Green releases intent-to-veto list, state Republicans visit White House, money comng to rail-impacted business, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor considers vetoing parts of the budget, plus housing and tax credit bills. Also making the list are bills stipulating the labeling of Māmaki tea and making as yet unidentified line-item reductions to the state budget.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Full Intent-To-Veto List. Governor's Press Release.

State Republican lawmakers meet with the White House, federal officials. Hawaii state senators Brenton Awa and Samantha DeCorte, and state Rep. Diamond Garcia spoke to officials from the federal departments of the interior and defense to find ways to reduce the Native Hawaiian housing list.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s math teaching deemed ‘unacceptable’. A nonpartisan national council that analyzed the quality of the nation’s math teaching found Hawaii to be one of seven states with an “unacceptable” rating for math education. Tribune-Herald.

Ridding state Capitol of water leaks nears completion. Keeping rainwater out of subterranean spaces of the state Capitol has been a big undertaking that now is within sight of completion by September after some unexpected extra effort. Star-Advertiser.

Jarrett Keohokalole Talks About HECO 'Sell-Out' And Condo Insurance Rescue. The Senate Commerce chair was in the middle of some of the Legislature’s most contentious issues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s SNAP recipients at risk of losing nutritional benefits. Around 158,000 of Hawaii’s low-income seniors, families and single adults could lose essential nutrition education and access to local produce by the end of September if the U.S. House- proposed tax bill, which would cut an estimated $300 billion from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is approved by the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Regulators say no to time-of-use rates for HECO customers. The Public Utilities Commission has determined that an experimental electricity rate program isn't ready for a full roll-out to Hawaiian Electric customers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii support for LGBTQ+ community is loud and proud. Hawaii has generally veered progressive in its support of the LGBTQ+ community. The state was one of the first to legalize same-sex relationships and protect against discrimination in housing and employment. Star-Advertiser.

New Lawsuit Raises Concerns Over Labeling Of ‘Reef-Safe’ Sunscreens. Experts say labeling sunscreens “reef-friendly” is deceptive since even chemicals that aren’t banned can do widespread damage to coral reefs. Civil Beat.

4 Hawaii beaches land in Dr. Beach’s top 10. Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai were ranked No. 2 and 3, respectively. Kaunaoa Beach on Hawaii island, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, captured the eighth spot followed by La­ni­kai Beach on Oahu at No. 9 on the list compiled by Florida International University professor Stephen Leatherman. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Grant changes approved for rail-affected businesses. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to pass Bill 31, which increases the maximum allowed annual revenue for affected small businesses to $1 million, up from $750,000, under the city’s transit construction mitigation fund, or TCMF, grant program. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown rail station design comes into focus. The public will soon get a close look at renderings for the proposed Chinatown rail station, one of the final six planned stations along an overhead “guideway” rail track that are expected to be cheaper to build and operate, look different and attract local subcontractors to do the work. Star-Advertiser.

DAGS takes on convention center project despite ‘aggressive’ timetable. The state Department of Accounting and General Services has pledged to help the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through a leadership change that put $100 million worth of Hawai‘i Convention Center repairs at risk. Star-Advertiser.

Police Set Out To Curb Violence On West Oʻahu. Traffic Citations Soared. Honolulu police said they stepped up traffic enforcement on the Westside last summer to help them find criminals and guns. Some residents said they felt harassed.  Civil Beat.

City passes set of bills to aid crack down on illegal game rooms. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi plans to sign three bills that will further the crack down on illegal gambling. The bills were passed on Wednesday by the city council.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island council passes $950M budget but denies $2M for food security. On Thursday, the council passed both the county’s operating and capital improvement budgets through their final readings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council votes to protect Parks and Rec staffers: Some are targeted in lawsuit over dead tree-trimmer. The Hawaii County Council on Thursday voted to indemnify against liability former Department of Parks and Recreation director Maurice Messina, former deputy director Michelle Hiraishi and four current or former Parks and Rec employees in a wrongful death lawsuit related to a fatal workplace incident more than four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi To Settle Teacher’s Claim He Was Fired Over False Abuse Allegation. Hawaiʻi is set to pay $140,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former Big Island teacher who claims the state education department defamed and wrongfully fired him in 2019 after he was accused of child abuse.  Civil Beat.

