Ige backs teacher pay hikes, Common Cause worried about all-mail voting, Honolulu B&B tax vote coming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige with schoolchildren PC:Governor's Office

Governor, superintendent seek pay raise to attract special ed teachers. The governor and schools superintendent want to raise the pay of special-education classroom teachers by $10,000 a year to attract more qualified educators and combat a severe shortage in the field. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Plan Would Boost Pay For Hard-To-Fill Teaching Positions. The state is hoping to find extra cash to sweeten the pot for teachers who work in remote areas or in areas that are chronically short staffed. Civil Beat.

Governor, DOE Seek Pay Increases To Keep Teachers In Special Ed, Hawaiian Language. In a news release, Ige's office said he is working with the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to implement "bold retention and recruitment strategies" to address the shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor backs pay hikes to recruit, retain teachers. Hawaii’s governor plans to announce support for pay increases to help recruit and retain teachers in special education, rural schools and Hawaiian language immersion, officials said. Associated Press.

Students join chorus of voices calling for higher teacher pay to tackle shortage. There’s a big push for better pay for teachers ― and it’s not just coming from the teachers themselves. Hawaii News Now.

How To Divvy Up Dollars For Special Needs Kids In Hawaii. A new policy for funding special education in Hawaii is touching off some fears it could mean dramatic cuts for some schools and the ability to provide services to disabled students. Civil Beat.

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More than two dozen WWII vets expected for 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. The 78th commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is expected to include more than two dozen World War II veterans with the theme “Glimmers of Victory” that includes the United States fighting back with the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Battle of the Coral Sea and the turning point of Midway. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu summit to address airlines’ impact on climate. Representatives of the major airlines serving Hawaii will join local environmental and transportation industry officials in Honolulu Tuesday for a first-of-its-kind summit to discuss actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Government group raises alarm as state moves to all-mail voting. Common Cause Hawaii is urging election officials to open more than a handful of voter service centers next year to make sure voting numbers aren’t depressed as the state for the first time begins holding all-mail-in elections. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's Housing Shortage Can't Be Solved Until Infrastructure Needs Are Addressed. Hawaii will need an additional 65,000 housing units statewide by 2025. Getting there will require more public infrastructure, like water, sewage, and electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Security Deposits Put Housing Out Of Reach For Some In Hawaii. As housing costs rise, renters have to cut bigger and bigger checks just to get in the door. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii lawmaker says money alone won’t ease the overcrowding in Hawaii jails. Instead of spending more money, a key Hawaii lawmaker want to find ways to keep more people out of jail. Hawaii News Now.

Postal Service Releases Hawaii Specific Holiday Mailing Dates. The U.S. Postal Service is offering shipping tips and mail volume information as the holiday shopping season gets underway. Big Island Video News.

Central Pacific rescuer, ex-CEO retiring from board. Turnaround specialist John Dean, who spearheaded the recapitalization of Central Pacific Bank following the recession and returned the company to profitability, plans to retire from the parent company’s board in the spring. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

B&B tax bill up for final vote. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday is scheduled to take a final vote on a bill establishing how owners of vacation rentals are to be taxed, and three Council members have introduced different floor draft proposals to help ease the burden on those now operating previously permitted “whole home” transient vacation units. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Bill 40, banning disposable plastics, up for final vote Wednesday. Environmental groups and local food manufacturers and restaurants remain at odds over how extensive the ban will be and its impact on small businesses. KITV.

Time running out for those hoping to oust city prosecutor with special election. The December 31 deadline looms for those looking to replace embattled city Prosecutor Attorney Keith Kaneshiro using a special election. Hawaii News Now.

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu is down 10%. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu dropped 10% in November compared to a year ago, according to a new analysis from real estate site Zumper. The site said the average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu last month was $1,600. Hawaii News Now.

Critics still not appeased by state’s proposed changes for Red Hill fuel tanks. With the future of the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility still uncertain, critics on Monday urged the Hawaii Department of Health to dismiss its proposed rule changes for the state's underground storage tanks. Hawaii News Now.

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New health center by Queen’s to offer medical care in Kahala. The new health center is expected to open in the summer of 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s plans to open Kahala urgent care center in summer. The Queen’s Health Systems is opening a health center in Kahala as part of its strategy to increase outpatient services and decrease escalating emergency room visits for non-urgent conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Hospital Struggles In The Wake Of Sexual Misconduct Allegations. The top doctor at Hawaii’s only comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital was fired this year after allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault on hospital premises. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

More federal disaster funds slated for Big Island. Hawaii will receive another $26 million in new federal disaster relief funding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

County ready to prosecute old rape cases. Hawaii Island’s decade-long backlog of rape test kits have all been processed, and now it’s time to move onto the next step — investigating and prosecuting the cases. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Kona emergency shelter project to begin next spring. Hawaii County expects to begin construction this spring on the Kukuiola emergency shelter project. West Hawaii Today.

They’ve Watched Our Climate Changing For Decades From High Atop Mauna Loa. For 60 years, scientists have documented the rising trend of carbon dioxide levels as fossil fuel emissions continue to increase. Civil Beat.

Anna Chiotti named Kona hospital CEO. The HHSC West Hawaii Region Board of Directors selected Anna Chiotti as the CEO of the West Hawaii region, which includes Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tegarden Resigns as Mayor's Chief of Staff. Earlier today, the County of Maui announced that Deidre Tegarden has resigned as chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor, effective Dec. 15. Maui Now.

