Drone can't patrol Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii judges low paid, no state preschool, new airline coming, environmentalists rally against development bills, path cleared for rail transit, Maui bug patrol returns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aircraft over Honolulu Harbor (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Department of Transportation's Harbors Division has been unable to use an unmanned drone aircraft purchased with $75,000 in federal grant money to provide security at Honolulu Harbor because it falls within restricted airspace near Honolulu International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's state judges are among the lowest paid in the nation — and their salaries won't be improving anytime soon given legislative pay cuts that have been extended through the end of next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii remains among a minority of states without a state-funded preschool program, according to a new report that also shows spending for preschool programs in other states is declining. Eleven states didn't offer state-funded programs in 2011, up from 10 in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

Banning or charging fees for plastic bags at the check-out counter could be having unintended consequences. Civil Beat.

Several measures moving forward at the capitol would exempt state and private-partnership developments from environmental and planning rules. Opponents rallied at the capitol ahead of Tuesday's votes on four of the bills. KHON2.

The state Legislature has taken another step toward adopting labeling protections for Hawaii-grown tea after recently leaving the issue to steep. Tribune-Herald.

What Do Hawaii Lawmakers Have Against Ethics Code? (commentary) Civil Beat.

If you care about holding government officials' feet to the fire when it comes to public records, you should be concerned about a bill the Hawaii Office of Information Practices is pushing at the Legislature. (commentary) Civil Beat.

Allegiant Air, a low-cost, Las Vegas-based airline that primarily serves small cities, is entering the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

A contractor may soon be able to move forward with construction of a key support facility needed to build the $5.27 billion Hono­lulu rail proj­ect, but rail opponents say the plans for the "precast" facility could be the basis for new court challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu bus stop (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The city says soaring costs are to blame for a consolidation of bus services this summer. KHON2.


230 signatures and counting.That's how many bus riders are demanding that the City not change the current #14 route. KHON2.


A higher profile in Asia and the Pacific is in the works for Fort Shafter and within the ranks of the Army with construction of a new 330,000-square-foot headquarters under way as well as an effort to upgrade the three-star command to four stars. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Zoo's accreditation has been renewed after exhibit upgrades, more staffing and new signage were put in place in response to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums deferring renewal a year ago because standards were not being met. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

Motorists frustrated by construction delays along the Hamakua Coast can expect to soon to get some relief. Tribune-Herald.

A burned-out motor that caused the breakdown of a South Kona well is causing the county Department of Water Supply to issue health advisories and a voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Mauna Kea remains one of Hawaii's treasures. It's a center of both science and spirituality. HPR's Noe Tanigawa recently made a special trip to Mauna Kea...beginning at the home of a family in Waimea with unique ties to the sacred mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County has a state entomologist again after the position was lost to budget cuts in 2009. Associated Press.

Using a net, Mach Fukada swept over grasses and plants in a wetland area off a parking lot at Kanaha Beach Park last week. Maui News.

The County of Maui, Department of Public Works proposes to conduct roadway repairs to a section of Kahekili Highway between Mile Markers 15 and 16 in the Kahakuloa district of Maui. Maui Now.


Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will hold an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Fire Department on Monday asked for new staff members and better equipment for the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

The county Civil Defense Agency asked the Kaua‘i County Council on Monday for a reduced operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Garden Island.

Hawaii bridge report in, Honolulu nation's least affordable housing, Department of Hawaiian Homelands seeks new Maui prison, big security presence allows yacht to dock on Molokai, fired election workers sue Hawaii County, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With 756 state-owned bridges in Hawai‘i, the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs is taking a closer look at the condition and integrity of the structures. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii is the only state in the country that doesn't have a law requiring drivers to give police, EMS or any freeway responder room on the roadway. KHON2.

Performance pay linked to annual evaluations was often cited by Hawaii teachers as one of the key reasons for rejecting a proposed 6-year contract with the state. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii is looking for people to participate in a study with New York’s Cornell University to develop foods that can be used on a mission to Mars. Pacific Business News.

The Hawai‘i Children’s Trust Fund partnered with the Joyful Heart Foundation to begin a statewide public awareness campaign called “One Strong ‘Ohana.” Garden Island.