One-Way Traffic On Aliʻi Drive To Revert Back To Two-Way Pattern. During the 30-day trial period, community feedback returning the traffic pattern to its original two-way flow. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council to hear response to vacation rentals conversion today. A key Maui County Council committee will hear testimony today on Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposal to convert less than half of Maui’s short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing for local residents that’s expected to trigger a loss of $60 million in tax revenue while lowering sales and rental prices. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Maui Council approves staff pay raises after contentious debate on transparency. After a tense 90-minute debate, the Maui County Council voted 6-3 on Friday to give its staff a 15% pay increase, plus an additional 5% for experience- and performance-based “step” increases. Maui Now.

Maui marketing campaign kicks off. A $6 million Maui emergency marketing campaign is finally underway some four months after Gov. Josh Green released the funds to help counter the continued softness from the August 2023 Maui wildfires and the expected downturn due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, Hawaii’s top tourism source market. Star-Advertiser.

More oversight added to preserve native rights. State Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey said a new position is being created to serve as an advocate for protecting traditional and customary rights on Maui after hearing complaints about the lack of protection of Hawaiian burials. Maui News.

Kauai

Postal Service is hosting open houses in Kauaʻi this month. The community will have the opportunity to learn about assistant rural carrier and rural carrier associate positions currently available at facilities in Kauaʻi with two open house events in Līhuʻe. Kauai Now.

State bans e-cigs from buildings, Tropical Storm Ana strengthens, Ige has double-digit lead, Honolulu police settle lawsuits, Hawaii County mulls $20M bonds for lava roads, water flows for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

e-cig in use © 2014 All Hawaii News

The users of electronic cigarettes — those controversial smoking devices that some claim are safer than traditional smokes — are taking a couple of hits in Hawaii this week. The state Department of Health announced Monday that electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, are now banned from 49 state government buildings across Hawaii, including the state Capitol and Washington Place. Star-Advertiser.

Electronic cigarettes — aka electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes — are now prohibited in all state government buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of Accounting and General Services. Civil Beat.

Some people are in favor of a new policy which prohibits electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, use in state government buildings. Garden Island.

Politico’s Morning Score — “your guide to the permanent campaign” — reports that David Ige has a double-digit lead in the Hawaii governor’s race. Ige, a state senator, is ahead of Republican Duke Aiona 45-33 percent, “according to a Global Strategy Group poll for Hawaii Forward, a DGA-backed independent expenditure group.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans and religious conservatives wanted to significantly increase voter registration for the November elections to potentially help Republican candidates in a state dominated politically by Democrats, but the drive has fallen flat. The state Office of Elections said Monday that voter registration is at 706,890, a marginal, 0.17 percent increase from the 705,668 registered in 2012 and a 2.3 percent bump from 690,748 in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

As independent groups continue their efforts to influence Hawaii elections by flooding airwaves with ads about ballot issues and stuffing mailboxes with fliers about candidates, voters are mostly left in the dark about who is spending the money and where it’s coming from. These political action committees last filed finance reports with the state Campaign Spending Commission in August, which shed some light on who contributed the hundreds of thousands of dollars they spent before the primary election and how those funds were used. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial hopefuls in Hawaii will talk about their ideas for the state's energy policies at a forum Tuesday. The University of Hawaii's Energy Policy Forum is hosting the event. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s county officials are still clamoring for a greater share of a tax on short-term lodging that was originally intended to help defray the cost of hosting tourists. West Hawaii Today.

