Immigrant rights bills clear first legislative hurdle, Green sounds off against Kennedy appointment, Kakaako housing bill gathers support, 4th graders improve math scores, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Immigration enforcement measures draw support. Four bills relating to immigration enforcement cleared their first legislative hurdle Wednesday, with all passed 7-0 by the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology. The bills would prohibit local law enforcers from complying with federal authorities in detaining individuals without a judicial warrant,  bar the use of government land for detention facilities, establish a program for legal representation and notify detainees of their rights. Tribune-Herald.

‘He’s a liar.’ Green outraged after Kennedy denies role in Samoa measles outbreak. Gov. Josh Green was in the U.S. Capitol hearing room Wednesday while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied Green’s allegation that he caused many deaths in Samoa by discouraging the measles vaccine. Green responded with profanity on national television. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii fourth graders show math gains nationally. According to results released early Wednesday by the state Department of Education, Hawaii was one of only 15 states to achieve a statistically significant increase in fourth grade math scores, surpassing the national average by 2 points for the second consecutive assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii eighth in health foundation’s ranking. Hawaii ranked eighth-best among states in key health measures, according to America’s Health Rankings 2024 Annual Report — a drop from sixth place in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee puts UH athletics under the microscope for $2M-plus deficit. The University of Hawaiʻi's athletic department came under fire from senators after requesting an additional $3.2 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tourism Authority invests in international markets to draw back tourists.  In Hawaii, you can't talk about tourism without Japan, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese tourist numbers have not recovered. KITV4.

Kava Growers In Hawaiʻi Fear Being Associated With ‘Gas Station Heroin’. Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering regulating kratom and banning sales to minors. But kava advocates want an outright ban. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kakaako Makai housing bill attracts a flood of testimony. A contentious bill to largely undo a state law prohibiting residential development on the peninsula in Kakaako drew almost two-thirds more support than opposition at an initial public hearing Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

‘They pulled up in unmarked vans.’ Kapahulu neighborhood rattled after ICE agents arrest neighbor. Amid Trump’s immigration crackdown across the country, Hawaii law enforcement teams have been hitting locations across Oahu daily, targeting those with criminal records. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Women’s Court May Be Renewed On Oʻahu And Expanded To Other Islands. When the Oʻahu Women’s Court was established in 2022 to offer an alternative to incarceration, officials had a goal of admitting 20 participants a year. As of this month, 33 women were currently enrolled. Civil Beat.

Spike in e-bike accidents prompts rise of new law. The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 52, a measure that aims to establish clear safety guidelines for bicycle riders and pedestrians. KHON2.

OCCC guard pleads guilty to importing illegal aerial fireworks. Gilchrist Fernandez, 35, pleaded guilty to importing aerial devices without a license, and a “criminal attempt” at discharging aerial devices of 25 lbs or more without a license between Nov. 9, 2022, and Dec. 6, 2022, according to state court records. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2.

Some Dillingham businesses frustrated over requirements for rail impact grant. The city is now accepting applications for a grant to support businesses affected by rail construction on Dillingham Boulevard, but some business owners say the requirements are too strict. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Woman struck by vehicle on Highway 11 in Kurtistown dies from injuries. Hawai‘i Police Department reports the 21-year-old woman struck by a vehicle Jan. 22 near the 10-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kurtistown has died. She was identified as Jahnya Serquina-Octubre of Mountain View. Big Island Now.

Waipiʻo Valley Road to be closed. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense says Hawai‘i Police Department reports Waipiʻo Valley Road in Hāmākua on the east side of the Big Island will be closed at 6 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 30) because of the flood watch in effect for the island. Waipiʻo Valley residents and farmers are authorized to access the valley. Big Island Now.

 Maui

Attorneys reach agreement in $4B Maui wildfire settlement. A trial was set for Wednesday morning and several victims were prepared to testify. Instead, Judge Peter Cahill was told that attorneys have come to an agreement.  Hawaii News Now.

Senate bill would transfer Māla Wharf and Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County. Dissatisfied by state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ management of small boating facilities, West and South Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey has drafted a bill to transfer maintenance and operations of Māla Wharf in Lahaina and the Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County. Under the bill, the County could set permit fees to generate revenue for the facilities’ upkeep. Maui Now.

Kilohana temporary housing site has long-term goals to support Maui’s housing crisis. Kilohana consists of 167 modular units on 20 acres of state-owned property in Lahaina. Positioned next door to Ka Laʻi Ola, a temporary housing development project that aims to support up to 1,500 wildfire survivors for the next five years, these homes have been developed and stationed over the past few months, and are expected to be fully occupied by the beginning of February.  Maui News.

