewa and Ewa Beach, giving the Republican Party a surprise turnaround in what was otherwise an evening of Democratic sweeps. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats Keep Their Tight Lock On The Legislature. Republicans, who currently hold only five House seats and no Senate seats, appear poised to grab one Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans retain 5 seats in state House. The seat that represents portions of Mililani went to a Republican newcomer. Hawaii News Now.

Two of the three Hawaii teachers who jumped into politics this year are headed from the classroom to the state House. Star-Advertiser.

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Longtime OHA Trustee Akana Loses Re-Election Bid. Rowena Akana has served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees for more than two decades but recently came under fire for alleged misspending. Civil Beat.

Longest-running OHA trustee, facing charges of ethics violations, fails in re-election bid. Hawaii News Now.


Waihee, Lindsey, Akaka win OHA races. Two members of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees will keep their positions with a new face coming to represent the island of Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

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Hawaii voters say ‘no’ to constitutional convention. Hawaii overwhelmingly voted down a proposed constitutional convention Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to convene a state constitutional convention was soundly defeated Tuesday night. Tuesday’s balloting showed continued resistance to a ConCon, with over 70 percent voting “no” or leaving the question blank, which counted as a “no” vote. Star-Advertiser.

ConCon Is Gone Gone — Voters Reject State Constitutional Convention. It was a once-a-decade chance for the public to go over the heads of the Legislature, but the measure was opposed by public employee unions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii voters find short lines, few problems at general election polling sites. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic Party of Hawaii says the work begins now, after election victories. KITV.

Oahu

Ozawa Edges Waters In Tight Race For Honolulu City Council Seat. Councilman Trevor Ozawa received 22 more votes than challenger Tommy Waters in a contest that went down to the wire. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa pulled off a 22-vote victory over former state Rep. Tommy Waters to win reelection to the Council District 4 (East Honolulu) seat, according to a final summary report issued by the state Office of Elections at 4:11 a.m. today. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Trevor Ozawa edges over Tommy Waters for city council seat. KHON2.

One of the hottest races this general election is for the City Council seat that represents east Honolulu — and it’s proving to be a really tight race. Hawaii News Now.

Voters Shooting Down HART Board Charter Amendment. The proposal would have made it easier for the board overseeing the Honolulu rail project to take action. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Rebecca Villegas will be the new face of Kona on the County Council. With all four precincts reporting Tuesday night, Villegas had 2,920 votes, or 56.6 percent, overpowering Kelly Drysdale for the seat vacated by Dru Kanuha. West Hawaii Today.

Rebecca Villegas will be taking a seat on the Hawaii County Council, after defeating runoff opponent Kelly Drysdale in Tuesday night’s general election. Big Island Video News.

Facing slim competition from challengers, Hawaii Democrats appeared poised to handily win all Big Island House seats Tuesday night. Tribune-Herald.

New names assume state office in West Hawaii. Dru Kanuha, three-time District 7 county councilman, made the leap to the state Senate, capturing the District 3 seat vacated by Hawaii’s newly elected Lieutenant Governor, Josh Green. David Tarnas, who served two terms in the state House of Representatives from 1994-98, will assume the District 7 House seat after a hard fought primary rematch against eight-time incumbent, Cindy Evans, and a victory in the general over Republican Tom Belekanich by a total of 6,424 votes to 1,932 votes. West Hawaii Today.

County charter amendments pass. Hawaii Island residents voted Tuesday for more oversight over raises for county officials. Another charter amendment requiring ballot initiatives that would change the charter to be accompanied with a fiscal impact statement also passed with 81 percent in favor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mike Victorino defeats Elle Cochran to become Maui County's next mayor. KHON2.

In the Maui mayor's race, County Council veteran Mike Victorino led Elle Cochran 54.1 percent to 43.3 percent. Civil Beat.

