Manhunt on for Big Island cop killer, disabled housing to be improved after federal probe, monster house bills back before Honolulu council, lava inches toward Pohoiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sunrise July 17 above Kilauea's lower East Rift Zone PC:USGS

 A manhunt is underway for a 33-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting of a Hawaii island police officer in Mountain View. Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa was gunned down allegedly by the suspect identified as Justin Waiki. Star-Advertiser.

A manhunt is underway after a Big Island police officer was killed in a shooting in Mountain View late Tuesday, sources say. Hawaii News Now.

Justin Waiki

Hawaii Island police are investigating the murder of a police officer who was fatally shot while on a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 11, in the area of Kukui Camp Road, Mountain View. Maui Now.
  State Agrees To Upgrade Public Housing For Disabled After Federal Probe. An investigation found hundreds of violations of accessibility standards in Hawaii Public Housing Authority complexes. Civil Beat.

Retired ship pummeled during RIMPAC. U.S. and Japanese truck-mounted missiles hit the decommissioned ex-USS Racine from the shore, and an Australian P-8A Poseidon targeted it from the air Thursday during Rim of the Pacific exercises. Star-Advertiser.

Verizon, HECO team up on smart sensors. Hawaiian Electric Co. and Verizon have joined forces to modernize Hawaii’s power grid with the installation of GridWide, a smart sensor that collects near real-time data and is now up and running. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council panel to hear more ‘monster house’ bills. Two bills aimed at toughening laws on violators of building and zoning codes go before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday while a closely watched third bill will not. Star-Advertiser.

How Charles Djou Is Keeping His Hand In Honolulu Politics. The former Republican congressman, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Kirk Caldwell in 2016, is backing several City Council candidates. Civil Beat.

Judge: Officer in Kealoha Civil Case Entitled to City-Funded Attorney. The court ruled the city must pay for the defense of HPD officer Ming-Hung Nguyen because he was sued for actions “done in performance of duty.” Civil Beat.

A one-way ticket for homeless to Waianae's coast is upsetting residents, lawmakers. City officials are at odds with leeward lawmakers over what's causing an increase in Waianae's homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

The Hale Koa Hotel’s swimming pool complex on Waikiki Beach, including its popular Barefoot Bar, is getting a $14 million makeover. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police have announced an amnesty program for gun owners who have trigger modification devices called bump stocks. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police are reminding residents that they have just over three weeks to turn in bump stocks and other trigger modification devices without penalty under a state amnesty program. Star-Advertiser.

Did you know there are park rangers at Ala Moana Beach Park? KHON2.

Community Outcry Saves A Banyan Tree. Residents and others rejoiced after their protests changed the plan of a condo association and the city to cut down the massive tree. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $4.8 million in federal funds Tuesday to support the opening of a new office for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Tour boat operators plan to continue taking visitors to see lava, but will follow the Coast Guard’s revised policy and stay farther away after an explosion caused molten rock to barrel through the roof of a vessel Monday, injuring 23 people. Associated Press.

Lava Ocean Tours, the lava boat operator whose 23 passengers were injured Monday morning by lava bombs, had a prior history of passenger lawsuits and had been previously fined by the state for lava tour boat violations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Harry Kim told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that he didn't know the Coast Guard had reduced the safety zone for licensed lava tour boat operators — and that he never would have agreed to that. Hawaii News Now.

Lava from Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone continues to inch its way along the lower Puna coastline toward Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

State land and ocean managers are keeping a close watch on the lower East Rift Zone eruption, and are already preparing in the event lava overtakes Pohoiki and Issac Hale Park, which they believe could happen within the next few days. Big Island Video News.

Lava Could Overtake Pohoiki in Next Few Days. Big Island Now.

Mayor Harry Kim says a safe lava viewing area can happen soon. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says there could soon be a safe lava viewing area on land.  He adds there's a growing need for people from all over the world to see the attraction. KHON2.

Pahala meeting will prepare for various volcano scenarios. While chances of the seismic activity at Kilauea reaching catastrophic levels are very slim, a community meeting in Pahala seeks to keep everyone informed and prepared. Star-Advertiser.

A governor candidate forum featuring Sen. John Carroll, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, Gov. David Ige, Ray L’Heureux and Rep. Andria Tupola is slated for 6 p.m. Friday (July 20) at The Arc of Hilo Event Center at 1099 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is poised to salvage the Waiaha Deep Well after a cable snapped during a botched extraction at the site last summer, sending equipment plummeting into the earth and knocking the water source offline indefinitely. West Hawaii Today.

Opioid Effort: Tighter safeguards, increased awareness and expanding reach among upgrades in drug abuse battle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Affordable housing got a boost on Maui recently when Governor Ige signed a bill that will help keep rents stable for 142 apartments on Front Street and build more affordable rentals in Lahaina. Hawaii Public Radio.

Old Wailuku Post Office site may be swapped. State would get lease for site for Kahului bus hub land. Maui News.

