Trump administration sued over coral decline, Tulsi Gabbard threatens debate boycott, calls DNC primary 'rigged,' Oahu landfill approved, Maui bus hub running late, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Trump Sued For Failing To Protect Hawaii’s Cauliflower Coral. A “marine heat wave” is blamed for a 36% decline of the species. Civil Beat.

Trump administration sued over Hawaii’s cauliflower coral. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration Thursday for failing to protect cauliflower coral around the Hawaiian Islands, the nonprofit group said in a news release. West Hawaii Today.

The Trump administration caught another lawsuit as a strong marine heat wave is starting to impact Hawaii’s coral reefs, including reports of coral bleaching on Kauai. Garden Island.

Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Protect Hawai‘i Cauliflower Coral. Maui Now.

=====

Tulsi Gabbard says process is ‘rigged,’ threatens to boycott presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she may boycott next week’s Democratic presidential debate telling supporters in a videotaped message Thursday that the Democratic National Committee and corporate media “are rigging the election.” Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Threatens To Boycott Presidential Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman, who says the current political system is “rigged,” will make her decision in the coming days. Civil Beat.

Gabbard threatens to boycott the debate she worked hard to get into. Claiming a “rigged” primary process, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she’s seriously considering boycotting the next Democratic presidential debate. Hawaii News Now.

Long-Shot 2020 Candidate Gabbard May Skip Democratic Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman complained in a Twitter message on Thursday about the Democratic National Committee's use of polling to determine debate participants and said the debates are "meant to entertain, not inform or enlighten." Associated Press.

=====

State lawmakers set vaping-awareness meeting. The state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce and the state Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health Committee will hold an informational briefing on the youth vaping epidemic at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in room 309 at the State Capitol. Garden Island.

=====

Ige Appoints Hara To Be Hawaii Adjutant General. He is to replace Maj. Gen. Arthur “Joe” Logan, who is retiring. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara to be the adjutant general for the state of Hawaii Department of Defense. Civil Beat.

Brig. Gen. Hara Appointed Adjutant General For Hawaiʻi. The man who served as the Dual Status Commander of Joint Task Force 5-0 during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano will now be the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense. Big Island Video News.

Newly appointed state adjutant general to step into role in December. Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara is slated to serve as the state’s adjutant general, overseeing the Hawaii Department of Defense, effective Dec. 6. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Union alleges private security firm owes airport workers nearly $1M. Hundreds of private security and traffic control officers at Honolulu’s five major airports are seeking nearly $1 million in back raises from private firm Securitas. Hawaii News Now.

Labor union seeks $1M in back pay. A labor union representing over 1,000 airport security officers in Hawaii is asking a federal judge to force a company to pay $1 million in back pay to hundreds of employees. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Gas Prices Inch Down. Gas prices in many areas inched downward in the last week, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.67 a gallon, which is one cent lower than last Thursday, one cent higher than a month ago and 19 cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to GasPrices.AAA.com. Maui Now.

Oahu

Land Use Commission grants OK for landfill to continue. The city will need to close the contentious Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill at Kahe Point by March 2, 2028, under a permit granted by the state Land Use Commission Thursday by a 6-2 vote. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Would Close By 2028 Under New Land Use Permit. The state Land Use Commission gave the city until then to find a new site for a landfill, which has been an issue on Oahu’s Leeward Coast for decades. Civil Beat.

=====

Long-awaited Ala Wai canal dredging gets underway this month. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is starting a $21 million-plus Ala Wai dredging project this month — good news for those who have been waiting nearly two decades to get relief from the buildup of sludge, sediment and debris in the man-made canal. Star-Advertiser.

$21 Million Dredging, Improvement Work Set For Ala Wai. The project, the first dredging of the canal since 2002, will last a year. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai Canal dredging and improvement project expected to begin in late October. KITV.

