China invited to RIMPAC, Hawaii DOE tackles budget, more water for upcountry Maui, thieves break into Lingle Hilo campaign HQ, feds investigate Wahiawa senior center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC Hawaii military exercises courtesy photo

The U.S. military has invited China to participate in the next Rim of the Pacific naval exercise off Hawaii in two years after equivocating on the issue during the multinational war games this summer. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education is preparing for some tough spending decisions as it faces the specter of federal budget cuts, a so-so economic picture and the roll-out of key new initiatives that could carry big price tags. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi says Gov. Neil Abercrombie's demand to set aside 5 percent of the department's discretionary budget as a contingency plan would hurt the district. Civil Beat.

All public elementary schools in the state will be accredited by 2019, under an ambitious plan approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Four years ago, less than a third of young people in Hawaii between ages 18 and 29 voted, the lowest youth turnout in the nation. But grassroots organizations in Hawaii want 2012 to be different. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s State Environmental Council has come up with a draft of revised rules for the state’s environmental review process and is asking the public to submit comment on the new rules. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for September 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

Pro-rail group's poll claims mayor race is close. KHON2.

A Wahiawa senior center already under federal investigation may have received illegal kickbacks from a construction company, according to documents obtained by Civil Beat.

Employers turned out in force at Tuesday's job fair at the Neal Blaisdell Center, anxious to fill a growing list of openings. Star-Advertiser.

The Public Land Development Corporation could help resolve the longstanding morass over what to do with the Waikiki Natatorium. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said on Tuesday that it will now be faster and simpler for many residential and some small commercial customers to get approval for photovoltaic installations without worrying about the need for a costly interconnection study. Pacific Business News.

A Honolulu City Council Committee considered a measure yesterday to implement a “no kill” policy for unwanted animals at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Hawaii Public Radio.

A strange sighting in waters off Windward Oahu prompted the first real test for Hawaii's tsunami debris response team. Hawaii News Now.

More than 20 native plants and insects on Oahu have been added to the list of federal endangered and threatened species, joining 437 threatened and endangered species already designated in Hawaii — the highest number of any state in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police major facing federal extortion charges is asking that his GPS monitoring device be removed from his ankle for medical reasons. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The state Senate and House candidates at Tuesday’s forum may differ on how to reinvigorate the Big Island’s economy and what the top priorities should be during this legislative session. However, they all agree that no matter who wins, something must be done immediately to lower electricity costs. West Hawaii Today.

While U.S. Senate Candidate Linda Lingle has been busy campaigning and fundraising around the state, a hungry thief broke into her Hilo campaign headquarters. Hawaii Reporter.

Big Island residents should soon find it easier to install solar panels. Tribune-Herald.

The County council Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee advanced a bill banning night drilling at Puna Geothermal Venture. Stephens Media.

The federal prosecutor filed court papers Monday charging Hawaii island rancher Daniel R. Rocha with providing the 14 mouflon rams that went by helicopter to a ranch on Maui in December 2009. Star-Advertiser.

Despite their different backgrounds, and competing campaigns, Oliver “Sonny” Shimaoka and Margaret Wille may have more in common than they think. Tribune-Herald.

State elections, meeting raises new charges, challenges. KITV4.

Maui

Maui County's Department of Water Supply announced Tuesday that it had found added water capacity in Upcountry that can be used to eliminate the area's longstanding list for new water meters that dates back to 1994. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Water Supply today presented a plan to resolve the Upcountry Water Meter Priority List within the next two to three years. Maui Now.

Maui's newest 2nd Circuit Court judge was described by a handful of speakers as fair, honest, jovial, pragmatic and a man of integrity. Maui News.

"Superloads" of wind turbine components began making their way Tuesday evening from a staging area near Kahului Airport to a wind farm site on Ulupalakua Ranch land.Maui News.

