Crackdown on Honolulu vacation rentals, Gabbard sues Google, TMT protest simmers, rail fares discussed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell screenshot from video

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. The city has sent out approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals, warning them to cease advertising or risk paying hefty fines starting Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Sends Warning Letters To 5,000 Owners Of Suspected Illegal Rentals. More aggressive enforcement of laws against unpermitted short-term rentals begins Aug. 1, but some potential violators are hearing from the city now. Civil Beat.

City sends warning letters to 5,000 owners of suspected illegal vacation rentals. The city has mailed out letters to 5,000 property owners who are suspected of running illegal vacation rentals. Hawaii News Now.




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Gabbard sues Google for $50 million. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google alleging that the tech giant harmed her bid for the presidency and infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account after the first Democratic primary debate in June. Star-Advertiser.


Gabbard sues Google for $50M, claiming ‘interference’ in her presidential bid. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google, claiming the internet behemoth suspended her Google Ads account in the hours immediately after the first Democratic presidential debate last month in a deliberate act of “election interference.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going after Google. Her presidential campaign has sued the tech giant. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard, the most searched candidate during debate, sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard's presidential campaign sued Google on Thursday after the company suspended the candidate's Google Ads account following last month's Democratic presidential debate. KITV.

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A new law that took effect July 1 is providing for tougher penalties for DUI offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Veto Means Some Eligible Patients Still Can’t Get Medical Cannabis Legally. The bill to allow interisland transport of the medicine would have been especially helpful for patients on Molokai and Lanai, which have no dispensaries. Civil Beat.

State Aims To Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits By Empowering Paramedics. Hawaii is creating a community paramedicine program that officials hope will mean fewer ambulance trips to hospitals. Civil Beat.

Six weeks after Kaiser Permanente filed suit against The Queen’s Health Systems after the latter informed the former it would begin billing Kaiser members for the balance of emergency services it provides, Queen’s has yet to file a response in court. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

City Kick-Starts Public Discussion On Future Rail Fares. Commissioners will consider whether the fares should be a flat rate or distance-based, as well as how much the interim service should cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rate Commission wants your input on future rates for the rail once it begins operations. The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV.

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About 100 to 150 supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project rallied in front of the Capitol during the evening rush hour Thursday.  Associated Press.

TMT supporters rally at the Capitol. Organizers of the two-hour rally in Honolulu said they wanted to show the world Hawaii appreciates astronomy, that its edu­ca­tional and economic benefits are welcomed and that Hawaiian culture and science can coexist on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief faces council over Mauna Kea deployment; police-powers suit in legal ping-pong. Honolulu’s police chief told lawmakers today, public safety on Oahu was never compromised during their absence. KHON2.

Hawaii

‘We are not willing to negotiate,’ Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leader vows. A key leader of the effort to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope says it is clear that neither the state nor Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has the power to stop the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents say no deal; Kim’s office says offer not made. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rejected an offer by mayor Harry Kim Thursday that would temporarily suspend construction efforts — a proposal that Kim’s office later said was never made. Tribune-Herald.

Despite talk of negotiation, both sides make clear there’s little middle ground in TMT conflict. The Thirty Meter Telescope insisted Thursday that it has no plans to pull out from building at Mauna Kea. Hours earlier, activists protesting at the base of the summit reiterated their demand: They’ll take down the human barricade only if TMT leaves. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Talks: Kim Clarifies Role, Gabbard Sends Ige Letter, OHA Votes. Big Island Video News.

Day 11 of TMT: Hawaii County mayor acts as bridge between Kiai and TMT construction. KHON2.

OHA Board Calls on Governor to Rescind Emergency Proclamation for Mauna Kea. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the OHA Board approved a resolution that both calls for the governor to rescind the proclamation, as well as authorizes the OHA administration to advocate for the rights, safety and well-being of Native Hawaiian protectors and provide related-assistance as appropriate, according to an OHA press release. Big Island Now.

