Showing posts with label Banyan Drive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Banyan Drive. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Deadline today to resurrect water bill, more legislative shenanigans as sine die nears, Honolulu council passes vacation rental bills, tour helicopters scrutinized after fiery crash, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopening uncertain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Flume brings water down from the mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News
Last Chance For The Water Rights Bill. The Senate has only Tuesday to revive the contentious legislation. But a related court case remains in limbo. Civil Beat.

Donovan Dela Cruz Plays Hardball With Foes Of The Airbnb Tax. The Senate Ways and Means chairman is threatening to kill 15 other bills in order to get senators to flip their votes and revive Senate Bill 1292. Civil Beat.

McCartney’s DBEDT nomination heading to Senate. State Sen. Glenn Wakai recommended that the full Senate not confirm Mike Mc­Cartney to lead Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism during a hearing Monday, accusing him of poor communication with the Senate, lacking a vision for DBEDT, being short on details when it comes to policy matters and not following through on commitments. Star-Advertiser.

Ige signs firearms reporting bill. Gov. David Ige signed HB 720 (Act 23), establishing reporting requirements for gun owners. Garden Island.

Red Light Camera Bill Likely To Pass Legislature. A measure that would have implemented red light cameras at intersections will instead call for further study. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Governor George Ariyoshi received one of the state's highest honors Monday. Lawmakers inducted Ariyoshi into the Aloha Order of Merit at the State Capitol. KITV.

Southwest Airlines Announces $29 Interisland Fares. After completing an inaugural flight from Kahului to Honolulu yesterday morning, Southwest Airlines is offering $29 fares for interisland flights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council committee passes 2 vacation rental bills. One bill would allow for up to about 1,715 newly permitted vacation rentals on the island, while the other would crack down on the thousands of illegal units on the island. Star-Advertiser.

City, Waste Management of Hawaii to pay $425K in settlement with EPA. The city and Waste Management of Hawaii will pay $425,000 as a part of a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu police officer charged in Kealoha mailbox case gets probation. Honolulu police Sgt. Daniel Sellers will not be going to jail for telling former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha information he discovered in an investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Sergeant Gets 1-Year Probation In Mailbox Theft Case. The first trial for former chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and two other officers is slated to begin May 13. Associated Press.

‘A humbled man’: Officer sentenced in connection with case against Kealohas. In federal court Monday, Sellers apologized for his actions, choking up as he spoke. Hawaii News Now.

In filings, Katherine Kealoha says she was ordered to tell officer to ‘stand down’. Hawaii News Now.

Confused By The Kealoha Cases? Here's A Catchup On Where Things Stand. He was Honolulu's Rolex-wearing police chief, an avid surfer who chatted with beat cops in Pidgin, Hawaii's creole language. She was his deputy city prosecutor wife, who drove a Maserati and led an elite unit targeting career criminals while showering lunches on colleagues, friends and even the workers renovating her home. Associated Press.

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Why Plans For A New Navy Dry Dock Leave Ship Repair Industry Divided. Proponents say a state plan to help a well-connected maritime firm is needed to save hundreds of jobs. Civil Beat.

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3 Dead In Kailua Tour Helicopter Crash. The aircraft went down on a road in a Kailua neighborhood. Fire and helicopter parts rained from the sky Monday in a suburban Honolulu community as a tour helicopter crashed and killed all three people aboard, officials and witnesses said. Associated Press.

Crash prompts calls for more scrutiny. Hawaii’s tour helicopter industry could face new regulatory head winds in the wake of Monday’s tragic helicopter crash, which killed all three people aboard when it went down in a dense Kailua neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators to examine wreckage of a helicopter crash that left 3 dead. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmaker from Kailua wants all tour helicopters grounded until authorities assess Monday's helicopter crash. KITV.

Windward residents say they've been complaining for years about helicopters flying over their homes. Both Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Sen. Laura Thielen are asking the FAA to immediately halt tour operations in Hawaii until they find out what happened. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers again fail to agree on measures for Banyan Drive redevelopment. Redevelopment of Banyan Drive will have to wait until next year once again after the failure of three bills earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects ballot measure abolishing minimum property tax. Some owners of vast Hamakua land holdings don’t pay much more in annual property taxes than an owner of a tiny lot on a Puna lava field, says Kevin Hopkins, who wants to make the county’s property taxes more equitable. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle tourism yet to recover. Visitor arrivals are only creeping back toward pre-eruption levels, prolonging economic pain for many businesses and workers in the state’s biggest industry. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Battle The Rat Lungworm Problem. More funding is leading to new discoveries as the parasite continues to sicken people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Maui

Public Input Sought on Maui Wind Projects, May 22. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment concerning wind farm projects on Maui and throughout the state. Maui Now.

