Akaka Bill in jeopardy with Alaska GOP loss, tourism up, investigations at DOT, green energy advances with PUC decoupling, more state news

Reminder: The Civil Defense monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system and Emergency Alert System on the radio, is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. today

Hawaii's electric company will get paid a guaranteed amount of money regardless of how much power it sells under a decision Tuesday meant to promote renewable energy. Associated Press.

Alaska Republican, seen as key vote for the Akaka Bill, loses in primary. Associated Press.

July was the best month for visitor performance that Hawaii has seen in five years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials have known for weeks that July was a very strong month for tourism, because daily arrivals were up smartly from last summer, but financial data released Tuesday showed spending outpacing even arrivals. Hawaii News Now.

People renting a car in Hawaii can expect to pay more in fees starting tomorrow. KHON2.

Hawaii GOP Chairs Tells Christians To Shun Hannemann. KITV

As September election approaches, the Hawaii Republican Party is weighing in to keep religious conservatives from crossover voting in a close democratic primary. KHON2.

The two leading Democratic contenders to be Hawaii's next governor visited the Big Island a nearly equal number of times this summer. West Hawaii Today.

A spokeswoman for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie says he misspoke when he alleged that a website that rated his congressional record poorly was a "Republican front organization." Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is planning 20 campaign meetings in as many communities over the next two months as the primary and general elections approach.Associated Press.

The state ethics commission has begun an investigation into the former deputy transportation director who abruptly resigned three weeks ago while under fire for mismanagement and questionable ethical behavior. KITV.

A supervisor at Lihue Airport who admitted to stealing thousands of dollars in an embezzlement case has been fired after state transportation officials put her on leave with pay for nearly two months while they investigated the case. KITV.

If the highest paid employees of the University of Hawaii reveal where its priorities lie, then UH appears to most value the following: football, medicine and cancer research. Civil Beat.

James Bopp Jr., the attorney who brought a federal lawsuit against Hawaii's campaign finance law, said the law severely limits First Amendment rights to criticize the government and participate in political campaigns. Star-Advertiser.

On August 27, 2010, Attorney General Mark J. Bennett filed a Complaint in First Circuit Court for the State of Hawai`i for Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive, and Declaratory Relief against The Financial Group Legal Plan, Inc Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye used a workshop on Rail Transit to re-state that Federal funding is in jeopardy unless the project moves ahead. Hawaii News Now.

The city held a workshop Tuesday to answer questions about the rail transit project from senior citizens and those with disabilities. KHON2.

The Army said Tuesday that its tests show depleted uranium at Pohakuloa Training Area isn't likely to adversely affect people living and working at or near the Big Island base. Garden Island.

Apo taking Disney job. The Council chairman's departure in November will trigger a special election. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is getting shaken up again. Hawaii News Now.

Harry E. Williams of Kapa‘a is officially a Republican candidate for the state House seat encompassing Wailua to Ha‘ena, a judge ruled Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Hawaii County taxpayers are chipping in for cell phones used in the reelection campaigns of five of the nine County Council members, but whether that use violates campaign laws is open to debate. West Hawaii Today.

Monday's public hearing on proposed changes to the two-year-old Puna Community Development Plan turned into a public referendum on growth versus conservation. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is seeking out alternative ways to get people to and from West Maui. Maui News.

Bobby Cooper, the former president of W.H. Shipman Ltd. and a powerful force for good in the community who could never stay retired, died last Friday at his Hilo home of bile duct cancer. Tribune-Herald.

Several candidates for many office positions met Monday evening at the historic Waimea Theatre to share their visions and goals for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

A new affordable rental housing complex has opened in Kailua-Kona. Associated Press.

With the State Primary elections nearing, it is imperative for every voter to get to know the candidates and what they stand for. Molokai Dispatch.

Wind energy plan unveiled, Census tells us what we already knew, tax revenues dip some, Honolulu cops investigation widens, tougher graduation requirements ahead, more

The North Shore of Oahu is about to have a new power plant - a clean power plant that generates 30 megawatts of electricity from wind. (Photo Stan Shebs) KHON2.