In a closely watched proposal to toughen penalties for operating illegal short-term vacation rentals, Maui voters were strongly favoring a measure to increase penalties for operating unpermitted short-term vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Voter Turnout Down, Maui at 52%. In Maui County total turnout was 50,475 or 52.2% of the 96,721 registered voters. This included 23,093 or 23.9% who turned out at the polls, and 27,382 or 28.3% who cast absentee ballots. Maui Now.

Kauai

Derek Kawakami ready to work as Kauai County's new mayor. Kauai will be seeing a lot of changes and Tuesday night will be the deciding factor. KHON2.

In the race for Kauai mayor, former state Rep. Derek Kawakami led County Council Chairman Mel Rapozo 65.1 percent to 30.9 percent. Civil Beat.

Rapozo falls short in mayoral race. Garden Island.

County overwhelmingly votes to keep term limits. Here is how Kauai voted on seven ballot questions. Garden Island.

Outgoing Kauai Mayor Carvalho Jr. discusses his next move. KHON2.

It's Election Day! No vote, no grumble. Here's what candidates and committees have been up to going down the home stretch, plus everything you need to know about voting in all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz at Democratic Party rally in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

Lack of hot races suggests turnout might lag. This is one of the most exciting and suspenseful midterm elections in years on the mainland, but a lack of hotly contested local races suggests voter turnout could remain low in Hawaii today. Star-Advertiser.

Early Voting Is Way Up Nationwide, But Not In Hawaii. There’s a lot of drama on the mainland with control of Congress up for grabs. Hawaii’s races hold less suspense. Civil Beat.

Hawaii General Election: 180K Votes Already Cast. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite easier registration rules, early voting figures remain low. Hawaii’s voter turnout is the lowest in the nation. Hawaii News Now.

Democrats from across the state gathered at Mooheau bandstand Monday evening for their traditional pre-election Grand Rally, where several hundred of the party faithful ate chili, enjoyed entertainment and heard speeches from federal, state and local candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s GOP focusing on conservative-leaning districts in battle against blue wave. There are only five elected Republicans in the state. Hawaii News Now.

Advocates rally to push Native Hawaiian voters to the polls. ‘They say Hawaiians don’t vote. We want to prove them wrong.’ Hawaii News Now.

Candidates for Hawaii’s top elected office are focusing on a persistent problem that has only gotten worse: the high cost of housing on the islands. Associated Press.

A coalition of powerful unions, business interests, environmentalists and others has raised $740,000 in its effort to defeat this year’s ballot measure asking voters whether they want to convene a state constitutional convention, according to the latest campaign spending reports filed Monday. Star-Advertiser.

High-Profile PR Firm Is Getting Involved In Hawaii Politics. A company that made a big splash by hiring away public officials has aided the campaigns of the teachers union, an OHA candidate and a Maui super PAC. Civil Beat.

Here’s what you need to know for Tuesday’s Midterm Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Are you a first-time voter? Here’s all you need to know for Election Day. Polls open statewide Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Reminders, tips to know before you vote in Tuesday's general election. KHON2.

Election Day Hawaii Information. If you're headed to the polls here are some things you need to know. KITV.

Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft both said they will offer discounted rides to the polls in Hawaii on Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

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Some Progress Made on Strike Negotiations. Leaders of the hotel workers union Unite Here! Local 5 met with management of five hotels owned by Kyo-Ya over the weekend to try and bring an end to a four week worker strike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson’s earnings surge on tax cuts. Matson Inc. operated on a fairly even keel in the third quarter balancing higher revenue and expenses, but the Honolulu company benefited from lower taxes to boost its profit 22 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term bonds to help fund rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that his administration will use proceeds from the sale of short-term commercial paper to supply the city’s beleaguered $8 billion-plus rail project with $44 million to show “skin in the game” being required by federal transit officials and the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Take Out Short-Term Loan Of $44 Million To Keep Rail Going. This marks the first time that city property tax revenue will be used for the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Caldwell reveals preferred funding mechanism to secure $44M for Honolulu's rail project. Pacific Business News.

