Hiker rescue reimbursement bill advancing through Legislature, Ige not worried about federal rail funds, 'lava bomb' tour boat victim sues, Maui development fight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hiker on Kilauea volcano ©2019 All Hawaii News

A bill that would require public safety agencies to seek reimbursement from hikers who are rescued while trespassing on public trails is making its way through the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

More security could be coming to the state Capitol, but how will that affect access? Hawaii News Now.

Legislators are considering a bill to require licensing or accreditation of all private schools in Hawaii because of fears unlicensed operations may be falling short of basic safety and other standards. Star-Advertiser.

Be Audited Or Die: New Budget Process Cracks Down On State Agency. The Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. manages about 3,300 acres of land and infrastructure acquired with $71.4 million in taxpayer money. Civil Beat.

Film industry leaders worry tax credit limit will turn away potential filmmakers. KITV.

Tobacco tax clears final Senate committee. After a decision by the state Senate Committee on Ways and Means Thursday, a new tobacco tax is one reading shy of heading to the House of Representatives for consideration. West Hawaii Today.

Statewide hotel occupancy dropped to its lowest January level in four years, as every major Hawaii isle began the year with fewer occupied hotel rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Moving Ourselves Away From The Shoreline Is Hard But Doable. A new report sheds light on some of the critical factors for the state to consider when implementing a managed retreat strategy. Civil Beat.

Amazon spreading its wings in Hawaii. The online retail giant established a package receiving and distribution facility at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport nearly a year ago after deciding to fly its own cargo planes to Honolulu from Riverside, Calif. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ige Doesn’t Think HART’s Federal Funding Is Threatened. For now, Hawaii’s governor expects the funding will go forward despite an investigation into the rail project and the state’s recent lawsuit against the Trump administration. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards will be at Hanauma Bay longer. Starting Sunday, the popular Hanauma Bay extended its lifeguard hours. It's a pilot program that will be evaluated in a year. KHON2.

City making changes to prevent drownings at Hanauma Bay. KITV.

Retailers who pay top dollar to rent space in one of the nation’s premium shopping districts have joined Waikiki residents in pushing for a city ordinance to limit the number of street closure permits issued for Kalakaua Avenue. Star-Advertiser.

Former sex worker speaks out claiming police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. This woman claims at least five Honolulu police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. KITV.

Protesters tell Alexander & Baldwin: ‘Don’t be a deadbeat dad’. Dozens protested at Alexander & Baldwin Inc.'s downtown headquarters Friday, saying A&B and other companies like them are not paying their fair share of taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu libraries start lending ukulele as interest grows. As interest in the ukulele soars across the country, the Aloha State is starting to make the perky little instrument available free to use through its public libraries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The first sewer fee hike in 17 years squeaked through the County Council on a 5-4 vote this week, but only after it was amended to spread the cost over five years instead of the three requested by the administration. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency could end up spending $177 million on the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The family of an Illinois woman seriously injured last July when a “lava bomb” tore through the roof of a tour boat off Kapoho is suing the tour company and its owner in state court. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo fire rescue specialist who was transferred to a Kailua-Kona fire station is claiming Fire Chief Darren Rosario retaliated against him after he filed an internal complaint of harassment and workplace violence about two coworkers. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time since Big Island legislators began seeking lifeguards for Kua Bay in 2013, a measure to secure life-saving personnel for the site was heard and passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. West Hawaii Today.

A resolution urging the county administration to increase funding to add more police officers in Puna is expected to appear on the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety Committee agenda on March 12 in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Business owners in the town of Volcano are worried a new law regulating short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island will impact their village. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hopes to reopen one of its prime attractions, the Thurston Lava Tube, this year after improving traffic congestion issues in the park. Tribune-Herald.

The Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant is in line for a face-lift. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui resident has sued the state, Maui County and a developer to stop construction of a housing subdivision after learning that at least 182 Native Hawaiian burials have been disturbed by the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Friday approved eight nominees to respective department directorships, and rejected three appointees. Maui Now.

$257,000 Launiupoko Parking Lot Repaving Project Begins Monday. Maui Now.

Maui’s 12 sites logged nearly 100 whales in a 15-minute time period and 774 whales total during The Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation on Saturday, the second of three monthly counts, according to the foundation. Maui News.

Kauai

In five years Kauai has seen the number of beach goers more than double, yet the number of rescues and drownings over that same period has decreased, according to the Kauai Lifeguard Association. Garden Island.

Species are springing to life on Kauai’s South Shore that haven’t been seen in more than 200 years, and it’s wetland rehabilitation that’s making it happen. Garden Island.

Aquarium fishing ban still afloat, employees allege retaliation in Honolulu prosecutor probe, 4-year council terms mulled on Big Island, Haleakala still closed after record snowfall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Moorish idols off Kona coast ©2019 All Hawaii News

Bill to Ban Aquarium Fishing Heard by Senate Committee. Senate Bill 931 would prohibit the collection of aquarium or ornamental reef fish because their capture is incompatible with Kanaka Maoli values. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Senate panel Friday deferred a decision on whether to advance a controversial bill that would shut down the commercial collection of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering allowing Alexander &Baldwin Inc., the state’s electrical utilities on Kauai and Hawaii island and a number of farming and ranching operations to continue using public water for another seven years even if they haven’t completed environmental reviews, consultations with Native Hawaiians about water needs, appraisals and, in some cases, public auctions — requirements envisioned by Hawaii’s laws protecting the state’s water resources. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney says another state hospital patient has confessed to giving Randall Saito fake ID's. Attorney Michael Green says the patient provided Saito with the fake ID's that allowed him to fly all the way to California. KHON2.

