Djou, Takai in dead heat, ousted Abercrombie still unpopular, rail project adds $14M, Honolulu mulls e-cig ban, Big Island GMO ban gets court hearing, lava advance quickens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai, Charles Djou vie for Congress

Democrat Mark Takai, who already has spent $1.2 million on the race, and Republican Charles Djou, who has a 2-to-1 lead in cash on hand heading into the home stretch, are tied at 47 percent each, according to the latest Hawaii poll. With the race for Hawaii's open 1st Congressional District seat up for grabs, at least one analyst predicts the contest could come down to who has more money for the final push and who gets outside help from mainland third-party money. Star-Advertiser.

Our latest Hawaii News Now/Star Advertiser poll in the campaign to represent urban Oahu in Congress suggests the vote could go either way. In the race between Charles Djou and Mark Takai,volunteers and the candidates will crank up efforts to get out the vote with their campaigns in a dead heat. It's tied at 47 percent according to our new Hawaii poll.

Mark Takai needed more campaign money — and he got it. The Democratic candidate for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District raised just over $200,000 — including $85,000 from super PACs — during the first half of October, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. His Republican opponent, Charles Djou, pulled in $72,000 but outspent Takai by almost $82,000 during the same 15-day period. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats Launch Preemptive Strike Against National GOP Group. In a tight race for Congress between Charles Djou and Mark Takai, the Democrats are worked up about a political commercial that might hurt their candidate — even before the ad airs. Civil Beat.

History might eventually treat him more kindly than voters did during the Democratic primary in August, but the initial appraisal of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's four-year term is below average. Asked in a new Hawaii Poll to rate the Democrat's job performance during his term as governor on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a "terrible job" and 5 being a "great job," voters gave him a 2.53. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says his intent if elected in November is to help make sure the federal budget reflects Hawaii's priorities. Star-Advertiser.

The state will consider new hunting rules that some say could destroy traditional pig hunting methods. The DLNR will hold a hearing Friday to approve the new rules, which will require all hunting dogs to be registered and to carry some form of identification. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Department of Health today said it has confirmed three cases of measles in the state, one on Maui and two on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Matson Inc. will lower its fuel surcharge for Hawaii cargo shipping by 5 percentage points Nov. 2 to compensate for falling ship fuel prices, the state's largest ocean cargo carrier announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers will be sharing their latest observations on how warmer-than normal ocean temperatures are causing large sections of Oahu's coral reefs to expel algae. The phenomenon called coral bleaching can kill coral, an organism at the foundation of Hawaii's marine environment. Associated Press.

Oahu

Board members overseeing Oahu's rail transit project have approved an additional $14 million in cost increases -- and nearly half of that expense is due to yet another contract that went out prematurely, project officials say. Star-Advertiser.

E-cigarettes have long been touted as an alternative to cigarettes. But e-cig users could soon have fewer places to smoke on Oahu. A city councilman wants to expand the smoking ban, to include e-cigs. KHON2.

Jeffrey Crabtree, a private attorney who specialized in consumer protection, personal injury, malpractice and end-of-life medical issues, was confirmed to 1st Circuit Court. Christine Kuriyama, a Family Court judge, was also confirmed to 1st Circuit Court. Before she was a judge, Kuriyama was a private attorney, deputy attorney general, administrator at the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and staff attorney for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and state House Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

A new non-profit, established in September, 2014, has sent a letter to the four gubernatorial candidates asking that—whichever one of them wins the general election in November—he overhaul the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) board and end fast tracking of development and permitting. Hawaii Independent.

A Republican state Senate candidate resumed sign waving Thursday afternoon after he was hit by a car while crossing the street after waving signs in Waipio Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Sonar mapping shines new light on USS Utah. Star-Advertiser.

The city and county of Honolulu says it has an explanation for hundreds of pounds of trash that’s stockpiled in Kapiolani Park. Honolulu spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke says the trash collected by street sweepers is being kept there so that consultants can test it for the type of debris that ends up in the ocean. Associated Press.

The attorney for Malia Arciero, a madam who operated her business out of the elite Oahu neighborhood Portlock for about a decade, will go to court Thursday, Oct. 23, to attempt to get drug possession and drug dealing charges against her dismissed. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

A lawyer representing a group seeking to invalidate Hawaii County’s law restricting the use of genetically engineered crops urged a judge Thursday to make the same decision he recently made invalidating Kauai’s law. Associated Press.

Hawaii County officials are keeping a constant eye on the June 27 lava flow as it begins to reach the outskirts of Pahoa. After weeks of sluggish advance, the flow gushed toward pastureland above the village and Civil Defense initiated the first road closure since access was restricted to Kaohe Homesteads more than a month ago. Tribune-Herald.

A larger crowd than usual attended the weekly lava update meeting in Pahoa on Thursday night following news that Madame Pele's path had quickly advanced. Star-Advertiser.

Margaret Masunaga officially became District Judge Masunaga upon her confirmation Thursday by the state Senate in a special session. West Hawaii Today.

There’s a “desperate” need for election workers, as Hawaii County finds itself short 67 volunteers for precincts in Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona and Ka‘u. West Hawaii Today.

Led by a 23.6 percent rise in room rates on the Big Island, the statewide average room rate at Hawaii hotels last week rose 8.6 percent to $232.58 compared to the same week a year before, according to the latest Hawaii Hotel Industry Snapshot from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR Inc. Pacific Business News.

Mauka from the Kekaha Kai State Park entrance on Queen Kaahumanu Highway is land the Hawaii Racing Association believes is best suited for a motorsport park. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County Council Candidates Assess GMO Moratorium Ballot Initiative. Most were not in favor of the bill as written, and will vote “no.” Maui Weekly.

