Hawaii tourism nears 10M mark, Kauai dairy plan dropped, lawmaker seeks to ban cigarettes, $15 minimum wage and recreational marijuana bills advance, county mayors present wish lists, lots more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Luau in Kailua-Kona ©2019 All Hawaii News

Isle tourism hit nearly 10M arrivals in 2018. Hawaii welcomed a record 9.9 million tourists in 2018, just 45,452 visitors shy of a 10 million benchmark that had been anticipated before head winds emerged in the back half of last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii saw nearly 10M visitors last year. That’s half a million more than in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

The total number of visitors to Hawaii increased to nearly 10 million — and the amount they spent while here increased nearly 7 percent — in 2018 compared to the previous year, Hawaii Tourism Authority found in a report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii visitors spend an average of $201 per day in 2018. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent $17.82 billion in 2018, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to 2017, according to preliminary year-end statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. KHON2.

Airbnb criticizes Hawaii attempt to subpoena host records. Airbnb is pushing back against Hawaii’s attempt to find tax delinquents by subpoenaing 10 years’ worth of invoices, receipts and other records from the home-sharing platform’s island hosts, calling it an unprecedented, “massive intrusion” that violates state and federal law. Associated Press.

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County Mayors Brief House/Senate Finance Committee Members. All four county mayors support the Governor’s plan to remove the Transient Accommodations Tax restriction, which is currently capped at $103-million for the counties and provide them with a 23.1% share. Hawaii Public Radio.

The county mayors told state lawmakers Thursday that emergency funding for the Kilauea eruption and the Kauai flooding are among their top priorities this legislative session. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bills to adopt $15 minimum wage. House and Senate lawmakers advanced bills Thursday that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour for many workers in the years ahead and also would offer a tax credit to small businesses to try to cushion the impact of the wage increases on businesses. Star-Advertiser.

The first bill to raise the minimum wage in Hawaii made it through its first hearing with lawmakers Thursday. KITV.

Almost Half The Senate Signs On To Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana. The prospects are promising for the measure in the 25-member Senate, but Gov. David Ige opposes legalization. Civil Beat.

Ban on cigarette sales proposed for Hawaii. Adults younger than age 30 could be legally prohibited from buying cigarettes in less than a year's time -- and all cigarette sales would be banned in Hawaii in five years -- under a bill by State Representative Richard Creagan. KHON2.

Lawmakers call for tougher laws in wake of Kakaako crash. State legislative leaders from the House and Senate, galvanized by the recent crash in Kakaako that killed three pedestrians, gathered Thursday morning at the state Capitol to call for tougher laws to address a growing number of drunken and impaired drivers in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of horrific crash, lawmakers look to strengthen DUI laws. Hawaii News Now.

Regents reject UH president’s plan to cut tuition. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents Thursday turned away the UH president’s proposal to reduce tuition across the statewide system. Hawaii News Now.

Correctional reform bills to be heard Friday. Two legislative measures introduced as a result of the report of the Task Force on Prison Reform will be heard on February 1 by the House Committee on Public Safety, Veterans and Military Affairs. KHON2.

High Turnover In Gabbard’s Office Preceded ‘Tulsi 2020’ Problems. The Hawaii congresswoman has had a hard time holding on to staff, so much so that her turnover rate has been among the highest in all of Congress. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Developer breaks ground on first of at least 5 high-rises near Ala Moana. Construction on the first of at least five condominium towers in the Ala Moana area kicked off Thursday with rain and a blessing from Hawaiian musician and priest Aaron Mahi. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium’s board seeks $30M to battle damage. With approximately 200 weathered steel components and 85 decking panels “exhibiting severe corrosion,” according to a new study, Aloha Stadium will require “at minimum” $30 million from the Legislature over the next two years to remain safe and operable, the Stadium Authority said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium needs $30 million in repairs to keep going. KHON2.

HPD misconduct report reveals multiple officers found driving under the influence of alcohol. The Honolulu Police Department has released a new report outlining misconduct within the department. KHON2.