The number of bankruptcy filings in Hawaii increased by more than 40 percent to 149 cases last month, marking the highest level for January in seven years, according to U.S. Bankruptcy Court records. Associated Press.

Bank of Hawaii has been ranked fourth among U.S. financial institutions and 40th overall in the 2019 “100 Most Sustainable Companies list,” published Friday by Barron’s magazine. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Women say city prosecutor retaliated against them for testifying in corruption probe. Two women who testified against their boss — city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro — as part of an ongoing federal probe claim they’re now being retaliated against and face disciplinary action. Hawaii News Now.

Former Pearl Harbor Navy Spokesman Sentenced In Corruption Scandal. The former director of public affairs took money for authoring emails to top Navy officials on behalf of a contractor convicted of bribery and fraud. Civil Beat.

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Motorists in need of street parking in downtown Honolulu on Monday generally aren’t happy about the city’s announcement that on-street parking meter rates will be doubling in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses unhappy with doubled parking meter rates. KHON2.

The price of most metered parking doubled on Oahu Monday. The increase was approved back in 2017. KITV.

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A planned wind farm is getting opposition from an unusual source: Environmentalists. The developers of the Palehua Wind project say it’s one of the last and best sites to build a wind farm on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup gets underway after powerful gusts and high surf. The crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin, between the Waikiki Sheraton and Royal Hawaiian hotels, was still standing Monday despite facing threats from a weekend storm. Star-Advertiser.

Weeks of work may be ahead for windstorm cleanup. The weekend windstorm resulted in 90 tree-related calls and nearly 80 blown roofs reported. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore was hit hard by the storm on Sunday. KHON2.

These Rare Seabirds Are Having Babies On Oahu’s North Shore. Years of chopping down invasive trees, replanting native species and controlling predators may be paying off for albatross threatened by sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Noa Botanicals is preparing to open its second medical cannabis dispensary on Oahu this week. The company is expanding into a 1,700-square-foot retail center across from Windward Mall behind Zippy’s in Kaneohe at the Windward Centre. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with search warrants, the city Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu police raided two massage parlors Monday morning. They were raided on suspicion of promoting prostitution. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council terms could be extended from two to four years under a ballot measure advanced by the Charter Commission last week, but under another measure, council members could be docked a month’s pay if they don’t show up. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioners last week delayed making any recommendations on a developer request to alter the conditions for the planned Wailani Development in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Loss Of Slaughterhouse Cripples Specialty Meat Industry. The island’s only full-service slaughterhouse has quit taking smaller animals, leaving farmers, butchers and lovers of fresh kalua pork with no place to turn. Civil Beat.

Power disruption affects 45,000. The loss of the Spectrum Communications line resulted in Monday’s closure of the Vehicle Registration and Driver’s license Services in Waimea and the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Snow closes Haleakala National Park. At least six inches to a foot of snow fell at Haleakala summit Saturday night into Sunday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Foster. Star-Advertiser.

Additional Snow Accumulation at Haleakala; Closed Until Further Notice. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park closed due to extreme weather conditions. KITV.

Power restored to most customers; Haleakala still closed. Maui News.

Auwahi Wind Farm Draft Habitat Hearing, Feb. 15. An opening hearing will be held to receive testimony on the Auwahi Wind Farm draft Habitat Conservation Plan amendment. Maui Now.

Kauai

The aftermath. Jill Lowry just came on board as executive director of Anaina Hou Community Park — in time for the weekend storm that hit the North Shore hard. Garden Island.

Tickets are selling fast for the 15th annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on March 9 at Kilohana Luau Pavilion. Garden Island.

Future teachers get financial aid. Growing Our Own Teachers on Kauai relies on donations and fundraising events to provide these financial awards. Garden Island.

Hawaii mops up after winter storm, Senate rejects marijuana edibles, Honolulu public-private rail partnership 4 months behind schedule, Big Island gets half the recovery money, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Strong winds are expected to ease on Monday after a potent winter storm pummeled the state just a day prior, toppling trees onto cars, sending waves washing onto roadways and triggering widespread power outages throughout the day. Hawaii News Now.

Although a statewide high wind warning has been canceled, a high surf warning is in effect for all islands along with scattered weather warnings and advisories as the low-pressure system passes north of Hawaii Island this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The bulk of the windy conditions is over for the islands. As a strong area of low pressure will lift northeastward and away from the state over the next couple of days, resulting in diminishing winds. KHON2.

PHOTOS: Wild winds and surf rock the Aloha State. KITV.