Gov. Linda Lingle's highly criticized move of delaying tax refund payments until after the start of the new fiscal calendar resulted in a higher general fund balance for the recently concluded fiscal year.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's tax revenue took a slight dip in the fiscal year that recently ended, giving state officials mixed signals about the robustness of the state's economic recovery. Associated Press.

Hawaii's tax revenues took a slight dip during the fiscal year that recently ended. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Transportation is moving forward with its development of a statewide pedestrian master plan. Garden Island.

A U.S. Census Bureau report released Tuesday shows Hawaii leads the nation in minority-owned businesses. Associated Press.

Gov. Linda Lingle, in a letter yesterday to the U.S. Senate in favor of a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, said the bill is "fair and just" and would treat Hawaiians like other indigenous people. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Linda Lingle spoke about her veto of the civil unions bill for the first time since making her controversial decision. KHON2.

Honolulu’s rail plan is "the premier transit project in the entire country,” the congressman who chairs the House transportation committee says. Civil Beat.

After six years of planning, work has gotten under way on Honolulu's $100 million Joint Traffic Management Center. Associated Press.

A synthetic marijuana known as “spice” will be illegal in Hawaii starting Aug. 1. KITV.

Public school students would have to fulfill tougher requirements to earn diplomas, including taking algebra 2 or an equivalent math course and completing a senior project, under changes advanced yesterday by a Board of Education committee. Star-Advertiser,

In an about-face, it appears Kohala schools will be saved from closing -- for now. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann intends to step down from office to run for governor next week, but his political foes are not making his last week easy. KITV.

Circuit Judge Shackley F. Raffetto has confirmed the sale of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui for $95 million. Associated Press.

Opponents of a consumer fireworks ban say the city should enforce the aerial fireworks prohibition already on the books before trying to add another law to the mix. Star-Advertiser.

The investigation into allegations of false reporting by two Honolulu police sergeants who oversaw DUI enforcement has widened to include half a dozen officers who worked under the pair. Hawaii News Now.


A bunch of drunks were hanging around the Kilauea Military Reservation gymnasium late last week. Hawaii Today.

To address the needs of Kaua‘i’s growing senior population, the Agency on Elderly Affairs is in the process of collecting data that will be incorporated into its Four-Year Area Plan on Aging for October 2011 to September 2015. Garden Island.

Big Island products in spotlight. Tribune-Herald.

Maui's Queen Ka'ahumanu Center will come under the management of Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle as part of the restructuring of bankrupt General Growth Properties Inc., which is managing the mall now. Maui News.

Maui Humane Society last week announced it will alter some programs and services as a result of county budget cuts. Lahaina News.

Akaka Bill heading for vote, UH scientists predict oil spread, civil union veto could hurt tourism, Inouye talks stimulus funding, more Hawaii news

A vote in the U.S. Senate on allowing Native Hawaiians to form their own government could come this month following a deal between Hawaii's Democratic senators and the state's Republican governor. Associated Press.

The Akaka bill on Wednesday cleared a groundbreaking hurdle and now a vote could come down this month in the U.S. Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle has agreed to strongly support a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill after U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka promised to insert changes to protect the state's regulatory power. Star-Advertiser.

The Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, known as the Akaka Bill, could soon be on its way to a vote in the U.S Senate. KHON2.

Gov. Linda Lingle stood her ground on the Akaka Bill — and in the end it means she had her way. Civil Beat.

A team of University of Hawaii researchers has produced a long-range computer simulation with new details showing where the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could spread. Star-Advertiser.



The state is losing more than a half million dollars a year because it's leasing a building it already owns near Honolulu International Airport. KITV.

Despite the stakes for public education and the attention given to the issue by Gov. Linda Lingle, none of the candidates for governor has made the structure of the state Board of Education a significant part of their education platforms.Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle's veto of legislation to grant civil unions to same-sex couples is generating rumblings of a possible boycott of tourism-dependent Hawaii. Associated Press.