Maui resident Kathleen Soule is pursuing a class action lawsuit against Priceline Group and Marriott International seeking monetary damages "arising from the unfair and unconscionable assessment and collection of 'resort fees.'" Pacific Business News.

Kauai
Department of Public Works officials are reviewing current policies and procedures after thieves stole $86,000 in equipment from two county facilities in July. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday passed a trio of measures that seek to correct current tax laws and assist some property owners who saw substantial increases on their real property tax bills this year. Garden Island.

Grove Farm Company has given the state Department of Health permission to access its land in Mahaulepu and investigate the source of pollution in Waiopili Stream. Garden Island.

Tulsi Gabbard named 2nd hottest in Congress, jobs focus of Djou, Takai, gubernatorial candidates debate education, Honolulu super PAC spending probed, Kauai approves pay as you throw garbage plan, Hawaii prison gangs exposed, at-risk advised to evacuate in advance of lava flow, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard surfing, Capitol File magazine

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii has been named the second “hottest” female in the U.S. Congress, according to Washingtonian magazine. First-place honors went to Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) Besides Gabbard, no other Hawaii congressional delegate makes “The Best & Worst of Congress.” Civil Beat.

Opinion: The point of our recent Tulsi Gabbard piece on surfing with Yahoo News instead of attending a U.S. Senate hearing on problems at the VA is one that Gabbard’s supporters are conveniently sidestepping: She was scheduled to go to the hearing. She didn’t show up. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s staff told reporters they had expected her, wanted her to be there, and had no idea where she was. Civil Beat.

While both candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District agreed on the need to lower the cost of living for local residents, they differed on the approaches to take. The differences were highlighted in a candidate forum Wednesday night before several dozen people at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser.

Charles Djou is so close to possibly winning a seat in Congress that he can almost smell the cherry blossoms that will be blooming next spring in Washington, D.C. With less than a month until Election Day, he and his supporters have the campaign running at full tilt — from candidate forums and coffee hours to phone banking and sign waving. Civil Beat.

Education is a key campaign plank for Hawai'i's gubernatorial candidates. After four years of disappointment, teachers, parents and local communities rejected Gov. Neil Abercrombie, once the great hope of the state's education system. It is now the hope of the state's voters that a judge and educator, such as James "Duke" Aiona; an engineer and legislator, such as David Ige; or a businessman and former mayor, such as Mufi Hannemann, can improve the state's schools and increase student achievement. Maui Weekly.

In a potential partnership with local developers, former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said Wednesday that he supports a new initiative that would enable renters to build equity toward down payments on home purchases. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu political action committee that ran negative ads slamming incumbent Kohala County Councilwoman Margaret Wille is being looked into by the state Campaign Spending Commission, following complaints from a political activist. West Hawaii Today.

Closing statements are expected in a federal trial that has provided an inside look at the operations of a Hawaii prison gang. Former Halawa Correctional Facility guard Feso Malufau is accused of taking bribes from the “USO Family” gang to smuggle drugs to prisoners. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s troubled Obamacare exchange has a new executive director, and he’ll have a mess to sort out to earn his $150,000 annual salary. Jeffrey Kissel, president and chief executive officer of HawaiiGAS, replaces Hawaii Health Connector Interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda. He will be the third leader of the state insurance exchange in less than a year. Hawaii Reporter.

Opinion: The Nov. 4 election will answer two questions. One is obvious: Which candidates won? The other question has become just as obvious: How did Hawaii’s State Office of Elections screw up this time? Civil Beat.

State roundup for Oct. 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Three bills designed to combat illegal dumping, grading and related issues on Oahu's agricultural lands won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

In response to people and businesses that illegally dump trash, sludge, construction waste and old vehicles in rural land around Waianae, the Honolulu City Council voted on Wednesday to increase fines for illegal dumping island-wide. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Area Rapid Transportation officials showed off new renderings for the final four stations at the Honolulu end of the city's rail line. Hawaii News Now.

In an unprecedented move, the City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to make public two confidential opinions from city attorneys. The opinions relate to plans to ban or make it more difficult for property owners and developers to convert hotel rooms into condominium units. Star-Advertiser.

Two lawsuits could have the city dishing out more money to pay for a law firm representing them. The City Council approved two resolutions on Wednesday. Each a request to continue services with the law firm representing them. Those services could cost the city up to $150,000 in additional funds. KHON2.

A grand jury declined to indict a Honolulu Police Sergeant caught on surveillance video punching his girlfriend. The video, taken on September 8 at a Waipahu Restaurant, shows Sgt. Darren Cachola hitting the woman. She testified on his behalf Wednesday morning saying they were just playing around. Hawaii News Now.

A grand jury has declined to indict a Honolulu police sergeant who was captured on video apparently punching his girlfriend. Star-Advertiser.

A decorated police officer caught on video taking a swipe at a bystander who was recording an arrest on his iPhone will cost Honolulu taxpayers $37,500. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council approved the payout to Randy Salazar Jr., who in a federal lawsuit alleges Officer Robert Steiner broke a bone in his hand after hitting him with a Taser on New Year’s Day 2013. Civil Beat.

There's a heated battle brewing in Hawaii's state senate. District 12 incumbent Brickwood Galuteria is facing a challenge from newcomer Chris Lethem. KITV4.

A state judge expressed concern Wednesday about the handling of a large gambling case by the prosecutor's office that resulted in charges against nine people in connection with sweepstakes gaming machines. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital, which last week was accused of owing University of Hawaii-affiliated doctors $800,000 in back pay, said this week it withheld the payments because UH owes the hospital more than $1 million from an insurance fraud settlement. Star-Advertiser.