Ex Boys & Girls Club worker charged with sex assault. Incident allegedly involved girl at Central Maui clubhouse. Maui News.

The number of solar permits issued in Maui County plunged 23 percent during the first six months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

With 24 candidates running for the seven seats on the Kauai County Council, the public has an opportunity to meet the candidates from 6 to 8:30 tonight at a forum coordinated by the Eleele-Hanapepe Community Association, Hui Hana Paakai, and Community Coalition Kauai at the Eleele Elementary School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Kaneshiro leads council race contributions. Candidates for Kauai County Council recently filed their financial reports for Jan. 1 to June 30 to the State of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Garden Island.

Draft plan reduces convoys. The state Department of Transportation has circulated a draft plan to reduce the number of convoy runs to escort residents of the Haena-Wainiha area over the closed portion of Kuhio Highway and told community leaders the highway may close completely on weekends for six to nine weeks. Garden Island.

Federal disaster assistance tops $2.5 million. Garden Island.

The Small Business Administration is shutting down three Disaster Loan Outreach centers this week.  KITV.

Popular monk seal gives birth on Kauai. Garden Island.

Honolulu City Council ousts chairman, OHA probed by FBI and state attorney general, reaction to Djou's departure from GOP, councilwoman cleared to sponsor vacation rental bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade ©2018 All Hawaii News

Legislators Again Consider Making More Police Disciplinary Records Public. For the fifth straight year, there’s a bill to end the exemption for officers to a public records law that applies to everyone else. Civil Beat.

The state Attorney General’s office and the FBI are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into allegations of “public corruption and misappropriation” of taxpayer and state funds at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

Supporters rally for Kupuna Caregivers Program measure, which provides assistance to the family caregiver who also works outside the home full time. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters are trying to draw attention to the continued need for funding of the Kupuna Caregivers Program. KHON2.

Employers and employees will testify today regarding a controversial bill that would require employers in Hawaii to offer paid sick leave to employees. House Bill 1727 would require employers to provide a certain amount of paid sick leave to their employees each year unless they pay employees more than the minimum wage. Tribune-Herald.

State policy on virtual currency up for debate. A bill that proposes to modify state regulations for companies that broker transactions of highly volatile virtual currencies for Hawaii customers is scheduled to be heard today at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators Consider Tougher Invasive Species Control Measures. Hawaii Public Radio.

The recent spate of drownings across the state has brought together key people from the state and the counties to try and to address what if anything we can do to keep our visitors and residents safe in the water. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protection for all sharks and rays within state waters has moved another step closer to reality. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: What’s Next For Charles Djou — And The Hawaii GOP? After abandoning the Republican Party in dramatic fashion, the ex-congressman says he has no plans to run for anything. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou says he is leaving the Republican Party. Star-Advertiser.

Energy specialist tapped to join PUC. Gov. David Ige has nominated University of Hawaii energy specialist Jennifer “Jennie” Potter to the three-member Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Ige nominates UH energy specialist to Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission. Pacific Business News.

First Hawaiian CEO earns $5.8M to take over top spot in state. First Hawaiian Bank’s Bob Harrison has supplanted his chief rival and become the state’s highest-paid CEO of a publicly traded company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ernie Martin unseated Ron Menor as Honolulu City Council chairman today, grabbing back the gavel that Menor snatched from him 15 months ago. Martin has been among Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s toughest critics on the Council while the Menor leadership team was seen as more amenable to the administration. Star-Advertiser.

Ernie Martin Regains Council Chairmanship As Council Squabbles Over Rail. Outgoing chairman Ron Menor pleads for his colleagues to “rise above personal differences and political ambitions.” Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Reorganization: Rail Transit Funding. The Honolulu City Council voted in new leadership today. Hawaii Public Radio.

After close vote, City Council gets a new chair — and a new direction. Hawaii News Now.

Ousted as leader of the Honolulu City Council in January, Ernie Martin was reinstated as the Honolulu City Council chair Monday. KITV.

Leadership shakeup at Honolulu City Council restores Martin as chair. KHON2.

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Rail debate overshadows Martin’s return as Council chairman. Budget Director Nelson Koyanagi said there is a projected $214 million hole in the current city plan to pay for the $9 billion rail project.  Star-Advertiser.

Rail project’s safety program gets federal approval. The Federal Transit Administration said Monday that Hawaii has received approval of a key safety program for the rail project ahead of a federal deadline. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Transit Administration certified the Honolulu rail project’s State Safety Oversight Program on Monday, a mandatory step in order for the project to receive new federal transit funds, the agency said. Pacific Business News.

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2019 mayors conference to be held in Waikiki. A June 1963 speech given in Waikiki by then- President John F. Kennedy may have helped persuade leaders of the United States Conference of Mayors to return here in June 2019 after a 50-plus-year absence. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s First Trailer Park Just The Latest In New Wave Of Public Housing. Since Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamations loosened up regulations, some new-look subsidized housing is taking shape. Civil Beat.

