New public face for Abercrombie Administration, public land board stumbles, more Hawaii kids hungry, and news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Overlook (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A new state agency tasked with developing public lands could be in trouble because the state may not have the authority to legally transfer the land to the Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

James Boersema, an experienced public relations strategist with ties to business and labor interests, will take over today as Gov. Neil Abercrombie's new communications director. Star-Advertiser.

Jim Boersema

Jim Boersema has accepted the offer to be the governor's new communications director. KHON2.

It was a dark week for the "New Day" administration of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, as a fourth top level staffer submitted her walking papers Friday. Hawaii Reporter.

In politics, transformations and metamorphoses will carry you only so far. Eventually you either stand and deliver or leave. Star-Advertiser.

New staffer joins Abercrombie team as another aide resigns. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, Communications director Josh Levinson informed his colleagues of his intent to resign .. then that night... Deputy Communications director Laurie Au did the same. KHON2.

Like GOP, Hawaii Democrats Also In Debt. Civil Beat.

Over the last five years, the ranks of Hawaii public school children eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch — a key indicator of poverty — have swelled by 35 percent to 90,660, in a trend that's causing increasing concern for advocates and school administrators. Star-Advertiser.

The 3 R's used to mean Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. But now the 3 R's have a completely new meaning at Hawaii schools. KITV4.

The Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations projects that the state will see a 3.6 percent increase in jobs over two years — from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012, according to its most recent employment forecast report. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In First Year, Carlisle Was Honolulu's Global Mayor. Civil Beat.

Twenty one economies touched by the Pacific Ocean will send representatives to Honolulu for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials have announced the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed for two extra days next week while workers stabilize several rock faces that pose what is termed an imminent danger. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Water Board has opened its search for a new head of the Department of Water Supply and is accepting applications now online. Tribune-Herald.

When the Hawaii Wildlife Center opens next month, it will be the first state-of-the-art response facility exclusively for native wildlife in the Pacific Islands. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave initial approval Friday to an update of the Lanai Water Use and Development Plan. Maui News.

Hospice Maui plans end-of-life care facility. Maui News.

Kauai

Memories of a bustling Lihue Sugar Mill filled William Farias' head during a recent blessing at the site as contractors prepared the structures for demolition. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Reclaiming Hawaiian Lands. Molokai Dispatch.

Just sayin’ : Gov. Abercrombie’s tippy canoe

“Politics is poetry, but governing is prose,” former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo once said.

For Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, this sentiment never rang more true than this past week, when four of his top staffers slipped over the side of his beloved canoe of state. Abercrombie, a firebrand in Congress and on the campaign trail, ran aground against the unbending reef of the old-style Democratic political machine, backed by the solid union presence that defines Hawaii.

First to go were Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki, purportedly to spend more time with their families -- pretty much the same families they had during more than a decade of serving Abercrombie in Congress and later coordinating a slam-dunk campaign against political heavyweight and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Next went Abercrombie’s public face: Communications Director Josh Levinson and Deputy Communications Director Laurie Au.

The four departures were the most public of Abercrombie’s 11-month tenure. But they weren’t the first.

Dr. Neal Palafox resigned his nomination to become Department of Health director in January, after being asked to resign for reasons the administration kept private. Next went Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director Bobby Hall, who resigned in May, a couple months after his appointment. In September, Human Resources Development Director Sunshine Topping left, also citing family reasons. Vice director of Hawaii State Civil Defense, Ed Teixeira, resigned last week, citing unspecified “changes” he didn't agree with.

Abercrombie won praise for bringing in a young government team – most in their early 40s -- to spearhead his New Day pledge. In a column titled, “Youth movement's fresh legs to carry Abercrombie's agenda,” longtime political wag David Shapiro noted, “It's to Abercrombie's credit that he seems committed to opening the door to a new generation and giving more seats at the table to those who will have to live with the decisions made today.”

But that youthful outlook didn’t sit well with many of the old-line Democrats. And the lack of experience transforming Abercrombie the firebrand Congressman into Abercrombie the solid, stable governor made matters worse.

“Several sources said Asselbaye and Aoki appeared devoted to Abercrombie's policy agenda and had the right instincts about insulating the governor from his older allies. But the young advisers did not have the gravitas or the relationships with influential Democrats and business and labor leaders outside the state Capitol to effectively contain the governor's impulses,” reported Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Derrick DePledge.

“The job of controlling Abercrombie fell to Asselbaye. But she had never run an executive office before, and her skills did not lend themselves to the kind of back-room back-slapping required to govern,” said Honolulu Civil Beat’s Chad Blair.

Granted, there have been better times to be a chief executive officer. The national and international economic slumps have devastated tourism, the primary economic engine. People are cranky and looking for targets for their displeasure.

“The truth is that the canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize,” said a prescient Abercrombie in his January State of the State address. “We re in that unnerving moment when we could all huli.”