Talk focuses on ‘The Coral Pledge’. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council invites the public to a free talk at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center to learn about the “The Coral Pledge,” a new initiative to reduce human impacts on Hawaii’s reefs year-round. Maui News.

Kauai

New diesel buses for Kauai fleet. The Kauai Bus is set to receive six new diesel buses thanks to a Federal Transit Administration grant, and while it will serve to refresh the current fleet, it’s not bringing Kauai any closer to a full renewable fleet by 2045. Garden Island.

Federal funds for floods. Kauai will be getting $9 million in federal funding for flood relief. Garden Island.

Hawaii lowest in gun deaths, DOE supervisors fined for ethics violations, Maui council approves property tax reform, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Woman pointing gun

Photo by Andrey Zvyagintsev on Unsplash

Study ranks Hawaii lowest in U.S. for gun deaths and gun-related homicides, according to a new study. Hawaii had the lowest rates of both overall gun deaths and gun-related homicides in the nation during a 10-year period from 2008 to 2017, but that still meant that someone was killed by a gun every eight days across the islands, according to a new study. Star-Advertiser.

Pay by the gallon or mile? State looks at fuel tax alternatives. A state project exploring a replacement for fuel taxes remains on schedule, but some remain skeptical. Tribune-Herald.

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High ranking DOE supervisors fined thousands for ethics violations. The state Ethics Commission has fined three high-ranking supervisors in the Department of Education’s facilities maintenance branch for misusing state employees on private construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

Three DOE Facilities Staff Members Fined By Ethics Commission. A facilities manager was fined for using agency employees to do work on his home and another property. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian community renews push to recognize holiday overshadowed by Thanksgiving. La Ku'oko'a recognizes the day in 1843 on November 28th when the Kingdom of Hawaii's sovereignty was officially recognized internationally by Britain and France. KITV.

Department of Education to offer Hawaiian courses to employees. The state Department of Education plans to offer free Hawaiian language courses to all of its employees, beginning in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Kai Kahele Finds Money, Connections In DC. Now that Tulsi Gabbard has said she won’t seek reelection, the CD2 candidate is finding receptive ears in the nation’s capital. Civil Beat.

Mental Health Services On Hawaii Campuses Lag Far Behind Demand. At UH Manoa, students can wait as long as two months to sit down with a therapist. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Windward Oahu school grapples with an uncertain future. At Keolu Elementary in Kailua, there are 15 students in the entire first grade class. Keolu’s total enrollment is at 115, one of the lowest in the state according to DOE figures. Hawaii News Now.

HART’s Last Original Board Member Hasn’t Left As Planned. Damien Kim announced his departure five months ago, but the City Council can’t find a qualified successor. Civil Beat.

Bikeshare Hawaii sets sights on electric bikes. Bikeshare Hawaii, founder of Honolulu’s first bikeshare system, is looking toward the future with an eye on electric bikes. Star-Advertiser.

‘Makoa,’ a recently weaned monk seal pup, found dead. NOAA officials say a male monk seal pup named Makoa has died. He was found dead on Oahu’s North Shore the morning of Nov. 9. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists investigate the death of a young Hawaiian monk seal. NOAA says the male seal RL-36, also known as Makoa, was found dead on the North Shore of Oahu last weekend. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Draft EIS Proposes 14 Commercial Aquarium Fishing Permits For West Hawaii. Supporters of commercial aquarium fishing have posted a draft environmental impact statement examining the future collection in the West Hawai’i Regional Fishery Management Area. Big Island Video News.

Pharmacy school faculty vote ‘no confidence’. Faculty members in the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy have taken a vote of “no confidence” for Dean Carolyn Ma. Tribune-Herald.

Months after article exposed security woes, KVBID reports improvements. Two months after a news article highlighted frustrations with security issues and businesses downtown, the Kailua Village Business Improvement District offered its status report to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Island Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Home in Kukio sells for $25M, highest price in Hawaii in 2019. A six-bedroom home in the Maniniowali section of the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii Island recently sold for $25 million, the highest price in the state for a single-family home so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Council OKs property tax reform bills. Pointing to an imbalance where longtime Maui residents cannot afford one property while out-of-state buyers scoop up multiple dwellings, the Maui County Council approved a pair of property tax reform bills that will change tax classifications and set the framework for new tiered rates. Maui News.

Airport runway rebuilding to force changes. Part of old Haleakala Highway to close, private plane area will be relocated. Maui News.

Grand Wailea Development Request Strikes Opposition. Native Hawaiian activists are expressing disapproval over proposed development at the Grand Wailea Resort, which they argue would disturb iwi kupuna, or human remains. Maui Now.

More than $1 million in diamonds stolen. $50,000 reward offered in Lahaina Halloween robbery. Maui News.

Maui Hotels, Vacation Rentals Lead State. Hotels and vacation rentals throughout Maui County outperformed others in the state during October, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority announced earlier this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Golden Rule arrives in Nawiliwili on Dec. 1. The small sailboat with a big mission, the Golden Rule, was in Hawaii in the 1950s, and played a pivotal role in ending global atmospheric nuclear testing. Garden Island.

Keaau satellite launch port nixed, homeless diversion program working, state charges Maui jail rioters for damages, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii public school PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Hawaii Schools May Soon Experience A Wave of Retirements. Three of the state’s 15 complex area superintendents are leaving this school year. Many more school officials will soon be eligible to retire. Civil Beat.