Tropical Storm Ana continues to strengthen early Tuesday as it makes its way toward the Big Island, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said. The storm is currently located about 885 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 945 miles east-southeast of Kailua-Kona and moving toward the northwest around 5 mph. The storm as of 5 a.m. Tuesday was packing 50 mph winds. West Hawaii Today.

Officials at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center are urging Hawaii residents to remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Ana continues its leisurely approach toward the state. The system was upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm Monday afternoon as maximum sustained winds topped 45 mph. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city settled two lawsuits involving the Honolulu Police Department last week, bringing to $2.6 million the total that taxpayers paid this year for alleged police misconduct and other cases. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu has a new housing strategy that focuses on building more affordable rental units for residents around rail transit stations. Hawaii Public Radio.

One of the companies being sued over the deaths of five men in a fireworks explosion and fire at a Wai­kele storage facility in 2011 has agreed to pay the families of the victims $1.5 million. Ford Island Ventures holds the master lease to the former munitions bunker complex owned by the Navy. Star-Advertiser.

A long-time city prosecutor is accused of stalking and harassing a former co-worker. Deputy Prosecutor Darrell Wong is a 29-year veteran of the office who is assigned to challenging and high-profile cases. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The state Airports Division and tourism officials are hoping the third time is the charm when they petition U.S. Customs and Border Protection to allow them to reopen Kona Airport as a second international port of entry. Honolulu has been Hawaii's only international point of entry since Customs and Border Protection shut down the Kona port of entry in 2012 because its Federal Inspection Service site no longer met their requirements. Star-Advertiser.


Two of the three gubernatorial candidates at a forum Monday evening said they would like to reconsider the state’s Land Use Commission. Republican Duke Aiona and Independent Mufi Hannemann both mentioned the commission during the forum at Kealakehe High School in response to a question about areas of state government they believed could be delegated to the counties. About 200 people attended the forum. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is preparing to borrow up to $20 million for emergency road work to ensure Puna residents have a way in and out of their communities should lava cross Highway 130. The County Council is scheduled to discuss Resolution 554 on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Iao Stream is flowing to the ocean for the first time in 100 years. Wailuku Water Co., which diverts the water in connection with various business interests, allowed the release of water Monday to increase the in-stream flow up to 10 million gallons a day, as part of a settlement with Native Hawaiians and community groups. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders on both sides of the contentious battle over water rights in Central Maui, emerged to witness waters flow freely below Kepaniwai Park in ʻĪao Valley and the water mouth at Paukūkalo today. Maui Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources today announced the addition of 3,721 acres at Waikamoi to be included in the state’s Natural Area Partnership Program. Maui Now.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing a proposed plan that would remove unexploded ordnance from the former Makanalua Bombing Range on Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center is in talks with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii about a possible partnership. Associated Press.

Kauai

Scientists say higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures are threatening corals around Kauai. Garden Island.

Retired car deal James Pflueger will be sentenced in state court Wednesday for his role in the deaths of seven people on Kauai in 2006. Pflueger, 88, was originally charged with seven counts of manslaughter. However, in a deal with the state, his company, Pacific 808 Properties, pleaded no contest last year to the manslaughter charges, and Pflue­ger pleaded no contest to felony reckless endangering. Star-Advertiser.

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.

Hawaii's Grand Old Party convenes, bonus in store for principals, tax revenues up, sewer work to halt Oahu projects, Hawaii Island tax base lopsided, Kauai poi mill may close, Ka'u celebrates coffee, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo 2008 GOP national convention (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Gov. Linda Lingle is calling on Hawaii Republicans to join together to make gains in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

Republicans from around Hawaii gathered this weekend on Oahu. KITV4.

In just 177 days, the Hawaii Republican Party will know whether it will finally make real inroads in a state dominated by Democrats, or remain mired in the minority. Civil Beat.

