Hawaii government conflicted over same-sex marriage, state short 600 doctors, Dalai Lama brings message of peace through aloha, bridge fixed for stranded Maui residents, aerospace district coming to Hilo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie opposes participation by a Christian group in a court case to defend state marriage laws that restrict marriage to a man and a woman. But Loretta Fuddy, his director of the Department of Health, says the Hawaii Family Forum should be included in one of the nation's most important cases. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye

A spokesman for Sen. Daniel Inouye said there’s no truth to an anonymously-sourced KHON report that the senator was hospitalized in Hawaii this weekend. Civil Beat.

Senator Daniel Inouye's office says he returns to Washington, D.C. today and is perfectly healthy. KHON2.

Hawaii's doctor shortage has long been a problem. But there is now hard data that show just how severe the shortfall is.  According to the report findings from the 2012 Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment project, the shortage is predicted to only get worse. KITV4.


The Dalai Lama offered his self-deprecating humor and infectious laughter to 9,000 people at the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday and revealed that, in fact, he does not smile all the time. Star-Advertiser.


The Dalai Lama received the gift of a koa paddle not once but twice on Sunday, but in very different arenas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents will have a chance to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medications at locations statewide. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Pacific Command and anyone worried about North Korean missiles pointed at Hawaii were no doubt breathing a sigh of relief Friday after that country’s latest attempt to fire off a rocket or test a missile fizzled. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii was ranked 46th best - or 4th worst - state in a report entitled Rich States, Poor States, released this week by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for April 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi

If Oahu's larger credit unions are unwilling to share compensation data, they could lose all or a portion of their property tax exemption, according to Ann Koba­ya­shi, budget chairwoman of the City Council, which next month will consider whether to overhaul the city's exemption system. Star-Advertiser.

190 Kea‘au houseless residents are petitioning Governor Abercrombie to grant an extension on tonight’s planned ‘sweep.’ Hawaii Independent.

Consultants hired by the state warned that there are more boulders above Kalihi Valley homes that could come crashing down. Meanwhile, residents in about 9 homes are being told to stay away or enter at their own risk. Hawaii News Now.

Loans from OHA help Hawaiian firms thrive. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The state Senate last week unanimously passed a bill that would establish a special district in the city for companies wanting to advance space exploration and even settlement of other planets. Tribune-Herald.

The community is getting its first glimpse at three possible alignments for the Saddle Road extension. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County workers have completed rebuilding the Hanawana Land Bridge, enabling vehicular travel for some 40 stranded residents. Star-Advertiser.

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Adrianne N. Heely as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit for the County of Maui. Maui Now.


Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is offering new options for Maui residents to learn - in advance - where and when sugar cane harvesting will happen. Maui News.


The state Department of Health Clean Air Branch has officially extended its ban on backyard burning of yard and household trash from Oahu only to all the islands. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

A series of Kaua‘i County Council budget review briefings is generally in line with what Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. wants in his proposed $161.2 million operational budget for fiscal year 2013, the mayor said. Garden Island.

More than 650 people crowded into a fundraiser and dinner Saturday night to benefit a plan 35 years in the making to build a Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort has announced the completion of its 15-month revitalization project totaling more than $16 million in additions and renovations. A grand opening is scheduled in June. Garden Island.

Molokai

This fall, Molokai High and Middle School students who ride the bus daily may need to figure out another way to get to school. Molokai Dispatch.

Historic bill transfers ceded land to Native Hawaiians, Maine Rep. Collins stumps for Lingle, Dog the Bounty Hunter wife charged with bullying, Hawaii's traveling mayor, Dalai Lama to visit, Maui News to trim staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ceded lands bill signing Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

A historic bill signing at Washington Place settles a nearly three-decades-old ceded lands dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Associated Press.

Invoking a famous speech by the Rev. Abraham Akaka, delivered by the late Kawaiaha‘o Church pastor on the day after Congress approved statehood, Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke Wednesday of the next great transition for the Hawaiian people as he signed into law a settlement of long-standing ceded land claims against the state. Star-Advertiser.

It took many of the state's sharpest legal and political minds months of hard work but the result was the enactment of historic legislation that settles a $200 million tab from the state to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill that settles the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’    claims to income from ceded lands by conveying ownership of land in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood valued at $200 million. Pacific Business News.

With the stroke of a koa pen, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2783, and settled a decades-old debt for ceded lands owed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

After nearly 30 years of working toward an agreement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law Wednesday a measure that settles OHA’s unresolved claims to income and proceeds from ceded lands. KITV4.

The law gave the Office of Hawaiian Affairs title this summer $200 million worth of Kakaako Makai parcels and buildings over 25 acres. KHON2.