One Path To Better Health For Native Hawaiians May Be In Their Backyards. For centuries, native Hawaiians fed themselves by developing sophisticated systems of fishponds and irrigated taro patches. But societal changes disrupted their connection to traditional food sources, leading to high health risks for diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. Hawaii Public Radio.

You Don’t Need To Go Far To Buy E-Cig Devices In Hawaii. Hawaii gas stations and convenience stores are among the largest retailers of electronic smoking device products in Hawaii and there are more vape shops per capita on neighbor islands, according to a Civil Beat analysis. Civil Beat.

Schatz Staffer Tied To Fossil Fuel Investments. Roll Call reported Wednesday that U.S. Sen Brian Schatz, a champion of action on climate change, has a chief of staff whose spouse has “substantial holdings” in fossil fuel companies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Program that has police referring homeless to services sees positive results. An intensive social work program being tested in Chinatown has successfully reduced crime, according to a university study. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless program shows positive results after first year. A new partnership between Hono­lulu law enforcement and outreach workers to encourage homeless people in Chinatown to seek help and housing has dramatically reduced the number of law enforcement encounters, calls for medical treatment and days spent on the street. Star-Advertiser.

LEAD homeless diversion program shows positive results, will expand. The program helped 47 people in its pilot year. KITV.

City sweeps homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. After getting complaint after complaint, the city on Wednesday swept a homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. KITV.

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New Kapiolani high-rise in development. The developers of a planned 43-story residential condominium and hotel high-rise called Sky Ala Moana held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the estimated $510 million project. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking held for transit-oriented condo-hotel near Ala Moana Center.  On Wednesday, dignitaries and developers broke ground on Sky Ala Moana, a condo and hotel on Kapiolani Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Ban on short term vacation rentals leads to influx of long term units for rent. Looking to rent a studio or small condo long term? More of them are available in places like Honolulu and the Windward side likely due to the ban on short term vacation rentals. KHON2.

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‘Shadow Flicker’ And Lost Sleep: Are Kahuku Wind Turbines Too Close To Homes?. Some of those living near the Kahuku wind turbines blame them for an array of health ailments. Civil Beat.

Wind plant opponents take break from protest. Few, if any, demonstrators against the project to install eight 568-foot tall wind turbines in Kahuku on the North Shore made an appearance at Kalaeloa in Kapolei Tuesday night, with opponent leaders saying a much-needed break was taken from gathering every night. Star-Advertiser.

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Construction of Kuhio Beach groin to begin. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday on a 95-foot sandbag groin designed to stabilize an erosion hot spot at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki’s Kuhio Beach fronting the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Star-Advertiser.

Federal team dispatched to Kalihi after toxic dumpsite is partially exposed. A federal emergency response team has been deployed to Kalihi to patch potholes after a toxic dumpsite buried under the road was partially exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shipman pulls out of planned satellite launch facility: ‘This wasn’t the right fit’. A proposed satellite launch facility near Keaau will not go forward after the owner of the potential site pulled out of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Bid protest stalls bus contract. It’s back to the drawing board for the embattled Hele-On bus service, after a bid protest stopped a contract from being awarded to the winning bidder, Roberts Tours and Transportation Inc. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers scramble to contain invasive beetle attacking Big Island crops. Scientists are still working on an official common name for Acalolepta aesthetica, which has been dubbed the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Hawaii News Now.

Advice for Hilo Bay users: ‘If it’s brown, turn around’. Those who frolic in Hilo Bay might want to take note of new research conducted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State charges Maui riot detainees thousands for damages, triggering federal civil rights lawsuit. The state has sanctioned 18 inmates over the Maui jail riot this spring — not with criminal charges yet, but with financial penalties for thousands of dollars each. KHON2.

A lawsuit filed Monday by state Rep. Angus McKelvey, Maui Tomorrow and others seeks to clarify whether Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has the authority to ignore a resolution by the County Council calling for the settlement of the Lahaina injection wells case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Maui News.

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Mahi Pono Hires Tim O’Laughlin as COO. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced the hire of Tim O’Laughlin as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Maui Now.

Calif. water lawyer tapped as Mahi Pono COO. Veteran California water lawyer Tim O’Laughlin was recently named Mahi Pono’s chief operating officer, the Maui company confirmed. Shan Tsutsui remains senior VP of operations. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was released from police custody after posting $10,000 bail Wednesday evening. Garden Island.

DOE fumbles education impact fees, HECO seeks greenhouse gas cap changes, cop pleads guilty for role in forcing man to lick urinal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii school ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit: Over a decade, DOE has collected just $5M in school impact fees. Over a decade ago, the state Education Department was given the authority to set up developer fees in areas where significant residential growth is expected. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety trainer a ‘no show’ at hearing to question her qualifications. The controversial head of training for more than a thousand state deputy sheriffs and adult correctional officers did not show up Wednesday for a hearing to defend her qualifications. Hawaii News Now.

Court Affirms Ethics Panel Ruling On Rowena Akana. The former OHA trustee was penalized for multiple ethical violations. Civil Beat.

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HECO wants to modify greenhouse gas caps. Hawaiian Electric Co. wants to combine the annual greenhouse emissions caps for 13 power plants in Hawaii, a move some believe would allow Hawaii’s lone coal-fired power plant to increase greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Climate Change Is Hurting Oceans — And Us — More Than Expected. The first ocean-specific report by a prestigious international panel underscores the urgency of taking action now to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. Civil Beat.