Three formerly homeless families from the Waianae Coast received keys to new homes Monday as the city continues to work to reduce the nation’s largest per capita rate of homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Three former homeless families move into their new homes on Farrington Highway. KITV.

Waipio park renovation project finished ahead of schedule. The $395,700 project to upgrade the courts began in November and was scheduled to finish this summer. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy has estimated that the least expensive method of double-walling its fuel tanks that in 2014 spilled 27,000 gallons of fuel could cost between $500 million and $2 billion. Associated Press.

‘Wonder Blunder’ promoter’s sentencing set for next week. A federal judge denied today a request from the key figure in the University of Hawaii Stevie Wonder concert fiasco to withdraw his guilty plea. Star-Advertiser.

Guilty plea in 'Wonder Blunder' concert scam stands. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

The county Board of Ethics on Monday unanimously gave North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff the go-ahead to sponsor a bill regulating vacation rentals. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics determined that there is no prohibition on Kona councilwoman Karen Eoff to introduce, discuss or vote on a bill regulating short-term rentals, even though she herself owns a vacation rental condo in Kailua-Kona. Big Island Video News.

DOBOR to release draft rules for manta ray viewing sites in West Hawaii. Following years of discussion and deliberation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has formulated a list of draft rules regarding proposed regulations and changes to manta ray viewing sites. West Hawaii Today.

Mangled manta could show need for regulation in popular tourist activity. West Hawaii Today.

A three-month park improvement project at Kua Bay is underway. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State water panel to take up West Maui stream flow standards. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College campus will soon be among the first in the nation to generate 100% of its energy from on-site solar photovoltaic systems coupled with battery storage, university officials announced today. Maui Now.

Drones are now helping to locate and monitor humpback whales entangled with fishing gear and ocean debris, according to an announcement from Oceans Unmanned Inc., a nonprofit organization that facilitates the use of unmanned technologies to protect the ocean and coastal marine environment. Maui News.

Kauai

There aren’t any lingering public health dangers on Kauai due to Terminix’s reported misuse of restricted-use fumigant pesticides, but the company has been fined. Garden Island.

EPA slaps Terminix with big fines for pesticide violations on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

EPA fines Terminix more than $168K for misuse of pesticide products on Kauai. Pacific Business News.

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‘Second city’ coming? The public is invited to a presentation by A&B Properties to hear about A&B’s development plans for the area between Eleele to past Numila. Garden Island.

A Kauai organization is asking for public support to help save endangered native bird species on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of people clearing state land at a bellstone site in Wailua are wondering where the bellstone is. Garden Island.

Kauai geologist, researcher and sedimentology specialist Chuck Blay will be presenting “Understanding our Living Beaches,” a free talk on Kauai’s beaches at the Kapaa Library at 2 p.m. Saturday. Garden Island.

Hawaii adds cats to invasive species list, Senate wants to double HI5 container deposit, Schatz to hold false missile hearing, bills alive and dying at legislative session midpoint, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Feral cat with endangered Hawaiian petrel in this DLNR webcam file photo

Feral cats make invasive species list. Feral cats have been added to Hawaii’s list of most impactful invasive species, and advocates of trap-neuter-release say the state should reconsider. Garden Island.

Bills sink or swim at session’s midpoint. The Hawaii State Legislature passed the midpoint of the 2018 session last week, with lawmakers considering bills that would allow physician-assisted death, would increase the 5-cent deposit for bottles and cans, and would impose a new mandate for paid family leave. Star-Advertiser.

Airlines Pushing To Take Over Honolulu Airport Operations. Supporters say improvements could happen more quickly if the state Department of Transportation was out of the way. Civil Beat.

The state Senate is proposing to double the 5-cent deposit on bottles and cans as part of an effort to increase the redemption and recycling rates for the tens of millions of containers used by Hawaii consumers each year. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled “Hawaii False Missile Alert: What Happened and What Should We Do Next?” April 5 in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Hawaii Picks New Leader For Agency That Sent False Missile Alert. Thomas Travis has commanded a submarine squadron and was deputy commander of an aircraft carrier strike group. Associated Press.

Kim: Travis the right man for the job. Tribune-Herald.

Apparently taking the recommendation of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim to heart, the State of Hawaii has appointed retired U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Travis to serve as Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Video News.

Survey shows more people in Hawaii felt relatively calm, rather than panicked during false missile alert. A team from the Department of Psychology and Communication at Hawaii Pacific University conducted the online survey, and found that a majority of the participants felt like the missile was actually inbound to Hawaii. KITV.

A new report produced by researchers at Hawaii Pacific University revealed more in-depth about how Hawaii residents reacted to January's false missile alert scare. Hawaii News Now.

