Hanabusa concedes election, albizia trees targeted for eradication, DOE wants to cut special ed budget, VA listens to vets' healthcare woes, teachers doing well under new evaluations, medical marijuana task force to hit the road, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Albizia tree felled by Tropical Storm Iselle © 2014 All Hawaii News

One alien tree species — the albizia — has been fingered in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle as the primary culprit for leaving Puna a quagmire of damaged houses, blocked roads, downed power lines and blackouts. But scientists warn the "albizia monster" is not confined to Puna. Rather, stands of this towering, graceful Indonesian native — described as the fastest growing tree in the world — have taken off across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Albizias may be most menacing on Oahu where they loom over major highways. Arborists say the city would look much like Puna if a hurricane were to hit. Hawaii News Now.

Today, Senator Schatz met with Mayor Kenoi’s cabinet, HELCO, State Senator Ruderman, Director of Civil Defense Darryl Oliveira, representatives from the Big Island Invasive Species Council and the U.S. Forest Service, to begin the process of developing a hazard mitigation plan for albizia on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will not challenge her narrow loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in court. She conceded the election to Schatz late Tuesday. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that she will not legally challenge her Democratic primary loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, but the congresswoman urged the state Legislature to look into the election process to ensure every vote counts. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday she will not file a legal challenge of her Democratic primary loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz for the seat once held by the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Opinion: With less than nine weeks before early voting begins in the general election, it’s looking like former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s role in the governor’s race could be reduced to that of the “spoiler,” with the only lingering suspense around the question of whether his losing cause will suck more votes away from David Ige or Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

The election may be over, but many questions still remain regarding how the office of elections handled the state’s primary. Later this week, the state Elections Commission will take up the issue during a public meeting on Friday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago will likely be in the hot seat Friday as the state Elections Commission takes a look back at this month’s primary. The review is hosted following each election, but the commission is expecting to hear an earful of complaints surrounding the response to Tropical Storm Iselle and for the discovery of about 800 misplaced ballots on Maui following voting Aug. 9. Tribune-Herald.

High-ranking U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials from Washington, D.C., and Hawaii on Monday heard directly from island veterans about their long list of frustrations that include delays and the high cost of getting VA medical treatment on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii veterans complained to U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday about the reams of bureaucracy that often prevent them from getting timely access to health care and other services. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector, which was expecting its funding to end on Dec. 31, now says it can continue using federal grant money throughout 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education officials told school board members Tuesday that they want to cut $9.15 million from the roughly $326 million in general-fund special education spending because of a likely reduction in state tax revenues. The proposed cut represents a 2.8 percent reduction. Civil Beat.

Roughly 1 in 6 Hawaii public school teachers were deemed highly effective for the 2013-14 academic year under the state's newly implemented teacher evaluation system, while most educators were rated as effective. Star-Advertiser.

Despite concerns from some Kauai and statewide teachers about the burden of a teacher effectiveness program implemented during the past school year, results show that the teachers were doing their jobs well under the new program. Garden Island.

On Wednesday, August 20, KHON2 will host a telethon to raise money for the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter.

Oahu

The HPD isn't calling it a ticket quota, but critics say it sure sounds like one. Hawaii News Now has learned that an email was sent to about 20 Honolulu police officers listing how many citations need to be issued.

Some University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty members called for no confidence votes against the Board of Regents and UH President David Lassner Tuesday for their decision to fire UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple last month. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is famous for golden sand beaches and big waves. But the city's warehouse district, called Kakaako, is famous for a different sort of attraction. You won't find kitschy Hawaiian souvenir shops or hordes of tourists here, but you will find a thriving urban arts scene, with colorful street murals so big they stretch across walls and sometimes entire sides of buildings. Associated Press.

A free housing summit will be held Saturday to provide valuable information to military veterans and active duty members on government homeownership programs. Star-Advertiser.

