More than 5k want to testify on Hawaii's gay marriage bill, Kauai mayor vetoes GMO bill, Honolulu police must cover tats, law helps pet owners find rentals, Sunshine Law targeted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House committees mull gay marriage (courtesy photo)

Living up to a promise to hear everyone who wants to speak on same-sex marriage, the state House on Thursday embarked on a marathon hearing where thousands of people would be given a two-minute platform to offer their opinions. Star-Advertiser.

After more than three hours of testimony from public officials, the state House Judiciary and Finance committees around 1:25 p.m. Thursday began to hear from the more than 4,000 members of the public who have signed up to testify. Star-Advertiser.

People signed up until the midnight deadline to get on the list to testify. There were 5,181 people registered by the end of the day, but the committee members had heard from fewer than one-fifth before they decided to recess after 14 hours of testimony. With so many people left to testify, it was unclear when the House would end up voting on the bill. An amendment related to religious exemptions is expected, but it could easily be late next week before any decision-making happens if all the people signed up to testify actually do so. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of people flooded the Capitol, just before Thursday's midnight deadline to sign up for testimony on a controversial same-sex marriage bill was set to expire. House Representatives on the Judiciary and Finance committees will return to the Capitol Friday morning to continue hearing public testimony on SB 1, the "Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013" at 8:30 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Special session on #SB1 will resume at 8:30 a.m. Civil Beat live blog.

More than half of Hawaii’s House lawmakers spent Halloween listening to public sentiments as they consider legalizing gay marriage, giving some hints of how they might modify a bill already passed by the Senate. Meanwhile, a Republican lawmaker who’s against the bill and has expressed frustration with the process is hoping to disrupt the special session with a lawsuit. Associated Press.

The chairs of the two House committees that started hearing public testimony at 10:00 a.m. Thursday decided to end their first day at 12:26 a.m. At midnight, the deadline to register, 5,181 people had signed up to testify. KHON2.

A number of people on both sides of the gay marriage debate say the current draft of Senate Bill 1, which would legalize same-sex ceremonies, infringes on religious liberty. Hawaii Reporter.

More than 13 hours after House Representatives first sat down for public testimony on the same-sex marriage bill -- they're still going, and with no end in sight.  Nearly 5,000 people have signed up to testify on SB 1, the "Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013". Hawaii News Now.

Elsa Marie runs through the lobby of the State Capitol, from one mommy to the other.  Her parents, Elena Cabatu -- who gave birth to the one-year old, and Theresa Gennette -- who had to legally adopt the girl, have been partners for 10 years and now want to marry. Hawaii News Now.

Using the core value of aloha as a weapon against others is pure cultural hypocrisy. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's two appointments to the state Board of Education received nods from the Senate Education Committee this week. Following a public hearing Wednesday, the committee unanimously voted in favor of Amy Asselbaye and Patricia Hala­gao, who were appointed in July as interim members. Star-Advertiser.

A new law taking effect Friday should make it easier for pet-owners to find a place to rent, supporters say. The law, passed in the last regular legislative session, would allow a landlord to charge a security deposit for a pet. Hawaii News Now.

The number of visitors to Hawaii fell in September for the first time in two years as fewer travelers arrived from the western U.S., the state’s tourism agency said Thursday. Nearly 595,000 travelers visited Hawaii, down 1 percent from the same month last year. Spending sank nearly 5 percent to $1 billion. Associated Press.

The number of visitors traveling to Hawaii decreased for the first time in two years in September, as the number of arrivals slipped 1 percent and total visitor spending fell 4.8 percent, according to statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii has the highest percentage of pension and retirement health liabilities hidden from citizens. In Hawaii’s case, it’s 75 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department is officially frowning upon tattoos. Under a new policy approved Sept. 23, officers on official duty will be required to cover up their body art with a long-sleeve shirt or makeup that matches their skin color. KITV.

Editor & Publisher magazine announced today that it has selected Dennis Francis, president and publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, as its Publisher of the Year. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser High School’s Principal John Sosa was put on leave by the state Department of Education on September 21, just one day after receiving two prestigious awards for his leadership at the East Oahu school. Hawaii Reporter.