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Senate committee rejects sale of marijuana edibles. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Tax Carbon Emissions To Combat Climate Change? Several measures in the Legislature give the public a chance to weigh in on what could be a sweeping environmental policy reform. Civil Beat.

A bill to create a Hawaii Aerospace Development Corporation appears grounded for this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

A  Senate panel Friday deferred a decision on whether to advance a controversial bill that would shut down the commercial collection of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The gender of Hawaii residents would no longer be included on limited-purpose driver’s licenses under a bill Hawaii lawmakers advanced Wednesday that aims to protect transgender people from discrimination. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers Hit With $1.1 Million Tab After State Settles Lawsuits. Civil Beat.

DOE, OIA respond to ACLU's federal lawsuit alleging Title IX violations. An update on the federal lawsuit the ACLU filed against the state Department of Education on December 6, 2018. KITV.

Commentary: As U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard struggles to right her faltering campaign for president, deafening in their silence are fellow Hawaii Democratic politicians who have been slow to back the hometown candidate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city’s critically important effort to launch a public-private partnership to complete the Honolulu rail project is running nearly four months behind the schedule mapped out by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation last year, but the head of the rail authority says the effort is still on track. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s two newest tools aimed at curbing homeless activity have unspecified legal problems that are preventing their enforcement, nearly four months after they became law. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless at Oneula Beack Park, also known as "Hau Bush,” say they were warned on Friday to get their vehicles out because the area will now be blocked off by boulders. The announcement comes the day after a sweep and heated town hall meeting, in which Ewa Beach residents complained that the park is overrun with rowdy squatters, dumping, and crime. Hawaii News Now.

Three Oahu areas named 'Worst cities to live in America'. The cities that made the list are said to have high crime rates, poverty, "weak job markets and little in the way of entertainment options or cultural attractions." KITV.

Hawaii lawmakers have reopened a debate over Kakaako building heights by proposing to allow at least two exceptionally tall towers. Star-Advertiser.

Birds escape from zoo enclosure after wind knocks tree onto cage. Two African ground hornbills escaped from their enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Calls for a shakeup at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Thirty current and former employees are calling for CEO Lisa Fowler's resignation. They formed a group called "People for Animals First." KITV.

East Honolulu school goes green with culture shift in the cafeteria. It’s lunch time at Mary, Star of the Sea School in Kahala. Plastic forks and water bottles are no where sight. Instead the kids use stainless steel trays and utensils. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide $60 million in additional disaster aid to Hawaii County cleared four state House committees Friday with some strings attached. Tribune-Herald.

House lawmakers Friday approved a lava and flood disaster aid package for Hawaii County that includes $20 million the county can use as the local match for federal disaster assistance, and another $40 million in loans from the state to the county. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House Committee today voted to amend a bill to provide disaster relief funding for Hawaii County in the amount of $60 million, less than half the amount requested by the County at the beginning of the 2019 legislative session. Big Island Video News.

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Years of neglect led to Hawaii County spending $618,000 to rent last-minute daily substitute buses in December alone, but the Mass Transit Agency is working hard to stop the bleeding, Administrator Brenda Carreira told the County Council last week. West Hawaii Today.

A charter amendment that would have cut the annual open-space preservation set-aside from 2.25 percent of property tax revenues to 1 percent will not be on the 2020 ballot, following a failing vote Friday by the county Charter Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A proposal to put a land fund reduction to a public vote in 2020 failed at the Hawaii County Charter Commission on Friday. Big Island Video News.

Bills take on helicopter noise. Helicopter noise has long been a concern for many Big Island residents. Tribune-Herald.

The Kona Historical Society is moving forward with plans to construct a community gallery at its main campus in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

A federal program could bring new money to parts of Kailua-Kona and Hilo by encouraging investment in low-income communities across the country dubbed Opportunity Zones. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Multiple Parking Violations at Hookipa Amid Mega Surf. Maui Now.

Restoration of forest key to fire control, expert says. Over the past century, there’s been a fourfold increase in the annual amount of acreage burned in Hawaii. Maui News.

A piece of Maui's housing market slumped in January, but median prices for homes sold last month were up modestly, according to industry data. Star-Advertiser.

40 years later, mystery still surrounds the Sarah Joe and its five Hana fishermen who didn’t return. Maui News.

Kauai

A proposed measure in the state House aiming to change the state’s water-use permitting system passed through a committee hearing on Friday, and the hearing’s public testimony threw the spotlight onto Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The Kauai Lifeguard Association’s goal is to help save lives. And they do so while trying to further an “Ocean-Minded Community.” Garden Island.

Two abandoned cars have been taking up space in the dirt parking lot by Wailua Beach Park. Garden Island.

Officials plan for Mauna Kea telescope protests, Native Hawaiians decry OHA violence, judge rejects gut-and-replace lawsuit, $250M rail bonds floated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2015 Thirty Meter Telescope protest PC:Occupy Hilo

State and county law enforcement officials have started planning for how they aim to allow construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea without protester interference. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County is taking the lead on responding to anticipated protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, lawmakers were told Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers questioned state and University of Hawaii officials Thursday about plans to dismantle five existing telescopes on Mauna Kea. As a condition to building the Thirty Meter Telescope, the University of Hawaii and state Land Board officials said the older telescopes need to be decommissioned by the year 2033. Hawaii News Now.