State roundup for January 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council routinely introduces bills and resolutions with multiple cosponsors despite a state law that bars members of public boards from discussing board business outside of public meetings. Civil Beat.

Last year Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle told a radio audience that Honolulu's rail project had "too much momentum" to be stopped. Now former Gov. Ben Caye­tano plans to put Carlisle's claim to the test, and is running for mayor with the stated intention of killing the $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

This promises to be a wild year in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Police Chief Louis Kealoha bowed his head before a memorial erected to patrol officer Garret Davis on Sunday, then implored Oahu drivers to be more careful — especially when officers are doing their jobs. Star-Advertiser.

A study of 325 metropolitan areas worldwide says Honolulu is the least-affordable housing market in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

A former Hawaii state senator announced Sunday that he's running for a Honolulu City Council seat. KHON2.

Hawaii

Alleging they were wrongly fired, two former Hawaii County senior elections officials on Friday asked for $500,000 apiece to settle a defamation claim and offset their emotional suffering. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County administration has made an end run around the County Council by soliciting bids for recycling services without the council's blessing. West Hawaii Today.

Jack Hash thought he was getting an idyllic setting, but a multiyear battle over a neighbor's illegal home has him regretting the move, contemplating selling and wondering where's the building enforcement. Tribune-Herald.

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake and several small aftershocks shook the Big Island on Sunday, but there were no reports of injury or damage. Associated Press.

Maui

Runway options would halt Mainland flights for weeks. Maui News.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is taking the lead in resuscitating what had been an estimated $235 million project to build an 843-inmate, minimum- and medium-security prison in Puunene. Maui News.

Maui County could streamline the way it grants millions of dollars to nonprofit agencies and eliminate the volunteer Grants Review Committee under changes being considered by the administration and County Council. Maui News.

Lehuanani Huddleston-Hafoka of Kihei said she'd save about $560 a year in bus transportation to send her two children to Maui High School in Kahului if a high school were built in South Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Where did you sleep last night? This is the question volunteers across Kaua‘i will be asking starting Tuesday through Jan. 29 when the Kaua‘i Community Alliance, a member of a Neighbor Island continuum of care called Bridging the Gap, oversees the annual Point in Time homeless count, states a news release from Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Molokai

In 30 years of community activism, Molokai's Walter Ritte Jr. said he never saw anything like Saturday at dawn at Kaunakakai Harbor: about 80 cruise ship protesters matched up against at least twice as many county, state and federal officers. Maui News.

Nearly 50 U.S. Coast Guard personnel, as well as dozens of county, state and federal law enforcement guarded a security zone around Kaunakakai Harbor for the return of American Safari Cruises’ yacht Safari Explorer last Saturday. Molokai Dispatch.

There was no blockade on the water for the American Safari Explorer, a 36-passenger tour boat as it pulled into port at Kaunakakai Harbor at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. KITV4.

Evolta robots finish Ironman, Akaka OK with new Hawaiian rights bill, candidate Hannemann allowed radio show, school buses costly, Big Island seeks sign restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Panasonic Evolta Robot courtesy photo

Three Evolta Robots, created by Japanese robot designer Tomotaka Takahashi, finished the 230 km Kona Ironman course Sunday with a combined finish time of 166 hours and 56 minutes, according to organizers. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who patiently sought a vote on a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill in the Senate for a decade, has signed off on a more aggressive strategy to advance the idea before he retires in January 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Hannemann Radio Show Doesn't Cross Legal Line. Civil Beat.

Two dozen Japanese-American veterans were given a soldiers sendoff Sunday with flower lei, handshakes and hugs. KHON2.

Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald has guided the state Judiciary through furloughs and budget cuts, and while the Hawaii Supreme Court has made significant rulings under his watch, there have been no sweeping opinions signaling any new directions. Star-Advertiser.

In 2009, Hawaii taxpayers paid Roberts Hawaii $200 a day to operate a bus route serving Kohala Elementary and High schools on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii was one of 47 states that lost retail jobs during the recession, but the state fared better than most, according to an analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Amid criticism that it targets the homeless, a measure that would ban personal property such as furniture, clothing or household goods from being stored in public spaces, including sidewalks and parks, is up for consideration again at the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Four years after the Hawaii County Council asked for a crackdown on illegal signs, the Public Works Department is offering an update on the county's sign code. West Hawaii Today.