Time is running out for Hawaii's share of federal disaster mitigation funds. Now is the chance for residents to alert emergency planners of potential problems in their communities. KITV.

This Facebook Campaign Is Teaching Tourists How To Behave In Hawaii. Officials believe visitors will follow local customs if they simply understand them. Civil Beat.

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Kaiser Permanente reaches tentative contract covering 85,000 workers. Kaiser Permanente said Wednesday it reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract with unions for 85,000 of the health care giant’s workers, averting a potential strike planned for next month. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser, nurses OK tentative contract. Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement on a national, four-year contract with the union representing nearly 1,000 Hawaii nurses. Star-Advertiser.

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Young Brothers propose rate increase; what this could mean for consumers. Young Brothers, one of the state’s largest shipping companies, is asking regulators to allow it to raise its revenue by $27 million, a rate of 34 percent overall rate increase. KHON2.

AG Fights Proposed Changes to SNAP Food Assistance Program. Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors joined a coalition of 24 Attorneys General in opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Maui Now.

Oahu

Co-defendant: Officer accused of forcing homeless man to lick urinal has done it before. A Honolulu police officer who’s accused of forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal to avoid arrest had done it before, according to a former Honolulu officer who pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to trying to cover up the alleged 2018 incident. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty To Role In Forcing Man To Lick Urinal. Another Honolulu police officer has pleaded not guilty in the case. Civil Beat.

HPD officer agrees to testify against fellow officer in urinal licking case. One of the HPD officers accused in the case of a man forced to lick a public restroom urinal has agreed to testify against the other officer. KHON2.

Homeless man forced to lick urinal: Former HPD officer pleads guilty for failing to report incident. Reginald Ramones John Rabago were indicted back in April for depriving a man of his civil rights. KITV.

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Honolulu Is Slashing Crosswalks As It Touts Pedestrian Friendly Policies. The city has plans to remove 45 crosswalks deemed unsafe instead of making them safer. But pedestrians can still legally cross at those spots. Civil Beat.

Ala Moana seeks 400-foot height limit. The new majority owner of Ala Moana Center wants to take the state’s largest shopping mall to a higher level. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Corruption Probe Is Why Honolulu Is Paying A Mainland Law Firm To Fight The Feds. Federal agents seized a “very broad” set of emails in connection with an investigation that is now before a grand jury, according to Honolulu City Council member Ron Menor. Civil Beat.

Keep The Change: Honolulu Won’t Try To Recover Almost $100,000 It Overpaid Workers. Despite a state law that says governments “shall” recover overpayments, Human Resources Director Carolee Kubo says it’s too late and, besides, the city made the mistake. Civil Beat.

A majority of Hawaii voters polled believe homelessness has gotten worse. A majority of registered Hawaii voters across all islands believe homelessness has gotten “worse” over the last year — but they’re split on whether homeless sweeps are “worthwhile,” according to the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell feeling confident of financing toward rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is adamant that the city’s financial picture is in good shape and that warnings raised by opponents that the now $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center rail project will drive the city into bankruptcy are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

City's Share Of $772M Blaisdell Redevelopment Cost Still Unclear. The city is planning a major $772 million redevelopment of the landmark Neal S. Blaisdell Center in partnership with the private sector but the city's share of the cost remains unclear. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore 'Overcapacity' Says Honolulu Council Member. Honolulu City Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi made the assessment on Tuesday at a hearing covering North Shore issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Crews left with 5 tons of garbage (and counting) after Diamond Head sweep. Crews worked through the rain Wednesday morning to start clearing a massive homeless camp that had taken over a large part of the beach below Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Build the Track LLC holds press conference to announce vision for new motorsports facility. Build the Track LLC held a press conference earlier today to discuss their vision for the future of Hawaii motorsports, including the possibility of a new race facility on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Puna nonprofit contracted to help those recovering from 2018 eruption with still unmet needs. Neighborhood Place of Puna was awarded a case management contract to help individuals and families recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano address still unmet needs. Tribune-Herald.

Largest Cruise Ship Ever To Make Kailua-Kona Port Call Anchors Sunday. The average cruise ship that calls on Kona typically has 2,500 passengers. But this one will have 4,000. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona to welcome largest cruise ship to ever make a port call in the bay. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today that the largest cruise ship to ever make a port call to Kailua-Kona will anchor in Kailua Bay on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Public servant, medical miracle and island treasure Virginia Isbell remembered. Virginia Isbell, a former politician, public servant and pillar of the Kona community, died Sept. 19 on Oahu. She was 87. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Family, Friends Mourn Loss of Danny Mateo, Longtime Maui Councilmember and Former County Clerk. Longtime Maui County Councilmember from Molokai and recently retired County Clerk, Danny Mateo, died Tuesday in the company of family members. Maui Now.

Supreme Court’s appeal of injection well case in murky waters on Maui. Members of the Maui County Council majority and their attorneys insist it is over. Mayor Michael Victorino and attorneys with the county’s Department of the Corporation Counsel say otherwise. Star-Advertiser.

Hui files complaint over water levels from Waihee River. State hydrologist says stream flows are being met. Maui News.