But it’s not too late. Abercrombie has served less than a year of his four-year term. He can pull his leadership back together, re-ignite that dream, deploy that charisma that has taken him so far. Perhaps there’s a bit of bending that can be undertaken by both sides. Maybe it’s time the old guards loosen some of that stranglehold and help Hawaii move into that New Day.

“Let us right our canoe,” Abercrombie said in his address, “Let us act in a pono way and begin our journey back to the heart of our island home with humble hearts and above all, with aloha for each other.”

Just sayin’.

Abercrombie honeymoon's over: Hawaii Democrats seek shakeup at the top, and more political and government news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

In a major internal shakeup, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's chief of staff and his deputy chief of staff have resigned just 10 months into an administration the governor acknowledges has fallen short of expectations. Star-Advertiser.

Asselbaye

Senior Dems Pushed Gov To Shake Up Staff: From early in his administration, longtime associates of Gov. Neil Abercrombie were alarmed at their friend's performance. Civil Beat.

Less than a year after taking office, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has lost his top two aides to resignation. Hawaii Reporter.

Aoki

Two top members of the Hawaii governor's administration who played key roles in getting him elected are stepping down. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office announced Thursday that his Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki have resigned. KITV4.

Ten months after being sworn into office two key members of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration abruptly announced their resignations Thursday. KHON2.

Coppa

New Chief of Staff an Accomplished Businessman With Strong Labor Ties. Civil Beat.

The same day Ed Teixeira stepped down from a job he held through three administrations, workers circulated a petition that he be reinstated. KITV4.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is hoping to pick a successor to longtime Administrator/Chief Executive Officer Clyde Namuo in the next three to five months, OHA Chairwoman Colette Machado said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A state official says an agency intended to allow development of public lands won't have "land-grabbing power," opposed by environmentalists and Hawaiian rights groups. Star-Advertiser.

Patricia M. Loui won approval Thursday from the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs for her nomination to the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
Swimmers, surfers and boaters will be banned from some parts of the ocean during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next month, according to preliminary security plans released Thursday by the U.S. Coast Guard. Star-Advertiser.

Unite Here Local 5, Hawaii’s largest hotel workers union with over 11,000 members, is continuing its campaign against the Hyatt Regency Waikiki for subcontracting local jobs and challenging union wages. Hawaii Independent.

The City of Honolulu celebrated the 50th anniversary of a very special sister-city relationship today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

A public shooting range for West Hawaii is on target to open in a "couple of years," with state and county cooperation on the use of land near the Puuanahulu landfill. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council has given a name and face to pending legislation aimed at keeping impaired drivers off Big Island roads. Tribune-Herald.

Public funding to support North Hawaii Community Hospital, health record privacy and long-term health care were among the concerns North Hawaii residents voiced to hospital officials Thursday in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Ironman athletes strip down for Underpants Run, the Kona fundraiser began in 1997 to poke fun at the Speedo-clad triathletes wandering through town before the big race. Hawaii News Now.

Maui
The Maui County Council Land Use Committee voted 8-0 Wednesday to recommend approval of Maui Land & Pineapple's West Maui housing project Pulelehua. Maui News.

A March trial in 2nd Circuit Court is scheduled to determine the fate of the $70 million-plus estate of Laurence Dorcy, one of Maui's richest men, who died in June. Maui News.

Kauai

Some Kauai County employees will soon be driving electric vehicles. Associated Press.

Carolyn Larson, librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, has the cure to the “boarded-up Borders blues” — the Lihu‘e Public Library Fall Used Book Sale. Garden Island.

News release: Hawaii public schools to offer surfing as an official sport

Abercrombie and friend (c) Ricky Li

HONOLULU – Hawaii public high school students will for the first time be able to compete in school sanctioned surf competitions as early as the spring of 2013, under a plan announced today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the Hawaii State Board and Department of Education and professional surfer Carissa Moore.

Working with the appointed Hawaii State Board of Education, the DOE is developing a plan to incorporate surfing in school athletics, with collaboration from city officials, surfing organizations and the community.

“Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. From Duke Kahanamoku to the thousands of residents and visitors who surf both recreationally and competitively, the sport is rooted in our culture and way of life,” said Abercrombie. “Bringing surfing to our students is another step in our collective goal to transform public education and provide our children with rich and diverse educational opportunities.”

“Surfing will be an exciting addition for our students as we continue to expand and improve educational programs to increase student achievement,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “School sports teach critical life lessons such as team work and goal-setting while helping students stay active and healthy.”

The Hawaii State Board of Education in May 2004 approved surfing – the official individual sport of the state of Hawaii – as a high school sport. Despite overwhelming support from parents and students, funding and other challenges have kept surfing from becoming a fully-fledged school sport.

The BOE and the DOE are working on an implementation blueprint to make competitive school surfing a reality. The DOE intends to support the sport with outside funding sources and consult community partners and city officials to ensure that surf breaks are shared equitably and safely. The BOE will support implementation processes that address safety.