OHA approves resolution to advocate for health, safety of protectors. All nine trustees unanimously voted Thursday to approve a resolution that supports a proclamation retraction and allows OHA to advocate for the health and well being of demonstrators. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Clarifies Role in TMT Dispute. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says “he has no authority to intervene or make any kind of deal regarding TMT.” Instead, Kim says his role is “to work with all sides to find a better way forward for everyone concerned.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige’s official website now has a form that you can fill out to let him know whether you support the TMT project or not on Mauna Kea. As of Wednesday afternoon, we’re told that his office has received more than 14,000 responses. KHON2.

Hawaii Enters Next Phase Of Eruption Recovery, FEMA Talks Set. There are a number of upcoming initiatives and public meetings scheduled in regards to the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption recovery effort. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Offshore Sand Sought to Mitigate Erosion at Kahana Bay. A 157-page Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed to address erosion mitigation at Kahana Beach in west Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Adds New Traffic Safety Initiatives As Death Toll Increases. The Maui Department of Public Works is trying to decrease the county’s traffic-related death toll through various safety initiatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

MPD officers return to Maui after being called to Mauna Kea. Officers assisted Hawaii County police with safety, road congestion. Maui News.

Summit brings new solutions for landlords. Annual event dispels myths about housing subsidies; offers tips to solve issues between landlords and tenants. Maui News.

Kauai

100 come to meeting on EIS for Kealia Mauka subdivision. The Land Use Commission held a packed meeting in the Moikeha Building conference room Thursday where 38 public testimonies were taken and over 100 people attended. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life acquires Kauai real estate brokerage. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers has acquired Kauai real estate agency Hanalei Country Brokers, giving the growing firm an office in the place where it began. Pacific Business News.

Homeless count drops in point in time survey, Honolulu delays rail vote, Maui rethinking 24 hour liquor sales, state GOP to meet on Kauai, coral study released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s homeless population decreased 9 percent statewide, with Honolulu as the only county to see a slight increase of 19 people, according to data released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is seeing hopeful signs that the state’s homelessness crisis is finally abating. Civil Beat.

The annual Point in Time count, which is a census of people experiencing homelessness, showed a 9 percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared with the same time period last year, according to Gov. David Ige. KITV.

Homelessness in Hawaii has been decreasing since last year. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s homeless population has decreased for the first time in eight years, the governor announced Wednesday. KHON2.

© 2017 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said that the “tide has turned” on the state’s homelessness crisis, citing a study of Hawaii’s homeless population that showed double-digit percentage decreases in Maui County and on the Big Island. Maui News.

The state Department of Human Services released its annual Point-in-Time count results on Homelessness for 2017 today, noting a 9% statewide drop in homelessness.  The drop represents the first statewide drop in homelessness in eight years. Maui Now.

New management strategies are outlined in the newly released Hawaii Coral Bleaching Recovery Plan, which aims to promote the health of the reefs that were bleached in the summers of 2014 and 2015. Garden Island.

Google says it has contributed $127 million in economic activity to Hawaii through the 5,200 businesses and nonprofits that used its advertising tools in 2016. Pacific Business News.

The latest Hollywood flap over a controversial motion picture casting decision hits close to home for Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Community Foundation taps Micah Kane to be CEO. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday to delay a decision on a bill that would allow the city to use property taxes or other general operating funds to build Oahu’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to temporarily shelve a bill allowing the use of property tax revenue for construction of the $10 billion rail line. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council deferred action on a measure to use real property taxes to fund the construction of the rail project, whose costs have nearly doubled to $10 billion. Hawaii News Now.

A vote on a bill that would require businesses in Honolulu County to charge 10-cents for plastic bags is delayed until June. KITV.

Honolulu City Council members planned to vote on whether to repeal or replace the city's plastic bag ban on Wednesday. However, a last minute amendment by Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga put that vote on hold. Hawaii News Now.