Civil Union Supporters Mount Hawaii Boycott. KITV.

Lawmakers are aware this is still a hot issue but are hopeful constituents don't lose sight of other legislative accomplishments this session. But that may be a tough sell. KHON2.

While many have voiced their opinion on House Bill 444, one gubernatorial candidate's stance remained unclear. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Linda Lingle has allowed the following 24 bills to go into law without her signature.  Six of the bills were on the Governor’s potential veto list that she submitted to the Legislature on June 21. KHON2.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) Wed- nesday heard from Hawaii agencies pleased with the millions they have received in federal stimulus money. KITV.

When Inouye conducted a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee at the Hawaii State Capitol Wednesday, a contingent of eight Capitol Police from Washington, D.C., lined the hall and the hearing room. They were backed up by three state sheriffs. KITV.

Maui County last to enact cell ban. Maui News.

Proposed new rules regarding conservation and coastal lands would allow for more land uses, like creating renewable energy, and for routine property maintenance, state officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Shoppers at Borders Books and Music in Hilo were greeted Tuesday by signs announcing that the store is closing. Tribune-Herald.

By continuing to chop rates, Maui hoteliers boosted occupancy to 60.5 percent in May, according to the Smith Travel Research statistics published by Hospitality Advisors in Honolulu. Maui News.

Vacation packages and Hollywood’s renewed presence on island are the most likely reasons for the recent improvements to certain economic indicators in the visitor industry, county officials said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii County will soon start allowing owners of more than 150,000 Big Island vehicles to renew their yearly registrations online, a senior administrator said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Stacy Jeffrey discovered aviation not through movies or books, but through a chance encounter with a set of French doors. West Hawaii Today.

She may be a political rookie, but Elle Cochran’s fiery ambition and enthusiastic personality prove she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to campaigning for a seat on the Maui County Council. Molokai Dispatch.

Akaka Bill again in jeopardy, civil unions on potential veto list, Army makes nice with natives, taxes going up, bus spy-cams tested, more news from all the isles

After a 10-year slog, supporters of the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill think they have their best chance yet to pass the legislation. Civil Beat.

The Army is trying to improve the often antagonistic and deeply distrustful relationship it has long had with many Native Hawaiians. KITV.

The civil unions bill is likely to be on Governor Linda Lingle's list of potential vetoes when it's released Monday. KHON2.


The emotional nature of civil unions has Gov. Linda Lingle giving herself the full amount of time available by law to make, then explain her decision. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle returned Saturday from a two-week journey to Asia confronting the same thorny question as when she left - to sign or veto legislation that would allow gay couples to form civil unions. AP.

Maintaining Hawaii Island's agricultural diversity is dependent on residents sharing seeds, and the Hawaii Island Seed Exchange provides the venue for people to do just that. West Hawaii Today.

On his first trip back home, newly elected U.S. Rep. Charles Djou yesterday defended his call for a waiver of the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged ships to respond to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and his use of taxpayer-funded automated phone calls to connect with Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has now had its first experience with the new homeowner category of real property taxation. Garden Island.

All Kauai County rates will increase slightly, but the move will mostly affect households that use more than 35,000 gallons of water a month. Garden Island.


To save an estimated $3.5 million, Maui County will furlough most of its employees for 12 days in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Maui News.

After testing surveillance cameras out last month, the city is now reviewing nine bids on the project. KITV.

As robotics experts from around the world continue to work with submersibles to stanch the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the next generation of experts will be honing their skills right here in Hilo. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa could be an evacuation nightmare in the event of natural disaster, but thanks to new evacuation plans and facilities for the settlement, there will soon be less reason to worry. Molokai Dispatch.

A total of 12,867 vehicles were towed during a recent four-month period that ended June 15, according to Honolulu police. Star-Advertiser.

They've taken on all comers and over the last 5 years the Pure Light Canoe Club has won more races than they've lost. Hawaii News Now.