The number of palm-damaging coconut rhinoceros beetles discovered on Oahu continues to rise, with the count close to 2,000 for adults and immature insects uncovered along the isle's south coast, a state official said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Outrigger Enterprises Group has submitted a notice of preparation for a supplemental environmental impact statement for its $100 million redevelopment of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort as part of its Waikiki Beach Walk project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

As the June 27 lava flow continues on its trajectory for Pahoa, state health officials are asking lower Puna residents who depend on regular medical treatment to consider evacuating. Patients who receive oxygen, dialysis and other regular care that may require travel to or from Puna via Highway 130 will likely be impacted by lava crossing Highway 130, Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they will continue to pursue court actions to stop the $1.4 billion project and protest its construction following the disruption of its groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday on Mauna Kea. The protest appeared to be the first of its kind on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Special video presentation detailing the long road to the TMT groundbreaking using file footage gathered by Big Island Video News from 2008 to today.

A Google-sponsored startup hopes to be testing a new way to generate electricity with wind on the Big Island by this time next year. Makani, formerly Makani Wind, joined with the tech giant last year, the first of what has become the Google X division projects, said Alden Woodrow, business team lead. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Economic Opportunity Transportation will begin moving to its new Puunene facility near the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum on Monday, but the public will not notice any changes in service, the nonprofit agency said. Maui News.

With the planned historic release of mauka to makai stream flow at ʻĪao planned on Monday, the state Commission on Water Resource Management is seeking assurances that compliance is clear and that the agreement is carried out by parties involved in the contested case. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council approved on Wednesday the state’s first variable rate structure aimed at encouraging waste diversion by charging property owners waste collection fees based on how much they throw away. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council, by a 4-2 vote Wednesday, opted to revisit in two weeks a request for an investigation into what one council member says are numerous violations of county law by the island’s agrochemical industry and large landowners. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has started testing energy-efficient LED street lights at four locations as part of its plan to retrofit 3,500 fixtures owned by the County of Kauai and the state of Hawaii. Garden Island.

Molokai

State Department of Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen has a soft spot for Kaluapapa, but her term is nearing its end, and she visited the settlement last week to speak with residents there personally. Molokai Dispatch.

Thousands comment on Native Hawaiian recognition, land reform recommended, Abercrombie thinks gay marriage sunk re-election bid, Maui group forms to save GMOs, counties seek hotel tax, lava continues slow march toward Puna homes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Rep. Faye Hanohano sings at July 2014 Department of the Interior hearing © 2014 All Hawaii News

More than 5,000 comments about Native Hawaiian recognition are being processed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, according to a government website. West Hawaii Today.

A governor's task force has recommended sweeping changes to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' controversial month-to-month land leasing program, addressing flaws that the Honolulu Star-Advertiser exposed in a series of articles last year.

Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Honolulu counties want more money from the state — tens of millions of dollars more — to help offset the cost of providing services that visitors use, ranging from roads to rescue. Council members and mayors are already ramping up for the next legislative session, which starts in January, strategizing how they might grab a bigger slice of the state’s hotel tax revenue. Civil Beat.

Attorney General David M. Louie announced Friday that the Hawaii Supreme Court dismissed three separate challenges to the primary election that was held on August 9, 2014 and August 15, 2014. Hawaii Reporter

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Ige has won the endorsement of the state's largest union, which will help him compete with two better-known candidates but brings criticism from Republicans that he's too close to organized labor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii state Sen. David Ige surprised political observers when he pulled off a historic upset, beating incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary for governor. Now, Ige is heading into the General Election in November, when even a pollster who predicted he would trounce Abercrombie in a landslide won’t call him the front-runner despite the state’s heavy Democratic leanings. Associated Press.

5 things to know about Hawaii elections. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he lost his bid for re-election in a Democratic primary because of his decision to call a special session to legalize gay marriage. Associated Press.

Opinion: Abercrombie the Martyr. Hawaii's governor blames his electoral fall on the gay marriage special session. But is he just trying to make himself feel better after a crushing defeat? Civil Beat.

Opinion: Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Ige was barely known to Hawaii voters when he trounced Gov. Neil Abercrombie last month in the biggest upset of an incumbent governor in a primary election in U.S. history. Civil Beat.

Poor school attendance resulted in lower test scores for Hawaii fourth- and eighth-graders who missed more days than their peers, according to a national study released Tuesday linking school attendance to student achievement and learning. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu’s motor vehicles department shrugged off concerns about long wait times for obtaining driver’s licenses, state identification cards and other services and failed to implement improvements put forward by Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration, according to a city audit released late Friday afternoon. Civil Beat.

Authorities on Thursday approved spending additional money for a study that will determine whether to replace or renovate the aging Aloha Stadium. Associated Press.

Labors of love help save seals. Volunteer DB Dunlap has kept an eye on Hawaiian monk seals for 13 years. Star-Advertiser.

Disaster preparedness fairs will be held in both Ewa Beach and Manoa over the next two weekends. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

In addition to a wealth of candidates on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot, Hawaii County voters will have five state constitutional amendments and one county charter amendment to vote up or down. West Hawaii Today.

Lava continued to advance northeast Sunday through the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve, and was about 1.2 miles from a rural neighborhood on the reserve’s eastern boundary, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A group of some 1,500 farmers, ranchers, residents and others has formed to support genetically modified organism operations in Maui County, and rival the anti-GMO group SHAKA Movement. Maui News.

The Maui Police Commission will hold a meeting to interview and discuss Maui police chief candidates at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Maui Beach Hotel's Elleair Rainbow Room in Kahului. Maui News.

Maui County is partnering with a Canadian company to use an assessment analysis program that uses digital photographs, building sketches and analytics to expedite and more accurately assess property in the county, the company and Maui County have confirmed. Maui News.

Kauai

There will be one new class on the county’s real property tax rolls next year. A divided Kauai County Council approved a measure Wednesday that would create a new tax class called residential investor, which would apply to improved properties without tax exemptions that are worth at least $2 million. Garden Island.