Haleakalā National Park closed from noon on Thursday due to severe weather. Haleakalā National Park closed from noon on Thursday due to severe weather. Beginning Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 Haleakalā National Park will be closed due to dangerous weather conditions. The closure will go into effect at noon Thursday for both the Summit District and Kīpahulu district. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning’: Major winter storm to bring possible flash flooding, damaging winds. There is an unusually strong winter storm expected to pass just north of Kaua‘i as it marches east, bringing with it a significant threat of severe weather during the next couple of days. Kauai Now.

Hawaii short 625 teachers, Honolulu to pay kissing lesbian couple $80k in lawsuit, homeless dollars go to people in houses, challenger says Tulsi's out of touch, serious charges dropped against Maui telescope protesters, EPA pushes for dirty water warning signs on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Back to school shoe shopping © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of teaching positions across Hawaii’s public schools remain unfilled as the new school year gets underway today for more than 180,000 students. The Department of Education says 100 teacher vacancies were filled over the summer, leaving 625 positions as of last week that need to be filled for the 2016-17 academic year.  Star-Advertiser.

Air conditioning is delayed for some hot schools while education officials push for lower prices. Associated Press.

How The Quest For Clean Energy Sunk HECO’s Biggest Deal Ever. Hawaii political leaders and regulators didn’t think selling Hawaiian Electric to a mainland company would help get the utility off oil. Civil Beat.

The lion’s share of state dollars earmarked since April to provide direct, immediate aid in tackling Hawaii’s homeless crisis has gone to keeping struggling families in their homes versus getting homeless people off the street. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii knows its technology infrastructure is behind the times. Now government officials are reaching out to the tech community for help. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is broadening its annual Hawaii Tourism Conference into a weeklong international gathering that draws visitor industry attendees from across the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson has qualified to be on the Hawaii ballot in November. Johnson, a former Republican governor of New Mexico, is running with vice presidential partner Bill Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts. Civil Beat.

A Maui mom thinks U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has lost touch with her district, and she’s challenging her in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary. West Hawaii Today.

An environmental group has filed a complaint with federal officials over Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds’ role in orchestrating opposition to the proposed expansion of the marine monument around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is on track to approve an $80,000 settlement for a lesbian couple who sued the city contending a Honolulu police officer harassed and arrested them after he saw them kissing in a North Shore grocery store. Civil Beat.

Land development-related growing pains in the quickly changing West Oahu region are a key issue in the Honolulu City Council District I race, where the incumbent faces challenges from three contenders. Star-Advertiser.

On the 173rd anniversary of Sovereignty Restoration Day (La Hoihoi Ea), supporters of two different paths toward self governance for kanaka maoli gathered Saturday to kukakuka (have a discussion) at Thomas Square in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

It’s been a while since Hawaii residents have seen gas selling for under $2 per gallon. But that will change this weekend as Par Hawaii, which is unveiling its new Hele brand, drops its price for regular unleaded gasoline to $1.99 at the first station to undergo the change as part of a grand opening event. Pacific Business News.

It's the second largest solar farm planned on Oahu and a major contributor to the state's clean energy goals. But neighbors say the Waianae Solar photovoltaic facility is one of the dirtiest they've seen. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Prosecutor’s race heats up: Roth, Kagami emphasize markedly different approaches. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman and challenger Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan were running about neck and neck in spending as they neared the home stretch of their campaigns. Tribune-Herald.

Napoopoo Road intersection work causing backups, lost business, owners say. West Hawaii Today.

More than five years after a tsunami tore into Anaehoomalu Bay, breaching Kuualii pond, crews are expected to begin this month replacing the wall at the fishpond as well as removing sand from the pond to build up the beach. West Hawaii Today.

There’s a dustup in the local Democratic Party over an official’s endorsement of a candidate in a nonpartisan County Council race. West Hawaii Today.

The vitriol surrounding accusations that the Hawaii Island Humane Society planned and engaged in a smear campaign against Big Island Dog Rescue seeped into Third Circuit Court Friday, where Judge Ronald Ibarra rejected an attempt to have the case dismissed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ing’s account, police report at odds. A citation for not having vehicle insurance that was issued to state Rep. Kaniela Ing shows he was driving his car when he was stopped for having an expired safety sticker and delinquent vehicle tax, according to a source who has knowledge of the traffic crime citation. Maui News.

The most serious charge lodged against six of the eight protesters arrested nearly a year ago in Kula during the transportation of construction materials for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope were dismissed Friday in 2nd Circuit Court. Maui News.