VIDEO: Thirty Meter Telescope Briefing At The Capitol. Big Island Video News.

A group of prominent Native Hawaiian leaders gathered Thursday morning to speak out against the 13 men who stormed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs offices last week in a failed attempt to seize the agency and its assets. Star-Advertiser.

A group of leaders in the Native Hawaiian community held a press conference today, calling for a greater level of accountability for entities, organizations and their own communities and families in relation to the events that unfolded last week at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

Hawaiian leaders denounce violence after group stormed OHA offices. Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian leaders call for more accountability after OHA occupation. KHON2.

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A Hawaii judge today rejected a lawsuit challenging the state Legislature’s “gut and replace” tactic of passing bills that have been stripped of their original content and replaced with entirely different details. Associated Press.

Chief justice seeks funding for new judges on Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is asking state lawmakers to fund four additional judges, including a new District Court judge on Oahu to help handle a surge in drunken driving cases over the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

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Tulsi Gabbard officially kicks off 2020 presidential bid with campaign video. Associated Press.

Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard launches her presidential campaign in new video 'For The Country We Love'. KITV.

9 Things To Know About Tulsi Gabbard. The Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii seeks to become the first millennial president. Civil Beat.

Sitdown with Representative Ed Case as Shutdown Approaches Week Six. Hawaii Public Radio.

Welcome To The Instant Outrage Of Today’s Washington, Mr. Case. The Hawaii congressman got a first-hand view of how quickly a slip-up becomes headline news in the era of Trump, Twitter and the saturation of social media. Civil Beat.

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A proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, playground or park. Hawaii News Now.

Measures introduced in both the state House and Senate this week would increase gas taxes and other vehicle fees to generate additional money for the State Highway Fund. Tribune-Herald.

Governor proposes hefty hikes to gas tax, vehicle registration fees. Hawaii News Now.

Despite Shutdown, Hawaii Housing Programs Are OK — For Now. Officials worry that if the shutdown drags on too long, landlords will be reluctant to accept Section 8 housing vouchers in the future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s firearms law was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court last year. That ruling is currently being appealed. But there could be change no matter what the final outcome in federal court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s Never-Ending Teacher Shortage Leaves Many Lawmakers Frustrated. In 2017, the percentage of new teachers hired from the mainland grew, while the percentage from Hawaii shrunk. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu said Thursday it has completed a two-day sale of about $250 million in tax-exempt general obligation bonds to finance construction costs of the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the state House committee on public safety has introduced a bill to purchase the Honolulu Federal Detention Center to replace the outdated, overcrowded Oahu Community Correctional Center. Tribune-Herald.

Proposal to build a new, smaller Aloha Stadium complete with museum and hotel. Hawaii News Now.

A tussle between the state and a private road owner in Kakaako took yet another turn Thursday with the state contending that it now owns seven streets recorded as private property for more than a century. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers might be asked to use hazards lights at crosswalks. A bill that suggests drivers put on their flashing hazard warning lights after stopping for a pedestrian on a street with multiple lanes won tentative approval Thursday from a Honolulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

USS Missouri marking 2 anniversaries. The USS Missouri will mark the 75th anniversary of its launching and the 20th anniversary of it becoming a museum Saturday during Living History Day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State mulls long term solutions for popular spot off highway. The State Department of Transportation is looking for a long-term solution for access to the Huehue lava tube. West Hawaii Today.

Salary Commission seeks input. Former Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono had a novel idea Thursday for the commission: Why not disband? West Hawaii Today.

Rideshares cleared for neighbor island airports. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua Flood Victims Feel Overshadowed By Lava Disaster. When Hurricane Lane dumped torrents of rain on this stretch of coastline, attention was still focused on volcanic eruptions. Civil Beat.

Maui

Two mayoral nominees approved by committee. Parks, transportation heads clear panel after full day of testimony. Maui News.

Planning Department Seeks Public Input on West Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

Patrol police officer shortage easing. Community, crime reduction unit getting staff back. Maui News.

Lyft to Begin Service to Kahului and Kapalua Airports. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawmakers questioned officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Thursday about what changes are being made after the State Ethics Commission found numerous violations within Kauai's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation office. The investigation found the office manager awarded more than 100 jobs to a private contractor, who the manager admitted was a friend. KHON2.

Uber and Lyft are cheering a state change that will make them eligible, as of Feb. 1, to pick up passengers at Neighbor Island airports, including in Lihue. Garden Island.

A food drop organized by labor unions and the Hawaii Foodbank distributed bags of food Thursday afternoon to nearly a hundred federal employees who have been working for weeks without pay. Garden Island.

Ige seeks statewide pre-K, higher minimum wage, larger county TAT share, condos on state land in State of the State address, vacation rental crackdown on two islands, homeless count begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige 2019 State of the State address PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige announced two of the boldest initiatives of his administration Tuesday by proposing to restructure as much as half of the state’s public elementary schools to accommodate state-funded preschools, and to lease out state lands for condominium developments. Star-Advertiser.