City moving to bring feral cat population under control. The city is moving aggressively to keep in check the population of feral cats that roam alleys, empty lots and other hidden corners of Oahu. KHON2.

How Many More Cars Can We Cram On Oahu? Since 1995, the growth in registered vehicles on Oahu has far outpaced the population increase — making any attempt to keep up with new roads futile. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks GET flexibility. Mayor Harry Kim asked state lawmakers in Honolulu on Thursday to grant more flexibility in how counties can use their general excise tax surcharge. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Mayor Harry Kim At The Capitol. Big Island Video News.

County releases draft vacation rental rules. The county Planning Department wants to hear from the public about its proposed rules regulating the rentals on the island. West Hawaii Today.

The number of visitors to the Big Island in 2018 dropped from the previous year, while visitor spending remained flat in the wake of the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

An effort to continue astronomy on the summit of Mauna Kea for the next several decades, and how that effort might affect the Thirty Meter Telescope project, was discussed at the State Legislature recently. Big Island Video News.

Residents of Kona Vistas, nearby subdivisions meet with mayor about proposed development. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council panel votes down mayor’s prosecutor pick. A Maui County Council committee late Wednesday night voted, 5-4, to recommend rejecting Mayor Michael Victorino’s appointment of John D. Kim as prosecuting attorney. Maui News.

Joint Training with Hawaii National Guard. The Maui Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency joined the Hawaii National Guard and other agencies for a full-scale training exercise Thursday near the Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Plans for Maui agricultural lands reviewed by Mayor. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino reviewed Mahi Pono’s conceptual plans Wednesday for agricultural development on 41,000 acres formerly used for sugar cane cultivation in Central Maui. KHON2.

A pre-opening of the 39-unit Hale Mahaolu Ewalu Phase I affordable senior rental housing project and groundbreaking for the 22-unit Phase II were held Wednesday morning in Pukalani. Maui News.

Black ice but no snow atop of Haleakala. Black ice shut down the summit of Haleakala for a few hours on Tuesday as chilly conditions swept across the islands, though forecasters did not expect snow at the summit anytime soon. Maui News.

Kauai

Proposal For New Dairy On Kauai Dropped After 5-Year Effort. Hawaii Dairy Farms was thwarted by regulatory obstacles, lawsuits and community opposition. Civil Beat.

Ulupono Initiative scraps plan for dairy farm on Kauai. Socially minded investment firm Ulupono Initiative has abandoned an 8-year effort to establish a dairy on Kauai that aimed to be the state’s biggest local milk source. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Dairy Farms announced Thursday it was discontinuing plans for a pasture-based dairy farm on Kauai. Garden Island.

Tourism reaches new heights. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kauai had 118,873 visitors in December, bringing the total for the year to 1.38 million, the most ever for this small island, and a 7.6 percent increase over 2017. Garden Island.

Ige proposes hikes in gas, vehicle taxes; state GOP wants tax exemptions for food and medicine; Honolulu City Council advances bus fare hikes; Hawaii open-carry law in federal court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2011 file photo pumping gas in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige’s administration is proposing increases in the state gasoline tax, weight tax and vehicle registration fees to collect an extra $40 million a year for road maintenance and other highway projects. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Makes Lt. Gov Green Point Man On Homeless. Governor David Ige is officially giving Lieutenant Governor Josh Green a greater role in dealing with the difficult issue of homelessness in Hawaii, as Green had hoped he would. Big Island Video News.

Republicans propose tax exemptions on food, medical services, feminine hygiene products. The measure, HB 610, would exempt certain foods, medical services, and feminine hygiene products from the General Excise Tax. Representative Lauren Matsumoto says dozens of states already have similar tax exemptions so it's about time Hawaii does too. KHON2.

The governor is proposing to raise the minimum wage in Hawaii to $15 an hour by 2024, while offering small businesses tax credits to offset the increase. Under the governor’s plan, the current minimum wage of $10.10 an hour would go up to $11 in 2020 and then increase by $1 annually through 2024. Hawaii News Now.