Kauai

Malama Pono opens new clinic. Malama Pono Health Services is hosting a grand opening of its new clinic from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Annual Kauai County vehicle and equipment auction begins. County officials today announced that its annual vehicle and equipment auction begins Wednesday, Sept. 25. KHON2.

Ige's approval rating tanks in poll as more voters oppose Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, flag flap at Keaau high school, Honolulu council seeks corruption audit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian cultural practitioners on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Public support for TMT drops sharply, according to a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll. Public support for the Thirty Meter Telescope has declined sharply after more than two months of peaceful but determined protests on Mauna Kea, and most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward, according to a new Honolulu Star- Advertiser poll. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s job approval rating tanks amid TMT debacle. Gov. David Ige’s job approval rating has sunk to a new low amid the ongoing standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, though Hawaii voters have an even lower opinion of the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Tulsi Gabbard Earns Spot In October Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman will be back on the stage after missing the September debate. Civil Beat.

Audit: DOE misses millions in revenue. State auditors found that the Hawaii Department of Education has failed to collect millions of dollars in fees over the past decade and has no written policies or procedures in place to implement the process necessary to do so in the future. Garden Island.

Frustration, Desperation As Teachers Convene To Discuss Pay Issues. Consultants hired by the Hawaii Department of Education are meeting with educators around the state, seeking ways to improve compensation. On the first night they heard from many barely hanging on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Police commissioner calls out city council during talk on public corruption scandal. Honolulu city council members want an audit done of local law enforcement agencies including the Honolulu Police Department, prosecuting attorney’s office and the ethics commission. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu officer charged with failure to report in urinal licking case. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with covering up for another officer in a case that involved forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal. Hawaii News Now.

FBI raid of city records tied to Kealoha case, lawyers say. Members of a Honolulu City Council committee were told Tuesday that a raid of city computer servers earlier this year involved emails apparently tied to the federal corruption case that centered around former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Another Candidate Running For Manahan’s Council Seat. Jacob Aki is currently chief of staff to the Senate majority leader. Civil Beat.

Councilmembers question affordability of $773 million Blaisdell makeover. County lawmakers pressed for answers today on whether the city can afford to take on a $773 million redevelopment of Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center. KHON2.


How much of the Blaisdell’s redevelopment will taxpayers pay for? The city isn’t sure. The city say plans for the projected $772 million redevelopment of the aging Blaisdell Center are moving along, and officials are working to secure a public private partnership for the project. Hawaii News Now.

Rent high? Don't blame short term rentals said expert. Oahu's shortage and higher costs of housing have been blamed on illegal short term rentals, but expects said that is not the case. KITV.

Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair wants city to pack yellow bag rule. The Downtown-Chinatown rule for businesses to use new thick yellow trash bags isn’t popular among some in the community. KHON2.

Slopes of Diamond Head cleared of squatters in 2-week-long sweep.  After months of complaints, squatters are being forced off of the Diamond Head State Monument. Hawaii News Now.

Group elaborates on ideas to fix Koko Crater Trail. A non-profit group revealed its $100,00 plan to temporarily fix the dilapidated Koko Crater Trail. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Keaau High causes social media backlash after telling students not to wear flags as clothing. Officials at Keaau High School caused a stir online Monday after telling students not to wear Hawaiian Kingdom or Hawaii state flags on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Honua Ola gets go-ahead to drill deeper. The state Department of Health granted approval to Honua Ola Bioenergy, formerly known as Hu Honua Bioenergy, to drill three underground injection control wells to 800 feet at its power plant under construction at Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Is Aina Lea finally ready to be built? A South Kohala developer says it is moving forward with the Town of Aina Lea, while the county is reminding the company that all requirements must be met should the long-delayed project actually want to get off the ground. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Molina Addresses ‘Crisis-Level’ Affordable Housing Need. Councilmember Michael J. Molina has a new plan that might expand affordable housing opportunities for Maui families. Maui Now.

2 Dolphins Euthanized After Stranding On Maui Beach. There was another mass stranding in the same area less than a month ago. Civil Beat.


Two More Stranded Whales Euthanized Near Maui Beach. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists euthanized two pygmy killer whales Tuesday after the mammals stranded themselves on Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two whales in separate pod euthanized after Sugar Beach stranding. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that two pygmy killer whales stranded at Kihei’s Sugar Beach on Tuesday morning had to be euthanized based on their health. Maui News.

Two Stranded Whales Euthanized, Second Stranding Incident in Recent Weeks. Maui Now.

Wildlife officials euthanize 2 whales that were stranded on Maui beach. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA Fisheries responds to stranded pygmy killer whales near Sugar Beach. NOAA Fisheries responded to two pygmy killer whales (a member of the oceanic dolphin family) stranded on shore near Sugar Beach, Maui on Tuesday. KITV.

ABC Stores to build distribution center in Maui Lani Village. Owner purchases 40,000-square-foot lot for about $2M. Maui News.

A&B seeks 30-year water lease. It would allow EMI to divert water from East Maui streams. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor heads delegation to Japan. A contingent from Kauai led by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is headed on a good-will mission to Japan. Garden Island.

Council to meet today. Among the agenda items, it will consider a resolution to accept a public access easement to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Department of Education unveils 2030 plan, FTA seeks more local rail money, journalists named as witnesses in Honolulu police trial, tasers purchased but never used, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige visits school PC: Governor's Office

Press Release: The Hawaii State Department of Education is seeking feedback on the first draft of a 2030 Promise Plan, which will guide the Department for the next decade, centered around five promises to students. Hawaii Department of Education.