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Democratic congressional candidates were given a chance to explain their evolving views on such topics as marriage equality and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights during a candidates forum Saturday in Kakaako. Dozens packed into the small office space to hear Lt. Gov. Doug Chin, state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and state Rep. Kaniela Ing speak about their candidacy and answer questions from the three caucuses, with each allotted 40 minutes to talk. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Record On Gun Control Is A Moving Target. The Hawaii congresswoman talks tough on gun control but she’s often lagging behind Democratic colleagues in pushing firearms legislation. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Charles Djou: Why I’m Leaving The GOP. The former Republican congressman from Hawaii says he can no longer remain in a party led by Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Aid In Dying Bill Passes Key Senate Panel. Sen. Roz Baker shepherded the measure through her health committee with comparatively little fanfare. Civil Beat.

A rapidly progressing state Senate bill would mandate that sellers of properties featuring cesspools upgrade to a septic or sewer system after the purchase. Senate Bill 2567, which passed the Senate and is moving through House committees, aims to replace cesspools with more modern waste management systems so as to protect the state’s groundwater. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism remains one of Hawaii’s economic pillars. And while 2017 was another year of records, the industry faces some new challenges this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii is scrambling to fill teacher vacancies. This analysis on salaries won't help. The average salary for Hawaii public school teachers in 2016 was $57,431. Hawaii News Now.

Crime victim restitution up 70 percent. The state over the past several years has dramatically increased its collection of funds that inmates and parolees owe to their crime victims, forging a path that national experts say is a model for other states. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Pesticides In Hawaii Waters Well Below Federal Standards. State officials call the results reassuring but some environmental experts aren’t so sure. Civil Beat.

Petition seeks protection for cauliflower coral. The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service Wednesday to afford protection to cauliflower coral under the Endangered Species Act. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii astronomy professor Paul Coleman, the first Native Hawaiian to earn a doctorate in astrophysics and an outspoken supporter of the Thirty Meter Telescope, has died at the age of 62. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ponzi schemer and professed secret agent dies at 76. Ronald Rewald, Hawaii’s most notorious branded conman, a Wisconsin native who claimed to be a CIA agent but swindled money from hundreds of island residents and served barely 10 years of an 80-year prison sentence, has died. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Defends Reassignment Of Union Leaders. Union head testifies the actions caused fear among members and that he was maligned in a news interview. Associated Press.

Safety measures for fuel tanks could take billions — and decades, Navy says. The least expensive method of double-walling the Red Hill fuel tanks could cost between $500 million and $2 billion, the Navy said in a newly released estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Developing condos tricky near last station site. The city’s mass-transit line is supposed to move people and spark development of affordable housing, but these two objectives are on paths that could clash at the end of the line. Star-Advertiser.

Appeals court rejects Kawananakoa’s challenge to rail votes. The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals this month reaffirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to invalidate votes cast by certain Honolulu City Council members in support of the city’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has a new sprinkler law in place - 8 months after the deadly Marco Polo fire. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed two bills into law yesterday afternoon. They do not mandate sprinkler installation but do provide tax breaks to encourage installation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Among ongoing gun law debate, thousands attend major gun show at the Blaisdell. It was the Hawaii Historic Arms Association's 82nd semi-annual gun show. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines has been granted a revocable permit for space at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Urban Honolulu water plan to be discussed. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is holding a series of meetings starting this week to seek public input on its planned Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan. Star-Advertiser.

IHeartMedia Inc.’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy won’t impact the eight radio stations it operates in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

New Gold Star monument in Kaneohe honors families of fallen Hawaii servicemen and women. It's a first of its kind in the state - a  monument that honors families that lost loved ones in the military who died while in service to our country. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A new permanent building for pharmacy students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo hopefully will be up and running by this time next year. Tribune-Herald.

The state commission for public charter schools has yet to make a decision on allegations that a Kona charter school violated its contract by failing to maintain accurate enrollment data, reportedly netting them more than $300,000 in overpaid funding. West Hawaii Today.

A comprehensive look at the effects of short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island was shared with the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea’s summit eruption will become 10 years old Monday and scientists say they don’t expect it to stop anytime soon. Tribune-Herald.

Vaping shop raises concerns, sparks debate in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

The Village 9 Homeless and Affordable Rental project in Kealakehe will serve as the template for an island-wide approach to the helping the houseless. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Stant’s ‘side job,’ gambling match county paycheck. Good luck in Las Vegas and a Midas touch with a direct marketing “side business” combined last year for Stewart Stant to match his annual salary as Department of Environmental Management director, financial disclosure documents show. Maui News.

White reports variety of investments in his financial disclosure. Maui County Council Chairman Mike White jointly has investments in 37 different companies doing business in Hawaii, including Hawaiian Electric, Verizon Communications and Amazon. Maui News.

Panel seeks more reasonable parking and ohana rules. Flexibility sought in cases where current mandates don’t make sense. Maui News.

This year’s real property assessment notices have been mailed or emailed to property owners, the Department of Finance’s Real Property Assessment Division announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Two candidates for mayor of Kauai recently shared their views on two key issues facing the island: homelessness and traffic. Garden Island.