Governor's Office video of ceremony.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, spoke at a fundraiser for Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign at the Sheraton Waikiki, saying she believes the former governor would work with others in the political center toward bipartisan solutions. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle's Role Model: Susan Collins of Maine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii foreclosure filings remained subdued last month by a problematic year-old law, which the Legislature hopes to improve before the end of this year’s session. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require a performance management system for teachers is not expected to advance today in the Senate, after strong opposition from teachers. But the state says the absence of legislation won't stop efforts to overhaul teacher evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

Joe Booker, Deputy Director of Corrections in the state Public Safety Department, is resigning effective Friday to take a job in New Mexico. Hawaii Reporter.

Friday will mark the Dalai Lama's fourth official visit to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

National pharmacy giant CVS Caremark is expanding its Hawaii presence next year — armed with plans to build four new MinuteClinics in the Islands along with a new deal with the state’s largest commercial health insurer. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A popular outdoor Sunday event on Oahu's North Shore is in jeopardy after the state issued a notice to vacate to the operators and owners of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers and supporters of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market said they are seeking ways to keep the popular Sunday market open, following an order by the state to vacate the site because of a state law that prohibits selling from public highways. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu attorney alleges bullying by bounty hunter Beth Chapman. KHON2.

A 13-year-veteran of the Honolulu Police Department is free on bail after making an appearance in court on federal charges in a marijuana growing operation. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi has cut back on his county-paid travel since his first year in office, but he still has spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on trips since becoming mayor in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Concerned about a consultant’s report that says it’s cheaper to haul East Hawaii’s garbage to West Hawaii than expand the Hilo landfill, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is drafting an ordinance to prevent it. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Education is planning three community meetings on the Big Island this month. Tribune-Herald.

The discovery of a used motor core in Arizona will speed up the repairs for a broken Keei well. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county took a step closer to acquiring nearly 64 acres of open space in Paukukalo on Tuesday, in a purchase many said would preserve a place of cultural and community significance in Central Maui. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted Tuesday to give initial approval to a bill that would establish new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to revisions that would soften the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance. Maui News.

The Maui News plans a workforce reduction of 14 to 18 employees, with a portion expected to leave in a voluntary separation agreement, and the rest to be cut through layoffs. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area permit and planned development approvals Tuesday for the Grand Wailea to proceed with its $250 million project to renovate and expand the resort. Maui News.

Kauai

In what was called a rare event on Kaua‘i, members of the House leadership in the state Legislature were at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday to listen to what island residents had on their minds. Garden Island.

A structural engineer was on Kaua‘i Wednesday to inspect Kapaia Swinging Bridge, a deteriorating historic footbridge near Lihu‘e that appeared to have partially collapsed following storms in March. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday recognized Kaua‘i Police Department dispatchers and the county’s public safety telecommunications personnel as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week under way through Saturday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai resident who has volunteered thousands of hours to fishpond restoration was honored by the Hawaii State Teachers’ Association (HSTA) with the 2012 Friend of Youth Award. Molokai Dispatch.

Bright Hawaii outlook for tourism, jobs; Maui telescope hearing officer fired, Pearl Harbor cutting three ships, no tax cut for Kauai, Abercrombie touts progress to Kona group, TSA workers implicated in drug ring, state leads nation in electric vehicle charging stations, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web browsing

Coconut climber (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Some 626,367 visitors came to Hawaii last month and spent $1.09 billion, or about $183 per person per day, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. February was the seventh consecutive month of arrivals growth for Hawaii's visitor industry and the 23rd month of spending rises. Star-Advertiser.

Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai'i in February 2012 rose 8.5 percent, or by $85.7 million, to $1.099 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell in February for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest level in three years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. KHON2.

A group trying to mount a novel third-party presidential campaign has gained a spot on the Hawaii general election ballot this fall. Associated Press.

Fulfilling a long-standing obligation, the state House is expected to vote today for a $200 million settlement between the state and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs over OHA's share of revenue from former crown lands since 1978. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are looking for guidance from the Abercrombie administration on controversial environmental legislation, but top officials are giving very mixed signals. Civil Beat.

Legislation aimed at streamlining Hawaii’s construction permitting process could have broad environmental and cultural consequences, some state officials worry. Associated Press.

There are about a dozen bills advancing in the legislature that waive environmental requirements for state and public projects.  Members of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee summoned key department directors today to ask them what was going on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staff Turnover Doesn't Bother Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

With federal officials watching, state lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to keep $75 million in Race to the Top money to reform Hawaii's ailing educational system. Civil Beat.

More young people are taking up farming in Hawaii, and consumers are moving toward sustainable and locally-grown food choices. Those were among trends at the annual "Agriculture Awareness Day" at the State Capitol. KHON2.