BOE member Keith Amemiya, a former executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, said surfing will allow students to learn about their environment and themselves. He said it also will engage the community by fostering relationships and partnerships with a new group of individuals and groups.

“Surfing is a unique sport that often attracts athletes that may not necessarily be interested in more traditional sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Therefore, we're confident that surfing will increase athletics participation numbers,” Amemiya said. “In our view, the more students that engage in athletics and other after school activities, the higher our student achievement rates will become.”

Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, who this summer became the youngest surfer ever to win a professional surfing world title at age 18, joined Governor Abercrombie and education officials in celebrating today’s announcement.

"It will open doors for a lot of students," she said, explaining that surfing taught her important life skills such as to be perseverant, manage time, and be organized.

The BOE and DOE will continue to discuss a plan to implement surfing as a high school sport during the Board’s General Business Meeting tomorrow, Oct. 4, starting at 2:15 p.m. at the Queen Liliuokalani Building.

Hawaii IT needs work, PUC nixes HECO biofuel deal, Kauai council doesn't require solar water heaters, Big Island redistricting road show begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki natatorium (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A comprehensive assessment of Hawaii state government's information technology infrastructure reveals a system suffering from lack of investment and multiple inefficiencies. But it also suggests ways to improve it. Civil Beat.

A consultant hired to assess the state's information technology systems found that many state services are not being performed or were less timely because of excessive backlogs, a lack of staff and an absence of technical support. Star-Advertiser.

The latest disaster declaration signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie was a long time in the making, state records and interviews show. Hawaii Reporter.

The Institute for Human Services saw a nearly 13 percent increase in people using Hawaii's largest emergency shelter last year, but donations are down and badly needed federal and state money will dry up after December. Star-Advertiser.

The state Public Utilities Commission denied Thursday Hawaiian Electric Co.’s biodiesel supply contract with Aina Koa Pono LLC, according to a PUC docket. Pacific Business News.

State regulators rejected Thursday a controversial plan by Hawaiian Electric Co. to buy 16 million gallons of locally produced biofuel a year for electricity generation, saying the high cost of the alternative fuel was too much for ratepayers to bear. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission has scheduled a special meeting next week to correct an error in the way the state's 25 Senate districts were split into two- and four-year terms, affecting two districts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has signed a deal to buy up to 150,000 gallons of locally made algae-based biofuel to burn in its Kahe Generating Station as part of the utility's shift away from its reliance on fossil fuels. Star-Advertiser.

Inouye's Committee Recommends Reinstating East-West Center Funds. Civil Beat.

Honolulu has decided to the crumbling seawall around the historic Waikiki war memorial is enough of a threat to require immediate action. KITV4.

It’s time for the City and County of Honolulu to decide what it wants to do with the aging and crumbling Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. Pacific Business News.

The first-ever National Diabetes Symposium is being conducted in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A long anticipated project to slow erosion at Kailua Beach has stalled. Hawaii News Now.

Discussion underway to fix flooding issues on the Waianae coast. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County redistricting roadshow begins Saturday with six sample maps depicting how new County Council district lines could be drawn. West Hawaii Today.

With a Hawaiian blessing and the untying of a maile lei, the Keaukaha Military Reservation's Armed Forces Reserve Center was opened for business Thursday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Damage to Kona Village Resort from the March tsunami reached into the tens of millions of dollars, CEO Patrick Fitzgerald said Thursday, but he is certain the iconic hotel will open again. West Hawaii Today.

Anyone caught importing live axis deer to Hawaii Island could end up spending a year in jail, according to a bill pending before the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given final approval to Maui County's consent order that requires it to improve the treatment of sewage at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant before it is disposed of in injection wells. Maui News.

While Hawaii's visitor industry was breathing a sigh of relief that March's earthquake and tsunami in Japan did not seem to have affected tourism for long, it seems that another aftereffect of the disaster is still beating on island shores. Maui News.

Kauai

The County Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Wednesday unanimously rejected a proposal to address a variance in a 2004 state law that mandates new homes be equipped with solar-powered water heaters. Garden Island.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawai‘i completed its final inspection on Sept. 20 for a photovoltaic (PV) system at Pacific Missile Range Facility, which is expected to generate 760 kilowatts of continuous power during the day when it is fully online. Garden Island.

Molokai

DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii budget up but workforce lags, Reapportionment Commission counting some military, but not enough to change Senate seats, Aina Koa Pono agrees to EA, ordnance removal coming to Maui as environmental groups object, songbirds moved to Laysan, more news

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Despite growing its operating budget this year, Hawaii state government has yet to restore its work force to pre-recession levels, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club Hawaii chapter and several other environmental and cultural groups urged Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday to withdraw an emergency proclamation that he made to help the Army Corps of Engineers remove unexploded ordnance, but the governor declined. Star-Advertiser.