The county Department of Public Works Wastewater Division concluded sewer maintenance work on Kuhio Highway Sunday evening in the vicinity of the Kapaia Bridge. A sewer spill was reported about 4:15 p.m. Saturday when a manhole cover overflowed.  Garden Island.

After completing a rigorous three-year program, Kauai Christian Academy has finally gained accreditation. Garden Island.

End of an era for last Hawaii sugar plantation, Hawaiian Electric seeks land, Ige touts $10M for innovation, Caldwell outspent Djou 4-1 in Honolulu mayoral race, state Supreme Court dings Hilo judge for closing records, uranium plan completed for Pohakuloa, Diamond Head homeless eviction sought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sen. Brian Schatz at sugar mill as harvest, Facebook photo by Gilbert Keith-Agaran

The 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. plantation in Puunene on Maui held its last harvest Monday with hundreds of former and current workers, families, public officials and community leaders in attendance, and the head of Hawaii’s last major sugar plantation may have summed up the day best when he quoted a Hawaiian poet by saying, “it is what it is.” Pacific Business News.

It started with two horn beeps delivered by Fermin Domingo from the cab of an 80-ton Tournahauler on Monday morning, and then the final load of sugar cane that likely will ever be produced on a plantation in Hawaii was fed into the mill of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Star-Advertiser.

Sugar workers, retirees and company officials expressed sadness as well as pride as they witnessed “an end of an era” Monday with the delivery of the last load of sugar cane from the fields to the Puunene Mill. Maui News.

Workers delivered the final truckload of cane to the state's last remaining sugar mill on Monday. Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company held a commemoration event at its Puunene factory with an estimated 700 employees, retirees and community leaders. Hawaii News Now.

The only remaining sugar mill in Hawaii is ending its final harvest. Associated Press.

Gilbert Keith-Agaran

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company commemorates its final sugar harvest today (Monday, Dec. 12, 2016) following months of transition work. Maui Now.

Hawai’i’s last sugarcane harvest ended on Maui today and state leaders are asking, “What Next?”   That was the focus of a panel discussion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Commercial & Sugar held a ceremony Monday for its final harvest.  HC&S is the last sugar plantation in Hawaii. KITV.

It’s the end of an era for Hawaii’s sugar industry, as the final sugar harvest in our state took place Monday morning in Puunene on Maui. KHON2.

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Gov. David Ige has pledged to propose $10 million of the state budget be used to help build the innovation sector. Ige said he would request the funds be used for the state-run HI Growth Initiative, which was created to attract private investment to innovation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State and county employers likely will have to contribute more money into the Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System as early as July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has appointed two state employees as the new deputy directors for the state Department of Budget and Finance and the Department of Human Resources Development. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday it is looking for land to build more renewable-energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is looking to expand its renewable energy portfolio with more large-scale projects, the Honolulu-based utility said this week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Companies announced a search for land to house potential renewable energy production. The request for information comes from Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric Company and the Hawaii Electric Light Co. Tribune-Herald.

Tulsi Gabbard For President? A reporter for The New Yorker suggests 13 women candidates for 2020. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell Outspent Djou Nearly 4-to-1 In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. The mayor raised $3.6 million, and a super PAC kicked in nearly $1 million more to support his re-election bid. Civil Beat.

The ZipMobile broke down for at least the third time in as many years Monday, snarling the early- morning town-bound traffic on the H-1 freeway. Star-Advertiser.

The state is planning to evict homeless campers from more than 40 tent and tarp encampments on the slopes of the Diamond Head State Monument. Civil Beat.

Beach erosion reveals scattered bones at Mokuleia. Hawaii News Now.

Judge denies early release for firefighter in H-1 crash that killed officer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday issued an opinion that took issue with the way a state judge sealed documents in a criminal case, with the justices underscoring the need to protect confidential information while ensuring the public’s right to access judicial proceedings and records. Star-Advertiser.

A site-specific Environmental Radiation Monitoring Plan has been finalized for the Pohakuloa Training Area. Big Island Video News.

Nonexplosive but designed to fool passers-by is how police described a suspicious device that caused businesses to close and traffic rerouted Friday in downtown Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Department of Water Supply is working to resolve pumping issues in Wakiu, Hāna. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i’s Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a one-year permit to Alexander and Baldwin that will allow them to continue diverting water from streams in East Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. plantation on Maui, which will close on Dec. 23 and effectively end the era of the sugar industry in Hawaii, will soon begin to see a major expansion of cattle ranching on the former cane fields, a company executive told Pacific Business News.

Maui County single-family homes continued their climb in value in November, while condominium prices fell compared with the same month last year, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Island School’s proposal to reclassify land took a big step forward as the school submitted its petition to the State Land Use Commission. Garden Island.

Larry Richardson hopes the loaner life jacket station will save lives Saturday at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor launch ramp. Garden Island.