Threat of plastic pollution focus of presentation. The public is invited to a free presentation titled “Thinking Like an Island: How to Survive the Plastic Pollution Pandemic” that will be offered by Hannah Bernard from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wednesday meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center. Maui News.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway reopening delayed? The Hawaii Department of Transportation didn’t confirm with The Garden Island before press time or answer any questions about the project, but several anonymous sources close to the situation said Monday the highway reopening will be delayed. Garden Island.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Hawaii increasing election security, no veto override session, Kamehameha Schools pays $5M to settle student sex abuse lawsuit, Coco Palms back on track, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ballot testing ©2018 All Hawaii News
State Details Plans For Spending $3.1 Million In Election Security Funds. Software and staff upgrades will make Hawaii’s voting system less vulnerable to cyber attacks, officials say. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers won’t override Ige vetoes. House and Senate lawmakers will not meet in a special session this year to attempt to override any vetoes of bills by Gov. David Ige, but the state Senate will meet Monday and Tuesday to consider approving the appointments of four District Court judges. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Signs 11 Measures Into Law. Big Island Now.

New law preserves Affordable Care Act measures for Hawaii residents. Hawaii News Now.

Budding nonprofit looks to document whale sharks in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Dick’s Sporting Goods could be coming to Hawaii. Dick’s Sporting Goods may be preparing to enter the Hawaii market, according to public documents that show the big-box retailer registered with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to do business in the state last month. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Kamehameha Schools has agreed to pay $5 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the families of four former students of a teacher who is accused of secretly recording students showering in his faculty apartment. Star-Advertiser.

$5M settlement reached in Kamehameha Schools sex assault case. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools settles case involving former teacher accused of videotaping kids. KHON2.

A settlement has been reached between Kamehameha Schools, three parents, four former students and Gabriel Alisna, a former high school speech teacher and debate coach. Alisna is being criminally prosecuted for videotaping and assaulting students. KITV.

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City lawyers work hard to ensure sidewalk bills will withstand challenges. Over the past four years, city attorneys have warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the City Council not to enact laws that would place a ban on sitting and lying on Oahu sidewalks because they did not think they could stand up to constitutional challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businessman Duane Kurisu is asking the Honolulu City Council for permission to build a 150-foot radio tower next to Kahauiki Village, a low-income housing project along Nimitz Highway that Kurisu built with help from the state and local governments. Star-Advertiser.

An eviction case against former employees of Hawaiian Heiress Abigail Kawananakoa was dismissed Thursday. The family of the Kawananakoa's  former maid and chauffeur claim a Pearl City home was gifted to them by the heiress in 2016. KITV.

Saturday driver licensing hours offered through August 25 on Oahu. KHON2.

A Boston-based nonprofit backed by two national lenders is offering no-fee home mortgages with below- market interest rates for Hawaii residents at a free five-day event that starts today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A newly renovated Hawaiian monk seal exhibit is once again open at Waikiki Aquarium, with Hoailona the monk seal cruising around his new home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige signing bill that bodes well for Banyan Drive, Kanoelehua lessees. Gov. David Ige will visit Hilo today to sign a redevelopment bill intended to revitalize Banyan Drive and the Kanoelehua Industrial Area. Tribune-Herald.

Only 4 homes remain in Kapoho as eruptions continue on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Safety the biggest hurdle to creating lava viewing site. Hawaii County is continuing to pursue a site for a lava viewing area, but overflows from the fissure 8 channel and other hazards are presenting challenges. Tribune-Herald.

With the eruption in lower Puna settling into a fairly consistent pattern, state elections officials are considering opening a polling place for Pahoa on primary election day. Tribune-Herald.

One of the many impacts of the ongoing lava eruption on the Big Island is on the supply of electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lake Waiau’s water levels remain robust almost five years after it nearly disappeared amid years of drought. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is moving forward with an  11,000-acre management plan to replace rutted dirt roads crisscrossing the 2.5-mile distance to popular Green Sands beach with a pedestrian path and emergency access road. Civil Beat.

Maui

Requests for proposals for Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment, Kukulu Ola and Aloha ‘Aina programs open June 13, and informational sessions are set countywide later this month. Maui News.

Maui resident Kyoko Kimura, director of owner relations for Aqua-Aston Hospitality, will take her seat on the board of directors at this month’s meeting of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms back on track. In lieu of a trial, a summary judgment hearing ended the Coco Palms property dispute in a Kauai courtroom on Thursday. Garden Island.

Seeking balance at a North Shore gem. Gov. David Ige says he thinks it’s a good idea to try and start construction on the new plan for Haena State Park while post-flood restoration work is ongoing on the North Shore. Garden Island.

$500K for cultural center. The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center could be completed by year’s end. Garden Island.