New bill would allow schools to ask for donations for facilities. That means schools can ask businesses, companies or even private donors for money to foot the bill. In exchange, the donor could have their name or product placement visible. KHON2.

State Improperly Shared Unsubstantiated Reports Of Child Abuse For Years. Federal officials have told the Hawaii Department of Human Services to stop using the reports outside of child abuse investigations. Civil Beat.

George K. Young Jr., Continues His Quest To Open Carry Firearms. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in July that Hawaii’s law to carry firearms is unconstitutional. The State and Hawaii County have petitioned the Court to reconsider. Hawaii Public Radio.

TSA agents at Hawaii airports are starting to turn in their resignations. The burden of working with no pay has gotten to be too much for some federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. Hawaii News Now.

Hardships faced by Hawaii's TSA employees. Because of the shutdown, homes, health and even their very jobs may hang in the balance for Hawaii workers with the Transportation Security Administration. KITV.

What Kai Kahele's Bid for Congress Means for the Neighbor Islands. If elected, Kahele would be the first neighbor island resident to represent the second congressional district, which is made up primarily of the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday adopted a proposal by Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi that would increase the single-ride bus fare to $3 from $2.75, the one-day pass fare to $6 from $5.50, monthly passes to $80 from $70, and annual passes to $880 from $770. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission Opts For Public Hearings In Former Chief’s Case. Louis Kealoha says he needs taxpayer help to pay for his criminal defense lawyers. Civil Beat.

Police commissioners blast city legal team for ‘breathtakingly’ bad advice. The chair and vice chair of the Honolulu Police Commission — both of them experienced attorneys — complained Wednesday about poor legal advice the body received from the city’s office of Corporation Counsel when it was led by Donna Leong. Hawaii News Now.

Former Police Chief Wants Taxpayers To Cover His Criminal Defense. Louis Kealoha already has a federal public defender but now wants the city to provide legal help, too. Civil Beat.

More charges may be filed against members of sovereignty group who stormed OHA. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed West Oahu wind farm gets voted down at neighborhood board meetings. West Oahu residents speak out against proposed wind farm project. KITV.

Inquiry prompts Airbnb to remove Hawaii mobile vacation rental listings. Airbnb has removed all mobile vacation rental listings in Hawaii from its online hosting site. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR finds a dead honu, fish in abandoned lay net along an Oahu shore. Hawaii News Now.

Prospects to save the Falls of Clyde at Honolulu Harbor appear to be sinking as another deal for a lift ship to transport it back to Scotland, originally anticipated to take place in early February, fell through. Star-Advertiser.

All Nippon Airways this spring will begin offering passengers on its Tokyo-Honolulu routes a chance to fly on the world’s largest passenger plane, which has 520 seats. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Nature Conservancy survey finds Hawaii island reefs recovering. Star-Advertiser.

The purchase of a large Ka'u tract for conservation might take more time as Hawaii County seeks to set aside 25 acres for a wastewater treatment plant. Tribune-Herald.

Evidence tampering, assaults against youth and other allegations of misconduct were among a disciplinary report submitted to the state Legislature by the Hawaii Police Department. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council gave final approval Wednesday to bills adding disaster recovery projects to the capital budget.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As Hurricane Lane Approached, Some Boats Had Nowhere To Escape. Tour boat operators say they were “blindsided” when state harbor officials barred them from taking shelter in commercial ports — a change from years past. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige wants to return to the old formula of giving the counties a straight percentage of the hotel room tax, instead of setting a cap that has long been a sore point for Maui County officials. Maui News.

A management plan is being developed for 244 acres of land at Honolua Bay and Lipoa Point in West Maui. The land was acquired by the state from Maui Land & Pineapple Inc. in 2014, in an effort to preserve the area in perpetuity. Maui Now.