Speaking of the need for bipartisanship on Capitol Hill and the need for Republican representation for Hawaii if both houses of Congress go to the GOP this fall, former Gov. Linda Lingle urged party faithful to support her campaign for the U.S. Senate and help overcome the Democratic Party's stronghold in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

With Hawaii's primary election just three months away, candidates and their parties are gearing up for a big showdown. KHON2.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court could decide to throw out the political district boundary maps created by the state Reapportionment Commission. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said the state is too far along in the planning process to start over and that because the state Constitution sets the election timeline, any order to redraw the maps would not leave adequate preparation time. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature's recent approval of the undersea cable bill earlier this month is generating added interest in projects seeking to bring energy from neighbor islands to Oahu. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy says its use of sonar and explosives could potentially hurt more dolphins and whales in Hawaii and California waters than previously thought. Associated Press.

Principals who attain high ratings under a performance-evaluation pilot program in 82 schools this fall will be eligible for a one-time $10,000 bonus in what officials are calling the first experiment of a merit pay system for public school educators in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The number of foreclosure cases going through the courts could slow further or stop altogether because of another change the Legislature passed last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say the state’s tax revenues are up nearly 13 percent for the first 10 months of the fiscal year through April. Associated Press.

The Judicial Selection Commission on Friday announced its nominees for Hawaii Supreme Court associate justice and for a judge in Maui County’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Jodie Maesaka-Hirata will become Deputy Director of Corrections while Ted Sakai has been appointed as the new public safety director. Associated Press.

Jobie Masagatani has been named director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine welcomed 64 new doctors Sunday. But as the graduates move on, there are concerns about how many of them will return to practice in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists in Hawaii have already counted eight monk seal hooking incidents in the islands this year, including one that killed a 10-month-old male seal in March. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Construction of an assisted-living facility is on hold and other major proj­ects from Halawa to Pearl City could be in limbo while the city works to improve sewer lines at two Central Oahu sites. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano shied away from making any promises about property taxes during the debate last week. Civil Beat.

The Departments of Health and Agriculture launched an investigation into whether pesticides are being used incorrectly at several Thai and Sweet Basil farms in Kunia and Ewa on Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

The city is soliciting bids for a transitional housing project in urban Honolulu. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Property owners in just two West Hawaii County Council districts — North Kona’s District 8 and Kohala’s District 9 — pay more than half the property taxes that will be collected from the entire county this coming fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal will get a makeover later this year as part of an effort by Hawaii County to make its facilities more accessible to the disabled. Tribune-Herald.

Kau coffee, which is mostly grown and produced in Pahala, a former Hawaii island plantation town of 1,356 residents, is getting a big name. Star-Advertiser.

The Ka‘u coffee industry, which sprouted from fields left untended when the area’s sugar plantations faltered nearly two decades ago, is providing opportunities for residents in the south Hawaii district. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Wednesday in Kaunakakai on a $5 million Kaunakakai Harbor improvement project set to begin late this month. Maui News.

Through work to restore ancient taro patches, troubled youths dig up valuable life lessons. Maui News.

Development planned for both sides of the southern end of Mokulele Highway will be discussed by a three-member panel Tuesday evening during a meeting sponsored by the Kihei Community Association. Maui News.

Federal and state disaster recovery officials have scheduled an applicant briefing for Monday on Maui County concerning the Federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Maui Now.

Kauai
Only poi mill in Waimea, Kauai suspending operations. KHON2.

Employees, supporters try to stave off Kauai poi mill closure. Hawaii News Now.

Morgan’s Ponds, beloved by visitors and locals alike, is still struggling with the aftermath of nature’s inevitable course and man’s recourses, according to some residents. Garden Island.

Time-share owners have filed a federal class-action lawsuit over an assessment fee they claim was forced by a management-based board without approval of the owners. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians on Kaua‘i will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at a community forum as well as at a regular OHA Board of Trustees meeting, both scheduled for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Public Library will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with special music, hula, and dance on the front lawn, and exhibits in the library on Wednesday, May 23. Molokai Dispatch.