Community resources and step-by-step toolkit to support community groups to collectively add their input through August 1. Department of Education.

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Bill Passes Decriminalizing Marijuana In Hawaii. House Bill 1383 decriminalizes the possession of three grams or less of marijuana, but Governor David Ige is taking a cautious tone in response to the legislation. Big Island Video News.

Hotels urge Ige to veto vacation rental taxation bill. The American Hotel & Lodging Association along with heads of more than 10 Hawaii hotel companies are urging Gov. David Ige to veto Senate Bill 1292, which would authorize vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Federal investigations of Hawaii institutions ‘unprecedented’. The number and breadth of current federal investigations into alleged corruption at Hawaii’s public institutions is unmatched in the state’s history, according to about a dozen former investigators, prosecutors, judges and others who have spent decades working in, documenting or observing the law enforcement arena in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Another state agency spent thousands on tasers. Four years later, they remain unused. Back in 2015, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources paid more than $72,000 to buy 30 tasers. But four years later, none of the tasers have been deployed and are now gathering dust in the Land Board’s armory in Pearl City. Hawaii News Now.

Tulsi Gabbard: The Media Is Ignoring Me. The Hawaii congresswoman is known for refusing media interviews and dodging debates yet she now says she’s being ignored. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kawananakoa says she’s fine, should control her own money. Abigail Kawananakoa insists she has a sound mind and is capable of making decisions about her own $215 million estate. Star-Advertiser.

FTA insists Honolulu step up its funding of rail. The Federal Transit Administration is insisting the city contribute more money in the near term to help finance construction of the Honolulu rail project before it will release any of the $744 million in federal funding it has withheld from the project, according to an FTA spokeswoman. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Journalists Named As Witnesses In Kealoha Corruption Trial. Dozens of police officers and other former officials, including the past head of the Honolulu Ethics Commission, are set to testify as well. Civil Beat.

Vacation rentals' fates hang in the balance. No more vacation rentals in your neighborhood? That's one of two bills being considered by the City Council -- that could drastically change Hawaii's vacation rental industry. KHON2.

‘Save Sherwood Forest’: Anger Grows Over Planned Sports Complex. Honolulu’s $32 million plan to clear out part of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park for new ball fields and parking has run into furious opposition. Civil Beat.

Hanauma Bay to remain closed as crews repair sewage pump problem. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools, partners to develop farm. Kamehameha Schools has partnered with a pair of Oregon agriculture investment and management firms to establish a more than 200-acre farm on Oahu’s North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Dead Halawa Correctional Facility employee suspected of child sex assault. The Halawa Correctional Facility employee found dead Monday was scheduled for arraignment in Honolulu District Court this morning on charges of sexual assault of a young girl. Star-Advertiser.

State contracts Wahiawa hospital for mental health, drug abuse patients. The state Department of Health is contracting with Wahiawa General Hospital to use up to 30 beds by next year for mental health and substance abuse patients. Star-Advertiser.

Foodland to close Beretania Street store after nearly 70 years. The store’s 73 employees will be offered positions at other Oahu locations. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Kakaako Homeless Population Grows While City And State Dither Over Land Transfer. The state is in the process of signing the area over to the city but the deal is taking longer to work out. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

State steps in, helps recoup $6.9M federal transit funds. Some $6.9 million in federal funds has been freed up for Hawaii County buses and Mass Transit operations following state intervention in a county paperwork breakdown. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Mass Transit administrator, under pressure to fix a difficult situation, was joined by state transportation officials at a County Council committee meeting on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

A bill that allows landowners to remove albizia trees from adjacent properties has become law and will take effect in July. Senate Bill 464 became law without the signature of Gov. David Ige on April 22 and allows homeowners to take action to remove potentially dangerous albizia trees on adjacent properties. Tribune-Herald.

Greenwell Garden could reopen this summer. More than three years after Bishop Museum closed the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden to the public, the nonprofit that has helped care for the site is aiming to welcome people back this summer. West Hawaii Today.

South Kona transfer station still not accepting green waste. It’s been more than six weeks since the Department of Environmental Management stopped accepting green waste at the Keei Transfer Station in South Kona, and it doesn’t appear ready to re-open for such business anytime soon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Napili Point II condo reaches settlement on shoreline access. Trail to bay to be restored with no restrictions on hours of useShoreline access to Honokeana Bay through “Fisherman’s Trail” will be restored as part of a settlement involving the Napili Point II condominium. Maui News.

A&B puts ag land sale proceeds to commercial projects. Company closed last 800 acres in first quarter. Maui News.

Seven Maui Schools Serving Poi. For the first time, seven Maui County schools are serving poi through the Aina Pono Program including Kilohana Elementary, Maui High School, Kula Elementary, Lahainaluna High School, King Kekaulike High School, Kahului Elementary and Waihee Elementary. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Gets A Residential Drug Treatment Facility For First Time In Decades. The eight-bedroom Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center in Kapaia was first proposed in 2003. Civil Beat.