The operators of Hawaii chef and restaurateur Peter Merriman’s Monkeypod Kitchen will take over the Jimmy Buffet’s at the Beachcomber restaurant, which closes at the end of this month, Outrigger Enterprises Group said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A dramatic decrease in apparel prices kept Honolulu inflation tame and helped drop the consumer price index below the U.S. rate for the first time in 11 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Almost half the state’s 13,115 medical marijuana patients live on Hawaii Island, but it took a request by state Sen. Will Espero for a medical marijuana task force to schedule a public hearing here. Espero, D-Ewa, prevailed upon the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Task Force at its Aug. 12 meeting to include a Hilo meeting in addition to the six scheduled for Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

A state senator is questioning the results of a Hawaii County Council race after the primary election held in storm-damaged areas of the Big Island. State Sen. Russell Ruderman says he plans to file a complaint with the Hawaii Elections Commission at a meeting Friday. Associated Press.

Workers performing a preliminary damage assessment for the Federal Emergency Management Agency completed Tuesday surveying homes in Puna hit hard by Tropical Storm Iselle. However, approval of federal relief could be a week or more away, as FEMA must also perform an assessment of damage to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says federal officials have wrapped up their assessment of damage on the Big Island from Tropical Storm Iselle and are close to submitting their report to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd RCT and the Military Intelligence Service ushered guests through an expansive exhibit of photographs and documents at the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Kaloko branch. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The 60-unit Hale Kai O Kihei condominium complex would be assessed a fine and administrative costs of $760 and pay for an independent appraisal to use nearly 3,150 square feet on public land. Maui News.

A proposed 31-acre baseyard and light industrial subdivision project in Waikapu received initial approval Tuesday from the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Despite the attention and controversy generated by anti-GMO (genetically modified organisms) activists in the months leading up to the August primary, their candidates gained little traction in the recent primary election. Both locally and statewide, most who opposed GMOs went down to defeat in partisan races or trailed by a wide margin in non-partisan races.Maui Weekly.

Two paragliders were apprehended at Haleakalā National Park today — one for illegally launching and landing in critical endangered species habitat, and the other for attempting to launch, park officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Transforming an old sugar cane road in Lawai Valley — one in use for more than 100 years — into a Biodiversity Trail was what Chipper Wichman called an “audacious dream.” For the National Tropical Botanical Garden, however, it was an important one. Garden Island.

County to review Hanapepe Road. Garden Island.

Judge rules against Hanabusa, election to be held today, state's largest health insurer pulls out of small-business Obamacare plan, federal agent Deedy acquitted of murder, geothermal plant denies toxic release, Honolulu council advances bill raising tobacco age to 21, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Deputy Attorney General John Molay defends Election Chief Scott Nago © 2014 All Hawaii News

A judge Thursday denied U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s request to delay a make-up election Friday in two Puna precincts where the polls were closed in Saturday’s primary election due to damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii judge upheld the timing of a makeup primary election Thursday for more than 8,000 voters on the Big Island despite a last-minute challenge from a Senate candidate who said residents should have more time to recover from a tropical storm that damaged the area. Associated Press.

The state primary election will conclude Friday as planned, a Hawaii court ruled Thursday. Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura in Hilo rejected a motion to postpone the election from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who trails U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,635 votes out of roughly 230,000 ballots cast in last Saturday’s Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

After state Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura in Hilo on Thursday rejected a legal challenge by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, 6,821 voters in Puna will be able to cast ballots at Keonepoko Elementary on Friday and settle Hanabusa's Democratic primary for Senate against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and a few other close contests. Star-Advertiser.

After a Hilo judge rejected a last-minute challenge from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who said residents should have more time to recover from Tropical Storm Iselle, the special election will proceed as scheduled. Polls in Puna are set to open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on Friday. Results will be announced shortly thereafter. Hawaii News Now.

On the heels of Thursday’s court decision allowing a special election to go forward on Friday in Puna, Congresswoman and candidate for U.S. Senate Colleen Hanabusa expressed disappointment in Judge Greg Nakamura’s ruling. Big Island Video News.

All eyes are on Puna, as voters get ready to close out Hawaii’s Primary Election. KHON2.

Kauai Republican Party Chairman Bob Hickling said he has been following the race between Schatz and Hanabusa but explained that any divisions within the Democratic Party would not have much of an effect for the Republican Party. Garden Island.

The Congressional District One race will be a contest watched nationally because it has a viable Republican candidate.   The days leading up to the General Election, November 4th will be a sprint to the finish and expensive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's largest health insurer is pulling out of the small-business side of the state's troubled health exchange, leaving the Hawaii Health Connector with only one insurance company for employers to select. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association reported a second quarter loss of $8.4 million, compared to a loss of $2.3 million during the same quarter of 2013. Hawaii's largest health insurer had blamed a loss of $30.1 in the first quarter on Affordable Care Act fees that came to about $46.1 million. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Education has paid nearly $3.5 million since 2012 to a national nonprofit to design and implement mentoring and induction programs for new public school teachers. Civil Beat.