Equipped with park guidelines, maps and other information, Friends of Haleakala National Park volunteers spent last weekend at the summit in an effort to help protect the park. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will be the featured guest speaker at the LahainaTown Action Committee’s annual meeting on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Pioneer Inn Courtyard. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anini Beach will be getting lifeguards. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved funding for three new lifeguard positions to address safety concerns at North Shore beaches crowded with visitors during the winter season. Garden Island.

World’s Biggest Solar Power Plant Relies On A Flock Of Sheep. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is far ahead of the statewide schedule for conversion to alternative energy sources for producing electricity. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Corporation Counsel Leong targeted in federal corruption probe, Legislature to probe Ige Cabinet appointees, Hawaii County to consider GET increase, fishing reopens off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Corruption scandal spills over into city hall as top attorney gets federal target letter. The U.S. Department of Justice has notified Honolulu’s top civil attorney that she’s a target in the federal corruption investigation that has already zeroed in on the city’s highest-ranking law enforcement officials. Hawaii News Now.

City Corporation Counsel Donna Leong, the city’s top civil attorney, went on paid leave effective today after receiving a target letter from the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Police Corruption Probe Snags City’s Top Lawyer. Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong is the latest top city official to be named a target in the ongoing Justice Department investigation. Civil Beat.

City's top attorney on paid leave after getting target letter. Two years ago, Leong played a role in the $250,000 payment to Chief Louis Kealoha that led to his retirement. KITV.

City's top attorney receives target letter from feds. KHON2.

Honolulu police Sgt. Daniel Sellers was not in on the alleged mailbox theft conspiracy and is not expected to testify in the upcoming federal criminal trial against retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha, Kealoha’s former deputy prosecutor wife and three other former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit, according to details contained in Sellers’ plea agreement. Star-Advertiser.

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Senators: Some Cabinet Nominees Won’t Make It. Some Hawaii senators say they aren’t inclined to confirm the governor’s choices for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Budget and Finance and the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

The former chief of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Monday that there’s no political will to deal with the consequences of sea-level rise brought about by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

Federal workers are turning to loans and food banks — and looking for new jobs. For some federal workers, growing uncertainty about the government shutdown has them contemplating a career change. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard Members Continue Public Safety Missions, About to Miss Paycheck. On Tuesday, Members of the U.S. Coast Guard will miss their first paycheck since the partial federal shutdown began in December. Hawaii Public Radio.

Student loan debt in Hawaii has doubled since 2008 but is increasing at a slower rate than the national average, according to a report from Experian Consumer Service. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The eight certified members of the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously to make Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi their interim chairwoman as a challenge to Trevor Ozawa’s 22-vote election day victory over Tommy Waters remains unresolved. Star-Advertiser.

Rail delays to cost $160m more. The Honolulu rail authority has tentatively agreed to pay contractor Ansaldo Honolulu JV $160 million as compensation for years of construction delays on the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Will Pay Train Maker $160 Million To Cover Rail Delays. Rail officials said the settlement with Ansaldo covers a delay of more than 2,000 days. Civil Beat.

HART announces tentative settlement with contractor over costly delays. Ansaldo Honolulu had a $574 million contract to build the electrical system and facilities and maintenance buildings. Hawaii News Now.

Company owning Kakaako roads fined by state for failing to meet road safety standards. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Armed with an opinion from the state attorney general, Mayor Harry Kim is asking the County Council to consider raising the general excise tax. West Hawaii Today.

Bonnie Irwin, the current provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University Monterey Bay, was recommended for approval by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents as the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s next chancellor, it was announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Bonnie Irwin will take over as UH-Hilo chancellor on July 1, 2019, if the UH Board of Regents approves the recommendation at its January 31 meeting. Big Island Video News.

Officials seek innovative ways like community court as homeless solution. It’s one thing to have a site that can house and service dozens or even hundreds of homeless in West Hawaii. But it’s quite another to entice some of Kona’s most troubled residents to participate in the program. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption a factor in decrease of Big Isle home sales in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to reopen Bottomfish Restricted Areas off Hana and the Penguin Banks off Molokai/Lanai based on new data on bottom fish stocks in those areas. Maui News.