Nearly two months after an unprecedented molasses spill at Honolulu Harbor, response plans and preventive measures to avoid a repeat remain largely up in the air. KHON2.

High-tech ocean-mapping ship arrives in Hawaii. Falkor will be based in Honolulu through August. KITV.

Hawaii

A bill allowing county council members to discuss issues at meetings and events without public notice will be considered for the second time Tuesday, when a Hawaii County Council committee takes up a package of 14 measures some counties want the state Legislature to pass. West Hawaii Today.

The Kailua Village Business Improvement District is looking to shed a little strategically placed light along Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
A portion of Kaanapali Beach adjacent to Canoe Beach closed due to sewage discharge from an accidental connection of a temporary sewer line to a storm drain in west Maui was reopened Thursday afternoon after tests of water showed no contamination. Star-Advertiser

While praised for his work as a police officer, former Maui police Sgt. Paul Bailey was punished Wednesday with a one-year jail term for sexually molesting a teenage girl last year. Maui News.

Maui police officers are accused in a federal civil rights lawsuit of beating a Kihei man and his 16-year-old son at their residence in February 2011, shooting the father numerous times with a Taser and falsely arresting them. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s mayor vetoed a bill Thursday that would have regulated the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops by large agricultural businesses. Associated Press.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced his decision to veto Bill 2491 related to pesticides and genetically modified organisms. Garden Island.

The fate of Bill 2491 lies in the hands of Kauai County Council members, who can override the mayor’s veto with five votes, according to the Kauai County Charter. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. vetoed a controversial bill relating to pesticides and genetically modified organisms. The County Council approved the measure 6-1 after more than 14 hours of testimony and discussion. KHON2.

After years of controversy, protests attracting hundreds and day long hearings, Kauai's Mayor has vetoed the controversial anti-GMO bill. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. vetoed a bill Thursday that would require large agribusinesses to disclose the type of pesticides they spray on fields and implement buffer zones around schools, dwellings and medical facilities.  Star-Advertiser.

In the latest volley in a tense battle over a recently passed bill that would require biotech companies to disclose details about their pesticide use and farmers to acknowledge their genetically engineered crops, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho vetoed it on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Supporters of more oversight on agribusiness expressed outrage Thursday at Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho's decision to veto a bill that would require large farms to disclose the types of pesticides they use and implement buffer zones for spraying. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvahlo Jr. has vetoed Kauai’s groundbreaking GMO-related Bill 2491. HuffPost Hawaii.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho on Thursday vetoed a controversial bill that would have required seed and other agricultural companies to disclose the use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms on the Garden Isle. Pacific Business News.

Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho has vetoed a popular bill that would have required top GMO companies on Kauai to disclose their pesticide usage and would have created a buffer zone around schools and hospitals where no pesticides could be used. Hawaii Independent.

Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. has vetoed Bill 2491, Relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms, which was passed by the County Council on October 16. Hawaii Reporter.

The state House is approving more than $7 million in emergency funding for Kauai's publicly funded hospitals and clinics. KITV.

A water line that broke in front of Kauai 5th Circuit Courthouse is being replaced. Garden Island.

GMO, pesticide bill passed on Kauai, AG gives nod for state Legislature to pass gay marriage, Board of Education wants $65M more, Hawaii council to raise tobacco sale age, mystery guests on Lanai, Health Connector goes online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai anti-GMO rally file photo

The Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve an amended bill that calls for mandatory disclosure of pesticides use and genetically modified crops by large agribusinesses on the island. Shortly after 3:30 a.m. today, the council approved Bill 2491 after a 14-hour discussion. Star-Advertiser.

After a marathon hearing, the Kauai County Council passed a hotly debated bill on Wednesday that could lead to prison time or fines for employees of agricultural companies if they don’t divulge specifics about pesticide use, abide by strict setback rules for spraying chemicals or disclose when they grow genetically engineered crops. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s attorney general issued a legal opinion Tuesday saying state lawmakers can act to legalize gay marriage without amending the Hawaii Constitution. Attorney General David Louie said the Legislature “unquestionably” has the constitutional authority to consider and enact a bill during a special session later this month. Associated Press.