Here’s how the city plans to pay $44M for the rail project. ‘We’re probably taking the safest route, the least painful route.’ Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu unveils latest rail plans. Beginning in January, homeowners on O'ahu will start paying for rail through property taxes. KITV.

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Council committee hobbles sidewalk-clearing bills. Honolulu City Council members are doubling down on their insistence that Mayor Kirk Caldwell submit more detailed reports on how he’s tackling homelessness before they’ll allow him to implement two new sidewalk-clearance laws. Star-Advertiser.

Victim Advocates Withdraw From Partnership with Honolulu Police. The Domestic Violence Action Center will return $400,000 in grants because HPD didn’t use its services when responding to domestic violence calls. Civil Beat.

There's a big increase in crime due to 15 cents bag fee on Oahu, says Retail Merchants of Hawaii. KHON2.

Honolulu will be under increasing risk of flooding and other damaging storm impacts as climate change shifts the historical pattern of hurricane tracks and raises the ocean level to make the islands more vulnerable, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Sales dip, but Oahu home prices rise 4%, Locations report says. Home prices on Oahu rose by 4 percent over the 12-month period that ended Oct. 31, while sales of single-family homes declined by 3 percent, and condominium sales declined by 1 percent, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Thurston Lava Tube likely to remain closed until 2019. While much of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has reopened since its historic closure earlier this year, some parts likely will remain closed until at least next year. Tribune-Herald.

Improvements planned for rodeo arena in Honokaa. Honokaa Rodeo Arena will close from Nov. 14-Jan. 14 so improvements to the facility can be made. Tribune-Herald.

Humpbacks arrive fashionably early off Kohala Coast. West Hawaii Today.

The median price of a condominium on Hawaii’s Big Island rose by more than 26 percent last month despite fewer sales, compared to a year ago, while both sales and prices declined for single-family homes, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Polls will open starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday as voters statewide cast their final ballots for county, state and congressional races. Maui News.

Spending report: Victorino paid D.C.-based media consultant $50K. Cochran’s largest expenditure was just under $3,000 during same period in Maui County mayoral race. Maui News.

Commentary: Win for public’s right to know. The Maui News won an important court battle Thursday when the three psychiatrist/psychologist reports were released by 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill in the Ashley Wellman case. Maui News.

Maui visitor numbers slowed but still up in wake of Olivia. Vistor spending in September also up but only 2nd time this year with less than $400 million. Maui News.

The Kula Forest Reserve, Waipoli access road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve – Papaanui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area reopened on Friday following completion of a two-month project for road repairs, road safety improvements, and fuel mitigation work. Maui Now.

Kauai

An islandwide power outage that struck early Monday afternoon affected all 25,800 Kauai Island Utility Cooperative members. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said it has been able to restore power to all of its 25,800 members on the Garden Isle after a trip at its Kapaia Power Station caused an islandwide power outage. Pacific Business News.

Crews from the Department of Public Works finished laying a new sewer pipe at Kuhio Highway and Leho Drive Sunday night and began demobilizing as they wrapped up a days-long effort to repair and clean up a sewage spill and get traffic back to normal. Garden Island.

Single-family home prices on Kauai rise as sales drop. The median price of a single-family home on Kauai rose 6 percent last month, compared to a year ago, as the median price of a condominium dropped 13 percent and sales for both categories dropped, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News

Feds consider delisting Io Hawaiian hawk as endangered species, Honolulu rail contractor seeks $200M for delays, filmmaker sues state over Christian chiefess, Maui wind turbines test property tax law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Io, a Hawaiian hawk, at Panaewa zoo ©2018 All Hawaii News

US Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Public Comments on Proposal to Remove Io From Endangered Species List. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period on the Aug. 6, 2008, proposed rule to remove the Hawaiian hawk, or Io (Buteo solitarius), from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act. Maui Now.