Akaka Bill faces crucial hearing today, HECO raising rates, UPW deal in the works, Hannemann delivers State of the City, Hilo crime wave and other top news

A new version of the native Hawaiian government reorganization bill is moving in the U.S. House, but Gov. Linda Lingle remains opposed to it—and that could doom it in the Senate.

The U.S. House could vote today on a new version of the Akaka bill, after Hawai'i's congressional delegation opted to move forward without the support of Gov. Linda Lingle.

United Public Workers Unit 1 has reached agreement with the four county governments on a new collective-bargaining contract that would run through June 30, 2011.

Gov. Linda Lingle will return to Hawaii today to find that the heat has been turned up on the state's simmering labor problems.

The Hawai‘i Council of Mayors on Monday announced that the four county governments have reached an agreement in principle with the United Public Workers for a new collective bargaining pact for this fiscal year and the next.

A voting controversy has prompted lawmakers to re-start a discussion over the American flag.

In delivering his sixth State of the City address, Mayor Mufi Hannemann outlined a vision for Honolulu that included his $5.5 billion rail transit project, transit-oriented development, thousands of new jobs, new construction and other initiatives to stimulate the economy.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann last night promised to deliver to the City Council a balanced operating budget, but offered few details about how he intends to address an estimated $140 million shortfall.

In a first for Mayor Mufi Hannemann he held his state of the city address outside and at night. It's just one sign of change to come.

Text: State Of The City Address 2010

The Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Monday it is increasing rates for all customers.

Business owners say the streets of downtown Hilo have taken a turn for the worse.

A new surgery center has nearly doubled the number of operating rooms in West Hawaii, but it isn't in competition with Kona Community Hospital, officials say.

A sighting of an approximately 12-foot-long tiger shark led Maui County officials to close waters off Hookipa Beach Park for about two hours on Monday.

The Kapaia swinging bridge over Hanama‘ulu Stream, one of four such pedestrian suspension bridges on the island, likely outlived its practical usefulness many years ago.

A bill that would keep state park revenues on the island where they are generated instead of spreading them across Hawai‘i is being touted by Kaua‘i legislators and the advisory group tasked with preserving and protecting Koke‘e State Park.

Akaka Bill in peril, legislative session begins, House Speaker says no sales tax increase and other news

U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye plan to press forward with the Akaka Bill even though a Republican's upset victory in Massachusetts puts an end to the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

On an opening day drained of traditional pageantry, state House and Senate leaders yesterday challenged their colleagues to tune out special interests and regain public confidence by dealing squarely with the state's $1.2 billion budget deficit.

Speaker of the House Calvin Say is rejecting calls to allow the counties to charge a sales tax to make up for lost revenue.

The state Legislature will consider bills to decriminalize marijuana possession and legalize medical marijuana dispensaries

The military is seeking contractors to install more solar power systems at most of its major installations in the state in what ultimately would be a leap in photovoltaic power generation capability in Hawai'i, officials said.

A mistake by construction workers knocked out phone service to about 17,000 Hawaiian Telcom customers on Kauai Wednesday.

What can $2.69 million in federal stimulus money buy?

Reversing a lower court's ruling, a federal appeals court said a woman's constitutional rights weren't violated when a Taser was used on her after Maui police officers entered her home and arrested her and her husband.

They have already weather decades of intolerance, so what’s a little wind and rain?

With Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in Washington, D.C. for a round of talks with federal transportation officials about Honolulu’s proposed $5.3 billion, 20-mile elevated-rail project, Gov. Linda Lingle hosted a public forum for a panel of architects to again detail their opposition to the plan.

Surf's up, traffic deaths down, foster children decline, senators endorse Hanabusa, another candidate for lieutenant governor, Akaka Bill stalls, more news

The number of traffic deaths in Hawai'i rose slightly last year due to a big increase in motorcycle-related fatalities. Nevertheless, 2009 marked the second straight year in which overall deaths were far below recent average.