More than 200 new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at more than 80 public locations in Hawaii, putting the state in the lead for the number of public charging stations, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Navy plans to decommission three Pearl Harbor ships in fiscal 2013 — a move that would drop the surface fleet to eight, affect ship repair jobs and take millions from Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano said Thursday the city's Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors, who were appointed to oversee the construction and maintenance of the city's $5.3 billion planned 20-mile elevated steel on steel rail system, "had better get a lawyer if he is elected mayor" this fall, "because he will go after them for malfeasance." Hawaii Reporter.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Five people have been arrested in a major drug trafficking ring between Hawaii and California.  It's an inside job as investigators say some of the suspects work for Delta Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two Puna residents have filed suit in 3rd Circuit Court, seeking to stop the implementation of a new county building code that went into effect Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie took on a triumvirate of state touchstones Thursday, criticizing “self-designated” Hawaiian activists, challenging environmental protection regulations and touting his labor bonafides while criticizing the state teachers’ union. West Hawaii Today.

Ka‘u County Councilwoman Brittany Smart announced Thursday she plans to run for the state House seat being vacated by Rep. Bob Herkes, a fellow Democrat, in his run for state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A controversial solar telescope atop Haleakala suffered a setback Thursday when the hearing officer was fired and his recommendation to approve the project was thrown out by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has discharged a hearings officer and his recommendations about the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope on Maui to avoid "even the appearance of impropriety" due to unauthorized communications with the permit applicant for the project, Chairman William Aila announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui parents will soon get a chance to help save lives by donating their babies' cord blood. Maui News.

Kauai

County council members Tim Bynum and JoAnn Yukimura lost their battle to lower property taxes for Kaua‘i residents Thursday, with their opposition citing economic uncertainty. Garden Island.

Morgan’s ponds at Lydgate closed as Health Department takes water samples. Garden Island.

Nonprofits join up to care for Kaua‘i’s land, culture. Garden Island.

Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony honors war dead, Honolulu Civil Beat editor heads to Washington Post, Legislature mulls state bank, mandatory sick leave, charter schools, new garbage study for Big Island, hostess bars for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony, courtesy House Majority Office

Hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol Wednesday to remember 24 servicemen with Hawaii ties who died during the past year in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawaii News Now.

The annual Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony is more than just a time to recognize and honor fallen troops. It's a time for friends, colleagues and loved ones of the dead to gather, console and connect with each other, to be reassured that those close to them will not be forgotten, and to be welcomed into the island ohana. Star-Advertiser.

courtesy House Majority

The families of two dozen fallen service members received the Hawaii Medal of Honor on Wednesday. It was a chance to thank them and their loved ones for protecting our country. KITV4.

Abercrombie: Environmental Critics Are 'Apocalyptic Naysayers' Civil Beat.

Large private sector employers without labor contracts would have to provide workers with up to five days a year in paid sick and safe leave under a bill approved Wednesday by the state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Should the State of Hawaii open up its own bank? Some lawmakers want to saying it will stimulate economic growth and development.  But opponents say taxpayers shouldn't be backing risky loans. Hawaii News Now.

Public assistance recipients might be able to put away more in savings under a proposal before the state legislature. Associated Press.

A 90-plus-page bill to boost the accountability of Hawaii charter schools is racing toward passage in the Legislature. Civil Beat.

A bill that would relax some of the state building code requirements was gutted when it crossed from the House to the Senate, Rep. Robert Herkes, D-Puna, Ka‘u, South Kona, North Kona, said. West Hawaii Today.

Dog fighting bill ripped, gutted and turned into something else. KHON2.

Hawaii Land Use Commission’s top exec Dan Davidson will retire. Pacific Business News.

Navy Seeks Expanded Partnerships to Reach Clean Energy Goals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Civil Beat Editor and General Manager John Temple has accepted a new position as managing editor of The Washington Post. Civil Beat.

The arrest of four city supervisors and eight inmates on drug and contraband charges has triggered scrutiny of the prison work lines. KITV4.

More new Honolulu residents moved from San Diego than from any other county in the United States, and more former Honolulu residents moved to San Diego than anywhere else. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's newly appointed CEO Daniel  met with the head of the Federal Transit Administration and Hawaii's congressional delegation this week to lobby for federal funds for the city's planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

As the city and county of Honolulu prepare to begin construction of the $5.3 billion rail project, KITV4 News has learned some out-of-state workers are already on the job. KITV4.