About 16,000 residents, predominantly military members and students, will be excluded from the state's population base when the state Reapportionment Commission submits its final plan for redrawing state political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

State negotiators had no explicit backup plan in the event that Hawaii teachers rejected their collective bargaining agreement in June, according to Don Horner's testimony before the labor board. Civil Beat.

The state of Hawaii has agreed to team up with 8 other states, the IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor to crack down on business owners who they believe are improperly labeling workers as “independent contractors.” Hawaii Reporter.

Federal officials have moved two dozen endangered songbirds from Nihoa in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to Laysan 650 miles north in the hope they will establish a new population there and prevent the extinction of the species, officials said Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii continues to be a hot travel deal, according to a popular travel company. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Don Horner, who has devoted more than half his life to First Hawaiian Bank and helped turn the company into the state's largest financial institution, will retire as chief executive officer at the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Topless Protesters Don't Have Day In Court. KITV4.

The owner of the Kamehameha Drive-In property in Ai’ea is planning to develop it for mixed residential and commercial use. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 60 laptops stolen in school burglary. KHON2.

Hawaii
A company that plans to build a biofuel plant in Pahala will commission an environmental assessment even though it's not required. West Hawaii Today.

Business has picked up at Hawaii County's Building Division, but that hasn't translated into jobs for the island's beleaguered construction industry, experts say. Tribune-Herald.

Protections built into a proposed impact fee ordinance and in state law should assure taxpayers that needed infrastructure will be built when new development puts a strain on existing facilities, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

By the end of this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors will begin a $2 million investigation at the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve to assess the type and location of old, unexploded shells and bombs in the area formerly used for military exercises. Maui News.

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official said Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proclamation that lets the corps bypass state laws to investigate and remove military ordnance helps gain access to state lands, but the corps still has federal rules to follow. Maui News.

Kauai

The Rotary Club of Kapa‘a along with a handful of local Kapa‘a residents spent Saturday morning removing ocean debris from the Kealia Beach area. Garden Island.

Molokai

A joint venture including Pattern Energy will bid on the proposed 200-megawatt wind farm on Molokai as part of the so-called “Big Wind” project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii students fall behind, foreclosures drop, back to the drawing board for Reapportionment Commission, Oahu hotel planned, Costco expanding on Maui, more news for web and smartphone

Puna beekeeper Jenn Rasmussen, courtesy photo

Hawaii is home to an estimated 12,000 beehives, an indication the state may have reattained hive levels present before the arrival of many pests and ailments affecting honeybees today. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii students in all types of schools underperformed their national counterparts when College Board released its 2011 College-Bound Seniors report Wednesday. Civil Beat.

In response to strong concerns from teachers, parents and community members, the state is scrapping a plan to do away with one of four required social studies credits but will seek to put tougher diploma requirements into effect two years earlier than planned — starting with the class of 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie should have notified the public after declaring a civil defense emergency in June to help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contain unexploded ordnance, the governor's spokeswoman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

For Hawaii Island residents seeking a fourth state Senate seat, there is a glimmer of hope. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the West Hawaii community echoed concerns raised by their Hilo counterparts in urging the state Reapportionment Commission to change its decision to include nonresidents in the population count when redrawing the state's political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

The inaugural Hawaii Counties Sister-Cities Summit was conducted today in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of Hawaii properties with foreclosure filings plummeted in August when compared to the same month last year, according to new data from RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News.

Nationally poverty numbers have increased, while the number of people living in poverty in Hawaii has dropped to 12.1% from 12.5% a year ago. KITV4.

Oahu

HPD Chief Kealoha held a press conference to discuss Tuesday night's crash. He reflected on the service of officer Eric Fontes, and the recovery of officer Herman Scanlan.  KHON2.

The City Council on Friday will again consider a proposal for a 222-room hotel next to the Polynesian Cultural Center that critics say would add to traffic congestion along busy, two-lane Kamehameha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail planners agreed to pay a Washington-based lobbying firm $1.5 million over a five-year period, according to a copy of the 2009 contract obtained by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The National Science Foundation’s International Research Experiences for Students program has awarded a $149,952 grant to Drs. Kenneth Hayes and Robert Cowie of UH Mānoa’s Center for Conservation Research, and a group of other international researchers. Hawaii Independent.

Fourteen months after merging Honolulu’s two daily newspapers and jettisoning more than 400 jobs, owner Oahu Publications began charging for access to the Star-Advertiser’s formerly free “premium content.” Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii

A German television host hopes he's been able to barter his way to owning his own home right here on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Before he left public office, then-Hilo Councilman James "Jimmy" Arakaki predicted vacant Waiakea Homesteads property eventually would become a long-anticipated neighborhood park. Tribune-Herald.

Snaring at Kea’au Transfer Station revives old controversy. Big Island Weekly.