Nancy Long new medical director for Kauai Hospice. For the first time since its grassroots beginning in 1983, Kauai Hospice has its first full-time medical director. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor anniversary commemorated, Hawaii Department of Education sued over Title IX female access to sports, Big Island beach reopens after lava flow, Patsy Mink statue unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The USS Arizona burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, public domain photo

Hundreds to gather for 77th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor. As they do every year, hundreds of veterans, service members and dignitaries will solemnly gather Friday to mark the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Ceremonies mark 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. There will be a number of public events commemorating the date, including a ceremony at Barbers Point, which was also hit that day, and a parade through Waikiki. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor attack survivor remembers the day from afar. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long was alone on an anchored military seaplane in the middle of a bay across the island from Pearl Harbor when Japanese warplanes started striking Hawaii on December 7, 1941, watching from afar as the bombs and bullets killed and wounded thousands. Associated Press.

Pearl Harbor re-burials across the US give families closure. Some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States. KITV.

Pouring of Blackened Canteen WWII relic helps heal U.S.-Japanese rifts. For 26 years a U.S canteen blackened and battered in the midair collision of two B-29 bombers in Japan during World War II — a symbol of the horror of war — has been an instrument of peace and reconciliation at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

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ACLU files class action lawsuit against DOE, OIA for Title IX non-compliance. Campbell High is at the center of this lawsuit, but the accusations extend to public schools across the state, and go back decades. KITV.

'Unequal treatment’: Athletes file class action over lack of girls’ facilities, opportunities at Hawaii schools. Athletes at Campbell High have filed a federal class action lawsuit over a lack of girls' sports facilities and opportunities at Hawaii high schools. Hawaii News Now.

A federal class action lawsuit against the Hawaii Department of Education was filed Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii over gender inequities for female athletes at the state’s most populous high school. Civil Beat.

Class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Campbell High's female student-athletes. On Thursday, the ACLU of Hawaii filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court on behalf of two female student-athletes attending James Campbell High School. KHON2.

With a lei-bedecked statue of Congresswoman Patsy Mink as a backdrop, civil rights attorneys announced Thursday they had filed a lawsuit seeking to end discrimination against female athletes in Hawaii’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker says Legislature to blame for Title IX lawsuit. Changing in teachers closets, in plain view on the practice field, even at a nearby Burger King bathroom -  the ACLU of Hawaii says that's what female athletes at Campbell High School deal with daily. KHON2.

A major opportunity has opened in Hawaii for those hoping to work in the airline industry. The University of Hawaii is partnering with an aviation academy to create courses which will foster pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, and aeronautical engineers. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Things Are Actually Looking Up At Honolulu Airport. Modernization of Daniel K. Inouye International has been years in coming. But real change is in the air. Civil Beat.

Patsy T. Mink Monument Dedicated On Her Birthday. A statue of Hawaii’s former Congresswoman Patsy Mink was dedicated today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Statue honors legacy of former Congresswoman in place close to her heart. The legacy of former U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink was honored Thursday at the Hawaii State Library, where a life-size bronze sculpture was dedicated. KHON2.

Kakaako condo Aeo ready for owners. By late January all 466 owners in the sold-out building are scheduled to take possession of their new homes, which cost $1 million on average. Star-Advertiser.

State removes eyesore from Maunalua Bay shoreline. Contractors moved concrete one shovel at a time Thursday in order to successfully remove a large eyesore that’s been parked on the Maunalua Bay shoreline. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands have executed the ground lease on three acres of land for the trust’s $10.9 million learning center on the Waianae Coast. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu home prices rise 3% but sales drop by double digits. Home prices on Oahu rose by about 3 percent last month, compared to November of last year, but the number of single-family homes and condominiums sold fell by more than 10 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hundreds turn out for reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki. The reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park attracted hundreds of Puna residents eager to witness the creative side of the recent Kilauea eruption and return to a refuge many thought would be consumed by lava. Tribune-Herald.

Today, the gate at Isaac Hale Beach Park opened to the public for the first time since the eruption of Kilauea Volcano forced its closure. Big Island Video News.

Puna Park Cut Off By Lava Reopens, Attracting Hundreds. “They needed something to feel good about,” said Mayor Harry Kim of the locals who showed up in Pohoiki on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Months after lava swallowed Pohoiki, hundreds flock to reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park. ‘It’s still beautiful... but it’s changed. It will be forever changed.’ Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds celebrate reopening of Hawaii island beach nearly lost to lava. KHON2.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim today signed a Sixth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, lifting a set of lava-related prohibitions but keeping others in place for the time being. Big Island Video News.

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Proposed water bottling plant raises concerns. The Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission delayed the approval of a permit for a water bottling facility near Wailoa River State Recreation Area after a contentious meeting Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Environmental Management has announced a public meeting to discuss the Lono Kona sewer project, which will connect 145 assessment units on 110 lots, the equivalent of 268 single-family homes, to sewer lines mauka of the Kuakini Highway McDonald’s in an area more popularly known as Hamburger Hill. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital shuts down due to scabies outbreak. Hospital leadership made the decision to “temporarily close all patient units” as an “aggressive preventive measure to protect patients and staff from potential exposure to infection.” Star-Advertiser.

Maui

End of sugar farming may impact aquifer water yields. As planners chart out Maui island’s water use over the next 20 years, uncertainty hovers over the region with the largest population but the least groundwater resources. Maui News.

Two-story clubhouse plan for Waiehu to be unveiled. Public can see conceptual vision for municipal course at two events. Maui News.

Kauai

Gary Hooser an ‘Unsung Hero’. From grassroots organizing to state senator and majority leader, Gary Hooser has been advocating for Hawaii’s environment and people for years. Garden Island.