A plan aimed at blocking Mayor Kirk Caldwell from transferring oversight of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services was approved 9-0 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tow companies on Oahu complain they are swamped and overcrowded with abandoned and derelict vehicles, and there's no room for anymore. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu International Airport’s name will be officially changed to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at a ceremony on Memorial Day weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors raise concerns about plans for Windward Oahu homeless 'igloo' shelter. Hawaii News Now.

‘Food insecurity’ study surveys UH students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Homelessness in Hawaii County decreased dramatically in the past year, according to the office of Gov. David Ige, who declared homelessness an emergency in 2015. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island led the way with a 32 percent decrease in its homeless population. The county tallied 953 homeless people in 2017, down 441 individuals from the all-time high of 1,394 counted in 2016. Hawaii County’s homeless had been growing at a higher rate per capita than every other county in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim’s first major borrowing — $20 million to begin the closure process for the Hilo landfill — is scheduled for a County Council vote Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Hu Honua Bioenergy have come to a tentative agreement on a new power purchase contract. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC said Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. on an amended power purchase agreement for its half-completed biomass plant on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has revived a contract it ended last year with the owner of a biomass facility. Star-Advertiser.

Identifying cases of rapid ohia death on Hawaii Island just became easier thanks to a new tool that allows teams to diagnose infected trees while in the field. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Liquor Commission Votes to Revisit Maui Liquor Laws. Maui Now.

Single-family home prices were flat on Maui last month, while condominium prices jumped 10 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Prices rose 10 percent for condominiums sold on Maui in April made significant movements while the market for single-family houses on the Valley Isle was close to flat, according to a report published Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The JUMPSmartMaui renewable energy demonstration project that helped set up electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and smart-grid EV technology on the island came to a “successful” conclusion in February after a nearly six-year run, the project announced this month. Maui News.

As many as 30 green sea turtles come ashore at the Hana end of the popular county beach. Maui News.

Kauai

Homelessness on Kauai dropped 7 percent in the 2017 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-In-Time count. Garden Island.

In the current Kauai Police Department recruit class, few are from Kauai. That raised questions for councilman Ross Kagawa. Garden Island.

A recent assessment of residential materials disposed at the refuse transfer stations and in refuse carts has prompted county officials to issue a reminder about the proper disposal of liquid household waste. Garden Island.

The Kauai Republican Party will be hosting the 2017 Hawaii Republican Party State Convention at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort on Friday and Saturday. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea telescope protesters arrested, Google mulls statewide wireless plan, $5M released to study jail move on Oahu, school trips could violate ethics laws, Maui loses $12M interest for failing to pay state, Kenoi may face charges for pCard use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescope roadblock demonstrators on Mauna Kea, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

Shouts of “ku kiai mauna” — the guardians of the mountain — reverberated off ancient cinder cones and dome-shaped telescopes Thursday at Mauna Kea’s summit as police led 12 arrested protesters away from the Thirty Meter Telescope construction site. They were among about 30 arrested on the mountain by Hawaii County Police and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officers as opponents of the $1.4 billion project staged another dramatic protest on a mountain they say is sacred ground. Tribune-Herald.

Demonstrators vowed to continue their protest on Mauna Kea even though 31 people were arrested and charged Thursday with trespassing and blocking work vehicles from reaching the construction site of the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Arrests were made yesterday on Mauna Kea Access Road. Protesters who oppose the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope have been on the mountain for the past week, blocking access to construction crews. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island police arrested twelve protestors Thursday. They were accused of blocking construction vehicles access to the summit of Mauna Kea. The crews were trying to get to the site to work on what will be the world's biggest telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists hoping to see 13 billion light years away, giving them a look into the early years of the universe, are facing opposition from Native Hawaiian groups who say the construction site of a new telescope is on sacred land. Associated Press.

Four individuals were arrested today by DLNR enforcement officers on the Mauna Kea summit while protesting the construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope. Hawaii Independent.