Maui

The future of the film industry on Maui will be up for discussion. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a special management area permit for Costco to expand its Kahului store, a project that would include a gas station and carwash. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College has received a nearly $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to work with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and private industry to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

Fight to eradicate little fire ants lasting more than 12 years. Garden Island.

Citing safety reasons, county officials closed the public parking lot at Shipwreck Beach in Po‘ipu as of Tuesday. Garden Island.

Hanabusa not seeking Senate, UH tuition could climb, newspaper sues Abercrombie over public records, special session to vet judicial pick, women's prison under investigation, broadband for Hawaii, solar panels for Maui, Lanai, more island news

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced late Tuesday she would skip a run for the U.S. Senate and instead seek re-election to her 1st Congressional District seat. Civil Beat.

The state Senate plans to meet in a special session Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to consider Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointment of Karen Nakasone this month to a 10-year term on Oahu’s Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie maintained that disclosing the names of judicial candidates would hamper attracting applicants to the bench, his office said in response to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser lawsuit filed Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Kona Judiciary Complex's lengthy list of potential sites has been winnowed down to seven, moving the much-needed facility closer to opening in 2017. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents will hear details Thursday of three proposals that would raise tuition from about 16 percent to about 46 percent by 2016 for a typical undergraduate student at the Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

The Governor launched Hawai’I’s Broadband Initiative today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Abercrombie launches broadband initiative. Governor: Lightning fast Internet by 2018. Garden Island.

Prison Probe Under way At Women's Facility. KITV4.

Fighting farm theft and vandalism is getting a closer look by state officials in the wake of high-profile cases. KHON2.

Honolulu managed to attract three bidders for a new $300 million rapid transit consulting contract, but the winner was the same firm that has already received some $166 million in similar work. Hawaii Reporter.

Sumitomo has reason for not filing rail contract appeal. Pacific Business News.

Maui County awarded contracts this month to install at least 1,000 solar panels on the rooftops of county facilities on Maui and Lanai. Maui News.

The military command charged with finding and identifying Americans missing from past conflicts plans to build a new multimillion-dollar facility on Oahu. Associated Press.

Native Hawaiian Conference to begin Wednesday at Convention Center. Hawaii News Now.

One of five applicants vying to become Hawaii County's next fire chief has withdrawn his name, the Fire Commission announced Tuesday before privately interviewing the remaining candidates.Tribune-Herald.

Two out of the six plenary speakers for a state energy conference expected to draw leaders from more than 20 countries are high-profile board members of Kuokoa. The company was formed last December and hopes to take over Hawaiian Electric Industries. Civil Beat.

The venue for the contested case hearing for the approval of the Thirty Meter Telescope's Conservation District Use Application has been changed. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii's second-largest public school just got a little bigger. West Hawaii Today.

After 18 months and some $4 million in renovations — plus another $30,000 a month to lease a temporary location — the Kaua‘i County Council is almost ready to return to its regular home at the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Researchers rescued nine Hawaiian monk seals caught in fish nets and other marine debris this summer during an annual trip to the Northwestern Islands to monitor and help protect the critically endangered species. Associated Press.

No 4th Senate seat for Big Island, Abercrombie pushes for newer day in Hawaii, Djou off to war, then to congressional campaign, Oahu electric bills rise, water for Maui, buses for Kauai, humane society for Molokai and all the island news

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Following up on his promises of change, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday he's delivering results. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, in a status report on the state’s financial condition, said Wednesday that the state has closed a sizable budget deficit but faces an “undeniable storm” of fiscal challenges that could upend the state’s economic foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie summoned state leaders to Washington Place Wednesday afternoon to tell them that, despite having closed a $214 million deficit for fiscal year 2011, serious budget challenges lie ahead. Civil Beat.

Most Hawaii Departments Spared in $50M 'Restructuring' Cuts. Bulk of savings will come from cheaper health contracts, delaying new debt. Civil Beat.

Seven months after taking office, Governor Neil Abercrombie updated the health of Hawaii's government. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie says a recent fiscal crisis has been averted, but that more trouble looms ahead. KHON2.

Gov. Abercrombie's Address Aug. 17, 2011. KITV.

Republican Charles Djou said Wednesday he will attempt to retake the congressional seat he lost last year, even though he's being deployed to Afghanistan next month. Associated Press.

Former congressman Charles Djou launched a new bid for Congress on Wednesday with a call for bipartisanship, but the U.S. Army reservist said he would not campaign until late March, when he returns from deployment to Afghanistan. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission voted 8-1 Wednesday to include nonresident members of the military and their dependents along with nonresident students and incarcerated felons in the state's population base for the purposes of redrawing political boundaries, with some members citing the inability to accurately extract nonresidents from the population base as their primary reason for including them. Star-Advertiser.

Military data doesn't match Census data, commission finds. Civil Beat.