A project designed to protect parts of urban Honolulu from climate-related flooding has sparked community disagreement. The Ala Wai Flood Control Project has been heralded by elected officials at all levels of government as a way to protect some of Hawaii’s most valuable real estate from a devastating flood. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Honolulu Airport Parking Reaching Capacity And Electric Vehicles Are A Big Reason. The Hawaii Department of Transportation on Thursday urged travelers going to the Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu Airport to leave their cars at home and have someone drop them off as the parking structures are reaching capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyrocketing electric bills have Ewa residents demanding audit. Several Kapilina Beach Homes residents voiced their concerns of surging electric bills to the Ewa Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

How Honolulu’s Japanese, Spurned At The Library, Made Their Own Bookstore Culture. When Honolulu’s library first opened, it ignored the needs of Japanese readers. In response, Japanese shop owners stepped up to provide books. Civil Beat.

City council suggests residents get Real ID sooner rather than later. Honolulu city councilmember Ron Menor introduced a new resolution on Wednesday, urging the public to get the star marking on their ID’s sooner rather than later. KHON2.

18-year-old named youngest Honolulu City Council neighborhood board member. City Councilmember Tommy Waters says she represents a new generation of young adults hoping to shape the future. KITV.

=====

Ron’s Performance Center closing after 52 years. Ron’s Performance Center, a retailer that has sold and installed custom auto parts and accessories for 52 years, is closing Oct. 31. Star-Advertiser.

After 50 years, Hawaii’s largest performance parts warehouse calls it quits. The owners of the Sand Island auto parts store say business has been declining ever since the closure of the race track in 2006. Hawaii News Now.

Ron’s Performance Center to close after 52 years. The long-time family business has been a staple in the car community for decades. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Three Ka‘u locations recommended for conservation funding. Three properties in the Ka‘u District of Hawaii Island are among five the Legacy Land Conservation Commission identified as its top priorities for acquisition with the purpose of preservation for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Lands Recommended For Legacy Land Conservation Grants. Three properties in Kaʻu have been identified by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as priories for protection. Big Island Video News.

=====

Hawaii County police issue 4,632 tickets in areas around the TMT protests. Hawaii County police officers deployed in the area around the Mauna Kea protest camp have issued 4,632 citations during a stepped-up enforcement program on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway during the past eight weeks, police announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Police: 4,632 citations issued, 46 arrested amid stepped-up traffic enforcement near Maunakea Access Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New bus hub won’t be done by lease end. County officials in talks with shopping center about 1-year extension. Maui News.

September Maui home sales mixed. Maui single-family home sales soared 47.5% in September but the overall housing market was mixed, according to data released Thursday by the Realtors Association of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Westside farmers market accepts EBT. You can now use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) cards for local produce at the Westside Hale Puna farmers market. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie's State of the State: Raise the minimum wage to $8.75, pay down unfunded liabilities, pensions. That and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie 2013 State of the State address

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday condemned the "virus of absolutism" that he said infects politics, and appealed to state lawmakers to set strident voices aside and take action on early childhood education, renewable energy, economic diversification and the state's debt. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's third State of the State address was, as many such addresses are in Hawaii, all about the five E's: energy, education, employees, the economy and the environment. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday used his state-of-the-state speech to outline some of the economic initiatives he’s pushing this legislative session, among them a $1.50-per-hour increase to Hawaii’s minimum wage starting next year. Pacific Business News.

If Hawaii’s Governor Neil Abercrombie gets his way, the state would add about $1 billion in new and reclaimed programs and personnel in 2014 and 2015. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today unveiled a plan to spend $100 million dollars next year to pay down future obligations to state workers and retirees. Hawaii News Now.

Unfunded liabilities took center stage this morning as Gov. Neil Abercrombie gave his third State of the State address. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says the state budget is his top priority for this coming year, in addition to energy and education. Associated Press.

The state’s Chief Executive delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature today.   As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … the Governor is proposing a long list of initiatives but provided little in terms of how to pay for them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, during his State at the State address Tuesday, highlighted the state’s better financial position and many private and public initiatives, while criticizing the opposition to the Public Lands Development Corporation’s lack of aloha. Garden Island.