Legislature advances Hawaiian land settlement, 1.4% of registered voters go to GOP caucus, lead and mold in Honolulu Hale, double-dipping solar credits, Oahu plagued with potholes, Kauai man struck with flesh-eating bacteria, Koloa Camp residents fight evictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Mele Carroll at Native Hawaiian rally at Capitol, file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle ceded lands claims was advanced Tuesday by two House committees that reversed course on making technical changes to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House committee reconsidered a bill today to transfer 200 million dollars of land in Kaka’ako to settle back-rent owed by the State to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voter turnout for the first-ever Hawaii Republican caucuses on Tuesday night exceeded the party's expectations, breaking 10,000 -- just 1.4 percent of the state's 690,748 voters -- as Republicans backed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans are celebrating the success of the party's first ever caucus in the islands.Hawaii News Now.

Party officials said local candidates may get a much-needed boost from thousands of newly registered Republicans. KITV4.

For the first time, the federal government will charge companies in Hawaii for placing renewable energy projects in its waters, which extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore. Civil Beat.

To get more highly qualified teachers and deal with teacher shortages, the state is starting to hire months earlier this year and has partnered with the University of Hawaii to obtain more special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers and solar companies are slugging it out this year over a bill designed to prohibit homeowners and businesses from claiming more than one state tax credit on a single rooftop array. Civil Beat.

The average Hawaii consumer had $7,457 in credit card debt last month, down nearly 1 percent from $7,524 in January, and down 5 percent from $7,849 a year ago, according to Credit­Karma.com. Star-Advertiser.

A new mandate from the Department of Justice requires new public swimming pools that are 300 feet or longer to have two ways for a person with a disability to enter and exit the water. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law maintained its spot as the highest-ranking small law school in the top tier in the U.S. News and World Report annual law school rankings this year. KITV4.

Oahu

A new report says mold and lead dust has been found in Honolulu Hale, raising health concerns for those who work and do business at City Hall.Civil Beat.

After more than a year of analysis, the site for Honolulu's next landfill may be revealed this week. KHON2.

Even before the recent winter storms opened up new potholes across Oahu, the poor condition of the island's major roads was costing the average driver $701 more per year in extra wear and tear on their cars, trucks and SUVs, a new study says. Star-Advertiser.

Overcrowded ERs turning ambulances away. Hawaii News Now.

A former training specialist with the Honolulu Liquor Commission was sentenced for two bribery charges Wednesday. KHON2.

The Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based X-Band is returning to Oahu and will be visible on the horizon on or about Thursday, Navy Region Hawaii officials said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A proposed frontage road within the Kohanaiki project got state environmental approval this week. West Hawaii Today.

Brightly colored flags for pedestrians to hoist when using a crosswalk are now stationed at the Alii Drive and Hualalai Road intersection. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has resumed his “talk-story” sessions in communities around the island, and he received a raucous reception Monday night at the one in Pahoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

A draft environmental impact statement has been released for public review as part of planning for the proposed 1,500-home Olowalu Town project. Maui News.

The state Department of Health's Clean Air Branch has cited two companies operating on Maui for air permit violations, the department announced. Maui News.

Kauai

After more than six hours of discussion, 200-plus pieces of written testimony and numerous amendments on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that Grove Farm Co. meet with its Koloa Camp tenants to explore alternatives to eviction. Garden Island.

Kauai county council considers halting Koloa evictions. Hawaii Independent.

A Kauai man is fighting to overcome a case of rare flesh-eating bacteria that have already attacked his legs, back and abdomen. Star-Advertiser.

One of the saddest days in Kauai's recent history occurred six years ago on March 14, 2006, and many people on the island are remembering the events they say changed the island forever. Hawaii Reporter.

Kaua‘i Homelessness Strategic Plan meeting Friday. Garden Island.