Representatives from University of Hawaii at Hilo presented the argument for the Thirty Meter Telescope for a third day, with nerves beginning to fray over the pace of the hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Tropical Storm Fernanda moved into the Central Pacific just below hurricane strength overnight with forecasters predicting a weakened storm passing safely south of the islands early next week. Star-Advertiser.

Just think about the possibilities that could come with $510 million in new funding for biofuels production in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Residential electric rates on Oahu rose to a record high in August, reflecting rising fuel costs and an interim rate hike that Hawaiian Electric Co. began collecting late last month. Star-Advertiser.

It will be another month before the Hawaii County Council renders a decision on updating the island's building code. West Hawaii Today.

Real property tax payments are due on Monday and Maui owners who miss the deadline risk losing their homeowner's exemption. Hawaii Reporter.

The director of Maui’s Department of Water Supply says it’s up to the County Council to set the direction for renewing and expanding the island’s water sources and infrastructure. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Maui County Council was presented three scenarios of the future of the Department of Water Supply on Tuesday. Maui News.

A six-month pilot program to encourage Kaua‘i Community College students to ride The Kaua‘i Bus was launched at the KCC campus in Puhi. Garden Island.

The Molokai Humane Society has experienced an overhaul this year. Molokai Dispatch.

Flags at government buildings around the state will be flown at half staff on Thursday to honor a Big Island Marine killed in Afghanistan. Hawaii News Now.

The latest on the Honolulu rail will be discussed Thursday as city leaders take another look at the $1.5 billion rail contract awarded to Ansaldo Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii the most Democratic, Abercrombie extols unions in Vegas while fighting them at home, Honolulu B&B squabble draws 300, Maui medical plaza advances, Big Island gets new Internet connection, flood maps, more Hawaii news

Corpse Plant Hawaii County Courtesy Photo

The flies were buzzing around the owl enclosure on Wednesday, and for good reason. The "corpse flower," or Amorphophallus titanum, was in full bloom at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie stood on a Vegas stage Wednesday extolling the importance of fair wages, collective bargaining and solidarity among workers, while back home, battles with the state's unions continue. Civil Beat.

A new Gallup poll shows that Hawaii is the most Democratic state. Hawaii News Now.

Hearings in the teacher's union challenge of the state's unilaterally imposed contract got started on Wednesday. KHON2.

The teachers union expressed disappointment Wednesday after the Hawaii Labor Relations Board decided to take more time to consider the union's motion seeking relief from imposed wage reductions and higher medical premiums. Star-Advertiser.

Negotiations between Hawaii’s teachers union and the state reached a new level of tension on Wednesday as legal counsel for both sides battled in front of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Hawaii Reporter.

A planned dinner for Hawaii legislators and staff attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas was cancelled this week after Ethics Commission director Les Kondo said the event would violate the state Ethics Code. Hawaii Reporter.

More than eight months after state officials warned that he could face high fines for failing to file any campaign finance reports for the 2010 election cycle, former Maui County Council Member Bill Medeiros still has not filed the reports. Maui News.

A majority of those who testified at a Honolulu Planning Commission hearing Wednesday spoke against a city proposal that would make it more difficult for unlicensed bed and breakfasts and transient vacation rentals to advertise. Hawaii News Now.

The controversy about unpermitted vacation rentals in residential areas continued to flare Wednesday, with more than 300 people attending a public hearing on a proposal to tighten the enforcement of laws barring them. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Vacation-Rental Controversy Heats Up. Civil Beat.

Lenders restrained by Hawaii's new foreclosure law processed relatively few foreclosures in July, the second month of a temporary reprieve for many local homeowners with delinquent mortgages.Star-Advertiser.

Visitor Industry Expects To Benefit From Market Freefall. KITV4.

Hawaii County administrators say they're monitoring the national economic scene, but they're confident recent cost-cutting measures will help the county weather the uncertain times. West Hawaii Today.

Local farmer says prisoners can grow their own food. KHON2.

Hawaii Dumps 1,000s of Gallons of Water into Maxed-Out Sewage System. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau on Wednesday named Brian Miyamoto as its new chief operating officer and Joy Gold as its new interim executive director. Pacific Business News.

As Oil Prices Fluctuate, Matson Hasn't Reduced Oil Surcharge, Investigation Shows. Hawaii Reporter.

The Big Island is getting connected to the Internet thanks to $7.5 million federal grant offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tribune-Herald.

Not including flood-prone areas of middle Kona and a lack of continuity in the use of maps by lenders were among concerns residents voiced about proposed revisions to Big Isle flood insurance rate maps Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

MoveOn rallies for 'Jobs Not Cuts' West Hawaii Today.