Honolulu Zoo staff Wednesday were trying to lure back three exotic birds after they escaped earlier this week when vandals cut holes in their cages. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The county could save up to $1.5 million annually by trucking East Hawaii’s garbage to West Hawaii rather than expanding the Hilo landfill, according to a consultant’s report released Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's largest grower of macadamia nuts plans to break into the business of making and selling processed food products after decades of selling raw nuts to processing and marketing companies, including Hershey Co. Star-Advertiser.

The Hilo Veterans Administration clinic is looking for a new location in town to call home. Tribune-Herald.

Spilled mercury found Wednesday at a Hawaii County Department of Water Supply facility in Waimea resulted in no reported injuries, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa said that the county can cut around 33 positions from its payroll for 2013, thanks to his employee attrition policy. Maui News.

The Liquor Commission’s recommendation to remove the 12 cap limit for hostess bar licenses on the island, “is too extreme a change all at one time,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui Now.

A settlement has been reached in a dispute over the proposed 310-room expansion of the Grand Wailea. Maui News.

Kauai

The entire island of Kauai went dark, some communities for six hours Wednesday, when a transformer failed at Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's Port Allen Generating Station. Star-Advertiser.

The power outage that occurred at the peak of the Wednesday afternoon rush hour was an island-wide shutdown. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council spent the entire day deliberating on a bill proposing further property tax exemption for Kaua‘i residents, only to see decision-making cut short by the island-wide power failure about 5:15 p.m. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai residents are used to some of the highest gas prices in the nation. But with an overnight jump of 25 cents last week – reaching $5.36 for regular unleaded – even locals were left in disbelief. Molokai Dispatch.

Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign boosted by U.S. Chamber, Hawaii pays $117M in secret movie, TV incentives, teachers inch toward contract, $15M settlement in Kauai hiker death, Hawaii Marines going down under, pregnant Kona protest over midwife program, Kauai farmer sues over smart meters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

GOP Senate candidate Linda Lingle, courtesy photo

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $249,800 for production and media placement for television advertisements in Hawaii in February highlighting former Gov. Linda Lingle's stance on tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii taxpayers have paid out nearly $117 million worth of tax credits over the past five years to movie and television studios as an incentive for filming in the islands. But, exactly who cashed in on these lucrative credits — and how much they got — is secret. Civil Beat.

The state has agreed to a settlement payout of $15 million in the death of a California hiker at Kauai's Opae­kaa Falls in 2006, the largest payment for a death in a court case in Hawaii, according to the lawyer for the victim's family. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday blasted the latest contract proposal by the union representing Hawaii public school teachers as “fiscally irresponsible” and urged educators to accept a settlement offer submitted by the administration. The Hawaii State Teachers Association responded that it wants to return to negotiations. Associated Press.

In the latest development in a months-long labor dispute, the teachers union has responded to a settlement offer from the governor with a request for contract talks to resume. Star-Advertiser.

Yielding to criticism from consumer groups and retirees, two state House panels voted Monday to ban health insurance companies from directly shaping Hawaii’s version of the federally-mandated program meant to provide health coverage to all residents of the Islands. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Health Insurance Exchange Board should not include members who represent health insurance providers, consumer advocates said Monday. Associated Press.

The 2010 primary election ended 16 months ago, but state House Rep. Karen Awana has still not filed three candidate reports for that election cycle with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Up to 200 Marines from Hawaii will be the first to deploy to Australia in a landmark move that signals a shift in America's focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Hawaii News Now.

Applicants are invited to apply for the trustee position at Kamehameha Schools to replace Chairman J. Douglas Ing, who ends his term in June 2012. KITV4.

Honolulu

Recruitment continues to be a challenge for the Hono­lulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro says he hasn't seen any evidence that Hawaii has a widespread sex trafficking problem. Civil Beat.

After decades of delays, Honolulu's new water chief intends to lease out the city's prime Beretania Street property to developers to generate revenue and keep rates down. Civil Beat.

The launch of the 122-kilowatt, direct-current system at Aiea High School will be followed by installations of solar power systems at three more public schools on Oahu and all 15 public schools on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Ai’ea High School became Hawai’i’s first public school to have solar electric panels installed on one of its buildings. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Health is urging tests for about 215 Kapiolani Community College and Hawaii Pacific University students and faculty who might have been exposed to a student who contracted in early February an active infectious tuberculosis, a potentially fatal but curable airborne disease. Star-Advertiser.

As Oahu's emergency rooms fill to the brink, more civilian patients are being taken to Tripler Army Medical Center. Hawaii News Now.

There's a proposal before the Honolulu City Council to limit the commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama Beach Parks by issuing two permits per park. KHON2.

With gas prices topping $4.30 a gallon, electric-vehicle makers and car-charging station operators are trying to entice people into checking out automobiles such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and other cars that require zero or little gas. Pacific Business News.
 