Federal Aviation Administration investigators today plan to inspect the scene of a fiery Piper Cherokee crash that killed at least one person yesterday just off the Lanipo Trail in East Honolulu.

Firefighters plan to return today to the scene of a fatal airplane crash near Kaau Crater above Maunalani Heights to recover the remains of at least one person.

A high-surf warning is in effect for most north- and west-facing shores of the state as a large northwest swell rolls in.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is kicking off her 2010 diplomacy agenda as she did a year ago, with a trip meant to strengthen U.S. relations with key partner nations in the western Pacific.

Concerns over the language of the Akaka Bill continue to be worked out, but both of Hawaii's senators say they expect legislation granting federal recognition to native Hawaiians will be taken up by Congress shortly.

The congressional race is heating up, as one candidate shows off her new headquarters and picks up some key endorsements.

Hawaii's U.S. senators came out early with a strong endorsement of Colleen Hanabusa in her run for the congressional seat to be vacated next month by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii.

The head of the Democratic party for Hawaii is now throwing his name into the hat for lieutenant governor.

The owners of vacant land along Komohana Street envision a $286 million "Hilo-style neighborhood marketplace" complete with medical offices, hundreds of dwellings and business space intended to attract "local" vendors.

The number of children entering -- and remaining -- in foster care in Hawaii has steadily declined over the last decade.

The state Land Use Commission cleared the way Friday for Castle & Cooke Resorts to continue using brackish water drawn from Lanai’s high-level aquifer to irrigate The Challenge at Manele golf course

Signs warning residents and visitors of the possibility of lead in the water at a pair of drinking fountains at Ka‘ana Picnic Area in Koke‘e State Park were removed last week — a year and a half after tests deemed the water to be safe for consumption.

Lucky we live Hawaii, economy drops a bit, H1N1 vaccines available, bus service continuing

People in sunny, outdoorsy states -- Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida -- say they're the happiest Americans, and researchers think they know why.

The latest economic forecast says Hawai'i could see some recovery starting early next year, though it will be weak and not shared by all sectors.

The state Council on Revenues trimmed the state's revenue forecast yesterday, but the reduction was less than state lawmakers feared, and economists spoke optimistically about the state moving out of the recession.

The state's budget deficit grew by about $40 million as the Council on Revenues reduced its revenue forecast by one percentage point, predicting tax money for the 2010 fiscal year to come in about 2.5 percent lower than a year ago.

East Hawaii businesses that depend on the cruise ship industry will continue sailing through the doldrums of stagnant tourism in 2010.

Kamehameha Schools spent 5.5 percent less on educational programs in the 2009 fiscal year than the year before, though the trust said it increased its reach to Native Hawaiian children by 16 percent compared to last year.

The Department of Education said on Thursday that school bus services will not end in the spring and any claims that they will end are completely false.

The U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday approved changes in the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act that would provide a much faster route to a sovereign Native Hawaiian government.

If you're looking to get vaccinated against swine flu there's good news. The Department of Health expanded the range so more people can get the nasal spray.

The Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a dispute over environmental law. At stake is a plan to expand the Turtle Bay Resort.

A Legacy Land Conservation Commission grant, combined with money from the county's Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation fund, will be used to buy 10 acres in North Kohala.

The state Water Resource Management Commission decided on Thursday afternoon to postpone a decision in the contested case over 19 East Maui streams.

From the time Ken D’Attilio of Inter-Island Helicopters decided to get out of the tour business, the company phone hasn’t stopped ringing with inquiries about tours, a company spokesman said.

Wrapping up what has been an occasionally contentious 2009 with quite possibly its most heated meeting to date, the Kaua‘i Board of Ethics on Thursday laid out the path it will take on its way to clarifying a controversial section of the County Charter.

Lingle opposes Akaka Bill changes, facelift for Volcano House, boat fees going up, more news

The Lingle administration, which has consistently backed federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, opposes changes to the bill pending before Congress because of "potentially enormous" implications to the relationship between Hawaiians and the state.