Kauai’s recyclables, for the most part, don’t stick around. Instead, they are shipped as near as Oahu and as far as China. Garden Island.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide is in negotiations to sell its Kauai Lagoons project, one of the largest Hawaii construction projects to be stalled by the Great Recession, to Hawaii developer Ed Bushor for $60 million. Pacific Business News.

ACLU sues over Hawaii election, Ige pulls out of gubernatorial debate, Abercrombie asks Obama for disaster declaration, fired DOE official sues, regents approve interim UH-Manoa chancellor, new Obamacare vendor, incinerator bidders want more time, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County polling place © 2014 All Hawaii News

A group of Pahoa residents, working with the American Civil Liberties Union in Hawaii, have filed a complaint with the Hawaii Supreme Court, asking the state’s top judges to allow every resident affected by Tropical Storm Iselle to cast a ballot in the primary. West Hawaii Today.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii on Thursday filed a legal challenge to the primary election on behalf of six voters in Puna on Hawaii island who said they were unable to vote because of the damage left by Tropical Storm Iselle. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island voters who were unable to get to the polls because of Tropical Storm Iselle may get an opportunity to cast their ballots if the American Civil Liberties Union prevails in a lawsuit filed with the Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday. The ACLU of Hawaii levied the complaint against the state on behalf of six Big Island voters, all of whom live in the rural, storm-ravaged Puna district and all of whom were not allowed to vote because they were trapped by fallen trees and power lines. Civil Beat.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Thursday filed a legal challenge to the primary election with the Hawaii Supreme Court on behalf of voters in the Puna area of the Big Island who couldn’t vote in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle. Hawaii News Now.

A new lawsuit is asking the State Supreme Court to allow people who weren’t able to vote because of the storm to do so in a special election before Sept. 20. KHON2.

The ACLU and a group of Pahoa residents have filed lawsuit over alleged voting rights violations that came as a result of bad legislative practices in the wake of Hurricane Iselle. Hawaii Independent.

A lawsuit was filed in state Supreme Court today challenging the makeup election held on Friday, August 15, for two Hawaiʻi Island precincts that were closed on primary election day due to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Iselle. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Democratic candidate for governor has pulled out of the first debate of the general election because of a disagreement with the forum’s organizers about video distribution. Associated Press.

The company that fixed the federal Obamacare health insurance exchange is preparing to replace embattled contractor CGI Group Inc. as the main technology vendor for the faulty Hawaii Health Connector. Star-Advertiser.

Former DOE official sues department. As the Department of Education's chief procurement officer, Andrell Aoki managed over $100 million in contract awards each year. But in March, the Mililani resident said the DOE fired her because she questioned the legality of several multi-million dollar contracts relating to the DOE's "Race to the Top" program. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Environmental Council’s annual strategic planning meeting on Thursday started with weighty discussions of two major problems confronting the state: climate change and invasive species. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Meet Some of Hawaii’s Civic Hackers. Are you digging into campaign finance data? There are apps for that. Here are the local geeks who built them. Civil Beat.

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake woke some residents up early Friday morning. No tsunami was generated. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite calls from University of Hawaii at Manoa students and faculty for the reinstatement of Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple, the Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to approve an interim replacement. Robert Bley-Vroman, dean of Manoa's College of Languages, Linguistics and Literature, was named to a one-year term, effective Sept. 1, with a $275,016 salary. Star-Advertiser.

As University of Hawaii president David Lassner and the Board of Regents listened, testifiers vented their frustration over a lack of information on the firing of former Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple. Hawaii News Now.

The sale of Waikiki's largest shopping center in June contributed to a record level of Hawaii commercial real estate purchases during the first half of the year as institutional investors continued a buying binge that took hold last year. Star-Advertiser.

The area around Ala Moana Center has a lot going for it, according to Nate Cherry, a California architect who has created a new vision for the neighborhood through a new Transit Oriented Development plan for Honolulu's rail system that will be presented to the public next week. Pacific Business News.

The stranding of flying gurnard fish in July on various Oahu beaches was prompted by a natural life-cycle event, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a request seeking a Presidential Disaster Declaration for federal assistance in recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a request Thursday for a presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance for Hawaii island to pay for damage caused by Tropical Storm Iselle. Star-Advertiser.

Finalists for a waste-to-energy incinerator at a pre-bid conference Thursday asked county officials for more time to prepare their proposals, but Mayor Billy Kenoi, on a fast track to get a facility on the ground before he leaves office in late 2016, said three months is long enough. West Hawaii Today.

The Konawaena High School library’s doors remain open. Despite a reduction in the librarian position to part time, the facility is open to students over lunch and recess and to groups of students under the supervision of teachers during class times, Principal Shawn Suzuki said. The library is also used for after-school tutoring, he said. West Hawaii Today.

Kauai

Dillon St. Clair doesn’t ride the school bus. His mother is troubled by the logistics of his transportation from their home in Kalaheo to Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. If the sixth-grader rode the bus, he would be away from home 10 hours every day. Garden Island.

Judge to hear Hanabusa election postponement lawsuit today - read the lawsuit here, Honolulu rail bids 75% over budget, John Kerry pushes China cooperation, Abercrombie visits storm-ravaged Puna, Kauai pumps more money into GMO lawsuit, Larry Ellison stimulates inter-island shipping, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanabusa election lawsuit

Download a copy of the Hanabusa complaint for an emergency temporary restraining order here (.pdf).

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed a motion Wednesday to stop Friday’s election on the Big Island until power is restored, roadblocks are removed and proper notification is given to voters in the two affected precincts. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to postpone the Friday makeup election for two Puna precincts. The lawsuit will be heard by 3rd Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura at 10:30 a.m. today in Hilo. It argues voting in precincts 04-01 and 04-02 is scheduled too soon since the recovery from Tropical Storm Iselle continues. Tribune-Herald.