Friday, January 26, 2018

HI-EMA employee not cooperating in false missile alarm probe, Judge rescinds arrest warrant for Hawaiian-speaking defendant, bill would change Mauna Kea management, record hotel revenue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Danny De Gracia III
Waikiki beach PC: Danny De Gracia III
State hotels set revenue, daily-rate records in 2017. The impetus behind the record-breaking performance was an increase in visitor arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel revenue per available room increased 5.4 percent in 2017 compared to the year prior, setting a new state record, according to a report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

‘Button pusher’ not cooperating with multiple investigations. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency “button pusher” who sent a bogus missile alert that triggered panic across the islands Jan. 13 is not cooperating with either a Federal Communications Commission investigation or two internal investigations and has not returned to work. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state employee who mistakenly sent an alert warning of a ballistic missile attack has refused to cooperate with federal and state investigators, officials said Thursday. Associated Press.

Official: Missile alert employee not cooperating in probe. KITV.

Investigators say HI-EMA worker who sent false alarm refuses to cooperate. KHON2.

Surveillance footage during false missile alert won’t be released, because it doesn’t exist. KHON2.

This Is What Hawaii’s Missile Defense System Looks Like. The basic principle involves shooting a missile with a missile. But some want more assurance that the missiles don’t miss. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing spats between China and the United States in the South China Sea, Beijing confirmed Thursday it will participate in this summer’s big Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii from June 27 to Aug. 2. Star-Advertiser.

Governor's Proposal to Transfer Sheriff Deputies Opposed by HGEA. The State Airports Division wants to have more control over the State Sheriffs assigned to work there. Hawaii Public Radio.

One Year Under Trump: Hawaii Republicans. Hawaii Public Radio.

A package of bills from the Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus includes a measure to require health insurers and health maintenance groups to provide comprehensive coverage for reproductive services such as abortions. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are trying again to close a loophole in Hawaii’s “100 percent renewable energy by 2045” policy that allows the state to meet that goal even if half of the electricity being consumed comes from oil-burning power plants. Civil Beat.

Bill aims for tighter restrictions on aquarium fishing. Garden Island.

In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, the state Department of Health has fined the former operator of an unlicensed care home $325,000. Star-Advertiser.

A new state website will give parents a chance to see temperatures in classrooms at 62 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest to launch Hawaii flights as early as December. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A 41-story residential tower at Keeaumoku and Makaloa streets, which had been criticized for its so-called “poor door,” was given a thumbs-up Thursday by the City Council Zoning and Housing Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Group starts petition to keep makai parking at Ala Moana Regional Park.  proposal that would eliminate parking on the makai side of the drive through the Ala Moana Regional Park is drawing opposition from a group of park users, who've started gathering signatures on a petition, both in person and online. Hawaii News Now.

Time’s up, strip of businesses on Kuhio Avenue told. About 10 businesses in a complex of several small buildings mainly fronting Kuhio Avenue are asked to vacate. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming Pali Highway repairs will result in lane shifts and overnight closures. The $64 million project will repair or replace street lighting from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway and the first phase of resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Castle Junction. Star-Advertiser.

Behind The Scenes of Hawaii's 2018 Homeless Count. It’s five o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon in Chinatown. Dozens of volunteers are on a mission to survey as many homeless people as they can. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

A coalition of state senators has introduced a bill to dramatically change the management of Mauna Kea, the dormant Hawaii Island volcano that is a sacred place to some Native Hawaiians and one of the world’s premier sites for astronomy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers will have several options to consider during the current session of the state Legislature for revitalizing Hilo’s Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Anaehoomalu Resort Proposal Withdrawn By Developers. Big Island Video News.

Former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday got her law license back. West Hawaii Today.

A bill making its way through the state Legislature seeks to increase ambulance services in Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii solar installers and washing machine retailers might see a less successful year than anticipated after President Donald Trump approved tariffs on all imported solar cells and washing machines. Tribune-Herald.

Highway hawking: West Hawaii vendors push limits with roadside retail. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A judge has rescinded a bench warrant for a University of Hawaii professor who spoke Hawaiian in court, in an incident that sparked outrage among Native Hawaiian activists. Hawaii News Now.

A bench warrant for a Haleakala telescope protester was recalled Thursday, a day after being issued when he spoke only in the Hawaiian language at a court hearing Wednesday. Maui News.

Arrest warrant recalled for man who refused to address Maui judge in English. KITV.

Warrant Recalled for Hawaiian Man Who Refused to Speak English in Court. Maui Now.

Six people have drowned in the past two weeks on Maui, prompting ocean safety advocates to ramp up efforts to warn visitors about the dangers of snorkeling and to study new types of masks that have become increasingly popular. Civil Beat.

An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman’s petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren’t legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Judge sends fishing license petition back to land board. An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman's petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren't legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Maui EKO Systems, which has processed the island’s green waste and county sewage sludge into compost for nearly 23 years, could be put out of business as early as the end of next year because of a proposed renewable energy project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

County hotels outperform state in 2 of 3 key metrics. Maui News.