The verbatim text of the Governor’s 2013 State of the State Address. Hawaii Independent.

An increase in the minimum wage in Hawaii to $8.75 an hour from $7.25 would be the first since 2006 when it rose by 50 cents. In his State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he will propose a bill to increase the wage starting in January 2014. Star-Advertiser.

One of the future plans Governor Abercrombie outlined in his State of the State address this morning is a proposal to increase minimum wage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's minimum wage has not gone up in more than six years. Gov. Abercrombie wants to change that. It was just one of the plans he outlined Tuesday morning in his State of the State address. KHON2.

Hawaii led the nation four decades ago when it became one of the first states to pass a lobbying law and create an Ethics Commission to administer it. But the law has been stuck in time. Efforts to substantially update it or strengthen it have failed year after year. Civil Beat.

A proposed bill that would make helmets mandatory for kids and limit liability in skateboard parks has quickly moved through the Legislature, passing first reading Friday and referred to three committees Tuesday. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says her new post as a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee will help raise Hawaii's profile on the national political landscape. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii auto sales rose last year by the highest margin on record as the industry recovered from the economic downturn that drove it to hit bottom in 2009. Star-Advertiser.

As an elected official, Rep. Karen Awana knows the rules. Why she's choosing not to play by them is another question. Civil Beat.

Oahu

There were 57 “move over” traffic citations issued against motorists during the first four months a new law was in effect — August through November, the Honolulu Police Department said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

It’s been a year and a half since state regulators ordered Hawaiian Electric Co. to issue a request for proposals for major energy projects that would deliver power to Oahu. Civil Beat.

An oft-repeated message employers delivered to people looking for work Tuesday at a Job Quest fair at Blaisdell Center was to "improve your skill set." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has committed $3.5 million for an agricultural park in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced in his State of the State speech that he wants to re-open the Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island by July 1, 2014. Residents had a chance to offer their opinions on Tuesday night at a public meeting in Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

Queries about establishing a pu`uhonua, or place of refuge, were among the topics discussed today during the first of two public meetings being held on the proposed reopening of the Kulani Correctional Facility. Big Island Now.

Maui

During calendar year 2012 the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development issued more than $5.1 million dollars in grant monies to various local organizations. Hawaii Reporter.

Mauians attending the second inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday endured the chill of winter, to which they are unaccustomed, but were warmed by the words of the American president born in the islands. Maui News.

A time capsule dating back more than 50 years was discovered this morning in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Army is asking the public to comment on its plans to study marine life near Makua Valley where commanders want to resume live-fire training. Garden Island.

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

Tulsi Gabbard addresses DNC convention, courtesy photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for Sept. 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Hawaii hearts Obama, Gabbard to speak at DNC today, Oracle's Ellison foresees new yacht harbor for Lanai, worst students improve, Ritz-Carlton struggles on Maui, book highlights Mormons in Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2008 DNC convention scene (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Although President Barack Obama faces a tough re-election, nothing has dulled his popularity in his native state, says former Hawaii County Mayor Dante Carpenter. Stephens Media.

Tulsi Gabbard will speak at DNC 2012. KITV4.

Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard is among the speakers at the convention which starts tomorrow. KHON2.

Hawaii hotels set a statewide record for July monthly room revenue as the surging visitor industry remained on pace to establish full-year highs for both arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Mormons: 'Chosen People, Promised Land' Civil Beat.

The percentage of Hawaii students "well below" proficiency in reading and math fell in the 2011-12 school year in all tested grade levels, proof that schools are making gains in helping students who are struggling the most academically, school administrators said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's 2012 election is about a lot of things: about how many Democrats will control the Hawaii Legislature, whether Republicans can pick up any seats, whether there will be enough dissidents to overthrow the House speaker, whether the Big Island will stick with its current mayor or go back to its former one. But on Oahu, it's mostly about one issue: rail. Civil Beat.