Several states with gay marriage laws have religious exemptions that apply to public accommodations, a step Hawaii lawmakers drafting a bill for special session are reluctant to take. Star-Advertiser.

The state's public school system wants about $40 million in additional operating funds for next year that would help boost teaching staff at most schools and another $25 million in capital funds to start cooling classrooms with air conditioning. Star-Advertiser.

The state Board of Education will seek a $100,000 increase of the salary cap lawmakers placed on the school superintendent position back in 2001. The board approved a recommendation Tuesday to draft legislation raising the cap to $250,000 from $150,000. The proposal will be made during the upcoming legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s health insurance marketplace under President Barack Obama’s federal health care overhaul began offering plans for sale on Tuesday, more than two weeks after the start of open enrollment. Hawaii Health Connector Executive Director Coral Andrews said at a news conference that consumers can now review and buy plans offered on the exchange’s website. Associated Press.

Hawaii residents were able to compare health plans and enroll in medical coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act for the first time Tuesday, two weeks after the scheduled start of open enrollment. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Honolulu is expected to rule soon on whether Hawaii’s conduct of primary elections and a state constitutional provision protecting the “secrecy of voting and choice of political party affiliation or nonpartisanship” are unconstitutional. The case, filed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii in June, argues the state’s “open primary” system unconstitutionally infringes on the exclusive right of the party and its members to decide who should be eligible to nominate the county, state and federal candidates who will represent the Democrats in general elections. Civil Beat.

As Congress scrambled Tuesday for a way out of the budget conundrum, the government shutdown continued to take away millions from Hawaii's economy and negatively affect military engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Public Records: Citizens Are Paying the Price for Disorganized Agencies? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has been put in charge of Hawaii’s sports development initiative, which aims to build the state’s sports industry, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Commercial boat operators are invited to a series of public hearings being held across the state to comment on proposed rule changes. State officials with the DLNR Boating Division say the hearings will focus on rule amendments to, “bring parity to all catamaran registration certificate holders.” Maui Now.

Starting Nov. 1, more than 700 safety check stations across the state will be required by law to conduct vehicle safety checks via a new, high-tech system that includes an iPad, wireless router, and printer. KHON2.

Hawaii epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park plans on garnering more sustainable funding for the state’s annual Stop Flu at School Program that started Tuesday. The program, which provides free flu vaccinations for 300 public, private, and charter schools statewide until Nov. 27, continues to struggle for funding, despite entering its seventh successful year. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

State and county officials will meet today to discuss possible solutions to the severe erosion that has exposed a large concrete foundation below Waikiki's Kuhio Beach. The erosion is occurring in an area that was part of the $2.4 million beach replenishment project between Kuhio Beach and the Royal Hawaiian groin in May 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators are asking Gov. Neil Abercrombie to fill two vacancies on a board that is in the process of vetting big development projects in Kakaako. State Senate leaders sent a letter to Abercrombie on Tuesday saying that two positions in the Kakaako board of the Hawaii Community Development Authority have been vacant for several months and urging him to appoint members. Civil Beat.

Nowel Alana is a third-generation Hawaiian homesteader who says the Department of Hawaiian Home Land is icing out native Hawaiian businesses like hers. Hawaii News Now.

The Plaza Assisted Living, a senior housing community, is planning on expanding into Waikiki with the company's fourth Oahu location. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A bill that would prohibit selling tobacco products to people 18 to 21 years old got a unanimous, positive nod from the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council will return at 1 p.m. today after it heard more testimony on a bill to restrict genetically modified crops Tuesday during the first meeting since members gave it a positive recommendation while in committee. Tribune-Herald.

The National Park Service’s efforts to protect the groundwater supply in North Kona, where thousands of homes are slated for development, could effectively be sidelined for the foreseeable future because the federal government shutdown is preventing employees from addressing the issue. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii has requested that the Department of Land and Natural Resources cancel its existing lease for 11,288 acres on the summit of Mauna Kea, and issue new 65-year leases, according to documents acquired by The Hawaii Independent.

