Hawaii State Hospital revamp planned, no ho‘oponopono for Mauna Kea protesters, Thirty Meter Telescope fight costs University of Hawaii, Maui candidate files campaign spending complaint Pacific Resource Partnership, ACLU loses bid for restraining order against homeless sweeps, weather brings pumpkin shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Hospital, courtesy asylumprojects.org

The Hawaii Department of Health is planning to overhaul the state’s psychiatric hospital in Kaneohe — more than doubling the number of beds and installing tighter security — in light of hundreds of reported assaults by patients against staff in recent years and a sharp increase in the number of people being committed to the facility. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Hospital would more than double its capacity while improving employee safety under an updated master plan unveiled Tuesday, health officials said. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Health is unveiling an updated plan for the Hawai‘i State Hospital, that would more than double the amount of available beds for patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

Six years after President Obama launched the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the commission created to support the initiative is making its first official visit to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The State of Hawai‘i has ranked fourth in Kiplinger’s list of the country’s least tax-friendly states, topped only by California, Connecticut and New Jersey. Maui Now.

A public charter school’s academic and financial performance for the first time will determine whether its contract with the state should be renewed when the first round of performance-based contracts expire in 2017 — a move that has some schools anxious. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawyers must not provide legal services to clients seeking a license to run the state’s first medical marijuana businesses, according to a new formal opinion released by the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A federal judge on Tuesday denied the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i’s request to stop the city from using its sidewalk enforcement laws to remove the homeless from Honolulu streets. Star-Advertiser.

A federal court has denied a request for a temporary restraining order to halt city sweeps of homeless encampments in Honolulu. U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gillmor ruled Tuesday that the court lacked “sufficient information” to determine whether the continued enforcement of the stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances would cause “irreparable harm.” Civil Beat.

The civil rights battle for those who live on the streets hit a major speed bump on Tuesday. A federal judge denied a Temporary Restraining Order that would have prevented the City from removing personal belongings from public sidewalks. KITV4.

A federal judge has denied the American Civil Liberties Union's request to immediately stop Honolulu officials from clearing homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation plans to recommend on Friday that the state terminate its lease with Honey Bee USA Inc., the developer of the planned Waikiki Landing at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, for nonpayment of more than $425,000 in back rent and for failing to pay the nearly $1 million performance bond and keep the lease free of encumbrances and liens. Star-Advertiser.

Sidewalk cafes are rare in Honolulu, despite the city’s famously good weather. That’s because a city ordinance doesn’t allow them anywhere except in Waikiki. Kakaako, a state redevelopment district, is also exempt from the ban that’s in place by default because the city defines sidewalks as places for walking, not dining. Civil Beat.

Honolulu architecture firm Ferraro Choi and Associates Ltd. has been tapped to design a part of the 5.5-acre “Kakaako Makai Innovation Block,” a partnership between the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the High Technology Development Corp. Pacific Business News.

O’ahu’s over-budget rail transit project is completing mile 5 of its elevated guideway and making its way through the heart of Waipahu.  Officials announced the resolution of a major issue that impacted a number of businesses there. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering and about 20 other Waipahu businesses along the rail line will get a partial reprieve from construction now that the left-turn lane into their shopping complex is back, surprisingly. Star-Advertiser.

Aloun Farms has reported a pumpkin shortage due to recent storms and frequent heavy rain. Production has dropped nearly 50 percent. KHON2.

Hawaii

It’s back to court for 10 Thirty Meter Telescope opponents arrested on Mauna Kea after state officials declined to participate in a Hawaiian mediation process known as ho‘oponopono. Tribune-Herald.

The financial impact from legal and other challenges to the Thirty-Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea and the Dan K. Inouye Solar Telescope at Haleakala is beginning to be felt on the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. The UH has already spent $2.2 million in attorney fees defending the construction of the telescopes. Hawaii News Now.

Residents now have a better idea of the cost of protecting water quality and ensuring healthy reefs at Puako Bay. The cost to build private aerobic wastewater processing systems would run about $6 million for Puako residents, and a sewage plant would be $9 million, according to an engineer’s study completed last month. West Hawaii Today.

Leaky pipes can cost big bucks, not only for residents who don’t catch them in time, but also for the Water Department, which generally picks up half the cost of overages, provided the resident fixes the leak. Property owners are allowed one such forgiveness every three years. West Hawaii Today.

The final environmental assessment (EA) for a proposed development mauka of Kahalu’u Beach Park has been published with a Finding of No Significant Impact. Big Island Video News.

Vehicles will be banned from Hilo’s Bayfront Beach beginning Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Councilwoman Elle Cochran filed a state Campaign Spending Commission complaint Tuesday against the political action group Pacific Resource Partnership/Forward Progress, alleging that it plotted illegally with a political opponent to unseat her. Star-Advertiser.

An eight-bed special treatment facility for alcohol- and drug-dependent men in a Kihei neighborhood moved closer to reality after receiving a key approval from the state Health Department last week. Maui News.

Maui County's population has grown 5.3 percent in the last five years, pacing ahead of other counties in the state, according to newly released 2014 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park’s Headquarters Visitor Center, near the park’s entrance, closed down Sunday afternoon for roof repairs that began Monday. The center will be closed until late November. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will start a pilot program that offers discounted rates to a group of residential customers to encourage them to shift their energy use to the daylight hours to take advantage of the utility’s robust solar resources, the nonprofit co-op said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The number of falling endangered seabirds has slowed. A Save Our Shearwaters organizer said only two birds have fallen at Kokee Air Force station since early last week — a big drop off from the 126 reported felled from mid-August to mid-September. Garden Island.