Molokai

With the ferry no longer operating, a U.S. Coast Guard crew helped the Salvation Army deliver 800 toys and clothes to Molokai children on Friday. Maui News.

Ige touts ocean energy conversion, inspections lag for medical providers, voter registration hits record as election nears, Bureau of Conveyances digitizing records, Kenoi-Kim transition hits bump, Maui financial data goes online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige throws shaka Saturday at Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said he is interested in the commercial use of ocean thermal energy conversion to help achieve the state’s 100 percent renewable-energy goal. Star-Advertiser.

A key division within the state Department of Land and Natural Resources that handles real estate transactions is halfway through a project to convert more than 170 years of vital state records into a permanent digital format. Pacific Business News.

Some of Hawaii’s medical providers haven’t had safety inspections for as long as four years as the state struggles to keep up with oversight responsibilities with a shortage of health inspectors. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii residents have registered to vote this year than ever before. The ease of online registration, offered for the first time in Hawaii this election cycle, might explain the increase in the total electorate  to 749,917. Civil Beat.

A look at early voter numbers in Hawaii indicates this may be a good year for voter turnout. KHON2.

Clinton, Trump Donors Include Some Familiar Hawaii Names. Individual gifts from the islands totaled $2.2 million to the 2016 presidential candidates. Civil Beat.

The death of one of Hawaii’s congressmen has led to an unusual ballot and voter confusion in urban Honolulu. The rare double election means residents in the 1st Congressional District are selecting someone to fill the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s seat for the two-month unfinished term and someone to represent the district for the next two years. Associated Press.

Over the years, solar energy has become part of the landscape of Hawai‘i. But contraction in the industry has left some customers in the lurch. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A lawsuit alleging that military families were not informed of high levels of ground contamination before they moved into their Kaneohe Marine Corps Base housing has been settled. Star-Advertiser.

A number of congressional, legislative and City Council races are on the ballot, but if a spot check on early voting at Honolulu Hale is any indication, it’s the presidential race first and foremost on the minds of many Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral Campaign Weekend Update. Caldwell identifies seven “whoppers” from Djou while the challenger unveils plans for parks and housing. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s flagship campus has narrowed down its finalists for chancellor. The Chancellor Search Advisory Committee identified two finalists, John V. White and Sonny Ramaswamy for the open chancellor position at UH Manoa. White and Ramaswamy will participate in a final round of interviews this month. Garden Island.

Car dealership sues Honolulu firm renting parking spaces. Star-Advertiser.

Fall victim’s family prepares to sue Ala Moana Shopping Center. KITV.

A frustrated Manoa homeowner says the land surrounding is home is sinking and causing structural damage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor-elect Harry Kim’s administration hasn’t even taken over yet, but the County Council is already trying to stave off a possible purge in the Office of Corporation Counsel. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-Elect Harry Kim Talks Transition With Council. Big Island Video News.

As Mayor Billy Kenoi pushes to see other projects finished before his term is up, county-paid overtime has become an issue for some elected officials. Hawaii County Councilman Aaron Chung has been trying to organize a briefing on the subject for a few weeks. Big Island Video News.

Big Island restaurants yet to fail Health Department inspections. Tribune-Herald.

TMT wants to resume construction in 2018: Pace of contested case could impact deadline. Tribune-Herald.

A Japanese government delegation spent Saturday touring Hilo and discussing emergency response practices with Hawaii island officials as part of the first-ever international World Tsunami Awareness Day. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii developer plans to begin construction on a Malama Market-anchored shopping center on the Big Island in Feburary, the developer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden nonprofit formed to save sacred space. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Members of the public will now be able to more easily access Maui County financial performance data, thanks to new open data software, county officials announced today. Maui Now.

“Keep Upcountry Upcountry” has been a rallying cry against creeping urbanization in Maui’s paniolo country, and that call resonates with Maui County Council candidates Napua Greig-Nakasone and Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura. Maui News.

Both candidates for the Maui County Council’s Kahului residency seat emphasized balance in decision-making across the issues, with the incumbent touting his support by both the old political guard and the new progressive groups while his opponent talked about speaking for the old-timer “local people.” Maui News.

Ernest Balinbin touts his hard work and community involvement through his catering business as some of the reasons he should be elected to the West Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Criminal liability may not be the first thing on the mind of a farmer designing his irrigation system, but for those in food production, it’s a real business risk that must be assessed. Garden Island.

Dennis Esaki, director of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, resigned from the KIUC board of directors, effective Oct. 31, due to personal and professional reasons. Garden Island.

Debra Wennett says she’s all for safer walkways and bikeways in Hanapepe Town, but she hopes county alterations won’t change the town’s rural identity. Garden Island.

Construction will begin today on the $2.4 million replacement of three bridges along the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road in the Na Pali-Kona state forest reserve. Garden Island.