Governor's State of the State: Pre-K, Condos on State Land and TAT Back to Counties. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige: ‘The Future Is Personal.' Hawaii’s governor calls for a statewide preschool system and more hotel tax revenue for the counties. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige laid out Tuesday what he called a road map for creating universal public preschool in Hawaii throughout several decades. The second-term governor introduced his idea during his State of the State address at the Capitol. Associated Press.

In his fifth State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. David Ige outlined an ambitious agenda for his second term, pledging to dramatically expand the state-funded preschool program, increase the inventory of affordable housing and bring the minimum wage in the islands “closer to a living wage.” Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's minimum wage boosted to $15 an hour and our public schools restructured! Those are some of the key proposals from Governor David Ige's 5th State of the State address. KHON2.

About half of elementary schools in Hawaii still have sixth grade classrooms. The governor is proposing to change that as part of a bid to significantly bolster preschool offerings in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

DOE on board with Ige's public Pre-K plan. During Tuesday's State of the State address, Governor Ige proposed restructuring Hawaii's public schools, including implementing access to public per-kindergarten. KITV.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 2019 State of the State address here.

Hear Governor Ige's Full 2019 State of State Address. Audio link. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Energy Office — And Other Programs — May Face The Budget Ax. Money for several programs will be eliminated from a current House budget bill as lawmakers press the fiscal reset button and ask agencies to justify their funding. Civil Beat.

You’ve heard a lot about a ‘living wage.’ Here’s what that actually means in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

New proposal seeks to increase punishments for drunk drivers. Representative Chris Lee is proposing harsher punishments for people convicted with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or who have had their licenses revoked by the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office for drunk driving. KHON2.

More than a dozen proposed laws relating to marijuana or cannabis products were or will be introduced in the state House and Senate, ranging from a proposed expansion of the conditions legally treatable by medical cannabis to a total decriminalization of cannabis for personal recreational use. Tribune-Herald.

A legislative package consisting of a total of 10 bills and one resolution in each chamber has been introduced by the Women’s Legislative Caucus to address a series of issues facing women in Hawaii. Maui News.

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The first night of the annual Point in Time Count, a nationwide homeless census that will determine whether Hawaii continues to lead the country with the highest per capita rate of homelessness, began Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

An army of volunteers hit the streets across the state Tuesday night to take part in a statewide count of Hawaii’s homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

New questions about natural disasters, domestic violence on Point in Time Count Survey. Volunteers take to the streets to count Hawaii's homeless in the the annual Point in Time Count. KITV.

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Food stamp program’s funding is in doubt. Most of the 160,000 Hawaii residents dependent on government food stamps received benefits Sunday to last them until March. Star-Advertiser.

Bail Reform Could Get Serious Consideration From Legislature. A task force proposed reducing the number of pretrial inmates who remain incarcerated because they can’t afford the bail amount. Civil Beat.

The government shutdown creating public safety concerns at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. KHON2.

Hawaii hotel occupancy fell slightly in 2018, but revenue continued to climb as higher room rates made up for the fewer filled rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the worst state in the nation to drive in, according to a study released today by personal finance website, WalletHub. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning Committee holds up vacation rental bills. Action on seven bills establishing rules for bed-and-breakfast and transient vacation units were postponed Tuesday by the City Council Planning Committee after more than 2-1/2 hours of testimony. Star-Advertiser.

City Council debates fate of Oahu's short term rentals. The Honolulu City Planning Committee heard seven bills that would drastically change the fees, fines and enforcement of thousands of Oahu's short rental housing units. KITV.

A better Kalihi; Governor David Ige briefly mentions this in Tuesday's state of the state address. Ige wants to revitalize the neighborhood, and the first step would be to move the jail. KHON2.

An aging east Honolulu marine loading dock that’s integral to several commercial boating operations has collapsed. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists Surprised To Find Endangered Seabirds On Oahu. The critically endangered Newell’s shearwater and Hawaiian petrel were thought to be living almost exclusively on Kauai. Civil Beat.

A medical office building is expected to rise near a senior-living complex in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Lower federal taxes help Territorial double earnings. Star-Advertiser.

‘Dog’ and Beth Chapman closing Da Kine Bail Bonds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vacation rental rules to be unveiled soon. West Hawaii Today.

Waikapuna Top Open Space Priority For 2018. Big Island Video News.

County nixes purchase of parcels inundated by lava during 2018 eruption. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona farmers grow wise to little fire ants. West Hawaii Today.

The former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo soon will have a new tenant. A lease was signed with Tractor Supply Co., confirmed mall management this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Altres is offering temporary jobs to furloughed workers. Same-day pay option available for people impacted by federal shutdown. Maui News.

VA meeting scheduled on Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Garden Island asked Kauai’s legislators for their reactions to Gov. David Ige’s State of the State address on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Families impacted by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history are able to get food packages on Thursdays for a month starting Thursday through Feb. 21. Garden Island.