A former University of Hawaii Foundation executive alleges that he was ousted from his job after he accused his supervisor of having a conflict of interest. In a lawsuit filed in state Circuit Court, Alvin Katahara said his former boss, UH Foundation Vice President Janet Bullard, ordered him to make thousands of dollars in payments to a company headed by her husband. Hawaii News Now.

“Until you’ve lost your dignity, you don’t understand homelessness.” That comment from a guest at Thursday night’s Civil Cafe discussion may be true, but it hasn’t stopped many people from trying to find a solution to a hardship that has afflicted thousands of people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

PRIMM expansion a critical step toward healthy Pacific region. With a bold vision backed by strong science and important cultural leaders in the Pacific, President Obama could create a unique cultural and conservation legacy at the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Hawaii Independent.

Opinion: Back in 2010, everyone in Hawaii voted for a liberal hippie governor named Neil Abercrombie. Sure, he called a special session of the state legislature to legalize same-sex marriage, but other than that, he might as well have written the definitive playbook for how not to get re-elected in the State of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released Thursday the 2013 edition of the State of Hawaii Data Book. The resource is available here and may be downloaded in whole or in part as either PDF or Excel files. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

University of Hawaii President David Lassner plans to tap UH-Manoa's dean for languages, linguistics and literature as interim chancellor of the flagship campus to replace Tom Apple, whom Lassner terminated last month. Star-Advertiser.

A jury Thursday acquitted a federal agent of murder in his second trial for the 2011 shooting death of a man at a Hawaii fast-food restaurant, but they couldn’t reach a verdict on other lesser charges. Associated Press.

Christopher Deedy sat flanked by his attorneys as the jury verdict of not guilty of murder was announced Thursday in Circuit Judge Karen Ahn's courtroom. He showed no outward emotion as Kollin Elderts' family sat in sadness with their heads bowed. Hawaii News Now.

The state jury in the Christopher Deedy retrial found the U.S. State Department special agent not guilty of murder Thursday but was unable to decide whether he is guilty of any other crimes for fatally shooting Kollin Elderts in a Waikiki McDonald's restaurant in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

A bill raising Oahu's legal age for purchasing tobacco and electronic smoking devices to 21 got the first of three necessary approvals by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday despite some reservations. Star-Advertiser.

Karl and Judith Sinclair are in a bind. Their $1.4 million home in the Norfolk Subdivision off of Kananianaole Highway in south Kailua is a beautiful, sprawling mansion complete with a swimming pool and gazebo spread over 15,548 square feet, and all they want to do is expand their second-floor lanai by 500 feet. There’s just one problem: their home sits on land zoned agricultural and is technically a “farm dwelling,” meaning it should have been limited to a single structure not exceeding 5,000 square feet. Civil Beat.

New construction bids show the costs to build Honolulu's rail transit system are rising sharply -- and local transit leaders remain uncertain whether they'll ultimately be able to deliver the project on budget. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy is adding to its surface-ship firepower at Pearl Harbor with some home-port switches this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two Big Island organizations are questioning why Puna Geothermal Venture operated its power plant in the face of an approaching hurricane, resulting in PGV's release of hydrogen sulfide into a community trapped by downed trees. Star-Advertiser.

Puna Geothermal Venture today released a statement contradicting “reports by commentators” that warned residents of an uncontrolled release of hydrogen sulfide from the plant, and suggested evacuation if any symptoms were experienced. Big Island Now.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed a supplementary proclamation to extend the Hawaii’s state of emergency to Oct. 17, 2014. The original emergency proclamation would’ve expired tomorrow, Friday Aug. 15. The governor’s office has not yet publicly released a statement about the extension of the emergency proclamation but is expected to do so on Friday. Maui Now.

By about 3 p.m. Thursday, 250 people had made their way through a Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center set up at the Pahoa Community Center. Representatives from a wide array of county and state agencies were available to field questions and offer help for Puna residents impacted by Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Crouched in the shadow of two massive volcanoes, West Hawaii was spared most of the battering effects of Tropical Storm Iselle. But it won’t always be that way, and those who hold to the belief the island will always shelter them are making a mistake, National Weather Service officials say. West Hawaii Today.