Students rally against censorship of Mauna Kea message. Hawaii Independent.

Soldiers from 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conducted a training rotation at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Island of Hawaii during September. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

Maui generates more than 450 tons of waste per day, more than half of which is not recycled and ends up in the Central Maui Landfill, and Maui County Council members are weighing various options and proposals that may revolutionize the way waste is handled in the future. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa made it official Tuesday night: He's running for re-election next fall. Arakawa actually will be seeking his third term as mayor. Maui News.

For the 20th year in a row, Maui earned the top spot in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s list for top islands. Maui Now.

Attempting to hit home runs on a dusty parcel in Waikapu, county and state officials gathered for a mock softball game Monday afternoon on the future site of the county's Central Maui Regional Park complex. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Community College is holding a blessing and dedication this week for a building newly renamed after the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. Inouye's wife, Irene Hirano Inouye and his son, Ken Inouye, are both due to attend Friday's ceremony for the Daniel K. Inouye Technology Center. Garden Island.

A decision on the controversial Bill 2491 wasn’t reached by deadline Tuesday. Garden Island.

Over the last year and a half, Surfrider collected and stockpiled 17,600 pounds of nets hauled from Kauai beaches, according to Barbara Wiedner, founder and coordinator of the foundation’s Net Patrol. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai has gained a lot of attention these days since billionaire Larry Ellison bought the island last year, and now it seems that even coqui frogs are interested in Hawaii’s Pineapple Island. Pacific Business News.

Some pretty important guests are on the island of Lanai this week, with the posh Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay fully booked for an exclusive buyout from Wednesday through Saturday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii women address DNC convention, Chinese ship arrives for exercises, more election fallout in Hawaii County, AG cites Maui Main Street nonprofit, coqui frogs heard on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard addresses DNC convention, courtesy photo

In the course of a minute-long speech, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii was introduced Tuesday to a nationwide audience of Democrats at the party’s national convention. Stephens Media.

Hawaii congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard had a brief but noteworthy moment in the national spotlight Tuesday, one of three women with Hawaii ties to address the opening day of the Democratic National Convention. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. with one of Hawaii's delegation taking center stage. Hawaii News Now.

"Aloha! I'm Tulsi Gabbard, candidate for congress in Hawaii and a captain for the Hawaii National Guard," began Gabbard at the DNC in Charlotte, North Carolina. KITV4.

Gabbard was one of three women from Hawaii to speak at the convention on Tuesday.  Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth and President Barack Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, also spoke at the convention. KITV4.

A total of 38 delegates comprising the Hawai‘i delegation to the Democratic National Convention arrived in Charlotte, N.C., Monday. Garden Island.

Kawika Crowley, GOP nominee for the 2nd Congressional District, knows he’s occupying the underdog slot in the November General Election. West Hawaii Today.

A Chinese Maritime Safety Administration ship made a historic first visit to Honolulu and the United States Tuesday to improve civilian maritime cooperation as disputes continue to roil relations in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has reappointed Ronald Williams as board chairman, and named Patricia Ewing as vice chair. Pacific Business News.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced today that it has hired Kawika Riley, a former spokesman for the federal Transportation Security Administration, as its new Washington D.C. Bureau Chief. Hawaii Reporter.

There are 63 days left until the General Election, November 6th .   Few, if any, state legislative races are polled during the election season … leaving most contests nearly impossible to call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Board of Education members want school officials to respond to the state auditor's recommendations on ways to fix the district's broken school bus program. Civil Beat.

Over the next several months, the Department of Education hopes to contain student transportation costs and develop a long-term plan for reining in spending, the head of school support services told Board of Education members Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation groups have moved more endangered birds from Nihoa Island to Laysan Island to boost the species' chances of survival. Associated Press.

Volta Industries plans to triple the number of free electric-car charging stations in Hawaii by the end of this year, as well as expand nationally, thanks to a $200,000 investment by Hawaii Angels. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Sept. 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

There are three contested races for Honolulu City Council, and each one has a candidate who has spoken out against the $5.26 billion project. Civil Beat.