The Kaua‘i County Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee on Wednesday deferred for at least two more weeks its decision on a bill that would allow camping at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

After five years of planning, revisions and more planning, the six-story medical plaza building next to Kanaha Pond wildlife sanctuary got its special management area permit Tuesday. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo says the first graduates of its pharmacy school have been hired for jobs in 16 states as well as Guam and Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island will welcome its 14th charter school next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A species called the small hive beetle has been found bunking with Molokai bees. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii shark sightings up, Chinatown residents protest crime, Kauai honored for GIS work, Honolulu foreclosures down while buildings vacant, Big Island girds for furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honeybee (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Beetles that pose a serious threat to honeybees have been detected on Maui and Molokai. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has not achieved the policy goal of aligning five of the state's major boards and commissions with his "A New Day in Hawaii" agenda, but the governor said Wednesday he still believes he took the right approach in asking former Gov. Linda Lingle's appointees to resign. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schoolers return to the classroom on Monday, but their teachers have already been there for days and weeks — in some cases months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island households spend roughly six percent of their income on electricity, which is nearly three times the national average of two percent. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie unveiled the first charging station for electric vehicles in a state owned building Monday. Hawaii News Now.

A coalition of health and human services agencies conducted its annual meeting today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of people fed up with crime in Chinatown joined forces Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

How well do you know your Public Utilities Commission? Hawaii Independent.

The County of Kaua‘i was recognized for its recent work building technological systems that improve public safety efforts. Garden Island.

The Honolulu Reapportionment Commission deferred action on whether to include nonresident populations such as military members and their dependents in the overall island population count for the purposes of redistricting. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki will be center stage for activity surrounding November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but the highest-profile meeting and finale of the seven-day event will take place about 25 miles away at Ko Olina. Star-Advertiser.

Jury selection for the trial of Aloun Farms Owners Michael Mankone Sou and Alec Souphone Sou began Wednesday with more than 100 potential jurors interviewed in U.S. District Court. Hawaii Reporter.

The state is seeking applications from landowners and local land trusts looking for funds to protect forested lands. Associated Press.

Foreclosures in the Honolulu metropolitan area decreased by more than 30 percent during the first six months of the year, according to new statistics from RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News.

Dozens of highly visible commercial properties are sitting vacant in Honolulu and Waikiki. KITV4.

While recorded confirmed shark sightings show an uptick, one researcher claims the only thing increasing is the community's presence and awareness. West Hawaii Today.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced Tuesday night at the end of a packed meeting that the county has selected a site for a youth drug treatment center on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Maui County finished the first half of 2011 with a gain of about 80,000 visitors, or 6.5 percent over January-June 2010. Maui News.

Two Hawaii County councilmen have cleared the decks for a potential Dominic Yagong-Billy Kenoi mayoral match-up next year. West Hawaii Today.

Another Hawaii County Environmental Management director bites the dust. Frank DeMarco, the mayor's second appointee to the post, is stepping down. West Hawaii Today.

On Maui, more than 20 dancers took part in a Tahitian dance flash mob. KHON2.

Most Hawaii County offices that serve the public will be closed on Friday, which will be the first county employee furlough day of the new fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

The cost of living on the islands continues to rise as Young Brothers, Ltd. seeks to increase their shipping rates. Molokai Dispatch.

A sugar glider, a small marsupial that looks like a flying squirrel, was grounded Monday by Honolulu police. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii group tries to save social studies as teacher labor complaint simmers, 'human hand' actually dried squid, Honolulu rail tax making money, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abercrombie in Honokaa (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

North Hawaii residents seeking everything from agricultural education to veterans and workplace resources can now save themselves the two-hour round trip to Kona or Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

The state shot back at the teachers union Thursday in its response to a "prohibited practice" complaint, saying the union has a "pattern and practice of bad faith bargaining" and failed to reach an agreement despite months of negotiations and dozens of proposals and counterproposals. Star-Advertiser.

The state's response to a labor complaint from the Hawaii State Teachers Association is brisk, to the point, at times humorous and even gently sarcastic. Civil Beat.

Educators, parents, students and community leaders have come together with hopes of preserving social studies in Hawaii schools. KHON2.

With just 113 days to go before Hawaii hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, organizers say they are more and more confident that Hawaii may in fact pull off an event for the record books come November. Pacific Business News.

The state plans to begin work to renovate the historic Kauai courthouse building that has been vacant for most of the last five years. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that he expects the University of Hawaii at Hilo to spark a resurgence of Big Isle prosperity that will drive a statewide recovery, adding that he would continue to work to make capital politics less "Oahu-centric." Tribune-Herald.

Revenue from the general excise tax surcharge for the $5.3 billion rail transit project has exceeded the city's recent projections, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Eligible Hawaii and Pacific Rim farmers and ranchers will soon receive $2.6 million in payments from the federal Department of Agriculture to help offset high shipping costs, U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui community groups represented by Earthjustice have sent Maui County a formal notice of their intent to sue the county for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility into the nearshore waters of West Maui. Lahaina News.