Hawaii attorneys barred from helping medical marijuana dispensaries, artist chosen for Abercrombie portrait, ACLU seeks homeless-rousting injunction, Big Island mayoral race kicks off, Honolulu warned in 2010 about low rail estimate, more on the Mauna Kea tent removal, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawyers can’t help clients apply for high-stakes medical marijuana dispensary licenses authorized under a new state law, according to a formal opinion of the Hawaii Supreme Court Disciplinary Board. Attorneys can provide legal advice regarding the state’s newly enacted medical marijuana dispensary law, but shouldn’t provide legal services to help establish or operate businesses because that would assist in committing a federal crime, the board said. Civil Beat.

The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts has unanimously approved a plan to have Maui artist Kirk Kurokawa paint the official portrait of former Gov. Neil Abercrombie that will hang in the governor’s chambers at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators are concerned about NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co.’s inability to meet deadlines when submitting responses to information requests, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Two Hawaii organizations dedicated to helping Native Hawaiian children will receive $1.6 million in federal grants from the U. S. Department of Education. Garden Island.

Report: Hawaii Has 2nd-Lowest Obesity Rate. But the islands’ obesity rate has more than doubled since 1990, and its diabetes rate increased last year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i is asking a federal judge to immediately stop the city from conducting homeless encampment sweeps in Kakaako. A hearing on the matter is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in U.S. District Court. Star-Advertiser.

A group of homeless individuals filed a motion in federal court Monday to seek an immediate halt to the city’s enforcement of the stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu continued enforcement of its sidewalk nuisance ordinance in Kaka’ako today.   Meanwhile, a panel discussion on building more affordable housing to ease homelessness was conducted. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city was warned in 2010 of rail’s costs. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano cites a state report predicting the project’s price tag would balloon. Star-Advertiser.

A program designed to draw more customers to struggling businesses along Honolulu’s rail line is not working. KHON2.

Better customer service, competition for the airport contract and tighter safety regulations are some of the ways Honolulu’s taxi system could be improved, critics say. Star-Advertiser.

Known as the Whitmore Project, a plan is taking shape to turn Lake Wilson into a major source of power for farmers who take up residence in Central Oahu. KITV4.

Expatistan, which compares prices of a wide array of consumer goods, transportation, rent and other things, ranks Honolulu as the seventh-most expensive city in America and the 17th most expensive city in the world. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Former Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann on Monday became the first candidate to formally announce he’s running for Hawaii County mayor. West Hawaii Today.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources officers have removed a large tent used by Thirty Meter Telescope opponents to camp on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The large tent that housed the around-the-clock vigil held by opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope was confiscated overnight by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has confiscated a big tent atop Mauna Kea that people protesting the Thirty Meter Telescope project had built there. Civil Beat.

Nineteen state conservation officers with support from Hawaii County police Monday dismantled a tent erected near the Mauna Kea Visitors Center, enforcing a rule aimed at stopping protesters from camping. Star-Advertiser.

Law enforcement officers are sweeping part of the island for marijuana growing operations and checking on medical marijuana permits. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo towing and used auto parts company is contesting a citation and fine from the state Department of Health. The DOH said Monday in a written statement it’s fining Ken’s Towing Service Inc. $7,500 for allegedly operating a vehicle salvage facility without a permit and obstructing a DOH inspection. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Construction design flaws and repeated brown-water incidents prompted Maui County to issue one of its longest stop-work orders for a construction project earlier this year for a development in Kapalua. Maui News.

The state hopes that planting native trees and shrubs and enforcing ungulate controls will help restore a native dryland forest and critical ecosystem that once spanned Haleakala's leeward slope from Makawao to Kaupo. Maui News.

Makila Land Co. is proposing to develop 150 rural residential lots of a half-acre to 1 acre on 271 acres in Launiupoko. Maui News.

A Maui police officer accused of exposing himself to women and children and masturbating in front of them earlier this year has been charged with nine counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai
Kauai’s test results were in the top five of the statewide Hawaii Smarter Balanced Assessment scores recently released.  Garden Island.

The junk cars, rusted appliances and wild boar carcasses that make up an illegal dump along the Anahola coast are still ripening in the sun nearly three months after the state agency that manages the land said it would work to clean it up. Garden Island.

No tsunami in Hawaii, Mauna Kea protesters face deadline today to remove campsite, married men sue Honolulu restaurant over tank-top policy, no reprimand for Kenoi, ACLU sues over Honolulu homeless, Kauai dairy opponents appeal to governor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha daybreak following tsunami alert © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii began to see sea-level changes early Thursday morning and remained under a tsunami advisory but was not expected to see major seismic waves from Wednesday's magnitude 8.3 earthquake off Chile. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Matt LoPresti and House Speaker Joe Souki are quarreling with the state Ethics Commission after the agency’s staff questioned LoPresti about his campaign to solicit fans and air conditioners for Ewa schools. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee this week rejected a proposal by education officials to divvy up nearly $15 million worth of imposed budget restrictions, citing concerns that school-based funding would take the biggest hit. Star-Advertiser.

A broad-based energy insurgency is shaking up the biggest power players in the islands. It is made up largely of renewable energy elements who argue that Hawaiian Electric is so tightly tied to its 20th century business culture that the company is incapable of responding to the state’s fast-evolving electricity needs. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Two married men are suing Nobu Waikiki restaurant for refusing them dining room service because one of them was wearing a tank top. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Honolulu, claiming city officials deprived homeless people of food and other belongings during raids on encampments. Associated Press.

The city said Wednesday it would vigorously defend itself against a class-action lawsuit seeking to block the destruction of personal property from homeless encampment sweeps. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday, 15 people — who are or have been homeless — filed a federal class-action lawsuit to prevent the city from carrying out any more sweeps. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court today challenging the City and County of Honolulu’s actions against homeless people and their personal property. Hawaii Public Radio.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation (ACLU) and the law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing filed a class-action lawsuit today against the City and County of Honolulu in federal court. The lawsuit alleges that the city violated the United States Constitution when it destroyed personal property belonging to the plaintiffs—who are or have been homeless—without due process of law. Hawaii Independent.