Voters in storm-damaged Puna would be deprived of their constitutional right to vote if the state Office of Elections moves forward with a unique makeup election on Friday, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa alleges in a legal challenge filed on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed for an emergency temporary restraining order Wednesday morning, asking a state judge on the Big Island to delay Friday’s make-up election in two precincts hard hit by Tropical Storm Iselle last week. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii is asking a court on the Big Island to delay a makeup election for more than 8,000 voters, saying they should have more time to recover from a tropical storm before casting ballots in a primary that includes her running for U.S. Senate. Associated Press.

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa has requested a state court postpone Friday’s election in Puna rather than conclude the Primary Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has officially filed a lawsuit against chief elections officer Scott Nago to stop Friday’s primary election on the Big Island. KHON2.

In Hawaii Visit, John Kerry Presents Vision for ‘Asia-Pacific Engagement. The Secretary of State says U.S. focused on sustainable growth, clean energy, regional cooperation and empowering people. Civil Beat.

The "great powers" relationship China is seeking with the United States "is not going to happen simply by (China) talking about it," Secretary of State John Kerry said at the East-West Center on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The lowest bid for the construction of the first nine westside stations for Honolulu's $5.16 billion rail project came in at $294.5 million Wednesday, nearly 75 percent higher than the amount the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation had budgeted for the stations. Pacific Business News.

Oahu homeowners who qualified for owner-occupant tax breaks by last Sept. 30 but did not get them will be eligible for a one-time tax compromise from the city under a plan approved by the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The jury in the Christopher Deedy murder retrial completed 4 1⁄2 days of deliberation Wednesday without reaching a verdict. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As he made his first tour Wednesday of some of the storm-ravaged areas of lower Puna, Gov. Neil Abercrombie pledged to do “everything necessary” to secure federal funding for Hawaii Island families recovering from Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday toured neighborhoods damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle as county and state civil defense officials gathered information that could go into an application for a federal disaster declaration. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s arrival on the Big Island on Wednesday to address the fallout from Tropical Storm Iselle added a layer of normalcy to what so far has been surreal political theater. Civil Beat.

More than 200 homes, too many utility poles to count and half of the state's papaya crop were damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle last week based on preliminary reports that provide an emerging big picture of devastation centered in Hawaii island's Puna and Kau regions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi wants the residents of Puna to know there is an army of strategic and passionate people working around the clock to restore services in the areas hit hardest by Iselle. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Iselle last week provided more evidence of a link between vog from Kilauea and unusually powerful lightning first observed during Tropical Storm Flossie that rolled over Maui last July, according to a University of Hawaii researcher. Maui News.

Puna, a district on the island Big Island of Hawaii, is described by the Lonely Planet travel blog as “a new, eclectic population of mainland retirees, nouveau hippies, off-the-grid minimalists, funky artists, New Age seekers, Hawaiian sovereignty activists, organic farmers and the odd pakalolo (marijuana) grower.” Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

The Kula Forest Reserve and Polipoli State Park on Maui remain closed following Tropical Cyclone Iselle, while damage assessment continues. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines today announced plans to launch non-stop service between San Francisco International Airport and Kahului Airport on Maui, starting Nov. 20, 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council postponed a measure on Wednesday that would establish a new waste management program and create an incremental fee structure based on how much residents throw away. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council authorized the Office of the County Attorney Wednesday to spend another $50,000 to defend the county’s law regulating pesticides and genetically modified organisms, Ordinance 960, in federal court. Garden Island.

Lanai

First billionaire Larry Ellison purchased most of Lanai, then he bought Island Air, and most recently he acquired Hotel Lanai. Now the fifth-richest person in the world — with a net worth of $48 billion according to Forbes magazine — is making his presence felt with Young Brothers Ltd., the state's largest interisland cargo shipper. Star-Advertiser.

Candidate, groups, try to delay election to decide Democratic victor for U.S. Senate, Native Hawaiians want Kerry to talk sovereignty on Honolulu visit today, $150M Honolulu rail bids to be opened, fired Maui trash chief appeals, Kauai mulls pay as you throw trash plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in Puna, photo by Tim Wright

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that she is considering legal action to stop Friday’s scheduled election on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Tuesday asked the state Office of Elections to delay Friday's vote in two Puna precincts that will decide the Democratic Senate primary battle with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and also warned that she will likely go to court to try to postpone the vote. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she plans to file an injunction to stop Friday's election. She is running in a tight Democratic primary race for Senate against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Associated Press.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she will file a lawsuit to stop the election from taking place in storm-ravaged areas this Friday. Her office confirmed the move late Tuesday. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in Puna, photo by Michael S. Zola

With power and communications still out in some Puna neighborhoods, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa says that now is not the time to hold an election. Hanabusa, who trails Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,600 votes in Hawaii's U.S. Senate race, said she plans to file a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court no later than Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to open a polling place Friday for two storm-damaged precincts in Puna were moving ahead Tuesday despite a threat of a legal challenge from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and criticism from other politicians and both major political parties. Tribune-Herald.

A new date has been set for voting in remote Hawaii precincts that were closed on election day by a tropical storm that clobbered the area, but it's unclear how thousands of voters will find out in time to cast ballots Friday. Associated Press.