Romney wins Hawaii GOP caucus, electric car rebates extended, feds criticize rail in emails, Waikiki beach widening whitens water, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for web and smartphone

Mitt Romney, AP photo via Politico

The Deep South may have given a big boost to former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum Tuesday, but the most southern state in the country — geographically, that is — gave former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney something to cheer about. Civil Beat.

With nearly all of the votes counted, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney held a substantial lead over former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich trailed. Star-Advertiser.

Just before midnight Tuesday night, the Hawaii GOP reported that with 87 percent of the votes counted at its first-ever presidential caucus, Mitt Romney had 44.8 percent of the vote, followed by Rick Santorum at 25.4 percent, Ron Paul at 18.7 percent, and Newt Gingrich at 11.2 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

By the end of the night, some Republicans were saying that more than 10,000 Hawaii residents had cast ballots. The final Associated Press count, however, was 9,365. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans gave Mitt Romney a big victory in their caucus Tuesday, softening the blow from his twin losses earlier in the night in Alabama and Mississippi. Hawaii News Now.

Mitt Romney made the following statement on the results of the elections in Hawaii and American Samoa. Romney Campaign.

Thousands of voters turned out tonight for Hawaii's first-ever statewide Republican presidential caucus. KHON2.

State senators scolded Cabinet members and other department officials Tuesday for messy bookkeeping and a perceived disregard for taxpayer money after discovering that public employees had been paid more than $2 million they weren't due. Star-Advertiser.

Greater acceptance of geothermal development among Native Hawaiians and other community members will allow the renewable resource to play a significant role in the state's transition to clean energy, government and private-sector officials say. Star-Advertiser.

State officials said Tuesday they are extending the rebate program for electric vehicles and charging stations to Nov. 1 after strong demand from consumers nearly exhausted the original round of funding. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii residents say high gas prices are affecting their household budgets than a year ago, with half of those surveyed saying they are spending less on eating out, according to the AAA Hawaii Spring Break Travel Poll. Pacific Business News.

The State Legislature commemorated Education Week yesterday by honoring the organizations and individuals who changed peoples’ lives in positive ways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Most visitors Tuesday weren't bothered that the blue waters off Waikiki Beach had turned milky white, but some locals were turned off. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano on Tuesday released internal emails from the Federal Transit Administration that question whether some steps taken to advance the city rail project were done properly or complied with federal environmental law. Star-Advertiser.

When it comes to building the City & County of Honolulu’s planned rail project, the city administration has “lousy practices of public manipulation” and has “produced 3 failed projects and are well on their way to a fourth.” Hawaii Reporter.

Five years ago, vice officers with the Honolulu Police Department arrested prostitutes and johns at a rate of more than one a day. In 2007, police made 477 prostitution arrests. But that number has declined dramatically in the years since: Police made less than half as many arrests in 2011 as they did five years ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s Republican faithful, as well as new members to the party, showed up at polling places across the Big Isle on Tuesday evening to cast their ballots to choose a nominee for the 2012 presidential race. Tribune-Herald.

The county Salary Commission is recommending employee salaries remain at their 2009 levels, but Council Chairman Dominic Yagong says the county could save almost $1 million annually by cutting top salaries 12 percent. West Hawaii Today.

Japan Airlines' first of three planned charter flights to Kona International Airport arrived Tuesday from Nagoya carrying 234 passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono introduced, last month, a measure for the third time asking to add parts of Hawaii’s coast to the National Park System. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would end mandatory inspection of green coffee beans being shipped from Hawaii cleared its last hurdle before the state House of Representatives last week and goes before a Senate committee today. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center officials have signed a lease with the Pacific Cancer Institute of Maui, clearing the way for construction to begin on a nearly $7 million expansion project. Maui News.