HDOT Update on Honoapiilani Realignment & Improvements at Keawe St. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaiian language spoken during Coco Palms trial. Garden Island.

Work on 17 homes for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity Eleele Iluna, Phase 2A started Wednesday with the arrival of Team Currie-Kauai 2018 Global Village group. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Intrigue at state Capitol: Souki, Tokuda expected to lose posts today, Ige rejects extended session, Bounty Hunter wife could help pick Honolulu police chief, senator accused of trying to influence police commissioner, Maui sand removal stopped, Banyan Drive revitalization bill killed, gun registration up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Rep. Kaniela Ing
Gov. David Ige press conference, courtesy Rep. Kaniela Ing
Gov. David Ige rejected the notion Wednesday of extending the 2017 legislative session to try to salvage a rail-funding deal, calling it a “waste of time” if state legislators don’t already have an agreement in place. Star-Advertiser.

With the Hawaii House and Senate unable to resolve fundamental differences over how to help pay for Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he will not extend the legislative session unless legislators can reach an agreement. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige rejected calls Wednesday to extend the Legislative session to break the deadlock over funding Honolulu's embattled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he will not extend the session, which adjourns Thursday, unless lawmakers can come together. KHON2.

The state’s top-elected official said Wednesday an extension of the legislative session to resolve issues involving Honolulu’s rail project would be a waste of time.” Garden Island.

Mayors of all four Hawaii counties are asking Gov. David Ige to extend the 2017 legislative session to find funding for the troubled Honolulu rail transit project, but Ige says he’s not inclined to do so. Associated Press.

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House Speaker Joe Souki and Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Jill Tokuda are expected to be ousted from their positions of power today in an end-of-session leadership shakeup. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Joe Souki Expected to Lose His Post, Members Say. The expected shakeup in House leadership comes as the Senate is undergoing its own significant reshuffling. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Jill Tokuda is being forced out of her position as head of the powerful money committee in the midst of 11th-hour debate over funding for the Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Sen. Jill Tokuda will be removed as chair of the Ways and Means committee. KHON2.

Retaliation blamed: Some legislators say a Big Island rat lungworm funding bill died because of a political fight between Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Jill Tokuda and Sen. Kai Kahele, who played a central role in trying to reorganize the Senate, including plans to oust Tokuda from her powerful position overseeing the budget. Star-Advertiser.

First Term House of Representative Members Talk About Their First Session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why The Stakes Are So High In Hawaii Police Union Negotiations. There are huge financial ramifications, especially for Honolulu. Meanwhile, a state senator wants to make it easier to fire bad cops. Civil Beat.

Consumer Reports, the respected consumer product testing organization, on Wednesday unveiled a new study on home-sharing services such as Airbnb that should make the Hawaii hotel industry and the tens of thousands of people who work in the business more than a little nervous. Pacific Business News.

The Department of the Attorney General released new numbers from 2016 that show an increase in registered firearms in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

First-quarter profit at Matson Inc. tumbled 61 percent as the largest ocean cargo transportation company serving the state absorbed higher fuel prices and small cargo volume declines in Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. Star-Advertiser.

Shipping company Matson Inc. reported a 61 percent decrease in net income for the quarter ending March 31. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Beth Chapman, reality TV star and wife of Dog the Bounty Hunter, could help select the next police chief of one of the largest departments in the country. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii state senator tried to influence a Honolulu Police Commission member to vote against a pricey severance package for a retiring chief under federal investigation, according to a letter from the commission chairman. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii State Senator is accused of trying to influence a controversial vote with the Honolulu Police Commission. KITV.

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha is threatening to complain to the Honolulu Ethics Commission about Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan if she doesn’t disqualify herself from an upcoming vote. Civil Beat.

Environmentalists pushing for a ban on all plastic checkout bags to reduce litter and protect marine life maintain that a Honolulu City Council bill that was advanced Wednesday does not go far enough. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require stores to charge 10 cents for bags, while allowing businesses to continue offering thick plastic bags, passed out of a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Oahu's residential real estate market has experienced the tightest supply conditions and shortest days on market in over 10 years in April, according to Locations. Pacific Business News.

A Waipahu cultural center troubled with overnight homeless campers. Hawaii News Now.

In a ceremony Wednesday, the city opened the South Street Protected Bike Lane to give bicyclists a mauka-makai route in the heart of Honolulu, improving access to downtown and Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Oceanit has been awarded a $750,000 Phase II contract by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to develop a prototype of a device for first responders. Pacific Business News.

The developer of Ward Village announced Wednesday that it sold an additional 34 condominium units among five towers in the emerging Kakaako community during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano is in talks to expand her laundry business on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Senate rejected the last remaining Banyan Drive redevelopment bill Tuesday following the return of broad language intended to help extend land leases for Mauna Kea observatories. Tribune-Herald.