September 19 Meeting Focuses on Sustainability Plan for East Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

A U.S. State Department special agent who shot and killed a Kailua man while in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November might not stand trial after all. Civil Beat.

A man who stabbed two hikers at the top of the Koko Crater Trail but was acquitted of attempted murder by reason of insanity continues to attend classes at Windward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

There are new reports of coqui frogs on Oahu -- one frog in Waimanalo, the other in Makaha. KHON2.

Hawaii

The county Board of Ethics is poised to wade into the morass of accusations and recriminations surrounding the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Thursday will discuss legislation addressing the county’s primary election day problems. Tribune-Herald.

Plans for a new apartment complex could help address a shortage of housing for University of Hawaii at Hilo students. Tribune-Herald.

Endangered Hawaiian hoary bat rescued, rehabilitated. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Attorney General's office has issued a report accusing the Wailuku Main Street Association of failing to comply with its governing documents and violating its statutory duties. Pacific Business News.

Wailuku Main Street Association's (WMSA) board "violated their statutory duties of care in numerous respects" and should terminate its executive director, according to a state Attorney General Office's report released to requesting media this morning. Maui News.

For the first time in a dozen years, regularly scheduled air service will resume in the remote East Maui town of Hana. Maui Now.

Nearly one-fourth of all living coral in west Maui has been lost in the last 13 years. KHON2.

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao will speak about his various space missions and his work with Russian, Japanese and European astronauts at a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in the Cameron Center Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

The Environmental Protection Agency has recently released a complaint to Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar for failing to close its three large capacity cesspools. The organization is seeking penalties of up to $177,500, the amount authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in addition to prompt closure and replacement of the cesspools with an approved wastewater system. Garden Island.

The 5-acre Kilauea Farms estate on Kauai’s North Shore is being auctioned on Sept. 20. Pacific Business News.

A Kaua‘i hang gliding outfit is suing two tour-scheduling companies for what it claims are disparaging comments that have led to a loss of business. Garden Island.

Interisland cable bill revived, Board of Education tries to stem $16M bus shortfall, cybercrime bills pass, newspaper circulation rises, Medicaid changes in the works, open records challenges can now go to court, Hawaii County property values drop 3.6 percent, Maui gets federal money for clinic, Kauai birds flown to other islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Interisland cable, courtesy photo

The state Senate on Tuesday revived a bill that would create a regulatory framework for an interisland electric transmission cable, a priority for Gov. Neil Abercrombie's energy agenda. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters across the board oppose same-sex marriage, legalizing marijuana and rail. But those who vote regularly feel differently from those who don't, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The State Senate passed more than one hundred bills on the chamber floor today leaving more than 60 fiscal-related bills left to vote on Thursday, the last day of the session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers have approved a trio of bills aimed at preventing cybercrimes. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers have heard the exasperation of local hospital administrators eager for a change in how they’re paid for providing health-care services to Medicaid patients. Pacific Business News.

The state House and Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that would require business owners who lease land from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to propose making “substantial improvements” to their facilities before being granted a new lease. Tribune-Herald.

A complete overhaul of the state's charter school system is poised for passage Thursday at the state Legislature, along with $500,000 to help smooth the transition. Star-Advertiser.

An estimated 17 leadership and other positions at adult community schools will be eliminated when state funding for the campuses is halved next school year, but education officials pledged the range of adult education services offered by the state will remain the same. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education and its governing board are laying out an array of bandages to dress the wounds they anticipate after making severe cuts to student transportation services. Civil Beat.

Over the next two weeks, the state Department of Education will search for ways to tackle a $16 million shortfall for student transportation without making big cuts to service. Star-Advertiser.

A Board of Education committee was briefed Tuesday about various options to address a $16 million shortfall for student bus service for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. KITV4.

A day after news broke of one more Department of Education employee charged with stealing thousands of dollars from another public school, the DOE said it's cracking down to prevent employees from stealing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's open records agency is celebrating the fact that it has won government agencies a new right to appeal decisions compelling the release of public records. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers announced that House Bill 1875 HD2 SD2 CD1, which amends the mortgage foreclosure law to provide additional protections for Hawaii’s homeowners, passed its final floor vote Tuesday before the full House and Senate. Associated Press.