Kauai

One of the most significant developments proposed in Hanalei Bay since the building of the Princeville Hotel (now the St. Regis Resort), is meeting staunch opposition from a rapidly growing group of people, despite attempts from developers to assure that they are doing the right thing. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department worked with officials from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to remove an illegal camp site in Hanapepe and its resident on Thursday. Garden Island.

For just a few minutes Tuesday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. experienced the meaning of his office. Garden Island.

Hawaii can regulate beach weddings; Native Hawaiian tax breaks, incarceration at issue; big bucks budgets pass Honolulu, Maui councils; Hawaii council challenges aerial hunting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii can regulate weddings on public beaches without violating people’s right to marry, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday. Associated Press.

The state of Hawaii has the right to require a permit for commercial weddings on the state’s beaches, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Hawaii's right to regulate commercial weddings on public beaches. KITV4.

News agencies are reporting that the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday upheld the State of Hawaii’s right to regulate commercial weddings on public beaches. Maui Now.

The Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force is gathering information on why Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented among the state’s prison population. Associated Press.

In direct response to concerns about the disproportionate number of Native Hawaiians who are in prison in Hawai’i and the U.S. mainland, members of a newly-created task force are using their collective reach and access to engage policymakers in the issue, build public awareness and identify and support comprehensive solutions. Garden Island.

Final Brief In Case Challenging Hawaiian Homes Property Tax Exemption As Racial Discrimination: SG's Assertion That HAWSCT Decision Was One Of State Law "Dead Wrong." Hawaii Reporter.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, candidate for U.S. Senate is about to get her own cable television channel. KHON2.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii appears poised to take legal action as early as this week to stop Laura Thielen from running for the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Centuries ago Hawaiians used knowledge of the stars and planets to guide their daily lives. King Kala--kaua’s Interest in astronomy helped scientists around the world measure our solar system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu resident Jim Nabors, best known for his 1960s television role as Gomer Pyle, was among the first patients in Hawaii to get a heart valve replacement using a new procedure that avoids the stress of open-heart surgery. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for June 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 on Wednesday to approve a $1.96 billion operating budget and $588.7 million capital improvements budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The message from Wednesday's marathon Honolulu City Council hearing was clear: this nine-member body is decidedly pro-rail. KITV4

The Honolulu City Council wasted little time passing the $620-million Capital Budget bill Wednesday. The biggest dollar signs went toward improving Honolulu roadways.KHON2.

Honolulu City Council member Romy Cachola is questioning whether a public relations consultant hired by a city contractor to promote Honolulu rail inappropriately used public money to lobby him to support the controversial $5.2 billion project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Chair Accuses Mayor of 'Quid Pro Quo' Politics on Sewage Project. Civil Beat.

A state agency is moving closer to privatizing a $22 million renovation and expansion of Kewalo Basin to better serve commercial and recreational boaters. Civil Beat.

The general manager of Turtle Bay Resort has been appointed to the Oahu Burial Council, making it possible for the committee to meet for the first time after a five-month hiatus. Civil Beat.

About 150 opponents of a plan to expand Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore demonstrated at Honolulu Hale Wednesday in an effort to raise public awareness and urge the City Council to reconsider decades-old approvals for the estimated $1.2 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

The man challenging Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro in November's election said there's been a "mass exodus" of lawyers from the office since Kaneshiro took over about 18 months ago. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit will have the ability to tap up to $450 million via low-interest city loans under a bill passed by the City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Incoming University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple, who's already being paid more than the UH president, will also receive car and relocation allowances, according to Apple's employment agreement. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong found plenty of support Wednesday for two bills challenging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources by taking up the cause of island hunters. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council moved one step closer toward asking voters whether they support the creation of a Game Management Advisory Commission. They also approved a bill to ban the practice of eradication by aerial shooting in the county. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council passed two geothermal bills through their first reading Wednesday evening, clearing the way for final approval at a later meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Kahili ginger, a beautiful and fragrant, but prolific ornamental species, has taken root atop Kohala Mountain, slowly destroying the area’s native Hawaiian forest that many rare flora and fauna not only call home, but also require for survival. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council this morning unanimously passed on second and final reading a $549.9 million spending plan for fiscal 2013, which includes property tax hikes and water rate and bus fare increases. Maui News.