School Bus Transportation Services Audit Blasts Hawaii Department of Education. Hawaii Reporter.

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of Hawaii people spoke out against the Public Land Development Corporation (and a handful spoke in favor). Hawaii Independent.

DOH: Most local produce vendors not under permit, inspection program. KITV4.

State roundup for Sept. 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

From the minute boater Ed Meixsell drove in to Heeia Kea Boat Harbor Sunday morning, he knew it wasn't going to be a typical three-day weekend at the former party spot known as the Kaneohe sandbar. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic fatalities are on the rise on Oahu and three-fourths of the deaths involved a victim who was either on a motorcycle or mo-ped, or was walking. Star-Advertiser.

More elderly pedestrians are killed in Hawaii than anyplace else in the country. Now, several efforts are coming together to try to make the streets safer for all pedestrians — no matter their age. Civil Beat.

A downtown Honolulu office building affectionately known as the “Pimple Building” is about to get a new life as a dormitory for students from Hawaii Pacific University. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii County spent $8.8 million in overtime in the fiscal year that ended June 30, an average of $2,959 extra for each of the 2,976 positions in county departments under Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration. West Hawaii Today.

Should a proposed electricity rate increase of 4.2 percent in 2013 be approved by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, Big Island low-income families will be among those hardest hit by higher power bills. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island voters will have more decisions to make at the ballot box this November than just for whom to vote. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has tossed an election challenge filed by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka’s granddaughter. Civil Beat.

Group wants to put telescope on moon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay - touted as "destined to become Maui's most cherished luxury homes" when it opened in 2009 - is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by homeowners who allege the developer and management company have "allowed the project to fall into disarray." Maui News.

The Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula is under assault - like most Upcountry agricultural operations - because of unyielding and costly drought conditions for the past several years, the dairy owner said. Maui News.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the nonprofit Pacific Islands Fisheries Group will join up to speak with Maui bottom fish fishermen about research activities Wednesday at Maui Waena Intermediate School. Maui News.

Kauai

A unit of the U.S. Strategic Command is conducting classified Global Positioning System tests in waters off Kauai that could disrupt civilian GPS systems on land and sea. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawai‘i economists were optimistic for Kaua‘i’s slow but steady growth, and see recovery in most sectors with more immediate progress in tourism. Garden Island.

Stuart, Jillian and Ava Collison of Perth, Australia, never fully understood the depth of breakfast until they visited the annual Labor Day Breakfast Monday at Lihu‘e United Church. Garden Island.

Lanai

Is Larry Ellison planning a new yacht harbor for Hawaiian island of Lanai? Pacific Business News.


Molokai

“It is dangerous to put public lands in private hands,” said Molokai resident Kauhane Adams. Yet it seems that this is exactly what legislature created the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) to do when they passed senate bill Act 55 in 2011 that established the corporation. Molokai Dispatch.

Grover Cleveland's grandson honors Queen Liliuokalani's birthday, rail stoppage to cost another $7.2M, Hawaii residents get speaking parts in national conventions, Hawaii delegation heading to Korea to promote conservation sessions, Oahu farmworkers may get shipping container homes, Hawaii County seeks lower electric rates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

In honor of Queen Liliuokalani's Sept. 2 birthday and the 150th anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, President Grover Cleveland's grandson is coming to town. Star-Advertiser.

Queen Liliuokalani considered him a friend -- U.S. President Grover Cleveland. On Thursday, Cleveland's grandson visited the final resting place of the Queen. KITV4.

A Hawaii committee seeking to host a large international nature conservation gathering in 2016 will spend about $220,000 of private and public funds to market the state at this year's event in South Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Media outlets and First Amendment advocates are already gearing up for a fight next legislative session over a state law that protects journalists from being forced to reveal sources and turn over notes. Civil Beat.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) has posted a draft copy of the October 2012 to October 2017 State Historic Preservation Plan on www.historichawaiipreservation.com  to provide opportunity for public review and input. Hawaii Reporter.