Minimum wage, elections, recession preparation highlighted in opening day of Legislature, Ige names new DBEDT and Agriculture chiefs, federal shutdown could slow down Kealoha trial, lava recovery, Lihue post office to remain open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Opening day of the Hawaii Legislature PC:Senate Majority

Lawmakers plan initiatives on minimum wage, elections in new session. Lobbyists, lawmakers and activists have been busy for weeks, but the Hawaii state Legislature officially opened Wednesday morning with chant, hula, prayers and song, and also some speeches that hinted at political tensions at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers gathering for the first day of a new legislative session said Wednesday they will consider raising the state’s minimum wage. Associated Press.

Lawmakers convened Wednesday for the 30th Hawaii Legislature, with representatives from both sides of the aisle vowing to avoid the divisiveness that’s defined national politics. Hawaii News Now.

The 30th legislative session opened Wednesday and lawmakers say they're ready to prepare Hawaii for what lies ahead. Many are preparing for a recession and a minimum wage increase. KHON2.

State Senate president: The time is now to prepare for a recession in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Saiki Examines Economic Divide in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Budget Hawk Sylvia Luke: ‘I Try To Know More Than Them’. The House Finance Committee chair can be fearsome in budget briefings. She’s also not afraid to dive deep into state money matters, like the $3 billion tucked away in special funds. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige’s Administrative Director Is Now Also His Chief Of Staff. Ford Fuchigami will have dual roles in the governor’s office, and former Chief of Staff Mike McCartney has been picked to lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Civil Beat.

Mike McCartney, who has served as Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff since 2014, will take over as the new director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds are expected to gather at Iolani Palace on Thursday to commemorate 126 years since the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The overthrow happened on Jan. 17, 1893. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Legal experts say all city leaders should be concerned if they had dealings with the growing number of people suspected of various crimes related to a widening public corruption investigation. They say even Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell should be worried. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Shutdown Claims New Victim: Katherine Kealoha’s Right To A Fair Trial. With her federally funded attorney not getting paid and other expenses on hold, Kealoha wants her trial postponed. Civil Beat.

Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha is asking the court to postpone her upcoming federal trial because of the federal government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha claims government shutdown is impinging on 'rights to a fair trial'. KHON2.

The partial government shutdown is shutting down Katherine Kealoha's right to a fair trial. Her federally funded lawyer, Cynthia Kagiwada, said she's not getting paid by the government meaning no money for attorneys, witnesses, paralegals, or investigators. KITV.

The $250,000 paid out to then police chief Louis Kealoha came from HPD's budget. KHON2.

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A “silent march” in support of federal employees who aren’t getting paid during the partial government shutdown is planned at Honolulu airport this morning, a union official said. Star-Advertiser.

Silent march planned at HNL airport to protest government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

The four-story industrial building-turned-homeless hub in Iwilei has had 578 visits through Tuesday since opening on Jan. 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s new rest stop for the homeless is already proving its value. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii real estate investment firm Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has used some of the proceeds from selling its former Maui sugar plantation lands to buy two warehouse buildings in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has purchased two industrial warehouse buildings in Kapolei for $40 million, the first acquisition financed by the Hawaii real estate investment trust’s $262 million sale of former sugar plantation land on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Thirty patients lined up Wednesday morning to await the opening of the first medical marijuana dispensary on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

As part of its recovery from the Kilauea eruption, Hawaii County is seeking more than half a billion dollars in federal disaster relief and economic aid. But state civil defense officials say some of the money is now being held up by the partial government shutdown in Washington, D.C. Hawaii News Now.

The county is suing a Hawi vacation rental ranch following more than two years of neighbor complaints over weddings, concerts and events being held there without a permit. West Hawaii Today.

Group buys 55 calves from Big Island Dairy in effort to find them forever homes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park rangers have issued a reminder to the public that they are enforcing all regulations during the lapse in appropriated funds. Maui Now.

New veterans center plans move forward on Molokai. Some say second center not needed, others say it will save trip to town. Maui News.

Kauai

Lihue Post Office will remain open after longtime efforts to consolidate operations. A historic post office on Kauai that the U.S. Postal Service slated to shut down will remain open, according to a USPS spokesman. Star-Advertiser.

The Lihue post office on Rice Street will be staying put. Duke Gonzales, spokesman for the United States Postal Service, confirmed the change in course on Wednesday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Postal Service will not relocate the Lihue Post Office. Initial plans to move the office from its Rice Street location to the Lihue Carrier Annex were met by opposition from the community. KITV.

Molokai

New veterans center plans move forward on Molokai. Some say second center not needed, others say it will save trip to town. Maui News.

Legislature begins 30th biennial session today, second rail audit just as scathing, Supreme Court hears Honolulu election dispute, public, press barred from Kauai boys soccer game, Pearl Harbor commander removed after ordering 10 prostitutes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace ©2019 All Hawaii News

Iolani Palace State Monument will begin closing its doors at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 1, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today, citing nighttime vandalism and vagrancy. Star-Advertiser.

You’ll no longer be able to roam the grounds of Iolani Palace at night. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii Legislature begins, lawmakers to focus on minimum wage to disaster recovery. The 30th biennial Hawaii Legislature will begin Wednesday morning, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle vowing to avoid the bitterness and divisiveness that has defined the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate and House of Representatives are set to convene the 30th Biennial Hawaii State Legislature this morning at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Legislature to open Wednesday. KITV.