Maui County council member Mike White will be the guest speaker at the upcoming meeting of the Rotary Club of Valley Isle Sunset, on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Back in uniform Tuesday, one of Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry’s first actions was to place two assistant police chiefs back on duty. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Councilmember Tim Bynum on Tuesday had his zoning violations case moved to 5th Circuit Court. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council will consider a resolution today that requests Grove Farm Co. withdraw its eviction notices to all its tenants residing in Koloa Camp. Garden Island.

Molokai

High School Boosts Scores. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu streetwalkers not policed Saturdays, bag fee to benefit watersheds, low turnout expected in state GOP caucus, islands mark 2011 tsunami, Molokai poll shows opposition to tourist boats, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

They're promising Hawaii voters strong leadership in Washington, but most of Hawaii's leading candidates for federal office are waiting for their opponents to make public their tax returns before they'll do so themselves. Civil Beat.

David Chang, Hawaii’s Republican Party chairman, is estimating that 5,000 to 10,000 voters will turn out for caucuses Tuesday that will determine the candidate who will get 17 of the state’s 20 delegates to the GOP National Convention in Tampa, Fla., this summer. Star-Advertiser.

The four GOP presidential candidates are campaigning in the Deep South, but some of their members are here in Hawaii hoping to win over prospective voters.KHON2.

As Hawaii experiences decreasing rainfall and increasing demand for water from urbanization, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration has proposed doubling protected watershed areas, including the state natural area reserve at Mount Kaala. Star-Advertiser.

Tackling Hawaii's massive unfunded liability for future public pensions is going to be painful for the state, counties — and taxpayers, pension officials say. Civil Beat.

The state Senate is looking at ways to ease traffic problems by improving highway and road designs. Associated Press.

A law enacted Friday postpones a scheduled unemployment insurance rate hike that will save business owners across the state about $107 million. Associated Press.

Republican State Sen. Sam Slom today delivered his analysis of the Legislature’s accomplishments this year, expressing doubts about the effectiveness, legality and price tags of bills backed by the Democratic majority. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii has 10 main islands — not eight — in 10 commemorative Hawaii quarters that Wai­alae Iki coin collector Joe Au-Franz has found so far. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Civil Beat investigation of 12 months' worth of prostitution arrests shows that there is virtually no enforcement of prostitution laws on weekends. Civil Beat.

The 2012 NFL Pro Bowl played at Aloha Stadium on Jan. 29 generated an economic impact of $25.3 million, according to an estimate released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

It's been one year since the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan and even though the majority of the damage was suffered thousand of miles away, Hawaii's harbors were deeply impacted by the devastation. KITV4.

Hawaii

Fastest wireless speeds hard to come by on Big Isle. Tribune-Herald.

No Rush Limbaugh program advertisers were angered or inconvenienced this week when Hilo-based KPUA-AM 670 chose to drop the show after 16 years, according to the station’s owner. That’s because there weren’t any, he said. Tribune-Herald.

The first warning a tsunami was headed to Hawaii came late March 10, 2011. West Hawaii Today.

It took seven days after the March 11, 2011, tsunami for the Kona Inn Restaurant to regain power. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Deliberations will continue this week on the inaugural Maui Island Plan. Maui Now.

Planning Director Will Spence said Friday that his efforts to simplify the Maui Island Plan have been misunderstood by critics as an attempt to gut the document. Maui News.

A year ago, Bart Chow looked at the ocean from his in-laws' Molokai beach home and saw the ocean retreat from the shoreline. Maui News.

Much has been learned from last year's tsunami and now government agencies and residents should be better equipped to cope with another tsunami strike, county and emergency officials said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Resort developer plans 400 new housing units for Princeville. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i joined Japan and locations around the world on Sunday for moments of silence, prayer and reflection about the enormous loss from the magnitude-9.0 earthquake that struck a year ago in Japan. Garden Island.

Molokai

A vast majority – 85 percent – of people in a Molokai survey voted “no,” to dockings by American Safari Cruises and other tourist vessels, 11 percent voted “yes” and 4 percent voted “yes, with controls.” Molokai Dispatch.