Securing trail easements, constructing sidewalks, and establishing traffic, pedestrian and bike management plans are just a few conditions Parker School and Waimea residents have agreed upon to settle civil litigation over a school expansion project. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee refused to restore $10.8 million to the East-West Center, voting instead to eliminate funding altogether. Hawaii News Now.

As the very existence of the East West Center is threatened by Republican budget cutters in Congress, the 51-year-old institution has given its president a raise and continues to pay more than $1.5 million a year for a Washington D.C. office. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu police and law enforcement officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources have determined that what was reported to be a severed human hand found at Moku Auia Seabird Sanctuary, also known as Goat Island, was actually dried squid. Star-Advertiser.

On the morning of Thursday, July 21, nearly 500 Local 5 members were joined by community, labor, and faith leaders to stage an early morning rally and bed-making skit on the sidewalk fronting the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Hawaii Independent.

Honolulu could begin work as early as next week to rebuild a bus shelter that was recently temporarily closed because bus riders complained about a homeless woman living there. KITV4.

Hawaii County Council members warmly embraced some of the more controversial proposals of the Cost of Government Commission, which looked for ways to cut Hawaii County's expenses. Tribune-Herald.

It's been more than a year since plans were unveiled to build on the old Kam Drive-In site. Hawaii News Now.

A former Hawaii Marine will become the first living Marine Corps recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, according to published accounts. Star-Advertiser.

The evidentiary phase of a contested case challenge to plans for an Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Haleakala wrapped up Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News.

Hawaii Delegation Weighs in on 'Epic Battle' Over Nation's Deficit. Hawaii Reporter.

Pearl Harbor skull may be Japanese pilot, Honolulu water bills rising, Abercrombie-teacher impasse watershed moment, Maui ponders Native Hawaiian access to telescope site, Kauai councilman cleared, Hawaii County investigates election employee, more island news

East-West Center (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A funding bill in the U.S. House would eliminate the East-West Center, going above and beyond the budget trimming that Republicans have proposed in previous years. Star-Advertiser.

A human skull discovered during an excavation and dredging project at Pearl Harbor several months ago -- may be from a Japanese aviator who died in the attack on December 7, 1941. KHON2.

The showdown between Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the Hawaii State Teachers Association is a watershed moment in local labor history. Civil Beat.

Expect changes in the near future for Hawaii's charter school system. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz's twin brother will implement state Race grant. Star-Advertiser.

The monthly bill for a typical single-family home that uses 13,000 gallons of water would increase by $27.53, or 70 percent, by mid-2015 if the Ho­nolulu Board of Water Supply gets its way. Star-Advertiser.

Beginning next month, the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa will receive additional truckloads of raw sewage sludge from Sand Island as the city begins testing for a long-term plan of hauling waste to reduce intake at the over-capacity Honolulu site. Star-Advertiser.

The Mayor of Honolulu went on the offensive today in the battle of what to do with the city’s wastewater sludge.Hawaii Public Radio.

A Hawaii company has taken a big step forward in its plan to use ocean water to cool downtown buildings. KHON2.

The Sierra Club plans to step in and try to stop efforts to develop a 12,000-home, master-planned community on farmland in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club’s appeal of the reclassification of land for the Koa Ridge master-planned community is still undecided, due to a last-minute argument from the Hawaii deputy attorney general. Pacific Business News.

Whether the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope is built at Science City or not, the long process of seeking permits has already changed an old policy that excluded Native Hawaiians from entering the 18-acre Haleakala High Altitude Observatory to perform rites. Maui News.

After Years of Bureaucracy Getting in the Way, Kauai's Kilauea River, Wailapa Stream Clean-Up Completed. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii County Clerk's Office has hired an outside investigator to look into allegations a warehouse manager conducted a sign-printing business out of a county warehouse used to store voting equipment. West Hawaii Today.

With the Hawaii County Council close to final approval on revamping its building codes, some residents have begun raising strong objections. Tribune-Herald.

Energy Perspective: A more open discussion is needed between islands. Hawaii Independent.

In a lengthy battle between the island’s utility cooperative and some of its members, the light switch continues to flip up and down. Garden Island.

Honolulu has begun sending out checks for property owners who have agreed to sell their land to make way for rail. KITV4.

The Hawaii County Redistricting Commission has a lot of factors to weigh as it redraws the county's nine council districts. West Hawaii Today.

The chairman of the Hawaii County Democratic Party is considering a run for the Hawaii County Council District 2 seat currently held by Councilman Donald Ikeda. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiian Humane Society has reinstated a $25 charge with its stray cat pick up policy. KITV4.

The Kauai County Board of Ethics has dismissed a complaint filed against a Kaua‘i County Council member concerning a possible conflict of interest. Garden Island.

On a remote Kapoho road marked only by a hand-painted sign, machete-wielding vandals have laid waste to papaya fields for the second time in a little more than a year. Tribune-Herald.