Some are second guessing their support for rail after officials announced on Tuesday the project is likely another year behind schedule with a shortfall of $1 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu taxpayers will cough up $3.6 million to settle two lawsuits brought by construction companies that installed a sewer pipe underneath the Ala Wai Canal. The City Council approved the settlements with U.S. Composite Pipe South, LLC and Frank Coluccio Construction Co. during a special meeting Tuesday. Civil Beat.

With a mammoth conservation event heading to Honolulu in less than a year, organizers are ramping up to be ready to host up to 10,000 delegates from around the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress is set to meet Sept. 1-10, 2016, marking the first time the United States will host the quadrennial event. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents love their mayor and forgive him, most testifiers told the County Council Wednesday as it rejected a reprimand for Billy Kenoi on his admitted misuse of his county credit card. West Hawaii Today.

A group of Native Hawaiians protesting the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea will have until this evening to remove their campsite, according to a notice from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

The TMT Observatory Corp. is committed to Mauna Kea as it awaits the Hawaii Supreme Court decision on the validity of its state-issued permit, an official said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposed fast-track, 184-unit affordable rental housing project in Kihei. Maui News.

After reaching an 18-month peak of $650,000 in June, the median sales price of Maui County single-family homes dropped $100,000, or 15 percent, in August to $550,000, a low point so far this year, according statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

One person who understands Maui's challenges better than most is Albert Perez, who took over as executive director of the nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Maui Tomorrow in May. MauiTime.

Kauai

Opponents of a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu hand-delivered a petition to Gov. David Ige Friday in hopes that he will take notice of community concerns surrounding the proposed Hawaii Dairy Farms operation. Garden Island.

Alternative energy is the subject of a panel discussion Tuesday geared at opening up a conversation about what role liquified natural gas might play in Kauai’s future. Garden Island.

ACLU to sue over Honolulu homeless sweeps, rail shortfall tops $1B, year delay; most students not proficient in reading, math; Mauna Kea stone alter removal protested; GMO discussed on Big Island; more sewage than first thought; electric power dispute on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail project, courtesy HART

n a letter sent Tuesday to the mayor and the City Council chairman, two of rail’s top leaders said the project could cost an additional $200 million to build on top of the $910 million budget shortfall that it already faces. That would push rail’s shortfall above $1 billion and its  total price tag well above $6 billion. Also, the 20-mile, 21-station system could take about a year longer to complete, opening at full capacity sometime in 2021 instead of 2020, they said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu will likely have to push back the opening of its full 20-mile commuter rail line by at least a year due construction delays and changes in how the project will be built. The elevated rail line could also cost up to $200 million more than currently projected, which would push its growing shortfall to more than $1 billion. Civil Beat.

Four miles of rail guideway are competed, with 16 more to go. KITV4.

In a letter, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation told the mayor and city councilmembers that the project is facing a $900 million shortfall. HART now believes that number could grow another $200 million, which would mean a shortfall of more than $1 billion. KHON2.

Fewer than half of Hawaii public school students tested proficient in language arts while roughly 2 in 5 students met or exceeded benchmarks in mathematics on the new, more rigorous Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to scores released Tuesday by the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Less than half of the state’s keiki are currently making the grade in English and mathematics, according to new public school assessment scores. The Hawaii Department of Education reported Tuesday afternoon that 48 percent of third- through 11th-graders met or exceeded standardized test benchmarks in English language arts, and 41 percent did the same in math. Tribune-Herald.

A total of $8,610,632 in federal grants were awarded to 11 projects in Hawaiʻi to support Native Hawaiian education. Maui Now.

Hawaii Department of Education officials say the effort to cool overheated classrooms is being treated as a crisis, likening the matter to its response to the lava flow threat on the Big Island last year. Associated Press.

Randy Iwase, chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission, said Tuesday recent statements from politicians — including Gov. David Ige and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz — will not affect his decision on whether to approve NextEra Energy Inc.’s purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu’s recent sweeps targeting homeless populations will face a legal challenge after the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said Tuesday it will file a federal lawsuit against the city. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s largest emergency homeless shelter recently settled a civil rights complaint after it allegedly turned a disabled woman away. Other disabled people experience similar discrimination when seeking housing. Civil Beat.

A state-owned industrial property next to the Pier 38 Honolulu Fishing Village on Nimitz Highway is being eyed as the site for a state transitional homeless shelter, state homeless services coordinator Scott Morishige told the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council Committee was briefed today on affordable housing options for people who are one step away from being homeless. Hawaii Public Radio.

Crews will start installing sections of a fence along the Kapalama Canal on Wednesday in an effort to prevent homeless from camping out in the area that was once lined with tents on both sides. Hawaii News Now.

A mathematical error caused city engineers to underestimate by about 200,000 gallons the size of a massive sewage spill that closed Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park last month. The spill, now estimated at 587,150 gallons, with 462,050 gallons reaching the ocean, occurred Aug. 24 during heavy rainfall. Star-Advertiser.

Less than a year since the protected bike lane on South King Street opened to the public, City Councilman Joey Manahan wants to build another one on North King Street. KITV4.

The battle between the city and a company claiming to own portions of streets in Kakaako is nearing a deadline. KHON2.

The State Executive Committee of the Hawaii Republican Party has voted to remove Tito Montes “for cause” from the office of chair of House District 40 (Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Iroquois Point). Civil Beat.

Hawaii retailer Hilo Hattie will close its flagship Honolulu store on Nimitz Highway after more than 30 years in the same location and plans to relocate the company's office and warehouse within the next two months as a part of its attempt to re-emerge from bankruptcy for a second time. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
It may be a small island, but folks on the two sides of the GMO debate seem to be worlds apart. When Margery Bronster took the podium at an annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in Keauhou to sketch out the reasons she’s fought with the counties over the cultivation of genetically modified organisms, she did so as GMO opponents pointed to the one-sidedness of hearing only from Bronster and not the other side of the GMO debate. West Hawaii Today.