Google may launch a new wireless phone service in Hawaii that seamlessly blends Wi-Fi and cellular networks together as part of a major plan aimed at shaking up the U.S. mobile phone industry, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Trips by hundreds and perhaps thousands of Hawaii public school students could be in jeopardy after the state Ethics Commission said teachers are breaking the ethics law by accepting free trips from travel companies. Hawaii News Now.

Parents seeking an "opt-out" for their children from standardized testing now underway in Hawaii public schools are being told that the state cannot grant the requests, according to new guidelines issued to schools. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of Uber, a ride-hailing service that allows customers to use smartphones to contact independent drivers, rallied Thursday against the state Legislature's first attempt to regulate the new industry. Star-Advertiser.

A state House bill that would have set up a system for designating certain agricultural products as specifically Hawaii grown has been deferred following opposition from several Kona coffee farmers. The state Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection deferred House Bill 1051 Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has set a timetable for the 29 intervenors and the Hawaii Consumer Advocate to follow in the major case involving NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., according to a public filing. Pacific Business News.

A new state report estimates that Hawaii needs nearly 66,000 new homes to meet demand over the next 10 years. Civil Beat.

A securities law compliance expert from a Honolulu investment advisory firm has been named Hawaii's securities commissioner. State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Catherine Awakuni named Ty Nohara to the post. The department said Thursday the appointment is effective April 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Gov. David Ige has agreed to release $5 million for planning and to solicit proposals to relocate the Oahu Community Correctional Center, an idea that has been promoted by Kalihi residents and their elected officials for years. Star-Advertiser.

Dan Grabauskas, who serves as executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, on Thursday asked the agency's board to forgo any consideration of the $35,000 annual performance bonus that he's eligible for under contract. Star-Advertiser.

State officials do not know how many state workers were allowed to leave early Wednesday to avoid a repeat of Tuesday's horrific H-1 freeway traffic jam, but likely hundreds of both state and city employees got paid to go home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth is evaluating whether there are grounds for criminal charges against Mayor Billy Kenoi stemming from allegations of unauthorized use of his county credit card, state Attorney General Doug­las Chin said Thursday. Chin said he and Roth have been in talks regarding the matter. Star-Advertiser.

More troubles are emerging for Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. The Hawaii County prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation into Kenoi’s misuse of a government-issued credit card. KHON2.

Already in political hot water for his $900 night at the Club Evergreen, Hawaii News Now has learned that Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi also took the county credit card to the Camelot Restaurant & Lounge on Sheridan Street, dropping $400 at the hostess bar. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County will need 19,610 new housing units over the next 10 years, as it leads the state in the rate of household growth over the decade. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou residents miffed about lack of cell service following tower removal. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Maui County lost out on more than $21 million in interest earnings when the county Finance Department failed to send payments from fiscal years 2010 to 2014 to the state agency that provides health and life insurance benefits to county employees, according to an independent audit of the department's Treasury Division released Thursday. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he is considering turning Maui Electric Co. into a publicly owned utility. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Tomorrow Foundation is losing its executive director, Irene Bowie, who successfully assisted challenging the legality of the Hawaii Superferry operations, helped advocate returning more water to Central Maui streams and pushed for more environmental awareness overall. Maui News.

This year’s annual Hawaii STEM Conference takes place April 17-18 at the Wailea Marriott Resort. The event is sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology project in partnership with the County of Maui. MauiTime

Two of Maui’s beaches were featured in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards for the best beaches in the US. Maui Now.

Kauai
Following the success of last year’s Hawaii on the Hill, plans are underway for another campaign June 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who spearheaded last year’s event attended by more than 1,000 people, spent part of her Kauai itinerary Thursday visiting with local businesses that participated and made the gathering a hit. Garden Island.

The Navy has underestimated the threat maritime exercises and the use sonar poses on marine life around Hawaii and California, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Garden Island.

AG lawsuit says Plavix ineffective for Hawaii ethnicities, Honolulu judge denied second term, Maui mulls beach smoking ban, United could lay off hundreds, Honolulu solar panel owners going rogue, public campaign funding bill dies, Kona could get movie production center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A park advocacy group says Honolulu isn’t going far enough to fix up the most treasured “jewel in the crown” — Hanauma Bay. Civil Beat.