Ron Gonzales, who faces off against District 9 incumbent County Councilwoman Margaret Wille in the Nov. 4 General Election, is the subject of two complaints filed with the county clerk this week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An estimated $3.99 million was released today for slope stabilization work on the Hāna Highway, and intersection upgrades on the Haleakalā Highway on Maui, Governor Neil Abercrombie announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council has approved a request from the Office of the County Attorney for additional funds to defend the new law regulating pesticides and genetically modified organisms. Star-Advertiser.

Polls favor Hanabusa, Ige, Takai. Hurricane Iselle a category 4, Tax Department to refund bills sent in error, RIMPAC is pau, PAC money in politics, mice plague Kohala, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa holds an edge over U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the Democratic primary for Senate, a new Hawaii Poll shows, and voters who prefer the congresswoman cite her legislative experience as the main reason. Hanabusa leads Schatz 50 percent to 42 percent, with 8 percent undecided. Star-Advertiser.

In the Senate showdown between Democrats Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa, Representative Hanabusa has a 50 to 42 percent lead over Senator Schatz in our new Hawaii News Now/Star Advertiser Hawaii poll.

State Rep. Mark Takai has pulled into a tie with state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim in the most recent Hawaii Poll, suggesting that the crowded Demo­cratic primary for the 1st Congressional District seat has become a two-person race. The poll showed Kim and Takai each receiving support from 28 percent of those polled, while Hono­lulu City Councilman Stanley Chang (East Hono­lulu) was a distant third with 12 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is in grave risk of losing to state Sen. David Ige in the Democratic primary, according to a new Hawaii Poll that shows the governor's job approval and favorability sinking among voters. Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, holds a 54 percent to 36 percent lead over Abercrombie with 11 percent undecided. Star-Advertiser.

Abercrombie Camp on Latest Poll: ‘We Don’t Believe It for a Second.’ Campaign manager Bill Kaneko says the governor is tied with David Ige, urges voter turnout. Civil Beat.

David Ige’s Leadership Style: State Senator Wants To Be Honest, Open, Fair, No Ego. Fellow lawmakers applaud the Hawaii gubernatorial contender as a collaborative problem-solver who stands by decisions and can't be pushed around. Civil Beat.

Hurricane Iselle has regained intensity and is once again a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane. At 5 a.m. Monday, it was located about 1,257 miles east of Hilo and was moving west at 9 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now.

The state Tax Department acknowledged on its website Friday that inaccurate letters had been sent to taxpayers who had submitted payment via paper check "close to the April 20 deadline." Star-Advertiser.

The world’s largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014, concluded August 1 with the participation of 22 nations, 49 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. Hawaii Reporter.

A Final Look at the Miltaristic RIMPAC Exercises Around Hawaii. RIMPAC is about to temporarily disappear from the public eye again, but the militaristic framework it was founded on ties Hawaii to the rest of the world. Civil Beat.

Opinion: It's one thing to lament the influence of money in politics, to bemoan the power of Super PACs that besmirch candidates first and apologize later — long after they've flooded a race with cash and the candidate they prefer has prevailed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Scientists predicted this would be an above-average Central Pacific hurricane season, and sure enough, Hurricane Iselle, packing 115 mph winds, is swirling in from the east. Are the 30,000 or so residents of Waikiki, Hawaii's most densely packed area, ready if Iselle or another storm makes a direct hit? Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: The University System administration and President Lassner's decision to continue defending the unit director largely responsible for Chancellor Apple's removal jeopardizes both the future of the Cancer Center and the standing of the University as a whole. Hawaii Independent.

Kamehameha Schools is funding a new Kapiolani Community College program designed to encourage Native Hawaiians to become interested in fields involving science and technology. Associated Press.

Hawaii

State and county election workers, voting equipment representatives and volunteer observers put marked-up paper ballots through the mill Saturday morning as they participated in the statewide testing of ballot counting equipment. West Hawaii Today.

First-term incumbent County Councilman Greggor Ilagan, facing three challengers for Puna District 4, has raked in the most campaign contributions of any of the 27 hopefuls running for nine seats. West Hawaii Today.