Hawaii

North Hawaii Community Hospital’s efforts to trim maternal health costs brought midwifery supporters to the hospital Monday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Can a buyer of your property sue you because the buyers say they were unaware the area is home to drug dealers, prostitutes and coqui frogs? No, says the state appeals court, in upholding a verdict against a Hilo real estate company. Tribune-Herald.

Lava from Kilauea’s Puu Oo vent is inching toward the ocean from the coastal plain, where flows are within a mile of entering the water. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie will be the featured speaker at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce annual focus luncheon on Thursday, March 29 at Keauhou Beach Resort. KPUA.

Maui

Heavy rains in East Maui earlier this month undermined the Hanawana Bridge, cutting off transit for an estimated 40 residents since March 9. Maui Now.

Maui homeowners and photovoltaic system installers are expressing frustration at requirements that they pay for expensive "interconnection studies" before installing solar panels, with no guarantee that their project will be approved after the study is complete. Maui News.

Hawaii construction is the subject of  the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii (UHERO) report released today. UHERO sees the industry edging toward recovery, but makes a clear distinction between Oahu, where the outlook is more favorable, and the neighbor islands, especially Maui, where conditions have yet to turn around. Maui Now.

Kauai

A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu by a Kaua‘i taro farmer seeks to stop the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s smart meter rollout. Garden Island.

A soft tissue infection more commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria has now been diagnosed in three unrelated cases on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Spotlight on Sunshine Week: Gov. Neil Abercrombie 'wins' Lava Tube award

(News release) The Big Island Press Club this week gave Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie the dubious honor of naming him the recipient of the club's 15th annual Lava Tube award for a number of his actions last year. Like the lava tube itself, the award recognizes the year’s most notable offense for keeping the public in the dark.

The Press Club also honors the best efforts to promote openness in Hawaii with the Torch of Light award, which is also presented annually since 1997. The Torch of Light was awarded this year to the Judicial Selection Commission for releasing the names of Abercrombie's judicial nominees when he refused. An Honorable Mention went to the Star-Advertiser for its efforts, including litigation, to obtain release of the names.

It takes only one "indictment" for an elected or appointed official, commission or board to be dishonored with the Lava Tube, but, in Abercrombie's case, BIPC settled on two:

•  Abercrombie refused to name his list of nominees to fill a state Supreme Court vacancy, forcing the Star-Advertiser to sue, saying the secrecy violated the state's Uniform Information Practices Act. The state Supreme Court agreed. When the Office of Information Practices -- the state's watchdog agency charged with overseeing open records and public meeting laws -- opined in the Star-Advertiser's favor, Abercrombie replaced the agency's acting director.
•  The governor created, in secret, an emergency declaration suspending for five years dozens of regulations protecting shoreline access, historic preservation, air and water quality and other environmental and land use laws in order to begin removing military ordnance with no notice to the public.

The Lava Tube award is announced each year on March 16, Freedom of Information Day, honoring the birthday of James Madison. Born in 1751, Madison was author of the U.S. constitution and the foremost advocate for openness.

"Freedom of Information Day is a great reminder that the public's right to know is just that, a right. It should not and will not be compromised," said BIPC President Yisa Var. "The Big Island Press Club is happy to use these awards as a way to bring into the foreground those governing bodies that have done the best and the worst at upholding this freedom."

Established in 1967, BIPC is Hawaii's oldest continuously active press club. Learn more at http://bipc.wordpress.com/.

Hawaii is the favorite state, political maps continue to draw fire, state Senate mulls Internet sales tax, Honolulu quietly breaches debt limit on rail, Big Island to host Mars training center, Kauai police chief furor continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Child plays at Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new poll confirms what residents of the Aloha State already knew — Americans love Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie left for Washington, D.C., Wednesday night to attend the 2012 National Governor's Association Winter Meeting. Associated Press.

Residents from all corners of Oahu urged members of the state Reapportionment Commission to make further changes to proposed political boundary maps and make greater effort to keep communities together. Star-Advertiser.

New political boundaries are working toward reality, as the 2011 Reapportionment Commission races to meet a Feb. 29 deadline. Few like the lines; not only do they split up distinct neighborhoods, many say, but two state senators and five sets of state representatives will be forced to face each other should they seek re-election. Civil Beat.

State senators appear poised to pass a measure that would allow Hawaii to tap into millions of dollars in uncollected taxes on Internet sales. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee is hearing a bill today that would establish a tax credit to help offset teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses. Associated Press.

Weaknesses in Hawaii's child pornography laws would be strengthened to address possession of particularly violent or egregious images, under an effort in the Legislature. Associated Press.

The concern over the dwindling supply of opihi has renewed calls for a ban on opihi harvesting. KITV4.