The state attorney general is suing the manufacturers of a blockbuster prescription blood thinner who he says covered up evidence that the pricey alternative to aspirin would be ineffective for much of Hawaii's population. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s attorney general is suing the makers of a widely prescribed blood thinner he says a significant portion of the state’s population has difficulty metabolizing. Associated Press.

A lawsuit filed today by the State Attorney General against the makers of Plavix alleges that they marketed a drug in Hawaii that they knew would not work for up to half of the population. Hawaii News Now.

Today, Attorney General David M. Louie filed a lawsuit in the First Circuit Court pursuing civil penalties and disgorgement of profits for deceptive and unfair marketing practices related to the blockbuster antiplatelet drug Plavix. Hawaii Reporter.

The State of Hawaii is taking a major drug company to court. Yesterday, Attorney General David Louie filed a lawsuit for unfair and deceptive marketing practices related to the drug Plavix, which has been sold on the islands since 1998.Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would have changed campaign finance laws for state elections in Hawaii died in the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, halting its progress unless the group decides to hear the bill again this session. Associated Press.

Two bills expected to be approved by the Senate Judiciary and Labor committee Thursday represent the kind of legislation that demonstrates lawmakers can get tough on crime. House Bill 2205 would remove the probation option for sentencing people convicted of habitual property crimes. House Bill 2034 would eliminate the statute of limitations on first- and second-degree sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14 Civil Beat.

A bill moving through the Hawaii Legislature would give the state director of transportation the authority to set motor vehicle inspection rates and make other changes to the inspection program. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s public school system isn’t planning to ask for more time to carry out ambitious reforms that won the state a $75 million federal grant. Associated Press.

Defining instructional hours to allow for greater flexibility is the one thing everyone agrees HB1675 needs in order to be effective. Hawaii Independent.

Kim

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has endorsed Hawaii state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim for the 1st Congressional District seat.Civil Beat.

With the March 31 deadline to sign up for health coverage looming, the Hawaii Health Connector announced Wednesday thousands of Hawaii residents could be eligible for no-cost health coverage or tax credits. Tribune-Herald.

The United States has been at the forefront of growing genetically modified crops. But in Europe, the technology has met with a great deal of opposition. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds of United Airlines employees could be laid off as the air carrier re-evaluates its ground operations at three Hawaii airports. KITV4.

The Hawaiian Electric Company is exploring the use of liquefied natural gas for power generation. Tribune-Herald.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 20. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A controversial Circuit Court judge is losing his job after complaints from lawyers about his on-the-job performance, a rare "firing" of a judge. Sources said the Judicial Selection Commission will not retain Oahu Circuit Judge Patrick Border for a second 10-year term when his term expires April 7. Hawaii News Now.

With Oahu in a solar power crunch, homeowners are going rogue, turning their panels on without permission from Hawaiian Electric Co. KHON2.

A bill aimed at making it easier for shoreline property owners to put up retaining walls may set a dangerous precedent and cause harm to Oahu's beaches and other coastal areas, city planning officials and environmentalists say. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department is teaming up with Hawaii’s politically powerful police union to oppose legislation that would require police agencies to disclose the names of all officers disciplined for misconduct. Civil Beat.

Despite numerous signs warning of penalties for trespassing, 92 people have been issued citations at Sacred Falls State Park since the beginning of 2012, including the two that were issued to lost hikers Wednesday, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Developers proposing a condominium tower largely surrounded by midrise town homes and rental apartments on a parking lot in Kakaako sailed through an initial public hearing Wednesday, attracting hardly a speck of the dissent raised last year on a similar project nearby. Star-Advertiser.

After more than a decade's wait, H&M will open its first Hawaii location at noon March 27 in the Waikiki Business Plaza, with 31,000 square feet of fashion on two floors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kona-based United Airlines employees are disputing the company’s official statement about upcoming personnel changes at Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly an acre of land in Hawi would be preserved as a community park under a proposal the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee supported Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona movie production center in the works. West Hawaii Today.