After six months of work, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission is facing a self-imposed Nov. 10 deadline to create nine council districts with resident populations that vary by no more than 1,021 people. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Motorists should be aware that several streets in Lahaina town will be closed today beginning at 3:30 p.m. for Halloween festivities. Maui News.

Workers have doubled their efforts to maintain greens at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, significantly reducing weeds and improving the quality of grass at the course, county parks officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

County officials have been working for five months on developing a Multimodal Land Transportation Plan for Kaua‘i, which will ultimately be incorporated into the county’s General Plan. Garden Island.

Honolulu mayor says homeless worse than rats, DOE mulls school closure, Hirono visits Maui, Kauai, APEC holds photo contest, Hawaii reapportionment plans public, more news from all the Hawaii Islands

Abel Lui (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A state panel sympathetic to Native Hawaiians living on a disputed Kawaa Bay parcel is assuming oversight as battles rage in court over ownership and access rights. West Hawaii Today.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is holding a photo contest open to all photographers living in any of the communities participating in APEC. KHON2.

This year, 15 pedestrians have died on Hawaii roads, 12 of them on Oahu. Two were on Maui, and one was on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

With just one Hawaii high school reaching the high proficiency benchmarks set under the federal No Child Left Behind law this year, administrators are turning to the accreditation process to provide parents a better understanding of whether their schools are making the grade. Star-Advertiser.

The state agreed to 10 "concessions" in its effort to get the Hawaii teachers union to agree to a "last, best and final" offer that included pay cuts and furloughs. Civil Beat.

Against a backdrop of local slowing and deteriorating conditions in the U.S. and global economy, Hawaii will see only modest growth in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaiian monk seal — the nation's most imperiled marine mammal — is on the verge of getting its own emergency room. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu's homeless problem is so troublesome that Mayor Peter Carlisle says it's worse than a rat infestation.. Civil Beat.

After state officials evicted the homeless who took refuge under the freeway viaduct, the squatters moved across the street. KITV4.

Likelike Elementary School is the latest Hawaii public school that could be closed in order to save the state money. Hawaii News Now.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s what Bombardier Transportation    (Holdings) USA is doing as it attempts to win the core systems contract for City and County of Honolulu’s $5.3 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Now that it has decided to include various nonresident populations in the overall population base, the City Council Reapportionment Commission is preparing to draw its new set of political boundaries for Oahu's nine Council districts. Star-Advertiser.

A City Council Reapportionment Commission meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 7 in Honolulu Hale. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Honeybees. They're responsible for pollinating one-third of the food we eat, but could humans be putting them in peril with the pesticides we use? West Hawaii Today.

Three Puna roads stand to receive a combined $450,000 face-lift that won't cost local taxpayers a dime. Tribune-Herald.

The Keaukaha Panaewa Farmers Association hopes to spark that revolution with the opening of its Hawaiian Farmers Market. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono brought together about two dozen experts recently to help island residents facing the prospect of losing their homes to lenders or their life savings to scam artists. Maui News.

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce presented its third annual Ko'i Awards on Friday evening to three Mauians and a business for showing excellence in leadership, diligence in action and responsibility to their native community. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono says the president will speak to Congress on Thursday to make a bipartisan effort to move the economy. Garden Island.

The 21st annual Hawai‘i International Tropical Fruit Conference kicks off Friday on the Big Island and continues with consecutive “After the Conference” gatherings on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and Maui. Garden Island.

A project on Kauai is paying tribute to victims of the 9/11 attacks by encouraging acts of kindness. Associated Press.

Molokai

Molokai public schools have joined many in the state participating in a program that aims to raise students’ test scores. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on a draft conservation plan for Molokai’s Kakahai`a National Wildlife Refuge. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii telescope under scrutiny, Honolulu EMS calendar flirts with trouble, bus rides costly, feds consider options for tiny Kalaupapa post office, teachers union hearing continues, profits up for telcom, health insurers, multimodal for Kauai, Main Street for Maui, more Hawaii news

Mauna Kea telescope courtesy image

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope heaved pointed questions at telescope principals for three hours Monday, with the fate of the $1.3 billion project hanging in the balance. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii school transportation costs have doubled in the last six years, thanks in part to an uncompetitive market and the largest company's decision to rebid its contracts instead of extending them. Civil Beat.

The chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, citing "serious concerns" about the Hawaii State Teachers Association's challenge to its impartiality, has set a Thursday hearing to listen to the union's claims. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board abruptly ended Monday's hearing in the dispute between the teachers union and state, citing "serious concerns" that an ethics complaint against the governor also calls into question the board's ability to rule with impartiality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's two dominant health insurers — Kaiser and HMSA — were profitable in the second quarter thanks in part to double-digit rate hikes over the past two years and strong returns from investments. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Ways and Means Chair David Ige said the Hawaii State Legislature " recognizes the importance of resolving the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii." Hawaii Reporter.

Rising sales of high-speed Internet service helped Hawaiian Telcom earn a $6.7 million profit in the second quarter, building on the company's financial strength since emerging from bankruptcy in October. Star-Advertiser.

What started as an idea to help fight breast cancer got some Honolulu EMS personnel in hot water. KITV4.

Makaha Beach Park will get a facelift starting on Aug. 22. Pacific Business News.

As Hawaii’s congressional delegation fights for the future of the East-West Center, located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, the Pacific cultural and political hub has received a million-dollar grant to support an international journalism exchange. Hawaii Independent.

The state Department of Transportation broke ground Monday for an inter-island cargo terminal and an additional pier at Hilo Harbor. Tribune-Herald.

The Kalaupapa post office, one of four in Hawaii being considered for closure by the U.S. Postal Service, may remain unchanged until February 2012 – but its future after that remains cloudy. Molokai Dispatch.

Bills to remove a developer's option to pay in-lieu fees rather than provide affordable housing and infrastructure for Big Islanders will go before the Hawaii County Council this week in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The Friends of Moku'ula Inc. hopes to present to Maui County planners next month the first phase of its archaeological restoration and information center along Front Street, Maui News.

While the traditional transportation plan concentrates mainly on accommodating automobiles, the multi-modal land transportation plan being developed by the County of Kaua‘i focuses on all modes of transportation. Garden Island.

A historic residence hall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is reopening after a $6.7-million renovation. Associated Press.

Molokai residents east of Kaunakakai who want to reap the benefits of installing small, renewable energy systems for their homes or businesses may be out of luck. Molokai Dispatch.

A new postage stamp has a Hilo artist saying, "bonsai!" Hawaii News Now.

Residents in rural Big Island communities now have access to clean, drinkable water. KHON2.

Hawaii pedestrians unsafe, Filipinos overtake Japanese, Kauai battles feral cats, Fire Department apologizes, money slows redistricting work, national group helps Maui publisher, Molokai health care truce, Big Island wealth concentrated, more news

Hawaii population shifts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Almost 29.3 percent of the entire county's total property value is in North Kona County Council District 8, home to just 12.3 percent of the population. West Hawaii Today.

Filipinos have overtaken Japanese as the top Asian ancestry group in Hawaii, according to new data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Civil Beat.

The state Reapportionment Commission is awaiting the governor's final approval of an emergency appropriation of about $664,000 before it can proceed with a contract for software and technical materials needed to begin redrawing the state's political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the University of Hawaii are to produce legal primers on Native Hawaiian issues. Associated Press.

A report released Tuesday by Transportation for America, a nonprofit organization devoted to transportation reform with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, pointed to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control showing Hawaii ranking first in the category of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people 65 and older between 2000-2007. Star-Advertiser.

Feel free to continue to walk and talk, the law that would have made it illegal to cross the street while holding a mobile device is getting disconnected. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council is joining the effort to try attracting President Barack Obama's future presidential library. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Department is apologizing for the way one of its dispatchers handled an emergency call after a fireworks explosion killed five men at a storage facility in Waikele. KHON2.

A year and a half after Louis Kealoha became the Honolulu police chief, there is high-level criticism of his leadership from within his own department and from people at other law enforcement agencies. KITV4.