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa may feel it’s necessary to be on the ground in Puna this week, but the other two members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have no immediate plans to visit the disaster area. Civil Beat.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visits Honolulu Wednesday where he will give a speech at the East-West Center in Manoa and meet with military leaders at U.S. Pacific Command headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

Kerry’s Visit a Chance to Answer Questions on Native Hawaiian Recognition. Will the Secretary of State address the single most important question raised in Hawaii since 1898. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is coming off a crushing defeat in the Democratic primary, but he is still head of state for four more months.  Now he's taking some heat for using a personal day Monday in the middle of a crisis in Puna following Hurricane Iselle. Governor Abercrombie was in meetings today and decided he will go to the Big Island Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Perusing the Financial Disclosures of Hawaii Gov Candidates. Ige and Aiona are boring compared to Hannemann. Civil Beat.

Primary Candidates Spent Over $3.4 Million on TV Ads Since May. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz was the biggest spender at more than $1 million, followed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie at nearly a half-million. Civil Beat.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds beneficiaries of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) that beneficiary households may request reimbursement for the actual dollar value of food destroyed by storm related power outages. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Wednesday plans to unseal bids submitted by contractors who want build the first nine westside stations for the city's $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Officials with the city and United Public Workers union announced a new agreement Tuesday that allows paramedics and emergency medical technicians to work longer shifts in exchange for shorter workweeks. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the Ward Warehouse retail center in Kakaako could be demolished in the second half of 2015 to make way for two condominium towers as part of a second phase of residential development at Ward Centers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As a nation turns its eyes to a rural community on the Big Island that will decide a U.S. Senate race, residents here sometimes struggle to name the candidates vying for their votes. Part of this has to do with the Aloha State’s aversion to electoral politics. A majority of residents don’t vote. And this is Puna, a place where people come to disappear. Civil Beat.

As officials assess the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Iselle, it’s evident the Big Island’s agriculture industry has sustained a severe blow. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue to make progress on restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Iselle. An estimated 6,800 – or about eight percent – of customers remain without power, down from an estimated 8,100 on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurt by wind damage and power problems caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory nevertheless continues to operate with the help of distant U.S. Geological Service outposts. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island forestry and invasive species experts have been warning for years that albizia trees are a major threat to residents’ safety and property. Now, after seeing the devastation wrought by falling trees in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, they say they have irrefutable proof. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Former Maui County Solid Waste Division Chief Tracy Takamine is appealing a decision upholding disciplinary action that led to his firing last year, alleging that an investigation by the county was improper and unfair. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management has announced that beginning Aug. 1, budget constraints are anticipated that will curtail refuse pickup scheduling and landfill hours. This will affect all Maui County refuse account holders, refuse haulers, contractors and all those utilizing Maui County landfills. Maui Weekly.

The next phase of the Lahaina bypass project will build the roadway farther south, extending it from Hokiokio Place to a southern terminus near the former Olowalu landfill, state Department of Transportation officials said at a meeting in Lahaina last week. Maui News.

The much-discussed 600-unit housing project proposed by Alexander & Baldwin in North Kihei was approved by a unanimous vote of the Maui County Council on Friday, Aug. 1. Maui Weekly.

Maui Electric Company announced today that it is deploying boom trucks and other equipment to Hawai‘i Island today to assist Hawai‘i Electric Light in restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Cyclone Iselle. Maui Now.

Today is the deadline set to apply for the chief of police vacancy on Maui. The recruitment notice indicates that the job pays $135,000 per year. Maui Now.

Kauai

A measure now being considered before the Kauai County Council, Bill 2551, would implement a new waste management program, called pay as you throw, which aims to divert some waste from the Kekaha landfill and bolster recycling practices. It would charge residential and commercial customers incremental rates based upon how much they choose to throw away.  Garden Island.

A Kauai firefighter’s discrimination case was given a jury trial date on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. Bruce Chapin filed a civil complaint alleging discriminatory compensation and retaliation claims against Kauai Fire Department on May 9, 2013.Garden Island.

Remote Puna precincts hold key to U.S. Senate, awkward Unity Breakfast brings Democratic winners and losers together, local races bring some new faces, more top election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island precincts in Hanabusa-Schatz race © 2014 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Sunday threaded a delicate balance between concern and campaigning as their Democratic primary for Senate came down to two storm-ravaged precincts in Puna on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hanabusa’s Push in Puna Be Enough? In the Hawaii Senate race, Brian Schatz holds a narrow lead over the congresswoman, but it might be enough to keep him in office. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii News Now analysis of precinct results in the U.S. Senate race showed that U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz holds an edge over U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Puna area of Hawaii island where voters in two precincts still must cast their votes to decide the razor-thin contest.

Voters from two precincts in Lower Puna now have a chance to decide a statewide race, but candidates will be walking a fine line between campaigning and storm recovery from Tropical Storm Iselle. Hawaii News Now.

The rural Puna district may have hardly been on the radar leading up to the state’s contentious U.S. Senate Democratic primary. Now, it’s all that matters. Tribune-Herald.

It will be a very delicate task: How to seek votes from voters coping with damaged homes, downed trees, power outages and water shortages. KITV4.

Hawaii's hotly contested Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate remained too close to call Sunday, with incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz clinging to a slim lead over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in a race that could drag on for weeks. USA Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz held a 1,635-vote lead over U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the primary race for Hawaii's U.S. Senate seat, according to results released about 3:15 a.m. Sunday, in a race that's still too close to call. The tally was Schatz with 113,800 votes to Hanabusa's 112,165, in results that are still missing two Hawaii County precincts that may decide the close election. Hawaii News Now.

Cut off from the world -- with no water or power and trapped in their homes behind tons of fallen trees -- survivors of Tropical Storm Iselle in Hawaii island's vast Puna district welcomed the news that they will send Hawaii's next U.S. senator to Washington. Star-Advertiser.

Brian Schatz held a slim lead over Colleen Hanabusa early Sunday in the Democratic primary to defend the Hawaii U.S. Senate seat he's held since 2012 in the general election in November, but neither candidate was ready to concede. Pacific Business News.