Safe voting in Hawaii, Kenoi case goes to jury, Caldwell and Djou bicker over debate, alternate site selected for Thirty Meter Telescope, Kauai ex-police officer to serve weekends in jail, geothermal company fined $5.5M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diebold tech tests ballot-counting system © 2016 All Hawaii News

With Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump complaining about a rigged election and online hackers reportedly attacking at least 20 state voter registration rolls, Hawaii election officials are stepping up their vigilance against possible voter shenanigans. Star-Advertiser.

One week from Tuesday is the general election, and time is quickly running out to register and to vote. Civil Beat.

Voting by mail is now the way most people cast their ballots in Hawaii elections. With election security in the national spotlight, we wanted to know what’s in place to ensure Hawaii’s election runs smooth. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono plans to introduce a bill in Congress to protect foreign fishermen from exploitation. The bill would give fishermen temporary work visas to ensure wage protections and safe working conditions. Associated Press.

Hawaii Department of Education will receive $1.5 million in School Improvement Grants (SIG) to improve facilities, classrooms and the overall student experience. The SIG program invests in schools that are among the lowest-performing schools in the nation. Garden Island.

Oahu

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou criticized Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Monday for refusing to chip in $5,000 so the two of them can hold a televised debate Saturday night, three days before the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday quickly squashed a last-minute debate proposal from opponent Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

More than $1 million has been spent on ads for the Honolulu mayor's race during the past six weeks. And most of that money is going to support one candidate. Hawaii News Now.

3 Civil Questions For Kirk Caldwell And Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Keith Kaneshiro has spent decades taking on some of Hawaii’s toughest criminals while working as a city prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Beyond Candidates: Amendments Cram Oahu’s Ballot. Civil Beat.

Does Party Preference Matter On Council’s Reapportionment Panel? A charter amendment would lift a cap on how many people from one party can help redraw Honolulu City Council district boundaries. Civil Beat.

Measure Asks: Are All Those Boards and Commissions Needed? Charter Amendment 12 calls for a system to periodically review many of Honolulu’s boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

More than 500 people have signed up for Hawaiian Electric Co.’s new time-of-use program. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital’s chief executive will retire by year’s end as a new management firm has assumed control of the struggling rural hospital. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is not moving ahead with its proposed purchase of the 316,000-square-foot Downtown Honolulu office building Alii Place, a spokeswoman from Gov. David Ige’s office confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s fate was placed in the hands of a dozen of his own constituents Monday following closing arguments during his criminal trial in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

The closing arguments in the trial of Mayor Billy Kenoi were delivered to the jury on Monday. Big Island Video News.

It's now up to jurors to decide whether Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is guilty of felony theft over his alleged abuse of a county-issued credit card. Hawaii News Now.

It’s now up to a Hilo jury to decide whether Mayor Billy Kenoi should be punished on any of five criminal counts against Kenoi for the use of his county issued purchasing card, or pCard. Star-Advertiser.

A deputy state attorney general Monday told jurors deciding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s future that Kenoi “lived above the law” when he charged personal and alcohol purchases to his county-issued purchasing card. Star-Advertiser.

The fate of Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi now lies in jurors' hands.  Deliberations kicked off in the mayor's theft trial on Monday. KITV.

Jury deliberations are underway in the theft trial of Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. KHON2.

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The Thirty Meter Telescope has officially selected the Canary Islands as its alternative project site, should efforts to build the observatory in Hawaii fail. Big Island Video News.

The nonprofit organization that wants to build a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea has selected another site in case it can’t be built on land many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope officials have chosen the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain as an alternative site for a giant, $1.4 billion observatory in case their efforts to build it in Hawaii fail. Pacific Business News.

A $1.4 billion telescope planned for construction on Mauna Kea could move to another site. Officials from the Thirty Meter Telescope have selected the Canary Islands in Spain as the TMT’s alternate location if a permit for Hawai‘i is not granted by early next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Votes are trickling in to Hawaii County elections headquarters, but just a small percentage of the 113,355 registered voters have voted so far. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture’s parent company agreed last week to pay the U.S. government $5.5 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging it fraudulently applied for and received millions in federal clean energy grants, according to the federal district attorney for Nevada. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced Monday that it assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. $130,367 for wages owed to construction workers and $13,037 in penalties for a total of $143,000. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Monday it has assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. a total of $143,000 for violating wage laws on the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language Building construction project. Tribune-Herald.

Josephine Regala DeLuz, who served on the Hawaii County Council for a decade, died Oct. 19 in Waimea on Hawaii island. She was 87. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui District Health Office and the County of Maui today announced it has jointly launched a video and mapping initiative to disseminate information about the general locations, virus type and lab status of mosquito-borne cases. MauiWatch.

Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente announced the appointment of orthopedic surgeon Warren “Vic” Ayers, MD, to Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

Commentary: Are the Honua`ula and Pulelehua development projects rising from the grave? MauiTime.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant who said she stole money from the department because her family was in debt was sentenced Monday to 60 weekend days in jail. Associated Press.