Transporting wild or feral deer between islands is a pen stroke away from being banned. Tribune-Herald.

State senators will present the Hawaii Foodbank a check for $9,400 on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The City Council is considering rules governing First Amendment activities at parks more than 10 years after protesters filed a lawsuit because there was no process to determine where and how they could demonstrate against the 2001 Asian Development Bank conference. Star-Advertiser.

A member of the Occupy Honolulu movement was arrested during a Lei Day celebration. The arrest then sparked a protest in front of the Honolulu Police Department's main station this afternoon. KHON2.

The commanding officer and senior enlisted sailor on the Pearl Harbor-based submarine USS Columbia were relieved of duties Tuesday for "shortfalls in professional performance" leading to a loss of confidence in their ability to serve in positions of command authority, the Navy said. Star-Advertiser.

May Day was a major protest day for Occupy Wall Street activists throughout the country. Occupy Honolulu was not about to be left out. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s total average circulation for its weekday newspaper grew by 6 percent since last year, according to semiannual circulation data released in the Audit Bureau of Circulation on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Federal agents and police raided two homes and at least five businesses last night and today in an investigation of an alleged illegal lottery operation that caters to Honolulu’s Southeast Asian population. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu named one of the world’s best travel spots. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County property values decreased by 3.6 percent over the past fiscal year, a figure so close to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s earlier estimate that he said Tuesday there will be little, if any, changes when he submits his final budget later this week. West Hawaii Today.

Construction could begin in the fall on an $18.5 million, 100-bed skilled-nursing facility in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A pilot program to truck garbage from Hilo and Puna transfer station sites has ended, a county Department of Environmental Management official said, and County Council members would like to keep it that way. Tribune-Herald.

A measure prohibiting trucking trash from Hilo and Puna to the West Hawaii landfill passed from council committee unanimously, with little fanfare and no public testimony. West Hawaii Today.

Opposition to re-appropriating $4 million to the Waimea Trails and Greenways project headlined a Hawaii County Council public hearing Tuesday evening that drew just five people commenting on the proposed fiscal year 2012-13 operating and capital budget. West Hawaii Today.

The state budget set to be be finalized Thursday contains $50.4 million in capital improvement projects for West Hawaii, two state representatives said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kona coffee farmers are asking the governor to veto a bill that removes mandatory certification requirements for Hawaii-grown coffee. Associated Press.

Maui

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $10.1 million in grants to community health centers on Maui and the Big Island. Associated Press.

The Community Clinic of Maui is the recipient of a $4.5 million grant made possible through new legislation outlined in the Affordable Care Act. Maui Now.

Not very many people would be excited to be going on a garbage patch expedition. Maui News.

Drug court pioneer retires. Maui News.

Lahaina, Maui made a list of top 25 places in the nation released today by TripAdvisor. Maui Now.

Kauai

It has been a year since Governor Neil Abercrombie issued an emergency declaration to relocate a growing flock of endangered waterbirds from the Kauai airport. KITV4.

House Bill 2100 appropriates $5,000 for bee hive research each county in Hawai‘i, including Kaua‘i County, and an additional $10,000 for UH Hilo, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. Garden Island.

The Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools will be closed Thursday afternoon to allow staff to attend an island-wide meeting. Garden Island.

Hawaii Board Of Education adopts teacher evaluations, state sees record gun registrations, judge strikes rail procurement rule, Thielen defies Dems, runs for state Senate, Hawaii mayor meets with Hawaiian dissident, Maui council considers ag land exemptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie at BOE, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a rare appearance by a governor before the Board of Education on Tuesday to support the transition to a performance evaluation system for teachers and principals, saying such education reforms can wait no longer. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously voted in favor of a plan that would tie teachers’ and principals’ pay to their performance, as well as develop evaluation criteria at Hawaii’s roughly 250 public schools. Associated Press.

A week after the Legislature abandoned its effort, the Hawaii Board of Education unanimously approved three policies regarding performance evaluations for teachers and principals. Civil Beat.