Where were state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and the Public Land Development Corporation’s board members Wednesday night? More than 100 angry Oahu residents showed up at a downtown Honolulu meeting room to testify on proposed rules to govern the agency — rules that the board members are responsible for approving. Civil Beat.

Researchers at the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) made a discovery that challenges a major theory in the field of coral reef ecology. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. House candidate Tulsi Gabbard plans to speak at the Democratic National Convention next week. Associated Press.

Hawaii got a moment in the spotlight at the Republican National Convention on Thursday when a military veteran from Hilo led the audience of thousands in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stephens Media.

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono is back in the political TV ad game. Civil Beat.

First Circuit Judge Steven Alm launched HOPE three years after joining the bench in 2004. Since that time, the program has received international recognition, a made-in-Hawaii model for reducing recidivism and crime. Civil Beat.

As part of the largest multi-state settlement with a pharmaceutical company, the Office of Consumer Protection says Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will pay Hawaii nearly $2.7 million in settlement claims. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation approved a rail project delay claim worth $7.2 million Thursday in a development that underscores the potential for costly new change orders now that rail construction has been shut down by a lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board members voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $7.2 million change order for Kiewit Building Group Inc. for delays in giving the contractor a notice to proceed for design and construction of the city’s $5.16 billion rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

If Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials know how much a six-month delay in construction on the $5.26 billion rail project costs they’re not saying. Civil Beat.

A former state representative and the son of another former lawmaker are among those who have joined the ranks of candidates for the City Council's District 6 open seat. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee approved a pilot program today to provide low cost housing out of shipping containers for farm workers in West O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some students at the new UH West Oahu campus are being left in the dark. The bus runs past the campus 24-7 but after 5:30 it no longer stops. KHON2.

Members of the City Council's Transportation Committee joined Handi-Van riders on Thursday in criticizing the way the transit service for people with disabilities has operated in recent years, and warned that the situation will only worsen with the recent cuts to TheBus. Star-Advertiser.

City of Honolulu joins state in regulating roadside memorials. KITV4.

The state Supreme Court dismissed Tuesday a primary election challenge filed by a losing candidate for City Council, saying the complaint lacked specific evidence to back its claims. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

County Councilman J Yoshimoto wants Hawaii Electric Light Co. to more aggressively renegotiate its power purchase agreements in order to lower rates to electric customers by delinking costs of alternative energy from the price of fossil fuel. West Hawaii Today.

A national grocer said it has changed its label on packages of Kona coffee blends, making good on a promise it made last year to a group of Hawaii coffee farmers. Associated Press.

Three members of the Hawaii County Police Department's Special Response Team received the Silver Medal of Valor on Thursday for building a protective wall around a grenade in February and preventing a shutdown of Hilo's main power plant that would have resulted in rolling blackouts over Super Bowl weekend. Star-Advertiser.

The events leading to the Lai Opua Blitz Build have left Aloha Kekauoha “speechless, forever thankful and in awe of everything.” West Hawaii Today.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi will meet next week with suspended Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto about restoring her to her job, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui County Council's Planning Committee unanimously recommended passage Tuesday of a revised bill detailing the implementation of the county's General Plan. Maui News.

More than 400 supporters and well-wishers gathered at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort to celebrate the career and accomplishments of US Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Maui Now.

Legal notices published Wednesday in The Maui News and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser listing people, churches, and commercial and other entities with claims to kuleana water rights in the Na Wai Eha surface water management area are part of a "historic" effort by the state water commission to recognize those appurtenant rights. Maui News.

The federal contract to run a supercomputer center on Maui that the University of Hawaii lost to a mainland defense contractor could be worth at least $70 million over the next ten years, according to a federal procurement website. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an enforcement action against the owner of the landmark Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar on Kauai, which was featured in the film “The Descendants,” for failing to close three large-capacity cesspools on the property in Hanalei. Pacific Business News.