The furor over Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointments to the state water commission isn’t likely to die down any time soon. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin quietly approved a request to suspend city debt guidelines last year in a move that clears the way for the extraordinary borrowing necessary to finance the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s top-paid city job will soon be filled -- the head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. But public feedback won't be possible before the offer is made.  KHON2.

A look back at what Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said in his first such speech almost one year ago. Did he make good on his promises? How did his initiatives fare with the Honolulu City Council? Civil Beat.

former U.S. Rep. Ed Case

Hawaii

With the help of cheering supporters, Hawaiian music and fragrant food, a former restaurant was transformed Wednesday into the East Hawaii campaign headquarters for native son and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case. West Hawaii Today.

An unusual flurry of more than 60 small, shallow quakes at Kilauea volcano Wednesday is no cause for alarm, U.S. geologists say. Star-Advertiser.

A seismic swarm can be seen as a precursor to a lava outbreak, but in this case scientists say other factors are at play. Tribune-Herald.

Five homes will be built in just 240 hours this fall by Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii and other volunteers in an effort to increase affordable housing in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii and NASA are on the hunt for participants for a first-of-its-kind habitat study to Mars. NASA has a mission to Mars in its sights, and Hawaii Island is about to play a big part. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A once-luxurious beachfront house that has been left vacant for more than 10 years would be removed and sold to the highest bidder under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Planning for a proposed 4.5 story parking garage in the center of Wailuku town has been put on hold by the County of Maui and future meetings of the design team have been canceled. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Charter Review Commission is scheduled to meet Monday to look at whether Mayor Bernard Carvalho has the authority to keep Police Chief Darryl Perry on leave. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry was working in his office Wednesday afternoon for the first time since Feb. 1, even though the mayor said Wednesday morning the police chief was still on paid leave. Garden Island.

With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

Molokai

The nun who served Hansen’s disease patients who were exiled to Kalaupapa for over 30 years will become a saint in a canonization ceremony to take place on Oct. 21 of this year, the Vatican announced last Saturday. Molokai’s Mother Marianne Cope was green-lighted for sainthood by Pope Benedict XVI in December, after confirmation of a second miracle was attributed to her. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie fights low job approval, tax collections up, no casino for Waikiki, still legal to take seashells by the seashore, union grumbles, OIP looks into Hawaii County Council, one inspector for all of Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating is 39 percent, down from the last Hawaii Poll in May, when it was 50 percent, but up from a Public Policy Polling survey in October, when it was 30 percent, at the time the lowest of any governor in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

State tax collections are up 17.5 percent over last fiscal year, the state Department of Taxation reported on Monday, but the increase is only 8.9 percent when the effect of delaying some income tax refunds last year is accounted for. Star-Advertiser.

Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, says members are growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of progress on a ‘most favored nation’ clause contained in the union’s two year contract that began in July of last year. KHON2.

The state House voted on Monday to pass a bill that would spare businesses from an increase in the unemployment insurance tax. Star-Advertiser.

Two Senate committees Monday advanced the Abercrombie administration's proposed ceded lands settlement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs without making any changes. Star-Advertiser.

John Radcliffe is a longtime and well-known lobbyist who formerly headed the Hawaii State Teachers Association. His clients include dozens of local and mainland interests. Civil Beat.

Finding out how the public uses Hawaii's open records law isn't easy. And it's not cheap either. Civil Beat.

The state's largest public pension fund bounced back last quarter but ended the calendar year with a 1.3 percent investment loss that dragged down the asset value in its portfolio by nearly a half-billion dollars. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom  stock gained almost 4 percent Monday as Hawaii stocks followed the broader markets in closing higher and erasing losses from Friday. Pacific Business News.

The bill to protect against cyberbullying was heard Monday by the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technology. KHON2.

A House committee killed a bill Monday apparently introduced to deter the taking of one of Hawai‘i’s most precious resources, beach sand, could potentially outlaw even shell collecting. Garden Island.

The latest Hawaii Poll shows majority support for a state lottery and off-shore gambling, but support for gambling quickly diminishes once the subject turns to an on-shore casino. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines announced on Monday it is the first airline in the world to earn aviation-based carbon credits. KITV4.

State roundup for Feb. 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

The department charged with assuring accurate prices in Hawaii's grocery stores, gas stations and taxi cabs is woefully understaffed, with just one inspector on Oahu to handle thousands of commercial outlets. Hawaii News Now.

A proposed stand-alone casino in Waikiki has stalled in a state House Committee. Associated Press.

The House Tourism Committee took up the issue of legalized gambling in Hawaii as a potential source of tax revenue. Hawaii Public Radio.