After 19 years of teaching students how to build cottages for kupuna and classrooms for their school, Rick Rutiz is stepping down as executive director of Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike.  Maui News.

HI SOUP, a community-project funding organization, is partnering with the Malamalama Maui Project to fund one of three community agriculture projects on Maui. The event will be held at Heritage Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

State park officials have set March 30 as the projected completion date for the total reconstruction of public facilities at Haena State Park. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Monday that Kaumualii Highway by the Hanapepe Bridge will be closed for one lane of alternating traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday in preparation for bridge construction work. Garden Island.

Dog kills nene, triggers altercation. Garden Island.

Democrats debate tonight, fewer women judges, Hawaii County passes general excise tax surcharge as lava claims mount, Honolulu plastic bag ban goes into effect, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii children at play ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii landed in the middle of the pack, ranking 24th for child well-being among the 50 states, according to the 2018 Kids Count Data Book released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s population is projected in a state economic report to increase gradually and reach 1.65 million people by 2045, with the fastest growth occurring on the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Super Debate to feature Democratic candidates for 3 key races. Hawaii News Now.

Pivotal Oahu Seat Is Up For Grabs In OHA Elections. Peter Apo is leaving the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board, setting up a seven-way race to replace him. Civil Beat.

Fewer women are applying for judge positions in Hawaii. Today, women make up 39 percent of the 80 bench seats, compared with 36 percent in 2004. Star-Advertiser.

Insurer rescinds pot payout. Hawaii’s workers’ compensation insurers are grappling with reimbursements for medical marijuana claims that are slowly trickling in as more doctors certify patients to use cannabis as an alternative to opioids. Star-Advertiser.

New state law makes credit security freezes free for Hawaii residents. A new state law that went into effect on Sunday will allow Hawaii consumers to request free security freezes. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed bans on plastic straws run into resistance in Hawaii and dozens of U.S. cities. Associated Press.

Exhibitors showcase latest technology trends at RIMPAC's inaugural innovation fair. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Struggle For Power In Honolulu Is Coming To A Head. New taxes and other fees. More money for rail. Even monster houses. The fate of contentious city issues hinges on who’s elected. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Wins Right To Intervene In HPD Arbitration Case. The news outlet has been seeking the report that gave Sgt. Darren Cachola his job back. Civil Beat.

No cleanup help for ‘floatilla’. Revelers at the annual Independence Day “floatilla” off of Waikiki are on their own this year as far as cleanup efforts are concerned, according to local nonprofit Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters rally against zero-tolerance immigration policy. On Oahu people rallied at the state capitol and marched to the federal building. It was just one of hundreds of Families Belong Together events planned this weekend. KHON2.

Hundreds show up for the keep families together rally in Hawaii. KITV.

Don’t forget your reusable bags. Starting Sunday, Honolulu businesses will charge at least 15 cents per bag provided to customers at checkout. Star-Advertiser.

Stores react to new bag fee. KHON2.

Oahu DMV lines expected to get longer this summer. The state has a seen a surge of license renewals, leading to long lines at many centers. While the wait has increased for many, it is expected to be get even worse as renewals peak later this year. KITV.

After several delays, city to move forward with redevelopment of Varona Village. Long-awaited plans to revitalize a former plantation town are finally moving forward after several delays. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing on the possible eviction of former longtime employees of Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa from their Pearl City home will take place this week after being delayed. Star-Advertiser.

A failed business deal between the YMCA of Honolulu and a real estate development firm has descended into another legal dispute after the developer was ordered to pay the nonprofit $2 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Business Picked as Best Regional Business Magazine in the Country. Hawaii Business.