Of the eight bills introduced by East Hawaii legislators this year to address economic revitalization in Hilo, just one will make it to Gov. David Ige’s desk. Tribune-Herald.

It’s use it or lose it time for the County Council. Facing a possible cutback of contingency funds in next year’s budget, council members Wednesday polished off $73,060 for 19 projects as they rushed to meet the deadline to spend their 2017 largess. West Hawaii Today.

A parade of Bodacious Ladies and their supporters testified in favor of a Food Basket grant from the Hawaii County Council. Big Island Video News.

Still working to fill the gap left when its popular Senior Produce program ended this year, the Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, is starting a new kupuna initiative and expanding other efforts to offer fresh fruits and vegetables. Tribune-Herald.

Following concerns from community residents and an environmental legal group, Marine Corps Base Hawaii agreed to reduce operations at North Kohala’s Upolu Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Environmental and cultural preservation groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the Maui Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed $354.5 million, mixed-used Makena Resort project. Maui News.

The Honolulu-based concrete production company that has been moving sand from Central Maui to other places off-site, including Oahu, has stopped transporting sand, following a formal notice from Maui County regarding permit issues on Monday. Maui News.

Small businesses are a favorite target of cyber criminals, and owners need to prepare for attacks as they would a flood, fire or other risk, experts said Wednesday at the Hawaii Small Business Conference. Maui News.

A notice has been posted in Baldwin Beach Park informing the homeless community they have until May 23 to vacate the area. Associated Press.

Kauai

Hawaii shouldn’t be held for “nuclear ransom” by North Korea and needs to activate its Aegis Ashore missile testing facility on Kauai in times of emergency to provide a layered missile shield for the isles, a defense expert told Hawaii state lawmakers Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Developers may be facing a ticking clock on the North Shore if a policy on resort-designated land is approved by the Planning Commission. Garden Island.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Hotel revenue surges, Legislature mulls transient taxes, Ige AC plan lags, Board of Education reduces proposed impact fee on rail route, grad students again try to unionize, Big Island audit finds inventory controls lacking, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hapuna Beach Prince Resort © 2017 All Hawaii News
Hawaii hotels ended 2016 with record highs in revenue, boosted by increases in visitor arrivals and a spike in room rates in December. Star-Advertiser.

Airbnb is once again backing two bills that would enable the online vacation rental platform to act as a tax broker and collect and remit taxes on behalf of its hosts in Hawaii, claiming the measure could generate $100 million in tax revenue. Pacific Business News.

Counties face a drop in their share of the state’s transient accommodations tax next fiscal year if the state Legislature doesn’t take action this session. Tribune-Herald.

Housing Bill Strikes A Blow For The Middle Class. Rep. Beth Fukumoto says the Legislature needs to act on housing issues to help low- and middle-income buyers. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii graduate assistants could have the option to unionize under legislation moving through the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Only about 200 Hawaii classrooms have received air conditioning units as part of Gov. David Ige's $100 million plan announced early last year to cool 1,000 classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s public school system is the top-ranked district in K-12 broadband connectivity in the United States, according to an annual report released by EducationSuperHighway, a nonprofit that focuses on Internet connectivity in the classrooms. Garden Island.

Life is getting better for the thousands of humpback whales that make the trip from Alaska each winter to breed in Hawaii’s warm waters, but state and federal scientists, government officials and law enforcement officers are remaining vigilant. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers Ltd.’s interisland cargo volume finished 2016 at virtually the same level it began the year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Department of Education has come up with a lower proposed fee that it would charge homebuilders to help pay for new schools along the rail line in urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

City proposes new park rules to curb sales of goods by religious groups. KITV.

Police Commission starts hashing out subpoena process. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Inadequate inventory control at county Public Works baseyards allowed chainsaws, string trimmers, a generator, lawnmower, digital camera and other items to walk off the job. West Hawaii Today.

Efforts to revitalize Banyan Drive and the surrounding Kanoelehua Industrial Area are moving forward in the Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

The Leeward Planning Commission approved a rezoning proposal last week that cleared a path for a new development at the Mauna Lani Resort in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

New Hawaii island Police Chief Paul Ferreira was a young detective when he enlisted famed forensic scientist Henry Lee 24 years ago to determine whether a well-liked police sergeant accidentally ran over his wife or if blood spatter inside his van proved it was murder. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island Community Beach Clean Up event is back and has the potential this year to be bigger than ever before. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Less than a year after Wailuku’s Clean & Safe program was born, business owners say the town’s atmosphere has improved, and the people who were given jobs say they’ve gotten their dignity back. Maui News.

Kauai


Kekaha Elementary is the only Kauai school on the Department of Education’s priority list in the state’s Heat Abatement project to cool down Hawaii classrooms, ranking 31 out of 33 in the state. As of Feb. 15, no units have been installed. Garden Island.