President Barack Obama has requested $250 million in federal funds for the Honolulu rail transit project in the 2013 fiscal year budget. Pacific Business News.

What is the impact of the proposed Honolulu rail project on future traffic? Civil Beat.

Former state harbors official Wesley H. Choi has been charged with stealing state funds worth more than $20,000. Hawaii Reporter.

The Honolulu City Council is set to debate Bill 50, which approves the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan, on Wednesday. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The state Office of Information Practices is investigating whether the Hawaii County Council violated the Sunshine Law when it approved a new building code without providing advance copies of the changes to the public. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Island Healthcare Alliance is seeking $250,000 from the Legislature for a rural, family practice medical residency program aimed at attracting young doctors to the island and keeping them here. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island coffee farmers are struggling this legislative to protect the Kona brand from what they view as unscrupulous marketing techniques of Kona blenders. Civil Beat.

Maui

A 28-unit, four-story affordable rental complex planned for Wailuku's Sand Hills area has cleared its environmental review process and should be ready to begin construction this spring, said developer David Billings, president and managing member of DBR Development LLC. Maui News.

The southern end of the Wahikuli State Wayside Park parking lot is scheduled to be closed through Friday for boat salvage operations, according to the county. Maui News.

The Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana will testify today in strong opposition to Senate Bill 3056, proposing the transfer of management of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve from the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity welcomed more than a dozen volunteers from the Mainland and the Netherlands who came to the island to help build a house in Anahola as part of the Global Village project. Garden Island.

Green light for Honolulu rail, state overpays employees $1.5M, Abercrombie answers civil unions legal challenge, Legislature considers gambling, farmers markets, land deals, building codes, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Honolulu rail transit artist's depiction courtesy image

The federal government has granted a key approval that will allow Honolulu to immediately begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the city's rail project, including erecting the first sections of raised guideway from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu on Monday got a key green light from the Federal Transit Administration and could start to spend $185 million of local tax dollars on heavy construction for the rail project within weeks. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle trails Hawaii's incumbent senators when it comes to local individual contributions but is in the middle of the pack, just under Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka, when it comes to overall contributions, including political action committees. Civil Beat.

The Abercrombie administration is preparing a response to a federal lawsuit challenging the state's civil unions law as unconstitutional because it does not allow same-sex couples to marry, searching for a line that balances both the law and politics. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii lawmakers want to give the governor more power in appointing members to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents, picking up a political debate started last year after the Senate rejected two of his nominees. Civil Beat.

The state has overpaid its employees more than $1.5 million, with hundreds of thousands more in state tax dollars written off as noncollectable and other incorrect pay amounts recovered months or years later from employees who were accidentally paid too much. Hawaii News Now.

A bill moving through the state Legislature will take out what many consider the more onerous sections of the state building code and give counties more flexibility in defining their own codes. West Hawaii Today.

A parent's failure to report the death or disappearance of a child would become a felony under a bill before the state Legislature. Associated Press.

Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students assembled a stone platform with a wooden statue known as a "ki`i" on the grounds of the state Capitol today to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser.

A small group of advocates from Molokai flew over to Oahu today to clean, sand and oil a Haloa Ki’i. Maui Now.

Some farmers say Hawaii's farmers markets are too restrictive and they want state lawmakers to change the rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Almost 30 gambling bills are still up for consideration by state legislators, ranging from stand alone casinos, lotteries, and internet gambling. lawmakers are floating the ideas to raise much needed revenues for the state. A professor who has studied the effects of gambling across the country says it's a big mistake. KHON2.

Last year was a big year for Hawaii’s cruise ship industry, with 124,456 cruise ship visitors coming to the Islands and spending a collective $34 million. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and two Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees urged lawmakers Monday to approve a $200 million real estate deal that would settle the department's longstanding ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle long-standing ceded lands claims does not do enough to empower the Native Hawaiian people, a key senator contends. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a personal appeal to legislators this morning to pass his administration’s proposal for a land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs that would permanently resolve a decades-long dispute over ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

The Advisory Council to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is recommending that the sanctuary consider expanding its focus from humpback whales and their habitat to the ecosystem as a whole. Maui Now.

The University of Hawaii is demanding the operator of a pornographic web site stop using the school's name or face legal action. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Feb. 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said it does not support a Honolulu City Council bill that would double parking meter rates at public parks that include Kapiolani and Aala. KITV4.

Honolulu city workers have cleared a sofa, a bicycle and other personal items from the Occupy Honolulu camp at Thomas Square. Associated Press.