Civil Beat Named Best News Website In Hawaii. Journalism awards for Hawaii media were announced at the annual SPJ banquet Friday night. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

A one-quarter-percent surcharge will be added to the general excise tax in Hawaii County starting Jan. 1, following action Friday by the County Council. After teetering on both the winning and losing side of a 5-4 vote for months, the bill passed 7-2 just one day before the state-imposed deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Councilmembers voted to resurrect a failed bill on Friday, enacting a one- quarter (.25) percent general excise and use tax surcharge at the county level. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim asked the council to pass the new general excise surcharge as Hawaii County faces a fiscal struggle made worse by the eruption of Kilauea Volcano in Puna. Big Island Video News.

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State Sen. Lorraine Inouye is proposing that Hawaii County officials prohibit new construction on thousands of lots in the two highest risk lava inundation zones to try to prevent another disaster on the scale of the ongoing May 3 eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

County, state and federal lawmakers took part in a public forum on Saturday to discuss the future of the Puna district in light of the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Department of Health Expands Air Quality Monitoring on Hawaii Island. Maui Now.

Community organizers celebrated the spirit of collaboration Saturday as they officially dedicated a new micro-housing facility for residents displaced by the ongoing lava flow in Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

During a blessing of 20 small shelters for those displaced by the Kilauea eruption, Hope Services CEO Brandee Menino said it’s hard to put a price tag on the value of all the donated supplies and labor for the first transitional village. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Sunday that fissure No. 8 in Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone continues to be active and feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho, producing a broad ocean entry at Kapoho Beach Lots. The spatter cone was said to be about 180-feet high. Tribune-Herald.

What causes the collapse/explosion events at Kilauea’s summit? Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea eruption has shaken Volcano village. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii County is asking two companies to hold their bid prices for the Lono Kona sewer project until the U.S. Department of Agriculture approves the awarding of a contract. West Hawaii Today.

The state Public Utilities Commission voted 3-0 to give Hawaii Electric Light Co. a reduced rate increase so that the utility can meet its revenue requirement of $290.7 million. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 2.3 million gallons of rain and wastewater were discharged from Big Island Dairy in Ookala over three days in May, before heading into nearby gulches. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Atay’s assistant is barred from Council Services floor, ag offices. Bardellini deemed to have violated policy on workplace violence. Maui Now.

The firefighter’s chief. Jeff Murray retires as second longest serving chief, willing to get into the mud and smoke. Maui News.

Maui hotels and resorts posted a rosy May with visitor arrivals by air up 7.3 percent over the same month last year, visitor spending up double-digits and revenues per room at $259 — the highest in the state — the Hawaii Tourism Authority said in two reports last week. Maui News.

Maui News staffers earn 16 awards from journalism professionals group. Maui’s Last Harvest nets journalism prize. Maui News.

Primates Find a Home in Upcountry Maui. For 34 years the Maui’s Pacific Primate Sanctuary has been home to monkeys - -marmosets and tamarind monkeys- which are not native to the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Ensuring the government is in compliance with the ideal of capitalism is why Ana Mo Des is running for mayor. Garden Island.

Kauai Fire Department officials are reminding the public that a permit must be obtained by Tuesday to purchase and ignite firecrackers on the Fourth of July. Garden Island.

Plum season officially opened this weekend at Kauai's Kokee State Park. The sweet plums are an island favorite for many, and families enjoy making the trek up the mountain to pick the fruit. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court hears Thirty Meter Telescope case, Kilauea volcano simmers, teachers quitting at 'alarming' rate, Caldwell to decide budget and rail costs today, Hawaii County to reconsider GET, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Once again the fate of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope rests with the state Supreme Court following oral arguments on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court Hears New Arguments Over Thirty Meter Telescope. Opponents say a state appeals judge had a conflict of interest when she granted a permit for the project. Associated Press.

After a three-year legal battle, the fate of the Thirty Meter Telescope will now be decided by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

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Online tax law could open state to challenge. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that online retailers can be required to collect sales taxes in states where they don’t have a physical presence appears to be a boon for Hawaii’s tax coffers under a bill Gov. David Ige signed into law last week stipulating that online businesses with significant sales are subject to Hawaii’s general excise tax. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can levy sales taxes on purchases made through out-of-state online retailers, dealing a blow to Wayfair Inc. and other companies that have fought taxation. Pacific Business News.