With $854,000 in stimulus funding, officials at Better Place are looking for commercial property owners interested in hosting an electric car charging station. Pacific Business News

More than 5-thousand residents seek substance abuse treatment each year at a cost of 20-million dollars to taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Kaua‘i County Council is set to vote today on a resolution supporting a trapping, neutering and return method of controlling the island’s feral cat population. Garden Island.

The Maui County Charter Commission discussed Monday how both the commission and the County Council can propose amendments to the county's guiding legal document. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council wants to expand local government while simultaneously cutting millions from county operations, employee overtime and golfing subsidies. Tribune-Herald.

The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, a national organization, is set to officially oppose a subpoena by the Maui Police Department and district attorney to release the names of all online commenters to an April 14 story in the Maui Time about the alleged assault of Maui Time publisher Tommy Russo by a police officer during an altercation involving Duane “Dog” Chapman and his entourage. Hawaii Independent.

Studies show more than one-in-four 14 to 24 year olds have been involved in some form of "sexting" - either sending or receiving sexually-explicit photos, videos, or text messages on-line or on cellphones. Hawaii News Now.

In a historic move, the island’s health care providers gathered last week to discuss how to co-exist peacefully. Molokai Dispatch.

Gay lawmaker targeted, Family Forum lobbies too much, Kenoi defies party neutrality, Matson expands, Hawaiian Airlines threatened, meth prosecutions up, no more big money for Hannemann, more Hawaii news

Hawaii Family Forum, a Christian charity that helped lead the fight against civil unions, spent so much money politicking last year that it had to pay the IRS $20,741 in taxes for its "excessive lobbying," according to its latest tax return. Star-Advertiser.

Christian Conservatives Target Gay Lawmaker. A group called the Aloha Family Alliance this week sent out thousands of fliers showing two men in black suits embracing, about to kiss. They appear to be getting married. KITV.

Early walk-in voting for the primary election ended today with a big turnout across the islands. KHON2.

Thousands of voters across the state decided to cast their ballots early this year. Hawaii News Now.

After a bitter campaign marked by mudslinging and contentious divisions over race, religion and gay rights, two longtime political rivals in Hawaii meet in a primary Saturday to decide which Democrat will try to recapture the governor's seat from Republican hands after eight years. Associated Press.

Mazie Hirono and Ed Case could not do it in the Democratic primary for governor in 2002. Daniel Akaka and Case did not do it in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in 2006. Political analysts wonder whether former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann have the ability to drive voter turnout tomorrow in the Democratic primary for governor. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann in a contested primary race goes against the Democratic Party's neutrality philosophy, party leaders said. Tribune-Herald.

Gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann today offered an idea to promote University of Hawaii sports in Asia as an option to the Western Athletic Conference dilemma. KITV.

Reports have been filed with the campaign spending commission detailing what's called "late contributions" since September 3. KHON2.

Mufi Hannemann's campaign for governor said yesterday it didn't receive any contributions exceeding $500 during a 10-day period leading up to tomorrow's Democratic primary election against Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Challengers to incumbent 8th District House Rep. Joe Souki say they have a fresh and young perspective that deserve voter consideration over the incumbent's 28 years of experience. Maui News.

Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who leads all mayoral candidates in fundraising, picked up an additional $68,000 over the past two weeks as he makes a final push to defeat former Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, who began the race with a sizable lead in polls over all contenders. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands more Hawaii residents fell into poverty last year, driving up the rate here to its highest level since 1997, Census Bureau figures released yesterday show. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Linda Lingle today announced state Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Brennon Morioka has accepted a job as executive vice president of Shioi Construction, Inc., in Pearl City.  His last day at the DOT will be Thursday, Sept. 23.  KHON2.

Matson Navigation Co. has initiated its expanded China service with a second five-ship port rotation that will double the ocean shipper's trade between that country and California. Star-Advertiser.

For the second time in three weeks the state has fined the city $140,000 for "willfully violating" state law at one of its wastewater treatment facilities. KHON2.

It’s official: the names of City & County of Honolulu employees are a matter of public record — not just their salaries and job titles. Civil Beat.

The FBI says a telephone bomb threat forced the delay of a Hawaiian Airlines flight out of Los Angeles. Associated Press.