Longtime County Council Member Joe Pontanilla will challenge attorney and incumbent Gil Keith-Agaran for the Central Maui state House seat in the Primary Election. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee Tuesday reversed itself and decided to add 390 acres near the Makena Resort's golf course to future growth boundaries for South Maui. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Environmental Management will begin work on a second sewer line replacement project in West Maui this month. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County Council members have been pressing the administration for years to step up recycling efforts on the island as the Kekaha Landfill nears capacity. Garden Island

Molokai

Molokai’s ocean resources are fragile, and many say they’re rapidly disappearing. Molokai Dispatch.

All eyes on APEC, federal agent charged in Waikiki murder, Hawaiians take over Iolani Palace, Maui seeks booze ban at parks, Hawaii hunters want more room to roam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii seen from International
Space Station NASA courtesy photo

The International Space Station will sail over Honolulu just after sunset Monday. Star-Advertiser.

When dignitaries presented Gov. John Burns in 1970 with their report on what Hawaii might look like in the future, the concept of the islands as the "Geneva of the Pacific" was already cliché, "a theme that appears again and again in the rhetoric of modern Hawaii." Star-Advertiser.

The roughly 20,000 people visiting Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum this week bring with them some pain, in the form of restricted access to roads, parks, beaches, the ocean and airspace. But the event also will be a source of financial gain for many local residents and businesses. Star-Advertiser.

As “APEC Week” opens today in Honolulu, here are several perspectives on what you might look for as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation convention unfolds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii taxpayers foot the bill: Is APEC business our business? Hawaii Independent.

The leaders of the 21 APEC economies will gather in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu beat other cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to host the APEC leaders meeting. Hawaii News Now.

People claiming to be fighting for the sovereignty of Hawaii locked themselves inside the Iolani Palace grounds on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case played up his role as an outsider and said he wants to be "the candidate for change" in what's shaping up to be a competitive race to fill outgoing Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka's seat in Washington. Maui News.

University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization: Hawaii's Economy in Pause Mode. Hawaii Reporter.

Some 4,000 elevators in Hawaii are overdue for safety inspections and to clear the backlog, the state must double the number of inspectors now on staff, lawmakers heard last week. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Before he was killed, Kollin K. Elderts was at a nightclub where he got into an altercation with the federal agent who later followed Elderts to a Waikiki McDonald's and allegedly shot him, the attorney for the victim's family said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

The family of a man shot to death in a Waikiki McDonald's early Saturday morning has hired an attorney. Civil Beat.

A federal special agent was charged Sunday night with second degree murder for Saturday's deadly shooting in at McDonald's. KHON2.

Eight Occupy Honolulu protesters were released from police custody Sunday after being arrested Saturday night while trying to establish an encampment at Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

A steady stream of vehicles filed out of Ala Moana Beach Park Sunday evening.KITV4.

After years of hosting landfills and power plants and not receiving a fair share of infrastructure expenditures, it's time for a drastic step in Leeward Oahu. Civil Beat.

It looks like Waikiki’s International Market Place will be going upscale with a three-level open air retail center. Pacific Business News.

The Nimitz Highway beautification project is complete and the busy corridor is ready for thousands of APEC visitors who are scheduled to arrive this week. KITV4.

Waikiki tourists unaware of Hawaii hosting APEC this week. KHON2.

Hawaii

Regardless of voters' preference, the County Council's makeup will change when a new term starts next December. Tribune-Herald.

As Oahu prepares to host a meeting of business and government leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, Hawaii Island hopes to snag some of the world spotlight for itself. Tribune-Herald.