The Board of Education voted in favor of creating new educator evaluations at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Board of Education unanimously approved a plan today that would base teacher and principal salaries on their performance, but it's not a done deal yet. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Department of Education has expanded its teacher evaluation pilot program for the 2012-13 school year. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa reported raised $224,000 in the first quarter of 2012, compared to GOP challenger former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou's $84,000. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday that he raised $138,000 in the past three months for his Demo­cratic primary campaign for U.S. Senate, trailing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, his primary opponent, who raised more than $1 million in that period, and Former Gov. Linda Lingle, the leading Republican candidate, who raised $1.3 million in the past quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Defying the guidance of state Democrats, Laura H. Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, said Tuesday that she will run as a Demo­crat for state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate confirmed two of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointees to the state Commission on Water Resources Management despite some senators' concerns about their qualifications and the nomination process. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate confirmed Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees to the water commission on Tuesday amid rising opposition toward the candidates and concerns about irregularities in the nominating process. Civil Beat.

A concerted effort by environmental groups and dozens of individuals to block the appointment of Maui businessman Ted Yamamura to the state Commission on Water Resource Management fell fall short of the mark today in the state Senate. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Department of the Attorney General reported Tuesday record levels of firearm registrations and permit applications in 2011. A record 36,804 guns were registered in Hawaii in 2011 — a 17.2 percent increase from the previous high, set the year before. Star-Advertiser.

A Circuit Court Judge has approved a settlement for victims of five data breaches that occurred at the University of Hawaii and its campuses over the past two years. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Electric Co. and Hawaiian Electric Co. ranked among the top 10 utilities nationwide in the amount of photovoltaic generating capacity installed by their customers, an industry trade group said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii did nothing wrong in GSA scandal. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto on Tuesday struck down a procurement rule that the city used to award more than $144 million in rail-related contracts, declaring the 1995 rule invalid because it conflicts with state procurement law. It was not immediately clear what effect, if any, the ruling might have on the city's contracts with rail consultants PB Americas Inc. and InfraConsult LLC. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Transportation Committee chair, Mayor Peter Carlisle, along with other city officials and community members, are planning to walk the streets of Moiliili this afternoon. The city is looking for ways to improve the sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists. KITV4.

Hawaii Research Services Group LLC has been awarded a $7 million indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract by the Army for the procurement of information management and software engineering support services. Pacific Business News.

Teen runs for Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

Kea‘au update: “The Governor will not be intervening”  on homeless evictions. Hawaii Independent.

The homeless are on the move in Leeward Oahu.  About 200 people have been moved out of Keaau Beach Park. Now the massive cleanup effort begins. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi and staff on Tuesday visited Abel Simeona Lui at Kawa Bay, but left without rendering a decision on Lui’s future at the Ka’u site. West Hawaii Today.

After spending its second two-hour closed-door session in as many weeks, the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday apparently rejected a settlement offer from three fired election workers who have threatened a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is looking to spread its nonprofit funding to a few more programs in its next budget. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County had 6,603 gun registrations last year. Based on the population, that was “a 36 percent greater-than-expected share of processed applications,” an Attorney General report said. The county also had the highest rate of rejected applications — 3.8 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Coffee farmers and processors remain at odds over proposed legislation that would get rid of mandatory coffee inspections and grading. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Among Junket Destinations for GSA Official. Big Island Now.

Maui

After a contentious debate about a proposal to tax homes on ag land the same as residential properties, Maui County councilors could push back that plan in favor of first creating a system for farmers to receive tax benefits by dedicating their land to agriculture. Maui News.

Maui Electric Company is ranked seventh in the nation in a list of top utilities for solar power. Maui Now.

Four community groups are suing Maui County in federal court over alleged environmental violations at a Lahaina treatment plant. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency wants to help more low-income residents with rental assistance this year, Housing Director Eugene Jimenez told the County Council at a budget meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

Contractors Association of Kaua‘i celebrates 20 years. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui County Council candidate for Kahului, Don Guzman will be hosting a “Talk Story” meeting on the island of Molokai this Thursday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. Molokai Dispatch.