There’s one race that’s still undecided, and we won’t know the winner for several weeks. That’s the race for a seat in the U.S. Senate between Democrats Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa. The voting was halted because of damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. As of now, Schatz has a slim lead over Hanabusa of 1,635 votes. KHON2.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Ige, little known outside of the state Capitol just six months ago, captured all but three state House districts in an unprecedented and thorough defeat of Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Saturday's primary election. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie became the first incumbent Hawaii governor to lose his party's primary after a 40-year career as David Ige, a state senator from Oahu, won by more than 35 percentage points in a landslide victory. Pacific Business News.

Somehow, 40 years into a political career that was crowned by his election as Hawaii’s governor, Neil Abercrombie ignored the most basic lesson of the trade: It's a popularity contest. Los Angeles Times.

Hawaii’s Democratic Unity Breakfast the morning after the primary election is traditionally a time for candidates to set aside their differences and coalesce against the Republican candidates they will face in November. But Sunday’s festivities were awkward this year after the primary left the top-ticket U.S. Senate race undecided and the sitting governor was trounced by his Democratic opponent. Associated Press.

Democratic candidates, both victorious and vanquished after Saturday's primary election, gathered this morning for the party's traditional Unity Breakfast, led by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who despite his lopsided loss to state Sen. David Ige, pledged to support the newly nominated gubernatorial ticket. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i Democrats conducted their traditional “Unity Breakfast” yesterday in Honolulu, bringing together the winners and losers from Saturday’s Primary Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

There has never been a Democratic Party of Hawaii primary like the one held Saturday night. Not only was a sitting governor overwhelmingly rejected by a quiet-speaking state senator little known out of legislative circles and his Pearl City-Aiea district. But a U.S. Senate race is too close to call, with voters in two Big Island precincts holding the fate of the eventual victor in their hands. Civil Beat.

In a historic moment in Hawaii’s political history, Senate Ways and Means Chair David Ige beat incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic Primary election, Saturday, Aug. 8, with 66 percent of the vote to Abercrombie’s 30.9 percent. In total, Ige received 143,835 votes to Abercrombie’s 67,368 votes. Hawaii Reporter.

From global issues like the U.S. international relations to local issues like development near downtown Honolulu, Hawaii voters voiced a multitude of motivations in the state’s primary election on Saturday. Associated Press.

Oahu

Voters have given state Rep. Mark Takai the nod over Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and five other candidates vying for the Democratic slot in the 1st Congressional District race. Civil Beat.

After receiving trash pickup from the city for decades, about 110 multifamily complexes and 80 schools, churches and other nonprofits on Oahu will need to start paying for their own service beginning Feb. 1. Star-Advertiser.

After years of criticism from preservation agencies, the Navy is recommending that 81 acres of the old Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, a key battle site on Dec. 7, 1941, be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Challenger Lorraine Inouye ousted incumbent Malama Solomon from the state Senate’s 4th District seat Saturday night in a Democratic primary contest that was a rematch of the 2012 primary election. West Hawaii Today.

State Senator Gil Kahele won the Democratic primary race by a wide margin, defeating challenger Wendell Kaehu’ae’a 7,558 votes to 1,647. The first district senate seat represents Hilo at the State Capitol. Big Island Video News.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille and her primary challenger, former Windward Planning Commission Chairman Ron Gonzales, will be carrying their bitter battle into the General Election. Wille, striving for her second term as the District 9 council member, secured 1,664 votes, or 48.3 percent, against Gonzales and another challenger, Oliver “Sonny” Shimaoka, with all precincts reporting Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Maile Medeiros David, the deputy county clerk and a former legislative specialist, will soon find herself making the decisions, not just following them, after her easy win Saturday for the South Kona/Ka‘u District 6 seat. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent Karen Eoff appeared to win an easy victory over Sean Hunter, a political newcomer and the sole opponent in the County Council District 8 race. West Hawaii Today.

Democratic incumbent Richard Creagan, who was appointed to the state House District 5 seat in January to replace Denny Coffman, edged out Holualoa small business owner Gene “Bucky” Leslie in the primary. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent Democrat Nicole Lowen will face Republican Kelly Valenzuela in the state House District 6 election in November. Lowen defeated challenger Kalei Akaka for the second straight Democratic primary with 1,930 votes to 1,170 votes. Valenzuela emerged victorious over Roy Ebert with 454 votes to 263 votes. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa took his first step toward winning a third four-year term as mayor Saturday night, easily outpacing a field of five challengers in the primary election. Arakawa, 62, of Kahului garnered 17,093 votes, or 63.8 percent, with all 34 Maui County precincts reporting. Maui News.

Council Member Elle Cochran was the top vote-getter in her West Maui residency race despite challenger Ka'ala Buenconsejo having more than $100,000 in support from independent super political action committees that made him a household name in Maui County through mailers and radio and newspaper advertisements. Maui News.

House Rep. Justin Woodson may have been appointed to his 9th House seat when he first made his political debut last year, but he will stay there for the next two-year term by the will of the voters. Maui News.

Saturday’s primary election featured a crowded race of six contenders.  The field was narrowed to incumbent mayor Alan Arakawa, and challenger Tamara Paltin. Maui Now.

Saturday’s primary election featured four Maui council races, each of which were narrowed to the top two vote-getters in each district. Maui Now.

Kauai

Incumbent Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. tallied large numbers in Saturday’s primary election and will square off against Dustin Barca in November. With 15 of 16 Kauai precincts reporting by press time, Carvalho had a commanding 10,466 votes (57.3 percent) over Barca’s 5,669 votes (31 percent). Garden Island.

In all, 20 County Council candidates faced off in this year’s primary election. With 15 of 16 precincts reporting, all seven incumbents, Jay Furfaro, JoAnn Yukimura, Mason Chock Sr., Gary Hooser, Tim Bynum, Mel Rapozo and Ross Kagawa, moved on. Garden Island.