The destruction of an ahu on the side of Mauna Kea Access Road has angered Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who dedicated it to the god Kane more than two months ago. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents of building a giant telescope on Mauna Kea are decrying the destruction of a stone altar they built near the construction site. Star-Advertiser.

People protesting the construction of a giant telescope on a Hawaiian mountain they hold sacred are decrying the destruction of a stone altar they built near the construction site. Associated Press.

A couple’s plans to subdivide their Holualoa property so their daughter can build a house there has met with so much opposition that they’ve asked that it be pulled from today’s County Council agenda. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two renewable energy projects proposed by California-based Anaergia Services are on hold until Maui Electric Co. agrees to buy the energy that would come from the projects. Maui News.

Several County Council committee meetings have not been aired live recently because of a fire in a county building broadcast room and a video switch "inadvertently" being turned off, county and television officials said. Maui News.

When you’ve already lost the same election twice in a row, I guess you need to try some unusual campaign tactics. In his third attempt now at winning the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu Maui County Council seat, land broker Joe Blackburn has already told the press that he and his people would pluck weeds from Eha Street in Wailuku and give out free pancakes. Now he’s trying donuts. MauiTime.

Coral bleaching has been reported along the coastline from the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve in South Maui to Kapalua Bay in West Maui and off Molokini and is expected to be "the worst we have ever seen," a state Department of Land and Natural Resources official said. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai County Council will meet at 8:30 a.m. today in the council chambers at the Historic County Building. The council will consider a bill for an ordinance to amend the county’s fiscal year 2015-2016 budget to revise the amounts in the general fund, highway fund, liquor fund, solid waste fund, sewer fund and golf fund. Garden Island.

One of the biggest elections for Native Hawaiian self-governance is set to take place in November, and certified Kauai County voters will have a chance to elect two representatives in a 40-member delegation. Garden Island.

The Department of Agriculture could not determine the exact cause of death for more than 10 chickens that died last week in front of the Historic County Building, but have ruled out avian flu. Garden Island.

Biotech, GMO spotlighted at national agriculture conference in Kona, Navy trims sonar use in whale lawsuit settlement, Honolulu allows extra units in residential neighborhoods, Hawaii County settles panhandler, urinalysis lawsuits, Schatz weighs in on NextEra plan, Kaui parents protests oust principal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii GMO researcher, courtesy photo

As lawyers defending Hawaii County’s ordinance regulating genetically modified crops work toward an Oct. 1 deadline to file their final brief, a key attorney challenging the new law is scheduled to speak about the issue at a national gathering today in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Biotech companies have spent at least $160,000 to sponsor a four-day national convention of state agricultural officials hosted by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in Kailua-Kona this week. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy agreed to limit its use of sonar and other training that inadvertently harms whales, dolphins and other marine mammals off Hawaii and California in a settlement with environmental groups approved Monday. Associated Press.

Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals swimming off the coasts of Hawaii and Southern California will be more protected from the Navy’s use of sonar thanks to a settlement Monday. Two cases brought by environmental groups were resolved in federal court after a years-long battle to limit the military’s sonar training and testing as well as its use of explosives. Civil Beat.

The Navy agreed to limit its use of sonar and other training that inadvertently harms whales, dolphins and other marine mammals off Hawaii and California in a settlement with environmental groups approved Monday. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said he wants the state Public Utilities Commission to focus on NextEra Energy Inc.’s renewable energy and cost-cutting capabilities when deciding whether the Florida-company is fit to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. Star-Advertiser.

There’s been plenty of press about Hawaii’s first-in-the-nation policy of “100 percent renewable energy by 2045″ but a lot less talk about what the law really means, especially its loopholes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s highest earners are working in the medical field, according to a recent report by American City Business Journals, but there's a catch. When you consider the high cost of living in Hawaii, it can actually be challenging to attract professionals to work in the health care sector, experts say. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s insurance premiums are on the rise, and it’s due to a combination of circumstance and new federal regulations, according to a new report by the Hawaii Health Information Corp. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Under a bill signed Monday by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, homeowners with residential and agricultural lots are able to put up accessory dwelling units if they meet certain criteria. An ADU is a second smaller housing unit, either attached or detached, that can be rented out to either family members or outside parties. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers say it could be the change that opens up to 20,000 places to live on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed what's called the "Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill" into law on Monday. Some are calling it a game changer in the battle against homelessness. KITV4.

A measure to address affordable rental housing on O’ahu was signed into law today at a bill signing ceremony. Hawaii Public Radio.

The brother of a Waipahu man fatally shot by police is suing the Honolulu officer who he says is responsible for the death, alleging that the officer didn’t follow proper procedure for handling people with mental illness. Civil Beat.

The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot will close Tuesday through Friday and again Monday through Sept. 23 for repaving in an ongoing $2.7 million improvement project. Star-Advertiser.

State crews, including 70 inmates, began a cleanup of the homeless encampment beneath the H-1 freeway viaduct Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Officials are planning to clear a second section of the large homeless encampment in Kakaako. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday that the next phase of the camp clearing will happen Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

If you hike the popular Koko Head Crater Trail, it’s common to see a few bees, but lately hikers say there are a lot more. KHON2.

Hawaii
Hawaii County has agreed to pay $80,000 and rewrite its panhandling laws to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Kailua-Kona man. West Hawaii Today.

Little did Justin Guy know that holding a sign that read “Homeless Please Help” on a Kailua-Kona street corner would spark a free speech case resulting in changes to the law that protects everyone’s First Amendment rights on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The ACLU-assisted settlement in a houseless Hawaii County man's free speech case has lead to revisions of several ordinances now found to be unconstitutional. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii County will pay $115,000 and cease the requirement of urinalyses and other medical screenings as a condition of employment for most positions under a federal lawsuit settlement announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

An 'ahu or altar that was built along the Mauna Kea summit road has been bulldozed by a Mauna Kea Support Services (MKSS) employee. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A public briefing on health care initiatives by Gov. David Ige that include a waiver from the federal Affordable Care Act and improved services for behavioral health and long-term care will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. Maui News.