A former police lieutenant who admitted stealing $75,000 from the Kauai Police Department is going to jail for 60 days. Star-Advertiser.

Changing the way county meetings are run will be discussed when the Kauai County Council meets Wednesday. Garden Island.

Residents on Kauai’s North Shore want better access to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Nihoku’s predator-proof fence within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge isn’t the only enclosure in the state dedicated to conserving Hawaii’s endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Hawaii may raise cargo fees 50%, state agency wants $23k for public records, fish sourcing at issue, volcano camping fee instituted, Honolulu mulls parking alternatives, Roundup ban proposed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crater at Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park © 2016 All Hawaii News

Beginning in November, overnight camping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will come with a price. It was previously free. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation wants to hike fees for unloading cargo at Hawaii ports by about 50 percent over two years in a move that would pay for harbor improvements and likely make most things local consumers buy more expensive. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prison Officials Say It Will Cost $23,000 For Public Records. Eight months after we asked, the state wants big bucks for records pertaining to violence at an Arizona prison. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono plans to introduce legislation in January that will give foreign fishermen who work aboard Hawaii-based longline fishing vessels greater labor protections, including visas that will allow them to legally work in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Markets examine how fish are sourced in wake of report. Tribune-Herald.

Seven years after a favorable court ruling, the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against the state and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are still waiting for state documents they consider essential for calculating damages related to long waits for homesteads. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Why Teachers Won’t Miss Kathryn Matayoshi. A new superintendent needs to be much more proactive and transparent in supporting teachers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Charles Djou faced off for the final time before the Nov. 8 general election. The two spoke at a candidate forum sponsored by the Chinese Community Action Coalition in Chinatown on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

With Election Day less than two weeks away, the candidates for Honolulu Mayor addressed the Chinese-American community at a forum held in Chinatown. KITV.

Former Democratic state Rep. Marilyn Lee is attempting for a third time to win back the Mililani state House seat she once held from House Minority Leader Beth Fukumoto Chang, a moderate Republican who clashed repeatedly this year with activists in her own party. Star-Advertiser.

Once The ‘Wild West’ Of The City, Kakaako Is Trying To Settle Down. Popular with young professionals who see it as hip and up-and-coming, the neighborhood’s transition has come with growing pains. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Convention Center turns first-ever profit. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki parking is so tight that Cherise Musselman has spent two hours idling in her car before finding street parking. Star-Advertiser.

A new proposal before the Honolulu City Council aims to encourage people to leave their cars at home and bike to work instead. KHON2.

American Savings Bank has received approval from the Oahu Island Burial Council to resume construction of its new headquarters after work was halted eight months ago with the discovery of iwi kupuna, or ancient human remains, at the site near Downtown Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Friday his appointment of professional engineer and licensed general contractor Glenn M. Nohara to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board of Directors effective Oct. 28, 2016 through June 30, 2021. KITV.

Young Laysan albatrosses born on Oahu return to the island fairly often as youngsters, new research shows. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A sweeping health care change is coming to Hawaii County from the largest health insurance provider in the state. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to ban the county’s use of toxic herbicides will be considered again Tuesday after bogging down last week amid questions about suitable alternatives. West Hawaii Today.

A plan to conduct a field evaluation of rodenticide to control mice at Pohakuloa Training Area was presented to the Hawaii County’s Game Management Advisory Commission recently. Big Island Video News.

After the maile lei was untied and the hundreds of people had trickled into the new covered play courts at Pahoa District Park during its grand opening ceremony, one parent looked around at the three scoreboards, six basketball nets, one volleyball net, two sets of bleachers, and summed it up: “This is radical.” Tribune-Herald

Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma addressed the crowd at the grand opening celebration of the new Pahoa District Park on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

The mayor’s race is already over but Waiakea-area residents can still decide who represents them on the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Sunset condominium residents expressed concern after learning about the possibility of the county taking over maintenance of the entire adjacent Waipuilani Park, a portion of which has been maintained by the condo owners without charge to the county for decades. Maui News.

Wesley Lo ends 13 years at Maui Memorial Medical Center on Monday — 12 as chief executive officer. Maui News.

Maui health officials are driving along a scenic coastal highway with a giant water-gun spraying trees and brush with diluted detergent to kill mosquito larvae. They’re stepping up the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like the Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya. Associated Press.

Less than 10 days before the Nov. 8 general election, the candidates for Maui County Council’s South Maui residency seat — Don Couch and Kelly Takaya King — are making their closing arguments. Maui News.

Four community meetings have been set for next month on the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Enrollment in the A+ after-school program has decreased on Kauai since the state raised the monthly fee from $85 to $100, in the first of three price hikes. Garden Island.

The Board of Directors of the Kauai Humane Society has selected a new leader for the shelter following the retirement of Penny Cistaro. Scott Pisani will take the helm in early November. Garden Island.