The incumbent Democrats prevailed in the three state representative races on Saturday. Garden Island.

Abercrombie out. Historic upset ousts Hawaii's governor. Seven media reports.

Sen. David Ige, left, as Gov. Neil Abercrombie concedes. Screen shot KITV4 news.

In a historic upset, state Sen. David Ige, who was unknown to many voters six months ago, ousted Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Saturday in the Democratic primary. Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, drubbed Abercrombie 67 percent to 32 percent, an unprecedented repudiation of an incumbent governor in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. David Ige has won a historic victory in the Hawaii governor’s race, knocking out Gov. Neil Abercrombie in an unprecedented defeat for an incumbent governor. Civil Beat.

David Ige, a state senator from Oahu who took on incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Hawaii's Democratic primary, grabbed a large lead over Abercrombie in the early returns Saturday to become the nominee for November's general election. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie was unseated in a stunning primary-election defeat Saturday after a fellow Democrat, state Sen. David Ige, easily coasted to victory on his promise to bring a less combative leadership style in a race that divided Democrats. Abercrombie, who has spent nearly 40 years in Hawaii politics, is the first Hawaii governor to lose to a primary challenger and only the second not to win re-election. Associated Press.

For the first time in Hawaii history, a sitting governor has lost a primary election to a challenger from within their own party. By 9:45 p.m., the Neil Abercrombie banner was coming down and the cleanup crew was hard at work packing up the campaign party at Ward Warehouse. The incumbent lost by more than 37 percent of the vote by the third printout. In his concession speech, he said despite his shortcomings, he always gave it his best. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii state Sen. David Ige has won the state's Democratic primary for governor, upsetting incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Ige has promised to bring a different leadership style to Hawaii, saying he wants the state to live within its current revenues rather than raise taxes.  The Democrat also pledged to collect $450 million in unpaid taxes. KITV4.

Dark horse candidate David Ige made a surprisingly strong showing in Saturday’s primary election by defeating incumbent Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic gubernatorial race in Hawaii’s primary election. Ige maintained a sizable lead throughout the evening’s ballot printouts. KHON2.

Hurricanes Iselle, Julio churn toward Hawaii, Democrats call off statewide rally, government, schools close Thursday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iselle track 5 a.m. August 7 Central Pacific Hurricane Center

At 5 a.m. on Thursday morning, Hurricane Iselle was located about 305 miles east-southeast of Hilo and was moving west-northwest at 15 miles per hour. It had maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour, weakened slightly from the 2 a.m. forecast, with higher gusts of up to 98 miles per hour. Iselle remains a Category 1 hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

After Hurricane Iselle surprised forecasters Wednesday by gaining strength, it may now become the first hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii since Iniki 22 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Iselle, the first hurricane that could hit the Big island in more than 20 years, was steadily churning toward Hilo and expected to make landfall Thursday. Civil Beat.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island and surrounding waters, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.  A tropical storm warning is also in effect for Maui County and Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii residents were furiously stocking up on essentials as two hurricanes churned toward the islands Wednesday and weather officials asked the whole state to prepare for flash flooding. Associated Press.

Democrats, concerned about the approaching storms, have called off their traditional election eve rally on Friday in Hilo. For more than a half century, Democratic candidates have gathered at the Mooheau Bandstand in Hilo for a get-out-the-vote event the night before elections. Star-Advertiser.

State officials have released a list of emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Iselle. Officials say the shelters are a last resort if you have absolutely no place else to go, or if your home is not in a safe place. If you need to go to a shelter- bring emergency supplies with you. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hurricane Iselle

 All of Hawaii’s major utilities are working to make sure their customers have what they need to ride out the storms. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of two tropical cyclones in Hawaii. Hurricane Iselle is forecast to impact the state Thursday evening through late Friday. Hurricane Julio is a few days behind Iselle and may impact the islands as soon as Sunday. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s governor is an incredibly powerful office, able to appoint more than 1,000 people to important executive offices, boards, and commissions. Hawaii Independent.

The race for the Democratic nomination for Hawai’i Governor is headed to the finish line Saturday.   If the initial tally of votes are close, meaning they are split down the middle, the neighbor island electorate will likely decide who the winner will be. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

As two hurricane-strength storms approach Oahu, the city has no comprehensive emergency plan in place for the densely populated, low-lying area of Waikiki, and a "statewide" plan addresses only Oahu. Civil Beat.

Honolulu officials are collaborating with emergency service providers and others to ensure Oahu's homeless population is well-informed about hurricane shelters and shuttle service as back-to-back storms approach. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Emergency Management advises Oahu residents that the following American Red Cross hurricane shelters will be available and open for evacuees on Thursday, August 7 at 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii retailers ready for whatever two hurricanes — Iselle and Julio — will bring. Pacific Business News.

Amid continued protests from University of Hawaii at Manoa students seeking the reinstatement of fired Chancellor Tom Apple, Board of Regents Chairman Randy Moore says he fully supports the decision made a week ago to terminate Apple two years into a five-year appointment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Big Island should brace for a pasting of rain and wind, and the leeward side is no exception. West Hawaii Today.

Eight people gathered Wednesday at the State Building in Hilo to announce they will request the state Attorney General’s Office investigate alleged voting and tax irregularities by Tiffany Edwards Hunt, who is running for the County Council District 5 seat. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council unanimously agreed Wednesday to ask the state Board of Agriculture to deny a local dairy the ability to sell milk at a lower wholesale price. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The mayor’s office announced that it will be sending home all non-emergency county employees at noon on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, with the possible exception of county elections employees. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai is finalizing a list of potential shelter sites for people looking to bunker down if forced from their homes by hurricanes Iselle and Julio. Garden Island.