Designed to protect against flooding that has been threatening the Big Island, Hawaii County's dry wells and drainage culverts haven't been cleaned since June. Tribune-Herald.

At the picturesque Ueshima Coffee Co. estate in Holualoa, numerous coffee trees had delicate ripening cherries, perfect for the annual UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Picking Contest Sunday morning. West Hawaii Today.

North Hawaii's hunters had a message for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Saturday: Open up more land for hunting and stop fencing off areas for feral animal eradication. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii residents on Saturday turned out in full force to let the state Department of Land and Natural Resources know where it has faltered over the years and how it can improve. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Don Couch is proposing legislation that would ban drinking in several popular South Maui parks. Maui News.

The county could save more than half a million dollars a year if it eliminated, combined or refocused some of its 37 boards and commissions, according to the Cost of Government Commission. Maui News.

By spring, Fido and Spot will have a county park of their own to romp in, a long-desired goal of Fido's and Spot's owners. Maui News.

Kauai

Members of the Reinstated Hawaiian Government re-elected Henry Noa to another term as prime minister Saturday. Garden Island.

The county Department of Water initiated repairs on a water tank serving Wainiha and Ha‘ena Sunday, but officials said the pump is still not working at full capacity. Garden Island.

Free medical care is coming to Kaua‘i from late February through early March, said Col. Jerry Arends, director of the Innovative Readiness Training Medical Deployments. Garden Island.

Abercrombie battles low ratings, Perry stirs Birther issue, Solomon chided for grading historic site, Inouye victim of ID theft, Native Hawaiian recognition in appropriations bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Okinawa courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday accepted blame for his administration's missteps and said he would use his low job approval rating as a spur to regain the public's confidence. Star-Advertiser.

In a press conference Monday ostensibly about a recent trip to Asia but really about his difficult first 10 months in office, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie acknowledged that the actions of his administration have not been wildly popular. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that he could benefit from explaining issues to the public more clearly, but he otherwise plans to keep his administration on its current track, even after several aides resigned in rapid succession and a recent public opinion poll gave him low ratings. Associated Press.

Governor Abercrombie said he will not change his administration's direction despite the results from a poll indicating that he is the most unpopular governor in America. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he doesn't take personally recent job approval ratings that make him the least popular governor in the nation, but he expressed regret Monday for not explaining issues to the public more clearly. KITV4

Governor Abercrombie says he will not change his direction after a recent poll suggested he was the least popular governor in the country. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie met with reporters today to recount his success stories from his travels in Beijing, Okinawa and Tokyo over the past two weeks. Hawaii Reporter.

The Governor briefed the media today on what he called was a successful two-week trip to Asia to boost tourism and business. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … the state’s chief executive also addressed his 30 percent approval rating which is the lowest in the nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resuscitating an issue that flared earlier this year, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said in a new interview that he isn’t sure that President Barack Obama’s birth certificate is real. Washington Post.

A new and controversial agency tasked with developing state lands through public-private partnerships will not be grinding to a halt as some state officials had cautioned. Civil Beat.

On October 14, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee released a proposed draft of its Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which includes legislation to recognize Native Hawaiians as a federal Indian Tribe. Hawaii Reporter.

A Georgia woman was in court Monday for allegedly stealing Senator Daniel Inouye's credit card information. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

After Monday's cleanup of a homeless encampment along Beretania Street, homeless advocates and government officials are now targeting six to 10 other encampments across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

As the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) approaches, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation (ACLU) has announced the release of its “First Amendment Toolkit” and a “Know Your Rights” telephone line, 808-522-5906. Hawaii Independent.

A growing group of like-minded citizens called Occupy Honolulu, in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, considers itself a leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders, and political persuasions. And they’ve got a lot on their mind. Hawaii Independent.

As many as 50 homeowners on Oahu seeking building permits have been told by the Board of Water Supply that they can't proceed until they install a fire prevention sprinkler system because their homes are too far from the nearest fire hydrant or the water flow from a hydrant is too low. Star-Advertiser.