Kaua‘i County Department of Water convened Tuesday to discuss a board approval to join as a class member in the class action case City of Greenville v. Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc and Syngenta AG. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Water Department can proceed with drilling for an exploratory well and construction of two water tanks to address a water storage problem. Star-Advertiser.

Poet laureate praises Hawaii conservation, PUC gets earful on biofuel surcharge, Honolulu spruces up for APEC, DNC blasts Case for leaking poll results, Maui realtors tangle over sign laws, Hawaii County Building goes 100% solar, Abercrombie visits Hilo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Everywhere Gov. Neil Abercrombie went on his whirlwind tour of Hilo on Tuesday, he received warm smiles, rapturous applause and vigorous handshakes. He also got a little taste of Big Isle stink eye from groups angered by the state's handling of the recently aborted contract negotiations with the public school teachers' union. Tribune-Herald.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has criticized former Congressman Ed Case for publicly releasing a private poll that shows U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a fellow Democrat, trailing former Gov. Linda Lingle in a hypothetical matchup for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Clayton Hee has more money in his political war chest than the mayor of Honolulu and the governor, according to his latest campaign finance report. Civil Beat.

There’s still more than a year before the Aug. 11, 2012, primary election, but politicians are already jockeying for position. Pacific Business News.

The state Senate and state ethics director are in an escalating dispute over whether members of state task forces are restricted from lobbying. Star-Advertiser.

In addition to paying more for their share of health insurance, the rates for public employees will be going up 10 percent. KHON2.

Hawaii is forging ahead with clean energy developments that put the state on the leading edge of the nation’s - and perhaps the world’s - renewable energy efforts, according to Hawaii government officials. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii County officials on Tuesday unveiled the local government's newest electric source -- 1,275 photovoltaic panels that will produce up to 250 kilowatts when they're running at full capacity. West Hawaii Today.

The state Public Utilities Commission got an earful Tuesday when it held a public hearing on an application to spread the cost of a proposed Ka'u biofuel refinery to electricity customers on Oahu and the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

The nation's poet laureate told a meeting of scientists and others involved in protecting Hawaii's natural resources that they're doing work of "desperate importance" as the world's species become extinct at an increasingly rapid rate. Associated Press.

It’s estimated that 80 to 90 percent of our food is imported. This is an alarming rate for our island state because any disruption to food supply lines would leave us with less than a week of food. Hawaii Independent.

The Aloun Farms human trafficking trial is less than two days into testimony and already it looks like the prosecution has dug itself a deep hole. Civil Beat.

Federal designation of new Big Island flood zones could force thousands of landowners to buy flood insurance and meet more-costly construction standards. Tribune-Herald.

Real estate agents on Monday said they understood why the county wanted to keep the public right of way free of signs but questioned why authorities were disposing of "open house" signs that were left up for just a few hours. Maui News.

Forget the red-carpet treatment. A more than $137 million makeover of Oahu's transportation and tourism infrastructure has turned the coming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting into more of a blacktop affair. Star-Advertiser.

A newly completed study estimates the City could save 10 million dollars in five years by merging the Honolulu Fire Department and the City Department of Emergency Services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staff from Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai's north shore are planning to hold an open house next week to answer questions and take comments on ideas for managing the refuge. Associated Press.

Researcher suggests more specific ocean warnings. Hawaii News Now.

Close to 500 people lined Salt Lake Boulevard to wave signs in support of crime prevention programs.KITV4.

Wilcox Elementary now has a new greenhouse, made possible through a $77,945 Youth Advisory Board grant from State Farm Insurance. Garden Island.

The tiny Kalaupapa post office serves as the lifeline to its residents. However, United States Postal Service (USPS) budget deficits and decreased use of “snail mail” around the county have put that lifeline in jeopardy. Molokai Dispatch.