New Catholic Charities CEO: Homelessness, senior care are big challenges. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Offshore windmills could power Oahu, Honolulu rail may pass $10B mark, Osprey coming for RIMPAC, Maui hits solar electric buyback limit, public meets 8 of 13 Hawaii County mayoral candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Offshore windmill, courtesy U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Massive windmills floating miles off the coast of Oahu may power tens of thousands of homes and businesses within the next decade if projects go forward as planned. Civil Beat.

The Obama administration took the first step Wednesday toward leasing two offshore Oahu areas to the wind industry for renewable energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced the first step to support wind energy development in federal waters offshore Hawaii, by issuing a call for information and nominations to gauge the wind industry’s interest in commercial wind leases in two areas offshore Oahu. Press release.

The first Marine Corps tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft to be based in Hawaii will be arriving by the end of the month to take part in Rim of the Pacific exercises, the Marines said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom experienced a technical issue that intermittently impacted voice calls statewide Wednesday, including calls to 911. Tribune-Herald.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Hawaiian Telcom says they have resolved the issue that caused intermittent phone service issues across the state. The problem stemmed from a glitch in the call routing equipment, which allowed only some voice calls to complete. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some of the most powerful people in Hollywood are working in or have projects set in Hawaii, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s new list of the 100 most powerful people in entertainment, including the executive at the top of the list, Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co. Pacific Business News.

Scientists using facial recognition technology and 360-degree underwater photos said Wednesday they have developed new software to quickly assess coral bleaching and other damage to the world’s imperiled reefs. Associated Press.

Oahu
Statistical models done by the firm tasked with management oversight of Honolulu’s rail project show that a 20-mile line from East Kapolei to Ala Moana could cost as much as $10.79 billion, significantly more than the $8 billion figure that federal and city officials have been using in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The FTA has asked HART to submit by Aug. 7 a recovery plan outlining how much of the 20-mile rail route HART expects it can complete with its current amount of funding. Pacific Business News.

The Waikiki War Memorial was recently designated as a national treasure even though it has been closed for almost 50 years. Its last major face-lift was 16 years ago. Next week, the natatorium becomes the focus of a week-long series of meetings in an effort to decide what to do with it. KITV4.

The Honolulu Police Department’s newest batch of police officers is much smaller than usual, in part due to a cheating scandal at the police academy. KHON2.

Hawaii

Eight of the thirteen candidates for Hawaii County mayor introduced themselves to Kona on Wednesday evening. Big Island Video News.

The lengthy process of revitalizing one of Hilo’s most recognizable locations took another step forward Wednesday as members of the newly formed Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency board met to review a draft conceptual plan for the area. Tribune-Herald.

The nonprofit group Friends of the Future is hoping to change the conversation, or at least make it more civil and productive, with a new initiative — EnVision Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

At 85, Ed Olson says he’s ready to step down and hand the reins of the Edmund C. Olson Trust, which owns 16,500 acres of land in Hawaii, to someone else. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. said Wednesday that the county has hit the limit of rooftop solar systems that can send power to its grid. After this week, the Maui utility will not approve any new rooftop solar systems on Maui, Lanai or Molokai that send power to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic South Maui House candidate Deidre Tegarden will hold a talk-story event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at her campaign headquarters in the Azeka Makai shopping center, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Work has finally begun on rebuilding the storied resort where Elvis Presley's character got married in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii," decades after a major hurricane heavily damaged its buildings and forced its closure. The company redeveloping the Coco Palms Resort began demolishing structures this week. It hopes to reopen the hotel in mid-2018. Associated Press.

Feral cats are the culprits in the deaths of a half-dozen endangered seabirds that nest on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle has been on the endangered species list since 1978, but with populations rebounding, some experts are calling for their removal from that list. Garden Island.

Avoiding beach driving for the nesting season, which runs from May through July, and the July through September hatching season, is only one of the tips for helping the honu, or green sea turtleGarden Island.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Hawaii Supreme Court affirms Koa Ridge development, Legislature seeks contested case fast-track, lawmakers forge China ties, church can't use marijuana, Slom back in hospital, Banyan Drive redevelopment advances, Puna man gets police to pay for seized marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Luau in Kona © 2016 All Hawaii News
The state agency promoting Hawaii is increasingly going digital, using social media and virtual reality to reach potential visitors. Leslie Dance, director for marketing and product development for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, told industry representatives at a tourism marketing meeting in Waikiki on Wednesday the agency plans to unveil its first virtual reality offering at its September tourism conference. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are seeking to speed up the resolution of important contested cases brought before certain state boards and commissions in the wake of the Thirty Meter Telescope debacle. Star-Advertiser.

Health insurance providers, energy firms, a private prison company and other organizations collectively spent nearly $1 million on lobbyists to influence legislators in January and February, according to filings with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. That brings the total spent on lobbying connected to the Legislature to nearly $14 million since 2013, the commission’s data shows. Civil Beat.