With just days left, election officials are ready to go ... but are voters? On Saturday, officials tested ballot counting systems on the Senate floor of the State Capitol. The system will be used at counting centers in all 4 counties. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Big Donors Pump Millions Into Mainland Political Campaigns. Most of that cash — about $7 million for the midterm elections — went to Democrats, according to federal records. Civil Beat.

Backlogged rape test kits yield scores of possible leads. A major effort by law enforcement to test more than 1,500 rape kits that for years sat unprocessed in storage facilities statewide has resulted in DNA matches with more than 120 potential suspects in a national offender database. Star-Advertiser.

Filmmaker Sues Hawaii: My Film Is ‘Not The History They Want Told’. Tim Chey alleges the state film office withheld tax grants for his movie “Islands” because it’s about the Christian conversion of a Hawaiian chiefess. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings were unchanged in October from the year-earlier period following an upward trend that had seen the number of cases rise in seven of the previous nine months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ansaldo seeking $200M over rail delays. The contractor tasked with building the rail cars and installing the driverless operating system for the Honolulu rail line is seeking about $200 million in damages from the city for costs associated with delays in development of the project. Star-Advertiser.

City council delays start date for laws targeting homeless. On Monday, Honolulu City Council members will debate delaying the enforcement of new city laws because they say they want more information about the services and solutions available for people. KITV.

The dangers pedestrians and drivers pose when they meet on the roadways. If the alarming number of pedestrian deaths on Oahu this year has made people more wary when crossing the street, you wouldn’t know it by observing busy traffic spots in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Roads Ranked 5th Worst in Nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu selected as winning city in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. Honolulu is one of 20 cities total to be awarded resources and technical support to help achieve their ambitious climate goals under Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell joins picket as hotel strike persists. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell joined Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers on the picket lines in Waikiki Saturday, the 27th day of what has become the union’s longest-running hotel strike in nearly three decades. Star-Advertiser.

The company that built nearly an entire two-story, two-family house in Kapahulu without a valid building permit — and then later while under a stop-work order — finally got its permit from the city last month and is now undergoing inspections by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

The Marine Mammal Research Program at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology is shifting its research focus under new director Lars Bejder to include the impacts of climate change, human activities and prey availability on whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s only flour mill fading away. Hawaiian Flour Mills, a landmark of multihued 160-foot grain silos and corrugated steel buildings off Nimitz Highway for more than half a century, is slowly being dismantled to make way for a new era of commerce on Honolulu’s waterfront. Star-Advertiser.

Centuries old fishpond in Haleiwa could provide fish for community soon. Behind the busy streets of Haleiwa town, sits a 12 acre fishpond that provides a small glimpse of old Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Another step forward for vacation rental bill. Vacation rental operators will have a few extra months to get their paperwork together, now that the County Council moved the effective date for a bill regulating their use to April 1. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Friday voted to advance Bill 108 to second reading, after another long day of testimony and discussion. Big Island Video News.

Program to curb homeless trespassing. A new initiative by the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association hopes to alleviate downtown businesses’ homeless burden and make them safer for shoppers and workers alike. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo judge will decide whether certain defendants will be dismissed from a lawsuit filed by an elderly Leilani Estates couple who allege their insurer is acting in bad faith by not approving the claim they made after losing their home during the eruption of Kilauea volcano earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Estimate for wastewater treatment plant doubles. The price tag of a wastewater treatment plant proposed for Naalehu has increased to $40.5 million. Tribune-Herald.

County Council District 7: Drysdale vs. Villegas. There’s just one County Council seat remaining to be filled, and with Election Day less than a week away, two political neophytes are battling to the end to fill it. West Hawaii Today.

State initiates aquaculture accelerator program, investment fund at NELHA. The state announced Thursday a concrete plan to import big ideas, and potentially big dollars, to West Hawaii through the vehicle of the global aquaculture industry. West Hawaii Today.