Four candidates vying for the Hawaii County Council District 2 seat discussed issues facing downtown Hilo and beyond at a candidate forum Friday evening. Tribune-Herald.

There’s a plague of mice on the land. The tiny invaders are scampering into homes in North Hawaii, being trapped to the tune of 30 to 70 a day per household in some areas, and getting squished in great numbers along roadways. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea Military Camp offers screenings of movie about Japanese American internment, tour of site. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As Maui Memorial Medical Center has announced the shutdown of its adolescent behavioral health unit in an attempt to make a dent in a $13 million budget gap this year, the Democratic candidates seeking their party's nomination for the state 6th Senate District seat agree that a public-private partnership is needed to keep public hospitals afloat. Maui News.

Islands Hospice is slated to open Maui's first inpatient hospice home once it begins accepting patients this fall at its Kahului branch, but some neighbors are concerned that having hospice next to their homes might affect traffic and children. Maui News.

A trio of Hawaii botanists has discovered a new tree species related to the hibiscus plant in the remote Kauaula Valley on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the new Central Maui Regional Sports Complex located on 65-acres in the master-planned Waiʻale community. Maui Now.

Kauai

At least three Kauai County Councilmembers have said they are looking at ways to provide immediate relief for residents who have experienced sizable property tax increases. Garden Island.

Homeless living in cars and still camping in Anahola. Garden Island.

Lanai
Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, the billionaire who owns 98 percent of the island of Lanai, has added another hotel to his collection on the Pineapple Island with the purchase of the historic Hotel Lanai, one of the hotel's former owners told Pacific Business News.

Billionaire Larry Ellison has purchased the historic Hotel Lanai for an undisclosed price. The deal that closed July 7 now makes Ellison the owner of every hotel room on the island. Associated Press.

Hawaii flower sales wilt, homeless could be sent to Mainland, Biden stopping in Hawaii, state to get two new cutters, county shorted HI-5 funds, Maui wind turbines removed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical flowers at farmers market (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Dry weather, pests, vog and lackluster customer demand took a toll on commercial growers of ornamental plants in Hawaii last year, pushing the sector of the state's farm industry into a fifth straight year of lower sales. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers hope to save taxpayers millions of dollars in welfare costs by shipping some of the state’s estimated 17,000 homeless back to their families on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Vice President Joe Biden will reportedly stop in Hawaii this weekend after a six-day trade and diplomatic trip to India and Singapore. Associated Press.

Al Gore has endorsed Brian Schatz for U.S. Senate. Who cares? When it comes to the media, at least, quite a lot of people. Civil Beat.

In Hawaii, there are certain instances when someone can legally stand their ground, but generally the state’s self-defense law is in agreement with the sentiments expressed by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who said citizens have a duty to retreat from an attacker if they can do so safely. KITV4.

More than 70 cost-free charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles – that were installed with the help of about $580,000 in federal stimulus funds – cannot be used by thousands of early adopters of emissions-free vehicles. Civil Beat.

A new study by the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center finds young people who want to quit smoking are turning to e-cigarettes. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Coast Guard's seventh and eighth new National Security Cutters — ships whose construction was in doubt last year — will be funded and based in Honolulu, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The nonprofit company dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities and now under scrutiny by the federal government currently has contracts to run janitorial and cafeteria services in Hawaii with the Navy and the Army totaling more than $9 million, the two military branches told the Star-Advertiser.

Oahu is on pace to record more pedestrian fatalities than in any year since 2008. Star-Advertiser.

Christopher Deedy’s former college roommate testified Monday that the State Department special agent ordered five beers at five different bars before the 2011 fatal shooting at a McDonald’s restaurant in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Call volume over water bills hits 1,200 a day. KITV4.

The fees from the small number of city employees who park in the city's nearly-empty new parking garage fail to bring in enough revenue to pay for the building's annual upkeep, never mind its expensive mortgage, Hawaii News Now has learned.

The state agency regulating development in Kakaako has scheduled two additional public comment sessions on two condominium towers planned for Ward Centers. Star-Advertiser.