RAM Reports Good News for Real Estate Buyers. Maui Now.

Flash floods stranded 20 hikers last month on the Commando and Bamboo trails in East Maui, including one man who was caught on camera being swept 30 feet down the side of a waterfall. Maui News.

Kauai

Step one, done. That’s what the Save Hanalei School group said about Superintendent Bill Arakaki’s decision to remove Hanalei Elementary principal Lisa McDonald effective Monday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Air Force said it is still working to address a lighting issue at its Kokee station that has led to more than 120 fallen endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Kauai’s chicken die-off has scientists trying to rule out avian influenza. Necropsy to test for bird flu and botulism. KITV4.

The next phase of the Hauaala Road project in Kapaa near the Kuhio Highway intersection will begin this week. One lane of the roadway will be closed Wednesday and Thursday to allow reconstruction work to take place. Another is planned for next week. Traffic will be contra-flowed during the lane closures. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Ferry has adopted a new sailing schedule. The owner says this month’s changes will help stop the financial “hemorrhaging” the ferry has seen in the last two years.  But not everyone is happy about the new plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Senate wants Superferry reconsidered, shark fin ban upheld, Mauna Kea telescope foes ask OHA to intercede, Tulsi Gabbard is wed, Big Island mulls panhandling laws, Honolulu workers injured by exploding ordnance, Molokai solar on hold, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Superferry, courtesy Wikipedia

Senators are asking the state to explore whether it's time to take another swing at creating a statewide interisland ferry system. Associated Press.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has officially upheld Hawaii’s state shark fin ban. Civil Beat.

Senate lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would, among other things, give greater access to media personnel covering natural disasters, amending it to include language recommended by the Hawaii Department of Defense. Tribune-Herald.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is now officially off the market after she and fiance Abraham Williams tied the knot Thursday at a historic site in Kahaluu. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi’s questionable purchases on a county charge card has prompted the Honolulu Mayor’s Office to release information on how Hawaii’s largest city handles the special charge cards. On Thursday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke issued a lengthy fact sheet outlining the city’s purchasing card policies. Civil Beat.

Two homeless woman claim that city crews didn't allow them to retrieve identification documents when their homeless camps were cleared recently. But the city says its policy should have allowed them to get the ID's. Hawaii News Now.

A pilot project in San Francisco that rolled out three portable restrooms to problem areas has proven to be such a success that city officials in Honolulu are taking a close look. KITV4.

One groundskeeper has been released but another remained hospitalized after unexploded ordnance apparently detonated and injured the men as they cut grass at the Army's Makua Military Reservation on Monday, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department is inviting the public to share comments on its policies, procedures, administration, operations and services. The department says the comments will be part of an assessment conducted by the Commission Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Associated Press.

Guy Kaulukukui was nominated by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Thursday to head the city Department of Enterprise Services. Star-Advertiser.

A partially submerged boat has been sitting in Honolulu Harbor for months and people want to know what is it still doing there. KHON2.

Hawaii

Foes of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope asked the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Thursday to reverse itself and come out against the $1.4 billion project on the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with signs and songs, people protesting the Thirty Meter Telescope that’s set to be built on Mauna Kea took their pleas to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Mauna Kea brought their concerns to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Attorney David Kimo Frankel of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation believes the Thirty-Meter Telescope planned for Mauna Kea can be stopped because it isn't consistent with criteria in the state's administrative rules. Hawaii News Now.

Changes to Hawaii County’s panhandling laws are scheduled to be considered Tuesday, as two County Council committees tackle bills responding to a federal judge’s opinion that the local ordinances violate First Amendment rights. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilwoman Margaret Wille said she can no longer use her county-issued purchasing card — or pCard — after she was questioned two weeks ago by the county clerk about two first-class flights and a hotel upgrade to a room with an ocean view. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association alleges that teachers at Honokaa High and Intermediate School have been assigned to teach classes next year for which they are not qualified. Tribune-Herald.

This Saturday, Hilo High School will officially recognize the grand opening of its new, 1,350-seat gymnasium — five months after the facility opened its doors for regular use. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Senate Ways and Means and Judiciary and Labor committees advanced House Bill 1075 on Wednesday, setting up a full Senate vote Tuesday on the measure to allow a public-private partnership to take over management of Maui Memorial Medical Center and the Kula and Lanai Community hospitals. Maui News.

Improvements to water and photovoltaic systems and trails in the Kipahulu District will be discussed at a meeting organized by Haleakala National Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Kalena Triangle in Kipahulu. Maui News.

Kauai

As Jalissa Rapozo-Carveiro filled out job applications and visited employers at Kauai Community College’s job fair, she was hopeful she would find work. Garden Island.

Molokai

Sixty-five applications for rooftop solar on Molokai currently remain in limbo at the hands of Maui Electric Company (MECO), according to company Communications Director Kau`i Awai-Dickson. Molokai Dispatch.

Waikiki beach erosion worries Hawaii tourism officials, agency head seeks Medicaid audit, Senate deadlocked on Ching confirmation, Maui dancing definition unclear, affordable housing bill advances, urine test at issue in ACLU lawsuit, lack of notice on Oahu racetrack bill irks opponents, Trans-Pacific Partnership spurs protests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach © 2015 All Hawaii News

Winter waves have eroded more of Waikiki Beach this season, worsening a chronic problem that state officials say will take millions of dollars to combat over the next decade. Star-Advertiser.

They're calling it an "erosion hotspot." The Department of Land and Natural Resources say a rare weather condition is what's causing erosion at parts of Waikiki Beach. KITV4.