‘Growing food and growing farmers’. This year marked the ninth annual Aina Fest, which supports HIP Agriculture, an organization focused on the education and practice of conscious agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

Solar project slated for Waikoloa Village, contractor announces community meeting. AES Distributed Energy won the bid for the project and will convene a community meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Nov. 13. West Hawaii Today.

Chancellor candidate forums kick off. Kristin Croyle, the first of four recently announced finalists for chancellor to visit the University of Hawaii at Hilo, met with faculty, staff and community members during a public forum Friday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County awaits appeal of timeshare tax ruling. Losing lawsuit could mean paying $34 million in tax refunds, hurt bond and credit ratings. Maui News.

Maui Affordable Housing, Transportation Legislation Passes Out of Committee. The bill proposes an expedited review process for county permits for qualifying 100% residential workforce housing projects. Maui Now.

It’s Real Property Because We Said So! A case of wind turbines on Maui, taxes, the courts and the county. Civil Beat.

The status of Maui’s streams, estuaries and native freshwater species will be the subject of a free, public presentation by State of Hawaii Department Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Aquatic Biologist Skippy Hau at the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Maui Now.

This past September, 5.9 percent more visitors came to Maui compared to September of last year, according to preliminary statistics that the Hawaii Tourism Authority released on Tuesday. Visitor spending on Maui remained the same to a year ago at $334.4 million. Maui Now.

A “perfect storm of erosion” has swallowed up much of West Maui’s beaches over the past three years due to El Nino conditions, record-high sea levels and sustained waves from the north, according to one coastal engineer working on projects along the shoreline. Maui News.

Kauai

Election-day voter registration available. Tuesday is Election Day, and not only will voters elect a new mayor of Kauai, they’ll also decide who of the 14 County Council candidates have earned a seat at the table. Garden Island.

Honeycreepers’ numbers dwindling, and so are their songs. A scientific study that examined the historical recordings of three native honeycreeper species in the forests of Kauai over the past 40 years found a dip in the complexity and variety of songs by two of the species. Star-Advertiser.

Lihue company cited by state Department of Health, fined $6K. Esaki Surveying and Mapping Inc. in Lihue was cited for not submitting their annual fee and semi-annual monitoring reports. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court allows prostitutes' johns to wipe record, Maui spent taxpayer money opposing ConAm, Kona coffee yield down, electric rates to go up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson ship off Honolulu © 2018 All Hawaii News

Ships vying for fuel oil expected to boost Hawaii electric bills. Hawaii, which already struggles with the nation’s highest electric bills, could see them jump by as much as 20 percent in just two years thanks to new regulations on fuel use in oceangoing ships. Bloomberg News Service.

State Supreme Court rules those who solicit prostitutes can wipe record. Under current state law, prostitutes and those who solicit prostitutes are punished differently. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Ballot Issues Draw $2.7 Million In Campaign Spending. Most of that money won’t end up influencing voters since the measure to raise taxes to fund public schools was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school students reported fewer physical fights but more suicide attempts than their U.S. peers, while bullying rates approached the national average, according to data to be presented to the school board today. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $40 Million To Help Students Lower Their Tuition Costs. The university is asking legislators for money to expand the Hawaii Promise program to the Manoa, Hilo and West Oahu four-year campuses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is notifying some members currently enrolled in older health plans that they will be moved to coverage compliant with the federal Affordable Care Act as of Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning panel endorses Caldwell’s new plan on vacation rentals. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday gave its thumbs-up to the latest version of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s omnibus short-term vacation rental bill, adding its own suggestions for the City Council, which will make a final decision on the proposal. Star-Advertiser.

BWS balks at study that says sizable leak of Red Hill fuel tank wouldn’t harm water supply. The Navy says critics are misreading the research. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and environmentalists are protesting a study that suggests a fuel leak in a huge Navy tank farm buried in Red Hill might not harm the island water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Why The State Wants To Build This Ala Moana High-Rise Above A Shelter. Unlike the luxury condo towers rising nearby, all 200 units in the complex would be affordable housing. It’s considered a model for future use of state-owned land. Civil Beat.