Casting for a new ABC pilot series "Last Resort" will be held on Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

A mainland company is a step away from securing a 30-year lease to test ocean thermal energy conversion in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The increasing popularity of solar panels will mean higher electricity bills for the majority of Big Island residents who still rely on Hawaiian Electric Light Company for most of their power. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An anonymous donation totaling $100,000 from a local foundation was issued to the Maui Oral Health Center for the acquisition of new dental chairs at the decade-old facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County will fund an additional nine local tourism initiatives this year in addition to the 20 the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support, county officials said Monday. Garden Island.

A new 500,000-gallon county Department of Water tank will expand water service to users in the Lawa‘i and Oma‘o communities of Kaua‘i, Daryl Kaneshiro, the Department of Water Board chair, said Monday at a dedication of the new equipment. Garden Island.

Molokai

The owner of a controversial excursion yacht to Molokai said he intends to keep bringing passengers to the island despite protests but also plans to implement conditions that he finds acceptable from an ongoing community study. Maui News.

Campaign fundraising reports show mixed bag, only one bidder on $33M Honolulu rail work, fatal zipline failed inspection, Hawaii electric bills rise fastest in the nation, more power for Public Utilities Commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Money and politics, courtesy illustration, Frank Housh

Leaders of the Hawaii Legislature didn't add much to their political war chests during the second half of 2011, according to the latest round of campaign finance reports due by midnight Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has raised more than $1.1 million for his 2014 re-election campaign, an early validation from donors after an uneven first year in office. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case raised more than $111,800 during the last quarter for his Demo­cratic primary campaign for the U.S. Senate, which put him far behind the pace of his rival, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who raised more than $624,350. Star-Advertiser.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle collected more than $260,000 from 75 political action committees in three months of fundraising, according to her federal campaign finance report posted online Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature is once again considering whether to allow legalized gambling on Hawaiian home lands.Associated Press.

Hawaii voters aren't ready to roll the dice on legalized gambling, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Social service advocates urged lawmakers Tuesday to continue to use the state's rainy day fund to help finance health, education and human services programs that were threatened during the recession. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is "definitely ahead" of other states in its efforts to develop open records policies for social media usage, according to the Virginia-based government watchdog nonprofit Sunshine Review. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s policy team has implemented a new "Testimony Tracking System" to "find potential conflicts between different agencies sooner rather than later" when it comes to submitting testimony to lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers Move Legislation to Provide PUC More Authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's electric bills rose at nearly double the national rate from 2000 through 2010 even as local residents and businesses did more to conserve electricity than the country as a whole, according to a report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, seeking to retain the job for a full four-year term, enters the 2012 race with a sizable lead in funds as his challengers begin mounting their campaigns against him. Star-Advertiser.

Spending Reports Show Caldwell Surges, But Owes Big. KITV4.

The city has awarded a new, $33.4 million contract to Infraconsult LLC, the company that has already received nearly $50 million in contracts to oversee the $5.2 billion Honolulu rapid transit project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle plans to earmark a $450 million city-backed line of credit for the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to demonstrate to federal authorities that the rail project has the resources it needs to complete construction, Carlisle said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is considering metered parking rate increases at Oahu parks, a proposal that isn't sitting well with many park users. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Tuesday the launch of Honolulu 311, a new system through which the public may use smartphones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced the launch of a smart phone application Tuesday that allows residents to send complaints directly to the Department of Customer Services. KHON2.

Hawaii

Winning election multiple times hasn't been a financial boon for Hawaii County Council members' campaign war chests, several of which have endured prolonged deficit spending. Tribune-Herald.

An East Hawaii zip line tower failed to pass an initial county inspection prior to its collapse in September, killing one worker and seriously injuring another. Tribune-Herald.

Palamanui is mostly paid up for its community college campus obligations. West Hawaii Today.

The developers of the 725-acre Palamanui mixed-use project on the Big Island’s Kona Coast are giving the University of Hawaii    nearly $10 million for construction of a new West Hawaii community college campus. Pacific Business News.

A mishmash of newsracks cluttering Alii Drive sidewalks may soon be cleaned up, thanks to a program by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District that was advanced Tuesday by the Hawaii County Council's Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Election season will officially begin Wednesday with the start of candidate filings. Maui News.

Maui island saw 2,166,000 visitors in 2011, a 4.1 percent increase over 2010, and those visitors spent nearly $3.2 billion, or 12.9 percent more than the previous year, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Maui News.

Maui County Council Planning Committee members stretched to reach the finish line Monday in crafting a bill to rein in illegal vacation rentals while setting up an easier process for operators to get county permits. Maui News.

Kauai

Transient Accommodation Units permits cut in half for next 5 years. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has placed Assistant Chief Roy Asher and Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan on leave effective Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold a second round of community meetings, beginning with a session on Kaua‘i, to inform its beneficiaries of the latest updates on the Kaka‘ako land settlement proposal. Garden Island.