The two majority leaders of the Hawaii Legislature traveled to China in late March as part of an effort to facilitate formal relations between the United States and China at state and local levels. Sen. Kalani English said the trip could lead to increased Chinese tourism to Hawaii, thanks to visitor industry ties already established between China and Hawaii, and an interest in Sun Yat-sen, the early 20th-century Chinese revolutionary who spent significant time in the islands. Civil Beat.

Several hundred seniors converged at the state Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday morning for the fourth annual Kupuna Power Day, a mix of entertainment and educational activities. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Sam Slom remained hospitalized Wednesday for what his staff described as “routine testing and treatment following his hospitalization last month for a stubborn infection.” Star-Advertiser.

A federal court is ruling that a church for Native Americans in Hawaii should not be excused from federal marijuana laws despite the group’s claim that ingesting cannabis is part of its sacred sacrament. Associated Press.

Plans are in the works to launch a statewide system enabling people to send 911 text messages during an emergency. Star-Advertiser.

The coral on the sea floor around the Pacific island of Kiritimati looked like a boneyard in November — stark, white and lifeless. But there was still some hope. Associated Press.

Oahu

Hawaii’s highest court ruled today that an initial phase of the planned Koa Ridge residential community in Central Oahu may proceed.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has issued a ruling that allows developer Castle & Cooke to proceed with building a 3,500-home community known as Koa Ridge in central Oahu. Civil Beat.

Castle & Cooke Hawaii’s long-delayed 3,500-home Koa Ridge master-planned community in Central Oahu will move ahead after the Hawaii State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the developer on Wednesday, saying the Hawaii Land Use Commission properly reclassified the 768 acres of land from agricultural to urban for the project. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has paved the way for the Koa Ridge housing development in Central Oahu to finally move forward. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has given the green light to a controversial Castle and Cooke development that’s been in the works for nearly 20 years. KHON2.

Plans by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to create a housing development division appear doomed, and the future of the Hale Mauliola homeless center at Sand Island and related programs could be as well, under the latest draft of the $2.3 billion operating budget that moved out of the City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

As many as half the patrol officers on one shift in Honolulu Police Department’s Kalihi district staged a sickout for three days last month in protest of their managers' attempt to crackdown on overtime, sources told Hawaii News Now on Wednesday.

The changing profile of Kakaako, as high-rise condominiums fill the historic district, underscores the need for public open spaces, said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

A landowner apologized residents on Oahu's North Shore, promising that they will have a say in a development mauka of Shark's Cove. Hawaii News Now.

Home sales on Oahu took off in March, posting gains of more than 20 percent, while the median price of single-family home and condominiums also increased by single digits, according to statistics released Thursday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Most County Council members don’t like the idea of enlarging the Board of Ethics, or giving the council more say over its appointees. But that didn’t stop them Wednesday from spending more than an hour in discussion before once again postponing a bill that would do just that. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council gave its support Wednesday to forming a new development agency tasked with improving the Banyan Drive area. Tribune-Herald.

The county settled a lawsuit with a Puna man who claims police illegally confiscated the medical marijuana growing on his Fern Acres property almost four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

When a single rental listing on Craigslist can get 30 or more responses in its first day, it’s not hard for shrewd landlords to bend the law to weed out families and the disabled. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In response to the high volume of animal emergency calls, the Maui Humane Society revived its 24-hour, seven-day-a-week animal emergency response hotline on Monday to assist domestic animals and livestock. Maui News.

Ron Youngblood was remembered Tuesday as a craftsman writer who elegantly captured Maui life and the spirit of its people, an intelligent blue-collar newsman who could turn a phrase, a mentor to young writers and journalists and a loving brother. Maui News.

Kauai

Addressing the well-documented need for more affording housing on Kauai is a noble cause, but it should not come at the expense of losing the island’s rural character, a Kauai councilman said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Green Aloha, Ltd., one of the consortiums applying for Kauai’s first medical marijuana dispensary license, has struck an agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 480. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on the proposed Haena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area Management Plan at Kilauea School Cafeteria from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. Garden Island.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Hawaii Legislature looks at decriminalizing marijuana, hospital privatization mulled, UH cuts NEA ties, Waikiki beach smoking ban advances, Ellison expanding Island Air, Singapore buys Maui's Grand Wailea resort, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

hemp field in France
Hawaii Rep. Cynthia Thielen in hemp field in France, courtesy photo Hawaii House Republicans

State senators are drafting a bill that would decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana but would impose a stiff fine on those caught with the drug. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Moves On Civil Violation For Pakalolo. Civil Beat.

Hawaii House and Senate judiciary committees are moving forward bills to decriminalize marijuana, curb child prostitution and reform state elections. Associated Press.