The value of Kamehameha Schools' endowment fell by more than $2.2 billion in the wake of the global economic meltdown, prompting some belt tightening at the state's wealthiest charitable trust

Talks between the teachers union and state officials to restore instructional time for students resume today as hope grows that a joint solution can be arrived at before the start of the 2010 Hawaii Legislature.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia scored higher than Hawaii in a study of public health emergency preparedness released today.

The state is turning up the heat on illegal vendors at Kealakekua Bay.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirms that Hawaii did receive some of the child H1N1 vaccines that are now being recalled.

The National Park Service plans an estimated $7.2 million in renovations to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's historic Volcano House hotel, with more than half that amount to be invested by a concessionaire who will take over the facility's contract next year.

The number of fully loaded containers coming into Kawaihae Harbor peaked in 2007, with the equivalent of nearly 99,000 20-foot containers arriving.

One result of switching many state employees' mail-order prescriptions to Florida is that Paradise Pharmacy will close today after 20 years in business in Pukalani.

Technically, Hawai‘i’s small-boat harbors system has been operating contradictory to state law since its inception.

Akaka Bill up for debate, new sponges, coral found, bed and breakfasts head to likely defeat, more

Opponents of federal recognition for native Hawaiians are urging Hawaii's congressional delegation to hold hearings in Hawaii on the latest version of the Akaka Bill, which is being discussed in Congress this week.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye denied accusations yesterday by a group of mostly Native Hawaiians that he is trying to avoid public scrutiny of legislation that would grant them historic new status by hiding it in a defense bill.

A bill that would allow the issuance of more bed-and-breakfast permits on Oahu for the first time in 20 years will likely be defeated when it comes up for a final vote tomorrow.

New and dramatic species of coral and sponges have been found in the Pacific during deep-sea dives near the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, scientists said yesterday.

A shortage of trees had families scrambling this weekend in Hawaii.

An Oahu Christmas tree vendor says more Christmas trees are expected to be available for sale Wednesday or Thursday. Richard Tajiri, who runs the Christmas tree concession at Ala Moana Center near Sears, says 400 more trees have been ordered.

Hawaii County Council members on Tuesday will debate a resolution that would ask the state Legislature to decriminalize marijuana

A garage sale of abandoned liquids, jams, jellies and lotions took a West Hawaii couple by surprise last week, but it turns out that airport officials have signed off on the donation of discarded items to a nonprofit.

Immediate efforts are needed to curb the rapid decline of endemic seabirds being impacted by the modernization of mankind, according to Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s final draft Short-Term Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan.

Homeowners who have provided affordable housing in recent years but failed to file paperwork to earn property tax breaks were granted a do-over by the Kaua‘i County Council last week but will not get a refund for any increases they may have paid in the interim.

Native Hawaiian rights, language in the news

The Obama administration came through on its promise to support Native Hawaiian self-governance yesterday with a powerful statement to a Senate panel, backing a bill that would give Native Hawaiians the same rights as Native Americans and Alaskans

Next time you do a search on the Web, you could be selecting "Huli ia Google," the Hawaiian words for "search Google."

As forecasters had predicted, Hurricane Felicia continues a slow but steady weakening as it gets closer to Hawaii.

Preparation for Hurricane Felicia has boosted sales of emergency items this week at stores statewide, including tarps, flashlights and bottled water.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is attacking his campaign for governor.

The Hawai'i Government Employees Association demanded yesterday that the Lingle administration stop its layoff of 1,100 state workers until there is meaningful consultation with the union over layoff guidelines.

The Maui County Council Economic Development, Agriculture and Recreation Committee on Thursday voted unanimously to recommend passage of a bill banning shark tour businesses in Maui County.

The Hawaii County Council will keep its original slate of officers and committee chairmen at least into next month, thanks to a parliamentary move that sets a Sept. 14 public hearing on the issue.

Lacking the votes to prevent the County Council from reorganizing Wednesday, minority members employed a delaying tactic that will preserve the current leadership for five more weeks.