The 25-member state Senate appeared deadlocked Monday over the confirmation of Carleton Ching to lead the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Some sources place the count at 12 to 12, with one senator's stance unknown and with a few senators likely to flip-flop before this week's expected vote. Star-Advertiser.

When Hawaii’s 25 state senators decide whether to confirm Gov. David Ige’s nomination of Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the vote will likely be as much about inside politics as personal convictions. Civil Beat.

The new director of the state Department of Human Services is requesting an audit of her agency's $144 million Medicaid eligibility system, known as Kolea. Star-Advertiser.

A House panel passed a bill to provide more affordable housing for working families and Hawaii’s most vulnerable, calling for general obligation bonds that would be used to develop homes including micro-housing units. Associated Press.

A state House panel passed a bill to provide more affordable housing for working families and Hawaii's most vulnerable, calling for general obligation bonds that would be used to develop homes including micro-housing units. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed law that would make it illegal for state employees to take any official action that might directly affect a business that their extended family has a financial interest in will have a tough time clearing the House. Civil Beat.

Last Thursday House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke requested—and the Speaker granted—a waiver of the 48-hour notice requirement for an agenda that included a giveaway of $100 million in bonds to unabashedly promote a motorsport center on parkland determined eligible to be declared a National American Battlefield by the National Park Service. Disappeared News.

A controversial brand of alcohol could be headed to Hawai'i this summer, if state legislators don't outlaw it. It's called Palcohol -- a powdered form of alcohol meant to be mixed into water. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Removing asbestos and lead paint from the second-floor offices of the Honolulu City Council could cost taxpayers $50 million or more — and that's without any additional cosmetic work, the city buildings chief told the Council Budget Committee last week. Star-Advertiser.

City officials will host a transit-oriented development meeting at Aloha Stadium on Tuesday to discuss future development in Halawa along Oahu's rail line. Hawaii News Now.

Opinion: Mayor Caldwell, Save Ala Moana Park for the Regular People. It's a bit disconcerting when high-priced consultants are hired to consider ways to rejuvenate the park, even if the local residents are being told they're in charge. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

On Saturday, protesters lined the Queen Kaahumanu Highway outside the Waikoloa resort, where delegates were reported to be behind closed doors, negotiating the terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This feature story explores what is known about the TPP – mostly gathered from document leaks – and how the proposed economic treaty has had a connection with Hawaii from the beginning. Big Island Video News.

Protesters of Trans-Pacific Partnership lined Queen Kaahumanu Highway near Waikoloa Beach Road. The Aloha Aina “Day of Action” against TPP and for home rule, sovereignty, democracy and transparency was held Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

A Kailua-Kona woman suing Hawaii County over its pre-employment medical examination policy started her job as a legal clerk Monday after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the county from requiring that she submit a urine sample. Tribune-Herald.

A federal judge says a woman who moved to Kailua-Kona from Oregon to accept a job with the Hawaii County prosecutor does not have to provide a sample of her urine before she can start work. Star-Advertiser.

School resource officers will be added to Waimea and Keaau middle schools by the new school year, thanks to a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. West Hawaii Today.

Thieves stole almost $10,000 worth of tents, equipment and tools late last week from the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, leaving supporters at a loss as they plan for their traditional Memorial Day services. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island Press Club has awarded its annual Lava Tube dishonor to Scott Nago, the state’s chief elections officer, for “lack of communication” during the 2014 primary election. Civil Beat.

Maui

The Hawaii state Legislature is considering a bill that would force all the county Liquor Control departments to define “dancing.” Known as SB 868, the bill was introduced by 14 state Senators including Maui’s own J. Kalani English, Roz Baker and Gil Keith-Agaran. MauiTime.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa took an optimistic view in his state of the county address last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Maui County Land Use Committee will review the proposed Downtown Kīhei Project on Wednesday, March 18, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Maui Now.

Merchants in Lahaina's historic district have mixed feelings about updated sign guidelines recently approved by the Cultural Resources Commission that are awaiting Mayor Alan Arakawa's signature. Maui News.

The Lahainaluna High School boarding program that began 179 years ago will continue next school year, despite declining enrollments and reductions in programs and funding in recent years, according to a state Department of Education official. Maui News.

A federal judge sentenced the owner of an Asian food market on Maui to a six-month jail term Monday for taking from her employees back-overtime money owed to them and for lying to the U.S. Department of Labor about it. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will admit that the County of Kauai was in a tough place last year. Reserve funds were low. The county’s share of the transient accommodations taxes was capped for the third consecutive year. Garden Island.

Major shifts will take place over the next month within Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration as some longtime county employees retire and new ones join the ranks. Garden Island.

The redevelopment of the Coco Palms Resort on Kauai is, in a way, not about architecture, but more about respecting and bringing back the culture and history of the iconic resort, the architect for the project told Pacific Business News.

Police probed on Oahu and Kauai, WWII-style planks may bridge lava flow, salary hikes nixed on Kauai, nene geese close rifle range, no corporate taxes for REITs, Carroll steps down as committee chair, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police © 2015 All Hawaii News

Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha on Wednesday dismissed a recommendation issued by four state senators that calls for assembling a team of co-chiefs to run the department. Star-Advertiser.

Four state lawmakers are calling on the Honolulu Police Commission to appoint someone to help Police Chief Louis Kealoha run his department in light of recent events involving his mailbox, a mistrial, his prosecutor wife and her estranged uncle. Civil Beat.

Four state senators say Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha needs help running the department. Hawaii News Now.

A handful of our states senators are challenging Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. They're questioning whether the chief can do his job alone, or if he needs some help. KITV4.

A Multimillion-Dollar Tax Loophole Bigger Than Ala Moana Center. Real Estate Investment Trusts don't pay corporate income tax in Hawaii, despite benefiting from local infrastructure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii state Rep. Mele Carroll has relinquished her chairmanship of the Committee on Human Services in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Carroll said Wednesday that she asked House Speaker Joseph Souki to reassign the chairmanship because she's having health issues. Associated Press.