State considers Leeward Oahu property as site for homeless ‘ohana zone,' but not everyone is on board. After a decade of helping hundreds of families, a Leeward Oahu homeless shelter closed its doors permanently Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Houseless Encampment Leaders Want Seat at the Decision-Making Table. Leaders from 3 homeless encampments came together at the Honolulu Museum of Art to discuss their futures. Hawaii Public Radio.

New bikeshare program in Honolulu looks like competition for Biki. Riders can rent a bike for $3.50 for 30 minutes. Hawaii News Now.

In response to community outrage, Kamehameha Schools has suspended plans to remove geese and ducks from a property it owns in Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Sewage spills into Manoa Stream from overflow on St. Louis Heights Dr. More than 12,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Manoa Stream from a overflow on St. Louis Heights Drive. KHON2.

Kailua sinkhole may take months to repair. A portion of Kanapuu Drive near the Kahako Street intersection remained closed, as well as adjacent sidewalks, as crews Wednesday inspected the sinkhole on the shoulder of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they plan to meet Monday to discuss their legal options in the wake of Tuesday’s Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that gives the green light for construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court decision to allow the controversial TMT project is still reverberating across the community. We hear reactions from the University of Hawaii President David Lassner, Big Island businessman and supporter Richard Ha, and Thirty Meter Telescope opponent Kealoha Pisciotta. Hawaii Public Radio.

Expectations delivered Wednesday by both Hawaii County and the "Thirty Meter Telescope" project. KITV.

The geologists who monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes can still count themselves among those displaced by the recent Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The issue of what comes next for the beleaguered residents of Leilani Estates continues to divide a community worried about the possibility of busloads of tourists pouring in to gawk at Kilauea volcano’s most productive and famous outlet — fissure 8. Star-Advertiser.

Kulani Correctional Facility superintendent pleads not guilty to theft. A state prison superintendent charged with theft pled not guilty to third degree theft on Wednesday. Jerry Crivello is accused of stealing gates. KHON2.

Yield and profits down, prices up after coffee season cut short. Coffee season ended abruptly, some two months earlier than usual, for West Hawaii farmers. West Hawaii Today.

Lau Ola cleared to grow marijuana. A second marijuana dispensary on the Big Island was authorized by the state Department of Health to grow and sell cannabis products. Tribune-Herald.

Project explores viability of using canines to hunt for harmful tree fungus. Cobra was trained to detect a fungus that causes rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Bubba Gump to close. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Alii Drive will cease operations in December “due to lease expiration,” company senior vice president and chief operating officer Jim Dufault said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Panel: Council’s ConAm flyer is campaign spending. County funds used to send what some see as an ad opposing a ‘vague’ ballot measure. The Campaign Spending Commission is asking the Maui County Council to register as a ballot issue committee for allocating $50,000 on a “public education” flyer addressing a state constitutional amendment. Maui News.

Looking to students as the future, mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino offered their thoughts on increasing job, housing and recreational opportunities for Maui’s youth during a debate held at King Kekaulike High School on Tuesday night. Maui News.

Molokai candidates for council offer contrast. Maui County Council Member Stacy Helm Crivello faces a familiar opponent, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, in the general election race for the council’s Molokai residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Armed with sample ballots, notebooks and questions, about 60 people crowded into Ha Coffee Tuesday night to learn more about what they’ll be voting on Nov. 6. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Arryl Kaneshiro. Growing up on Kauai with strong family support and the support of teachers and coaches has given County Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro, 37, the ability to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

A blessing was held on Tuesday at the Kapaa bus stop near the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex to mark construction of the fourth phase of the islandwide bus stop passenger shelter project. Garden Island.

The blue color surrounding the construction at Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach Park area is hydro-mulch, put on the ground to grow grass, according to county officials. Garden Island.