Many on-line purchases will now be taxed after recent Supreme Court ruling. KHON2.

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Hawaii Farm to School program receives $100,000 of federal funding. KITV.

All 8 Lieutenant Governor Candidates Together for the First Time. The 5 Democrats and 3 Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor appeared together for the first time. Hawaii Public Radio.

Campaign Cash: A Tale Of Two Bert Kobayashis. Two longtime Honolulu political donors with the same name are going different directions in the Hawaii governor’s race. Civil Beat.

How Low Is Hawaii Voter Turnout? In the 2016 general election, turnout estimates ranged from 43 percent to 58 percent — depending on what formula is used. Civil Beat.

The number of teachers quitting their jobs in Hawaii’s public schools and leaving the state has shot up by 84 percent since 2010, and fewer local graduates are entering the profession, worsening the teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's high cost of living is spurring Hawaii teachers to quit their jobs at an alarming rate. Hawaii News Now.

Ongoing teacher shortage sparks debate. KHON2.

More students will get assistance with education costs after legislation expanding the Hawaii Promise scholarship program was signed by Gov. David Ige earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

An 800-pound chunk from the USS Arizona battleship that sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor is heading to Texas for display at a war memorial. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The recently completed $375 million Kaneohe-Kailua Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Facilities project, which features the state’s first gravity-fed underground sewage tunnel, is expected to lower energy costs, reduce the risk for overflows during storms, offer odor relief for Aikahi area residents and possibly provide more sewage capacity for the area. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year, $375 million project to build a gravity sewer tunnel and make other infrastructure upgrades in Windward Oahu was officially wrapped up Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell to render decision on city and HART budget bills. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said a bill he submitted Thursday to the Honolulu City Council will “level the playing field” for ride-hailing companies and traditional taxicab companies. Star-Advertiser.

Child sex crimes, prostitution alleged at Hawaii home for naked parties. Hawaii News Now.

Marks Garage, the reliable Pauahi Street parking oasis and epicenter of the downtown arts scene, has been sold to a mainland real estate investment trust for more than $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

It ain’t over till it’s over. Baseball great Yogi Berra’s famous quote could well apply to the general excise tax hike in Hawaii County, which is coming back in a special June 29 County Council meeting, just one day shy of the state-imposed deadline to pass it. West Hawaii Today.

As the reality of the county’s budget crisis sank in Thursday, Mayor Harry Kim held an emergency Cabinet meeting seeking $5 million in cuts, and the Salary Commission voted to postpone discussion of a new round of top officials’ raises until August. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa alert level lowered. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Alert Level Downgraded. Hawaii Island's massive volcano goes from an "advisory" to "normal" volcano alert level, and the aviation notice from "yellow" to "green". Big Island Video News.

After keeping many people on edge, the U.S. Geological Survey has dropped the alert level at Mauna Loa from “Advisory” to “Normal”. Big Island Video News.

An increasing number of Hawaii residents and tourists have been so determined to see flowing lava from the ground on Hawaii island that they have been risking fines and potentially jail by sneaking into restricted zones. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has brought a Puna traffic resource back online, and is planning to create a new, alternative path around Highway 130. Big Island Video News.

Volunteers warm lava evacuees' hearts — by filling their stomachs. Hawaii News Now.

'We probably will not ever return.' Park official reflects on Kilauea's past, present, and future. KHON2.

Guardsman reflects on time spent in eruption zone. Tribune-Herald.

Free medical care available this weekend for Big Isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

One more meeting left to consider charter changes. Council panel loses quorum; July 2 last meeting to review proposed amendments. Maui News.

Wailea, Maui is a Top Emerging Summer Travel Destination. Maui Now.

Starting Sunday, July 1, the Maui Bus will begin a new Waihee Villager route #8 and will change service on Kula Villager route #39. Maui Now.

Kauai

While China put the kibosh on accepting plastic waste from other countries, Kauai Recycles drop bins have nearly doubled in the past fiscal year. Garden Island.