Friends, colleagues and fans are pouring out their aloha and sharing stories of Don Gordon, a former Hawaii Public Radio jazz show host and impresario who died Sunday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

The median sales price of an existing business in Honolulu during the second quarter was $265,000, a drop of 14 percent from the same quarter last year, according to BizBuySell.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents are paying an extra half-cent fee every time they buy a drink in a HI-5 bottle or can, but the county is seeing less of its money coming back from the state to operate its redemption centers. West Hawaii Today.

A combination of federal and state belt-tightening — as well as increased competition from other nonprofit organizations for vital grants, with the number of applicants in Hawaii roughly doubling — served to cut various sources of program funding for the Big island Substance Abuse council this year, resulting in the organization shutting down on July 1 three of its offices in Kealakekua, Waimea and Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

A U.S. Geological Survey scientist has adapted a Hawaii-born method of measuring coral growth. West Hawaii Today.

At $1,833 Hilo residents pay the highest average amount of rent than anywhere else in the country. A family of four needs a combined income of more than $87,000 a year to live comfortably. Hawaii News Now.

Maui
After nearly five years of operation, the wind turbines atop the Maui Ocean Center building in Māʻalaea have since been removed, company officials announced. Maui Now.

With boxes of bike helmets, an electrocardiography machine and pairs of vision-impaired goggles - adults and children alike, were educated and entertained Saturday during the 2nd annual Summer Safety Fair at Maui Mall. Maui News.

The Haleakalā park road and summit area above the 9,740 foot elevation will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, horses and bicyclists through Thursday, July 25, park officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai
Traffic violation numbers have dipped this past year and Kauai Police Department officials attribute the decline to effective enforcement and safer driving habits. Garden Island.

Koloa Plantation Days in full swing. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz heads to U.S. Senate as Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie bucks the late Sen. Daniel Inouye's faction of the state Democratic Party

Lt. Gov Brian Schatz named to U.S. Senate, screen capture of Gov. Abercrombie announcement

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, who is expected to be sworn in today as the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's successor, said Wednesday that he understands the magnitude of the appointment and promised the islands: "I won't let you down." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz on Wednesday was appointed the state’s next U.S. senator, bucking the dying wishes of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to win the support of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Who Is Brian Schatz? Meet Hawaii's New U.S. Senator. Civil Beat.

Ten days after the death of Dan Inouye, Hawaii has a new U.S. senator. And it's not Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

The decision drew an immediate backlash on Twitter and Facebook, but Gov. Neil Abercrombie did not back down when asked why he failed to honor Sen. Dan Inouye's final wish. KITV4.

Just hours after receiving a list of three candidates from Hawaii's Democratic Party to replace U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of his Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to the position. Hawaii Reporter.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been appointed to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by Daniel Inouye for the past 50 years. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose his Lt. Gov., Brian Schatz, Wednesday to replace the late U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, rebuffing Inouye's request to appoint U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to the post. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercombie has appointed Brian Schatz to succeed the late Daniel Inouye as U.S. Senator. KHON2.

Governor Abercrombie has selected Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to succeed the late Senator Inouye. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie picked Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by the recent and sudden death of Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i. The governor’s choice denies Inouye’s deathbed wish for Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawai‘i to succeed him in the Senate. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been named to replace the late-Sen. Daniel Inouye in the U.S. Senate. Maui News.

Governor Abercrombie Appoints Brian Schatz to fill Senate Vacancy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's office says it's disappointed Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose not to honor the Hawaii Democrat's last wish that U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa replace him in the chamber. Hawaii News Now.

A series of statements were released in the moments following the appointment of Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the vacancy of the late US Senator Daniel Inouye. Most of the remarks were congratulatory in nature, but at least one, coming from the Hawaii Republican Party, was critical of the governor’s choice. Maui Now.

President Barack Obama returned to Washington on Wednesday night after spending his last day of vacation at the golf course and the beach. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama left Hawaii Wednesday night, cutting short his traditional holiday vacation. Hawaii News Now.

Not only is the State Energy Office looking to grab a bigger piece of the so-called barrel tax. The state Department of Agriculture is hoping state legislators will nearly triple its share of the barrel tax from 15 cents to 42.5 cents of the $1.05 total for every barrel of petroleum that is imported to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division is conducting a series of community focus group meetings to solicit input from communities and stakeholders statewide about AMHD services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Hawaii Reporter.