A developer has refined plans to develop the former Kam Drive-In theater property next to Pearlridge Center in response to community feedback, though some area residents still feel the project, with three residential towers, is too much. Star-Advertiser.

Robertson Properties Group unveiled its revised plans Monday for the former Kamehameha Drive-in property in Aiea. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A state senator goes before the Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday, following complaints that she damaged archaeological sites on her land and state property. West Hawaii Today.

Monday afternoon marked the blessing that begins the final portion of the Saddle Road realignment project. West Hawaii Today.

The state is moving ahead with plans to reopen Kulani Correctional Facility and relocate the Hawaii National Guard's program for troubled youths closer to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong wants to give local construction firms a boost while fixing dilapidated Parks and Recreation structures. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of a Big Island zipline attraction that was the scene of a fatal accident last month has suspended all future operations. KHON2.

Maui

Job creation, sustainability and the protection of social services were among the hot topic issues Maui residents brought up with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono as the congresswoman held "coffee talk" sessions on Maui on Saturday. Maui News.

Ninety-year-old Mary Nicolas can no longer maintain her yard and clean up the rubbish that she says comes from two trees in a next-door county park in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

State election officials should not have allowed a Republican candidate to run in the 2010 election for a Kauai seat in the state House, the state appeals court ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals on Monday overturned a Fifth Circuit Court ruling last year that dismissed a complaint against a Republican Party candidate who filed at the last minute to run in the 14th District state House race against Democrat Mina Morita. Garden Island.

The county will hold six community meetings next month as part of an ongoing planning process to update its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Garden Island.

New public face for Abercrombie Administration, public land board stumbles, more Hawaii kids hungry, and news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Overlook (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A new state agency tasked with developing public lands could be in trouble because the state may not have the authority to legally transfer the land to the Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

James Boersema, an experienced public relations strategist with ties to business and labor interests, will take over today as Gov. Neil Abercrombie's new communications director. Star-Advertiser.

Jim Boersema

Jim Boersema has accepted the offer to be the governor's new communications director. KHON2.

It was a dark week for the "New Day" administration of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, as a fourth top level staffer submitted her walking papers Friday. Hawaii Reporter.

In politics, transformations and metamorphoses will carry you only so far. Eventually you either stand and deliver or leave. Star-Advertiser.

New staffer joins Abercrombie team as another aide resigns. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, Communications director Josh Levinson informed his colleagues of his intent to resign .. then that night... Deputy Communications director Laurie Au did the same. KHON2.

Like GOP, Hawaii Democrats Also In Debt. Civil Beat.

Over the last five years, the ranks of Hawaii public school children eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch — a key indicator of poverty — have swelled by 35 percent to 90,660, in a trend that's causing increasing concern for advocates and school administrators. Star-Advertiser.

The 3 R's used to mean Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. But now the 3 R's have a completely new meaning at Hawaii schools. KITV4.

The Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations projects that the state will see a 3.6 percent increase in jobs over two years — from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012, according to its most recent employment forecast report. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In First Year, Carlisle Was Honolulu's Global Mayor. Civil Beat.

Twenty one economies touched by the Pacific Ocean will send representatives to Honolulu for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials have announced the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed for two extra days next week while workers stabilize several rock faces that pose what is termed an imminent danger. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Water Board has opened its search for a new head of the Department of Water Supply and is accepting applications now online. Tribune-Herald.

When the Hawaii Wildlife Center opens next month, it will be the first state-of-the-art response facility exclusively for native wildlife in the Pacific Islands. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave initial approval Friday to an update of the Lanai Water Use and Development Plan. Maui News.

Hospice Maui plans end-of-life care facility. Maui News.

Kauai

Memories of a bustling Lihue Sugar Mill filled William Farias' head during a recent blessing at the site as contractors prepared the structures for demolition. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Reclaiming Hawaiian Lands. Molokai Dispatch.