New House Leadership Accuses Calvin Say Of Last Ditch Power Grab. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are aiming to increase voter turnout through a bill that would allow residents to register to vote on Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

House Bill 1481 would set up a comprehensive public funding program of candidates for state senator and state representative. Money would be appropriated to fund the program beginning in the 2016 elections. Civil Beat.

Bills paving the way for a turnover of the state’s public hospitals on Maui and Hawaii Island to a private nonprofit were sponsored six months after one particular nonprofit, Banner Health, began talking to Hawaii Health Systems Corp. about the possibility. The Senate version of the bill would apparently allow HHSC to contract with Banner without putting the multimillion-dollar transaction out for competitive bids. West Hawaii Today.

Banner Health, a Phoenix-based nonprofit operating 23 owned and leased hospitals in seven states, has set its sights on Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii's faculty union has voted to end its affiliation with the National Education Association, despite serious concerns from some members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers say they were shocked and angered to hear Gov. Neil Abercrombie tell a group of the nation's governors that the state may again impose a labor contract on teachers if a 2013-15 deal isn't reached. Star-Advertiser.

Local Media Shy Away From Critical Reporting On Military. Civil Beat.

Part 3 of 5: Even before Hawaii Circuit Court Judge John Lim unequivocally championed the public interest in police disciplinary actions and ruled against the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, SHOPO had a Plan B — get the Legislature to do what the courts would not. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s most visited attractions, including the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Haleakala National Park on Maui and other national wonders, could feel the pinch if sequestration goes through. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for February 27. Associated Press.

Oahu
A bill barring smoking at major beaches in Waikiki, Ala Moana and East Hono­lulu and at Kapiolani Park is now poised for a final vote of the City Council after being approved by the Council's Public Safety and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A bill making it harder for people to keep tents and other items on Oahu sidewalks was given preliminary approval Tuesday by the City Council's Public Safety and Economic Development Committee. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council today advanced a bill that would allow the immediate removal of personal property or other items from city sidewalks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Seven months after they started spinning, the Kahuku wind mills stopped because of a fire. The fact that they're sitting idle is having an ripple effect that reaches your electric bill. KHON2.

Some state lawmakers and many viewers are questioning the University of Hawaii and its decision to spend $260,000 on another study to look into the Stevie Wonder blunder concert last year. Hawaii News Now.

The Korean church behind an ambitious plan to launch a farm and kim chee factory in Wai­anae that will be largely staffed by homeless people has lots of obstacles yet to overcome but is kicking off a fundraising effort to help push things along. Star-Advertiser.

For half a dozen former Kipapa Elementary School students, room P-10 was a little class of horrors. Hawaii New Now has learned that the families of six disabled students have now come forward with allegations of abuse by staffers at this Mililani School. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Should the Banyan Drive resort area be transferred to Hawaii County? The state Senate’s Ways and Means Committee will consider that question today when it takes up a bill that would make the county the landlord for the nine hotel properties. Tribune-Herald.

Bids for the proposed Laaloa Avenue extension came in significantly lower than expected, Public Works Director Warren Lee said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Sen. Josh Green says the Department of Transportation will start working on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project in June, unless Native Hawaiians who previously objected to the expansion path file a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County citizens voted for a new county prosecutor for the first time in 20 years last November. The new prosecutor has been on the job for nearly three months now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park could take a sizable hit to its operations if Congress allows across-the-board, 5 percent budget cuts to go into effect at multiple government agencies on Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A chicken got into a Maui Electric Co. transformer in the rental car area at Kahului Airport on Tuesday afternoon, causing a power outage at the airport that left some passengers having to disembark their planes the old way -- by mobile stairway. Maui News.

Farmers, ranchers and private landowners are worried that they could face more government regulations, see their businesses hurt and even be sued if their properties are included in federal proposed critical habitats for threatened and endangered species in Maui County. Maui News.

A bankruptcy judge in New York approved a plan last week to sell the Grand Wailea and three other U.S. luxury resorts to a Singaporean government investment fund, according to court documents. Maui News.

The state Department of Health licensed Hale Makua last week to be an adult residential care home. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved the consolidation of two large lots where the Hanalei Plantation Resort is being proposed to be developed. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the first of three Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative 2013 Board of Directors candidate forums today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College, Office of Continuing Education and Training Building, Room 106. Garden Island.

A group of thieves broke into the vacant Coco Palms Resort in Wailua Beach Saturday night, making off with four solid koa wood doors from the Queen’s Auditorium Hall. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison now owns an airline to go along with his island. Local carrier Island Air confirmed Tuesday that Ellison, who bought 97 percent of Lanai in June, has completed a deal to buy the company, ending weeks of speculation that the country's third-richest man was going to further entrench himself in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Larry Ellison, the billionaire owner of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, bought the Hawaii interisland airline Island Air on Tuesday for an undisclosed price. Pacific Business News.