An anonymous donor has committed to a $9.2 million gift to the University of Hawaii to fund scholarships and support programs and projects in the sciences and culinary arts, the UH Foundation announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Big, potentially dangerous waves are hitting the north shores of several islands, including Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Laurel Stricklin knows firsthand what it takes to be compassionate to complete strangers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents can expect improvements in roads, parks and garbage management, modernization of civil defense sirens and a commitment to agriculture, according to 2013 priorities cited by Mayor Billy Kenoi and Council Chairman J Yoshimoto. West Hawaii Today.

Starting Wednesday, Kealakekua Bay is closed for business to kayaks, standup paddlers and boogie boarders. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plans to challenge an application for a helicopter landing pad in the former Royal Gardens subdivision, according to the Hawaii County Planning Department. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park expects to begin using two hybrid battery/hydrogen-fueled visitor shuttles this spring. Tribune-Herald.

The public is invited to a memorial service today in Hilo for the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will hire both the exiting Council Chair Danny Mateo of Molokai, and the exiting Vice Chair Joe Pontanilla of Kahului. Maui News.

Maui County's call for a developer to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant has attracted some of the nation's top names in waste-conversion technologies. Maui News.

A service for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye will be held Saturday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater, it was announced Monday as another prominent elected leader applied to be considered to fill the seat. Maui News.

Kauai

In an effort to make Makaweli Poi Mill more self-sufficient and increase projects supporting the Hawaiian language on Kaua‘i, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Wednesday it is transferring the poi mill to a local nonprofit group. Garden Island.

Rep. Derek Kawakami’s schedule precluded him from joining everyone else Wednesday at the M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises shop in Pua Loke. Garden Island.

Obama cuts vacation short, Hirono tried to delay Senate seniority, Schatz could be top pick for Senate seat, Inouye to be honored on each island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama and first lady visit Hawaii Marine Base, White House courtesy photo

President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii, planning to leave for Washington on Wednesday evening as lawmakers consider how to prevent the economy from going over the so-called fiscal cliff. Associated Press.

In what has become a Christmas Day tradition, President Barack Obama shared holiday cheer Tuesday with members of the military and their families at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Mazie Hirono allies lobbied Democratic officials to hold back the appointed senator's swearing in until the same day as Hirono, even though the delay would cause the state to lose vital seniority in the U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Monday that she is qualified to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death last week of Daniel Inouye. Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz remains the candidate most likely to be chosen by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to replace Inouye, who died Dec. 17, in spite of Inouye's request for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to replace him. Hawaii News Now.

Before Gov. Neil Abercrombie selects a successor for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, the Democratic Party of Hawaii's State Central Committee will be the primary vetting chamber. Civil Beat.

The Democratic Party expects by this time Wednesday, 14 candidates to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Daniel Inouye will be narrowed down to three. KHON2.

County governments on Hawaii island, Kauai and Maui are holding memorial services this week for U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, who died Dec. 17 at age 88 of respiratory complications. Star-Advertiser.

Voter ID laws were one of the most contentious issues of the past election season. Civil Beat.

The military family financial services organization First Command is warning that many service members are cutting back on their spending this holiday season as concerns about the country falling off the “fiscal cliff” mount. Pacific Business News.

State roundup 12.26. Associated Press.

Oahu

Continued high-surf conditions and the annual crush of holiday beachgoers combined to keep North Shore lifeguards "extremely busy" on Christmas Day, an official said. Star-Advertiser.

Monster waves with up to 25-foot-faces hit the islands, injuring some surfers and attracting numerous onlookers. KHON2.

Hawaii

Plans to build a Mars-like habitat on Mauna Loa are now in the hands of the state’s Office of Environmental Quality Control. West Hawaii Today.

From food safety to expanding solar power, the Big Island’s state legislators are planning to tackle a wide range of issues during the next session in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Elections top 2012 stories. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A recent study confirms liquid flows through wells used by a Maui wastewater plant into the ocean via underwater springs close to shore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Friday. Associated Press.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable held a grand opening and blessing of its new facility in the Maui Lani Village Center last week. Maui News.

Repairs to the Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku continue, with re-opening tentatively set for June of 2013, barring any obstacles. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire Department officials are reminding residents that a permit from the fire department is required to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Garden Island.

Kadomatsu, a traditional New Year’s display in Hawai‘i, are now available at various places in time for a New Year’s celebration. Garden Island.