Maui Representative Mele Carroll, D–13th District, is stepping down as chairwoman of the House Human Services Committee, according to a news release just sent out from the state House of Representatives communications office. Her reason: undefined “health issues.” Maui Time

A University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher on Wednesday joined the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology in calling for federal, state and local governments to not only regulate e-cigarettes but also to ban all youth-oriented e-cig advertising and marketing. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Despite grim statistics, industry representatives remain optimistic for 2015 as Hawaiian Electric Co. begins to approve customers who have been waiting to install rooftop photovoltaic systems. The City and County of Hono­lulu issued 6,554 rooftop solar building permits in 2014, compared with 13,303 in 2013. Star-Advertiser.

A local ice rink is tapping into the sun to keep its facilities cool. Ice Palace Hawai‘i announced the completion of a rooftop solar power project that could cut down their energy bill by 25%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted in favor of borrowing up to $20 million for emergency road projects in lower Puna as the county waits to see how much disaster relief the federal government will provide. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation is considering using the same material that allowed the military to rapidly build airstrips in World War II to reopen Highway 130 if it’s covered by lava. Tribune-Herald.

After an hour-long closed-door session Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council unanimously agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a homeless panhandler who said his civil rights were violated when police officers cited him for “aggressive solicitation.” West Hawaii Today.

A man affectionately known as Hilo's welfare doctor for aiding the underserved stands accused of fraud. But many on the Big Island are rallying to his defense. In September, the state cut off Medicaid reimbursements to Dr. Frederick Nitta, saying he overbilled the program more than $1.2 million when he gave drug screening tests to patients. Hawaii News Now.

The dean of Hilo’s College of Pharmacy plans to remain at the school until the end of the academic year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui region of the state public hospital system wants to engage in formal talks with Hawaii Pacific Health to address its financial difficulties. Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region and Hawaii Pacific Health must seek the state Legislature's approval to enter partnership discussions and provide solutions. Associated Press.

A Civil Air Patrol plane that had been stationed at Kahului Airport for missions hasn't been on Maui since March, leaving an empty hangar and concerns about providing adequate tsunami and hurricane warnings to remote areas of Maui County. Maui News.

A nesting nene goose has prompted the closure of the rifle range at Maui's Ukumehame Firing Range. The county Department of Parks and Recreation said the goose, a member of an endangered species, was spotted wandering around the rifle range Sunday by a firearms instructor. Star-Advertiser.

Maui’s only public rifle range is temporarily closing after an endangered goose was spotted wandering around the property. A biologist also found a nene nest in the area. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday narrowly rejected a Salary Commission proposal that would have increased the maximum salary limit for 22 department heads, including Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., County Engineer Larry Dill and County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask. Garden Island.

Police body cameras are getting support, but there are privacy concerns and labor contract issues to deal with before they become a reality. The Kauai Police Department briefed the Kauai County Council Wednesday on the department’s $134,000 request to purchase 142 police body cameras, and the committee said it was in favor of equipping officers with electronic surveillance. Garden Island.

Deadly pedestrian crash involving Kauai police vehicle under investigation. KHON2.

Local dive companies say the state Department of Land and Natural Resources cost them tens of thousands of dollars by implementing — prematurely, and with little or no notification — a new rule requiring businesses to obtain permits for commercial shoreline operations. Garden Island.

Lanai

Life on Lanai: Still a Good Place to ‘Just Be’. On this island, it's the small things that count most toward a good life. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo loses another director, panhandler civil rights lawsuit settlement nears, Ige names more top staff, Maui harbor drains $7M from state budget, lava follows new path, state arts foundation audited, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Zoo © 2015 All Hawaii News

Jeffrey Wilkinson, director of the Honolulu Zoo since April, announced his resignation to zoo staff Sunday. Wilkinson is the fourth zoo director to resign in the past five years, and the third since March 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Elizabeth Kim, part of a senior leadership team that advises the U.S. secretary of labor, has been named state labor director, Gov. David Ige's office announced Monday. The governor also announced the hiring of Hono­lulu public relations professional Cindy McMillan as his administration's director of communications. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has chosen Elizabeth Kim to head the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Cindy McMillan to be his communications director. Civil Beat.

The state agency responsible for helping the public access government-controlled information and ensure public meetings remain as open as possible has been mired in a backlog so big its rulings are often irrelevant by the time they’re issued. Yet relief appears nowhere in sight for the Hawaii Office of Information Practices as Gov. David Ige’s term begins and the Legislature gets set to work on his proposed biennium budget, which despite a modest increase only gives the agency half the resources it had 20 years ago. Civil Beat.

The Hawai‘i Health Connector — beset by delays, computer malfunctions and low enrollment since its inception in late 2013 — expects to be self-sufficient by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of the 2015 legislative session, Hawaii Public Radio’s Noe Tanigawa takes a look at a recent auditor’s report on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Oahu

State regulators have approved a wind farm planned for Kahuku despite objections from members of the North Shore community and concerns from Hawaii’s consumer advocate that the developer should have completed its environmental review of the project first. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu city councilman is looking for ways to boost regulation on vacation rentals on Hawaii’s most populous island. Associated Press.

For years, Kapaa Quarry Road has been used as an illegal dump site by people getting rid of trash, equipment, even furniture. Residents and lawmakers say it’s long been a problem with no clear solution and it sits right next to the Kawainui Marsh. KHON2.

The lei sellers at the Honolulu International Airport say their daily struggle to stay in business would be eased if they had 15-year leases like they did in the past, and more respect. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A settlement is in the works in a civil rights lawsuit filed against the county by a Kailua-Kona man cited for panhandling last year. West Hawaii Today.