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State auditor questions Honolulu rail spending on contract hires. The Honolulu rail project is spending more than $42,000 a month on contract hires including some who hold senior management positions within the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, but the agency does not evaluate the performance of those non-city workers, according to a new report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor today. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Heavy Reliance On Consultants Is Causing Problems For Honolulu Rail Project. “Consultants often manage consultants, who manage other consultants,” the state audit found, and HART doesn’t hold them accountable. Civil Beat.

Audit: Costly consultants hold key jobs in Honolulu rail agency. Associated Press.

State Auditor Releases Second Report on HART. This report highlights oversight and accountability issues within the agency, and HART's relationship with HDR Engineering Inc. Hawaii Public Radio.

High consultant salaries red-flagged in second part of HART audit. KHON2.

Full text: Audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation: Report 2 is available here.

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Government shutdown triggers unprecedented early distribution of food stamps in Hawaii. Here’s another impact of the government shutdown: Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents will get their food stamp payments almost two weeks ahead of schedule. Hawaii News Now.

Education Officials Are Keeping Teacher Misconduct A Secret. Information on bad teachers, including details of misconduct and current status, is hard to get in Hawaii, despite a state law requiring its release. Civil Beat.

Navy removed Pearl Harbor sub commander for bringing 10 prostitutes to hotel, report says. Star-Advertiser.

Fight Against Climate Change Is ‘An All-Out, All-In War’. Keynote speaker at Hawaii Climate Conference cites importance of equitability in how we respond to the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Lunar eclipse set to light up the sky over the weekend. A total lunar eclipse and super moon will light up the sky on Sunday, January 20. The lunar eclipse will create a red glow, while the super moon will make it appear bigger and brighter. KHON2.

Commentary: The Incredible Shrinking Tulsi Gabbard. As the Hawaii congresswoman’s past catches up with her, public interest in her as a presidential contender plummets. Civil Beat.

Why the Supreme Court might make it easier for Hawaii to order wine online. If you enjoy exploring the many vintages and nuances of wine, pay attention: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could bring the multibillion-dollar wine industry closer to your doorstep. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Revote possible in City Council race. If the Hawaii Supreme Court chooses to side with City Council candidate Tommy Waters’ challenge of his 22-vote loss to Trevor Ozawa in November, voters of the East Honolulu district might need to vote again. Star-Advertiser.

In council race dispute, justices grill officials over handling of absentee ballots. State Supreme Court justices grilled elections officials Tuesday over how they handled absentee ballots as they considered a challenge to a narrow City Council win. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court questions process of mail-in ballot collection. Supreme Court Justices heard arguments Tuesday afternoon in a challenge over the East Honolulu District 4 council seat. KHON2.

Possible conflict of interest in Hawaii Supreme Court recount case. Hawaii's Supreme Court's considering a challenge to election day results in a close race for City Council. KITV4.

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$250K payout to Kealoha links city’s top civil attorney to corruption probe. Corporation Counsel Donna Leong negotiated the deal without getting approval from the city council. Hawaii News Now.

Target letter raises question on the source of money for police chief's payout. KHON2.

Honolulu’s inflation rate rose 1.9% in 2018. Honolulu inflation rose just 1.9 percent last year, its slowest pace since 2015, as a sharp gain in energy prices was largely offset by decreases in the cost of apparel, education and communication, and small increases in food and beverages as well as shelter. Star-Advertiser.

Residential towers planned for near Aloha Stadium. Future high-rises are envisioned near a rail station next to Aloha Stadium in Halawa, but one developer wants to build extra-tall and dense towers beyond where city planners have prescribed such development. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1.3 million to the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) for a three-year wave-energy research project, the university announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County is considering building a temporary access road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 to enable more Puna residents to return home. Tribune-Herald.

Some residents of eruption-ravaged Puna want the County of Hawaii to allow mobile homes on the island and in their district, but the new Director of Public Works does not appear to be in favor of the idea. Big Island Video News.

Legislators want Puna boat ramp study expedited. Lawmakers are working to fast-track a study to determine the best way to reopen a boat ramp in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Warden called to court 6 times for flubs. Over the course of 12 months, the warden of Hawaii Community Correctional Center was ordered before a judge six times to show cause on erroneous releases and failed transports to Kona’s courthouses. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An environmental impact statement is underway for the 200-room Windward Hotel proposed for a 5-acre site near Costco and the Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The REIT Way Hawaii Community Giving campaign, involving a group of real estate investment trusts, donated $100,000 to Na Hale O Maui community land trust on Monday to help build 12 homes in the Kahoma Residential Subdivision and reduce the cost to homeowners. Maui News.

Maui’s Lynn Araki-Regan was appointed first deputy at the state  Department of Transportation Administration.  The announcement was made on Monday by Governor David Ige and Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIF boys soccer game closed to public, media. Because of an on-field altercation from a previous game, the upcoming varsity boys soccer match between Kapaa and Waimea high schools will be closed off to the public and media. Garden Island.

A presentation and panel discussion on a proposed North Shore shuttle service will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram occasionally hears the stories from people looking back on days when it cost $25 to fly between the islands and coupons were available. Garden Island.