North Shore brush fire appears intentionally set. Hawaii News Now.

The company securing a $26 million bond to cover the cost of constructing the Mamalahoa bypass appears to have enough cash reserves to cover the obligation, Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida said. West Hawaii Today.

County prosecutors are batting a thousand in terms of convictions in methamphetamine, other-drug and career-criminal cases, said Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho, prosecuting attorney. Garden Island.

The wife of state Sen. Fred Hemmings has been sentenced to one year probation. Associated Press.

Although not always visible, the fresh spring-fed waters of Loko o Mokuhinia are still flowing, and archeological work to restore Moku‘ula to its former glory is progressing one spoonful at a time.  Lahaina News.

Mango is called the King of Fruits for good reason. Molokai Dispatch.

National report: Hawaii roads and bridges are dangerous; Lingle administration vows to help

A report by a national trans- portation research group released on Wed- nesday confirmed what most Hawaii drivers already know: roads and bridges in Hawaii are in bad shape and traffic is awful.

The Lingle administration is renewing efforts to get lawmakers to approve a "holistic" and "aggressive" $4.2 billion program for highway and traffic modernization, safety and education, state Transportation Director Brennon Morioka said yesterday.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono joined AARPHawai‘i for a health care town hall Wednesday, and “civility, aloha and dignity” prevailed in lieu of the division, fear and fighting that has plagued similar meetings across the country this summer.

The head of the state agriculture department said Wednesday she's located funds to cut in half the number of agriculture inspectors who may be laid off because of the state's budget crisis.

An attempt to give Hawaii County's auditor fiscal independence faltered Tuesday when a proposed Charter amendment was postponed at the request of its author.

The county's plan to sell lands seized in Hamakua for back taxes is a fire sale, community members warned the County Council Tuesday.

Weary and hungry from a meeting that ran nearly 111/2 hours, Hawaii County Council members voted to postpone their discussion on a bill that would provide greater transparency to large land sales by the county.

Five County Council members went on a lobbying expedition to Honolulu in April, assuring state lawmakers they would "quickly pass" a resolution asking for a reprieve from the state's new Clean Elections Law, according to an amended lawsuit filed Tuesday by West Hawaii Today.

Two 13-year-old boys were arrested after a 12-year-old girl told police Monday she was held against her will on the grounds of the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama campus from early Friday to early Monday and repeatedly sexually assaulted.

Tuesday marked the first day the Maui County Parks and Recreation Department - technically - put into place controversial rules meant to free up more space at Maui's most crowded beaches.

Tourists and workers were assured Tuesday that the Maui Prince Hotel will operate continuously through foreclosure, although there will be some loss of jobs.

Bike to Work Week kicks off in Hawaii

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi kicked off Bike to Work Week today with a bicycle ride across Hilo ending at the county government owned Aupuni Center, near the new judiciary complex and state office building.

Bike to Work Week is a statewide celebration of bicycling as a clean, green transportation alternative, a healthy physical activity and an economical means of mobility for many Hawaii residents.

The national event was organized locally by PATH, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, a 23-year old nonprofit pedestrian and bicycling advocacy organization.

Bike to Work Week activities will be happening all week on Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island.

Time to comment on the Superferry

The clock has started ticking on public comments about the environ-
mental impact of the Superferry. The state Department of Transportation today issued its Environmental Impact Statement, which found some negative impacts, but also suggested ways to mitigate them.

Comment period ends Feb. 23. Written comments should be snail-mailed or faxed to:

Katherine Kealoha, Director,
Office of Environmental Quality Control,
235 S. Beretania St., Suite 702,
Honolulu , HI 96813,
fax 808-586-4186;

and

Michael D. Formby, Deputy Director,
Department of Transportation Harbors Division,
79 S. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813,
fax 808-587-3652.

A Superferry spokesman said in a statement this afternoon that the company will continue to work to make its ship safe.

"The draft EIS combined with the data from over nine months of reliable service and 708 voyages provides a clear picture of our commitment to responsible operations and Environmental awareness. We remain committed to working with the state to address impacts raised by the draft EIS," the statement says.

Meanwhile the Hawaii Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether the EIS is enough: See a previous allhawaii.news report.