The June 27 lava flow could begin following a new path as breakouts upslope of the stalled front advance to the north. Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, said the most active breakout was located about 1.5 miles from Pahoa Marketplace as of Monday morning. It had advanced about 200 yards to the north in 24 hours. Tribune-Herald.

Daily nonstop flights between Kona and Haneda, Japan, could begin as early as June 1, if Hawaiian Airlines Inc. is successful in its application with the U.S. Department of Transportation. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island health care providers are seeing a recent spike in cases of the flu. Hilo Medical Center reports that in the last month its influenza rate has risen about four times higher than normal, and Kona Community Hospital said Monday it has already confirmed 24 cases of the flu since New Year’s Day. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It was supposed to be a part of the state's plan to revitalize the Maalaea Harbor on Maui. But for the past 20 years, the 1.1-acre dirt lot has remained undeveloped with Hawaii taxpayers footing the bill. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has paid more than $7 million -- or about $1,000 a day -- to lease the property that's used only to store old boats, buoys and other ocean equipment. Hawaii News Now.

The new year brought entirely new Maui County Council leadership–exactly what was predicted shortly after the November 2014 election. Mike White is the new Council Chairman and Don Guzman is the new Vice Chairman. Maui Time.

Kauai

Ulupono Initiative, the same investment company backing Hawaii Dairy Farms’ proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley on Kauai’s south side, has its sights on purchasing the last locally owned and operated large-scale dairy in the state. Garden Island.

Preschool plan controversial, medical marijuana panel meets, rail contract redo, ACLU sues over Hawaii Island panhandling law, lava may isolate Puna, ethnic tensions between Samoans, Micronesians, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii preschoolers sing at bill signing, courtesy Governor's Office

The debate over universal preschool is heating up with the launch of competing campaigns to rally support for and against a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be spent on private early childhood education programs. Star-Advertiser.

There is “no one model” to follow in establishing medical marijuana dispensaries, a state task force was told Tuesday. The task force, which is examining Hawaii’s medical marijuana program, discussed a new report comparing programs in other states. Civil Beat.

Any system of medical marijuana distribution centers in Hawaii would likely incorporate policies and programs that have proved successful in other states, but also accommodate the unique needs of the state's roughly 13,000 medicinal cannabis patients, officials say. Star-Advertiser.

A class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court seeks to require the state to cover the cost of applied behavior analysis, or ABA, treatment for children with autism who are on Medicaid. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission have relaunched the drive to add names to the list of Native Hawaiians participating in the nation-building process. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City officials are starting over in their search for a company to build the first rail stations, hoping to curb construction costs that are $110 million over projections, but risking a one-year delay in the system's initial opening. Star-Advertiser.

Aggressive cost containment is necessary if Honolulu plans to stay within budget on its $5.2 billion rail project, according to a recent report from a federal contractor hired to oversee design and construction progress. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply's plan to put in a new customer care and billing system was "fraught with problems" that not only caused the agency to "back-bill" a number of its customers, but contributed to the eventual cost skyrocketing to more than three times its original price tag, according to a city auditor's report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A dusty plot of land in the heavily industrial area of Sand Island that the city is proposing as a homeless encampment could have hazardous levels of contaminants such as arsenic and lead left over from solid waste and ash dumps that were operated nearby for decades, according to Hawaii Department of Health records. Civil Beat.

Honolulu residents will get an opportunity to sound off on a new plan to temporarily move homeless people to Sand Island. The city will hold a community meeting tonight to discuss the proposal…one of several aimed at dealing with Hawai‘i’s growing homeless problem. Hawaii Public Radio.

Photovoltaic system permits on Oahu declined to their lowest level in three years in August despite the island leading the nation at midyear for the highest percentage of customers with rooftop solar. Star-Advertiser.

Crews have just begun sifting through 230 truckloads of dirt at Radford contaminated with mercury, lead and arsenic. KITV4.

A dispute involving wild ducks has divided a downtown condo. A management decision about their future has definitely ruffled some feathers. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is expected to start Oct. 1 to convert a former military barracks at the old Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Kalaeloa into affordable rental apartments following state approval of the plan Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ethnic tension between Samoans and Micronesians leads to huge street fight in Honolulu, 4 injured. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A homeless Hawaii Island man has joined the American Civil Liberties Union to file suit against Hawaii County officials, claiming the county code provisions regarding panhandling are unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today.

County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Tuesday night officials are “looking at multiple other ways to create connectivity” in the event lava from the June 27 flow crosses Highway 130 and isolates lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

County officials spent another evening reassuring the public that their government is working on all contingency plans in the face of advancing lava, even as new flow projections disturbed residents. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County expects to begin improving Government Beach Road early next week or possibly sooner as a lava flow threatens to cut off access to lower Puna, said Public Works Director Warren Lee. Tribune-Herald.

Fresh from restoring power to thousands of lower Puna residents after Tropical Storm Iselle, Hawaii Electric Light Co. is prepping for the possibility of outages wrought by lava from Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Residents: Hawaii lava part of living in paradise. Associated Press.

Maui

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $5 million to fund the construction of the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex just a week after Maui homeowners filed a lawsuit to stop the project. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $5 million that will be used toward the construction of the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex, currently under construction in Waikapū. Maui Now.

West Maui residents will be able to recycle glass, cardboard, newspapers and other materials currently not easily recyclable on the west side, during a series of events organized by two Maui County council members from September to December at the Lahaina Cannery Mall parking lot. Maui News.

The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, will undergo a $30 million renovation to the Maui resort's guestroom interiors, meeting areas and pools, with a completion date set for early 2015. The rooms were last renovated in 2009. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council will consider five measures today that seek to provide relief for residents who, in some cases, saw their real property tax bills increase over the last two months by hundreds of dollars, if not thousands. Garden Island.

Despite recent headlines, encounters between dogs and Hawaiian monk seals are actually quite rare. Garden Island.