County must redo Lono Kona sewer project hearing. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
County cuts fleet of vehicles taken home by workers. Water department tricky because of 1993 arbitration decision. Maui News.

Maui County Council members are considering a bill that would ban smoking, tobacco products and electronic smoking devices at county parks and beaches. Maui News.

House lawmakers from Maui today issued an announcement saying they have secured more than $460 million in capital improvement project funds, including $130 million for the construction of the long-awaited Kīhei High School in South Maui. Maui Now.

A larger than anticipated demand for a free Google internet seminar on Maui, prompted organizers to add a second session on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Kauai

Ron Horoshko seeks seat on County Council. Garden Island.

The FIRST robotics team is in its final days before leaving for the Hawaii Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Community Health Center, which is in the midst of an  $8.5 million capital campaign, will receive $500,000 from the state to help fund the renovations that will turn the old Pau Hana in in Kaunakakai into a wellness campus. Pacific Business News.

After starting a robotics program on a trial basis this year, students of Molokai Middle School (MMS) have swept the competition, placing first and third in the state. That qualifies them to compete in the 2014 VEX Robotics World Championship VEX IQ Challenge Division in California next month as well as the International VEX Summer Games in Honolulu. Molokai Dispatch.

Akaka Bill under fire, Historic Preservation Division risks federal funds, rail still at issue, islands struggle with tax hikes, state gaga over Google, cigarettes targeted again, more Hawaii news

Gov. Linda Lingle has sent a letter to all 100 U.S. senators, reaffirming her opposition to the latest version of a bill that would allow native Hawaiians to create a sovereign government, but Hawaii's two senators predict the bill will pass without her support.

The Native Hawaiian community and the military have often been at odds over the use of land across the islands.  But Wednesday, representatives from both signed a promise to work together.

The state agency that for years has struggled to protect Hawai'i 's historic and cultural sites is in danger of losing federal funding that amounts to half its budget.

The state Historic Preservation Division risks losing more than $1.1 million in federal funding -- about half its budget -- due to program lapses detailed in a new report by the National Park Service.

Hawai'i state and county officials are pitching Google Inc. in the hopes of landing one of the free ultra-high speed broadband networks the company is proposing to install around the country.

The state and the four counties have made a bid to be part of online search giant Google's test of ultra high-speed broadband.

Gov. Linda Lingle is asking the Legislature for $40 million in emergency funds to help the Department of Human Services cover its April payment to the state's Medicaid providers.

In a survey of 500 residents that began statewide in December, 71 percent supported a 60-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax to reduce smoking and the state budget deficit.

Lawmakers Thursday, will debate a bill that would carve out $86 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund to end school furloughs.

Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie says he isn't looking for villains to blame for the continuing school furloughs.

The city, not the state, will have to pay to resolve the issue of a planned commuter rail line running too close to the Honolulu International Airport, according to a Nov. 3 letter from the state Department of Transportation.

With each delay along the way, the City’s mantra about its multibillion-dollar rail proposal remains unwavering.

Little more than two years after opening its doors, Hilo's Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home finds itself nearly full.

Facing opposition from farmers and ranchers, the Hawaii County Water Board is having second thoughts about discontinuing its agricultural subsidy, a move that could cause residential rates to rise more than first thought.

The $23 million fresh fruit processing line that three years ago was supposed to represent the new future of Maui Pineapple Co. was auctioned Tuesday for $125,000.

The carcass of a rare beaked whale will be a "treasure chest" of information for scientists, after it was recovered in Hana this week.

A weekend dog attack that left three Kapa‘a High School sheep dead highlights the shortcomings in the school’s struggling agriculture program and the dearth of student interest in farming, the school’s principal and primary ag teacher said this week.

Clayton Hale remembers a time when professional musicians could make a decent living performing on the Big Island.