Portions of Waha Road in Kalaheo will be closed for reconstruction work, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., from today to Dec. 10 or 11, weather pending. Garden Island.

80k cast early votes, Maui mayor files ethics complaint against councilman, 2,900 acres preserved on Oahu, Kilauea remains #1 active U.S. volcano, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

Election Day Is Already Over For Almost 80,000 Hawaii Voters. Of the 254,880 mail ballots sent out so far, about 75,000 have been returned. Another 5,000 voters already went to early walk-in polling places. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Named 2nd Least Politically Engaged State. In order to determine which states are most involved in politics, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across ten key indicators of political engagement. Maui Now.

What's in a Name? A lot for OHA Candidates. Name recognition is a factor in any election, but here in Hawaii it is a dominant factor in Office of Hawaiian Affairs races. Hawaii Public Radio.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana testified before the state Ethics Commission on Thursday, saying she was being unfairly singled out as part of an election-year campaign by her rivals to remove her from office. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education has begun catching up on payments to vendors after partly restoring a computer system that crashed Oct. 6, officials announced. Star-Advertiser.

DOE pushes through delayed payments to vendors after financial system crash. KHON2.

Preparing Healthcare Providers for Medical Aid in Dying. On January 1st, Hawaii’s Death with Dignity law will go into effect. The law allows terminally ill patients to request a lethal prescription to voluntarily end their lives. Hawaii Public Radio.

It’s nearly November, but Southwest Airlines is still vowing to begin selling tickets between the mainland and Hawaii later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Airlines’ highly anticipated flights to and between the Hawaiian Islands likely will not begin until the start of 2019 and possibly considerably later. Tribune-Herald.

George Szigeti leaves HTA, replacement still unknown. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has not yet announced its replacement for George Szigeti, who held his last board meeting as CEO on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Will Voters Make It Easier For Honolulu Rail Board To Make Decisions? Legislators added nonvoting members for more project scrutiny, but the move made it harder for the board to reach a quorum. Civil Beat.

Honolulu ballots will ask voters 5-part question relating to rail. New Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board members were recently added by the Legislature, but that changed the number of members who have to be there for votes to pass. KHON2.

2,900 acres of Central Oahu will be preserved by the state. The state has acquired nearly 2,900 acres of land in Central Oahu from Dole Food Co., closing on a $15.2 million deal that conservation officials say will help protect a critical watershed, open up the area to recreation and stave off potential development. Star-Advertiser.

State acquires thousands of acres in Central Oahu for wildlife, recreation. The state is now the new owner of nearly 2,900 acres of land in Central Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii, Trust for Public Land acquire former Dole land for $15M. The state of Hawaii and the Trust for Public Land have closed on the acquisition of 2,882 acres of forest and fallow lands near the Helemano Military Reservation in Central Oahu from the Dole Food Co. Pacific Business News.

After years of complaints and $1M in fines, homeowner just keeps operating illegal vacation rental. A six-bedroom house near Kailua Beach that’s illegally operating as a vacation rental has accrued more than $1 million in unpaid city fines. Hawaii News Now.

Appraisals for Kealohas' seized Hawaii Kai home come in under what they paid for it. The home is in the foreclosure process as the couple battle legal trouble. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea remains No. 1 on a list of volcanoes in the U.S. categorized as a very high threat for 2018, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Geological Survey. Associated Press.

Kilauea may be quiet, but it’s anything but dormant. In fact, a new USGS report gives Kilauea the highest threat assessment among volcanoes in the United States. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea ranked #1 on USGS's list of "very high threat" volcanoes. Erupting continuously since 1983, Kilauea ravaged communities and homes Lower Puna - most recently in May.  KITV.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Reopens More Lodging, Dining, Camping. Big Island Video News.

Volcano House back in operation following Kilauea eruption. Volcano House Hotel resumes its restaurant service tonight after months of closure following the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

County to extend comment period for Pahala sewer plant. Hawaii County plans to resubmit its draft environmental assessment for a Pahala wastewater treatment plant to allow for more public comments. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly $280,000 in rent owed to the state by Cellana Inc. will be repaid as part of the sale of the company’s assets to microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor files ethics complaint against Council Member Atay. Complaint alleges improper use of county email in a ‘political attack’. Maui News.

Early walk-in voting began Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. County Clerk Danny Mateo said about 400 people came through to cast ballots Tuesday. Maui News.

The Hawaii Farmers Union United will host their eighth annual HFUU Conference from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 at Okoa Farms in Kula. Maui Now.

Maui gas prices have risen once again this week by a margin of one cent; however, prices are up from last month by eight cents, and up from last year by 66 cents. In Kahului, the average price is $4.16. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Community College students met mayoral candidates Derek Kawakami and Mel Rapozo Monday at a candidate forum hosted by student government and the History Club. Garden Island.

Rebalancing Kauai. With nature and infrastructure overwhelmed and record-breaking visitor numbers, state and county officials are looking for balance on Kauai. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Felicia Cowden. Cowden ran for council in 2014 and has been going to the weekly meetings for well over four years. Garden Island.

Lanai

Council veteran Hokama faces coalition-backed opponent. Maui Pono Network support for challenger figures in Lanai council race. As he seeks re-election to his fifth consecutive term on the Maui County Council, Riki Hokama said he hopes to spend the next two years working on some priority projects for his home island of Lanai. Maui News.