With few GOP lawmakers, Hawaii Democrats create legislative factions, bills would require automatic recounts, looking back on false missile alert, lawsuit filed over Shark's Cove development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol interior ©2019 All Hawaii News

Members of the progressive wing of the Hawaii Democratic Party will make a case this year for dramatic initiatives such as a $17 hourly minimum wage, legalization of recreational marijuana and single-payer health care, but it’s unclear whether their stodgier colleagues in the state Legislature will embrace those causes. Star-Advertiser.

At least three state senators are drafting bills that would require automatic recounts in close election races. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Friday she will run for president in 2020. CNN.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she will run for president in 2020, ending months of speculation about whether the 37 year-old would join what is expected to be a crowded field of Democratic primary contenders in the race to unseat President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

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One year after false missile alert, Hawaii residents recall 38 minutes of terror. Star-Advertiser.

One Year After False Missile Alert, What Has Changed? Hawaii Public Radio.

After an embarrassing error of sending a state into panic over a non-existent missile threat, state leaders came under intense criticism and scrutiny. Since that Jan. 13 morning, all ballistic missile alarms have been shelved. Hawaii News Now.

False missile alert anniversary shows changes made, more needs to be done. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is no longer practicing missile drills. Some want the military to take over, but that's still pending. So if a real missile is coming, HI-EMA will be sending that alert. KHON2.

For many people in Hawaii, the fear and confusion of Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, is not something that can be easily forgotten. Many who received the ballistic missile alert message at 8:07 a.m., won't forget where they were or what they were doing. KHON2.

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Hawaii 2040: Climate Change Is Already Here. And We’re Running Out Of Time. Scientists predict the worst will hit in about 21 years. But Hawaii is already feeling the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Geologists and economists, experts in technology and natural resources, and people involved with climate change public policy and planning are all meeting together on Oahu today. Garden Island.

Judge blocks Trump birth control coverage rules in Hawaii and a dozen states. A U.S. judge in California today blocked Trump administration rules, which would allow more employers to opt out of providing women with no-cost birth control, from taking effect in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric said last week it submitted contracts for seven “solar-plus-storage” projects to the Public Utilities Commission for review. The projects — three on Oahu, two on Maui and two on Hawaii island — are expected to add about 262 megawatts of solar energy with 1,048 megawatt-hours of storage. Star-Advertiser.

Jason Redulla, a 15-year veteran of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and 27-year law enforcement officer, has been chosen as the agency’s new enforcement chief. Maui Now.


Airmen from FL relocate to Hawaii in wake of Hurricane Michael devastation. Airmen and F-22 Raptor fighters jets from Florida relocated to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam this weekend. The crews from Tyndall Air Force Base joined the Hawaiian Raptors, led by the Hawaii Air National Guard. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

In the latest step to resolve a contested Honolulu City Council race between incumbent Trevor Ozawa and former state Rep. Tommy Waters, the Hawaii Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Tuesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Corruption: Another Cop Pleads Guilty. HPD Sgt. Daniel Sellers is the latest veteran officer to admit wrongdoing in the nearly 5-year-old federal corruption case. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit filed Friday in state court by the Save Sharks Cove Alliance and other groups seeks to stop an $18 million commercial development across from the popular sea-turtle viewing site that is already a traffic nightmare for North Shore residents. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed over potential development of Oahu’s Shark’s Cove. Hawaii News Now.

They don’t have to be starving, but artists with low incomes have an opportunity to soon move into an apartment building nearing completion in Kakaako with live/work lofts available at rents as low as $522 a month. Ola ka Ilima is designed for individuals or families with annual incomes between $24,510 for a single person and $86,760 for a family of seven, and preference will be given to artists. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s Another Busy Highway Where The Crosswalks Have Been Removed. In response to a pedestrian fatality in Aina Haina, government officials ordered changes that residents say has made the area more dangerous. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism industry keeps Pearl Harbor center open during government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Should County Council members serve longer terms? The Charter Commission, by a bare 6-5 vote, on Friday advanced a proposed ballot amendment that would extend council terms from two to four years. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary may open as early as this week. Tribune-Herald.

A large-scale emergency homeless site in West Hawaii may be operational inside of four months, as Hawaii County has made the preliminary development of Village 9 off Kealakehe Parkway in Kona a high priority for the upcoming year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park using recreation fees to offset shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced Sunday in a release that areas of the park will continue to be accessible to visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Despite eruption, dozens of projects filmed on Big Island in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Fireworks keep booming and so does the debate; solutions range from legalizing all to an all-out ban. Maui News.

Artificial reefs may be wave of the future. Newer designs could combat coastal erosion, build ecosystem. Maui News.

Kauai

Last year was a relatively good one for real estate on Kauai, but momentum slowed toward the end of the year, and Realtors on the island expressed differing opinions on how the housing market will fare this year. Garden Island.

The deepest channel in the main Hawaiian Islands lies between Oahu and Kauai, and though the chain’s oldest main island isn’t at the top of the list for offshore-drilling-related activities, activists are still supporting legislative opposition to new oil and gas programs. Garden Island.