Four candidates vie for Gladys Baisa’s vacant Upcountry council seat. Maui News.

The high cost of construction bids has pushed back the installation of air conditioning in at least four Maui County schools, which means some students heading back to class Monday will have to bear the heat a bit longer. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal environmental officials are strong-arming the state into posting warning signs advising poor water quality at Mahaulepu and Gillin’s Beaches. Garden Island.

Federal environmental officials are requiring the state of Hawaii to post warning signs about poor water quality at two Kauai beaches. KITV.

Plea bargains, said Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar, are a balancing act. Garden Island.

James “Jimmy” Tokioka (D-15) is seeking his sixth, two-year term as a state House representative for Kauai. Garden Island.

Raised in Palolo, Oahu, Thomas Oi hopes his 26 years as a land surveyor will land him a seat at the state House. Garden Island.

Hawaii solar panels nearing grid capacity, lobbying law finally comes to Kauai, Department of Education rebuffs lawmaker, tourism up, 3 Honolulu mayoral candidates debate, rail chief under review, Maui rep apologizes for arrest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Solar panels in Hilo © 2016 All Hawaii News

Oahu and the Big Island are closing in on the total capacity the state allows for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Oahu is at 70 percent of its total limit, and the Big Island is at 70.6 percent, according to Hawaiian Electric Co. numbers released last week. solar applicants on Maui hit the limit in June. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry achieved its best midyear performance ever, putting it on pace to achieve its fifth consecutive record-setting year. Star-Advertiser.

A state lawmaker concerned about hot classrooms in his district was rebuffed when he tried to attend a meeting Thursday morning with school officials and contractors involved with an expedited $100 million air-conditioning project. Civil Beat.

The applications for three startup charter schools will be recommended to the state Public Charter School Commission for approval, while three others got a thumbs-down Thursday from the agency’s Applications Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Federal researchers returning from a 30-day expedition to study whales and dolphins around the Hawaiian Islands said Thursday they are looking for clues to help sustain healthy populations of the marine mammals. Associated Press.

Oahu

At the KITV and Civil Beat mayoral debate Thursday night, candidates were asked about Honolulu Police Department mismanagement, homelessness, neighborhood boards — and, of course, rail.

With just over two weeks remaining before the Aug. 13 primary election, the three major mayoral candidates attacked one another’s positions on rail transit and personal backgrounds in their first televised debate. Star-Advertiser.

KITV Island News and Civil Beat hosted a debate with the top candidates running for mayor of the City & County of Honolulu.   Incumbent mayor Kirk Caldwell, former mayor Peter Carlisle and former Congressman Charles Djou participated in the debate.

Honolulu’s policy of moving homeless people out of sight of tourists isn’t likely to change anytime soon, because it’s supported by all three of the best-known candidates for mayor. Civil Beat.

The board overseeing Honolulu’s rail project will hold a special meeting early next month to continue its behind-closed-doors assessment of the executive director’s job performance. Star-Advertiser.

Congressman K. Mark Takai passed away last week with nearly 6 months left in his term. Takai’s chosen successor is now gearing up her campaign to regain her seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy said it is working on placement of a new $500,000 groundwater monitoring well near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Facility to check water quality and evaluate how groundwater moves in the vicinity. Star-Advertiser.

Four days after Tropical Storm Darby dumped about a foot of rain on Oahu, some businesses in Kalihi are still suffering from the storm’s impacts. Hawaii News Now.

The muddy, garbage-infused muddle of junk left behind by Tropical Storm Darby in the waters and along the shoreline of Keehi Lagoon is threatening the state sport of outrigger canoe paddling’s largest annual event. Star-Advertiser.

Costco has confirmed a worker at its Hawaii Kai store tested positive for hepatitis A. The employee worked in the store’s bakery department and, according to a Costco spokesman, may have inappropriately handled food products. KHON2.

Hawaii

There’s a dustup in the local Democratic Party over an official’s endorsement of a candidate in a nonpartisan County Council race. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island race to represent the poorest Senate district in the state pits a lifelong environmentalist and successful businessman against the youngest person to ever be elected to the Hawaii County Council. Civil Beat.

Having made a series of broad sketches over the past months, the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency and the Hawaii County Planning Department are beginning to tweak details for the ambitious long-term project that will renovate one of Hilo’s most recognizable areas. Tribune-Herald.

Political hopefuls went on the record Wednesday night in regard to one of Hawaii’s most divisive issues. 8 of the 11 Hawaii County mayoral candidates present for a forum held at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo declared their support for the Thirty Meter Telescope project planned for Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, the American Bird Conservancy and the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project have created the Palila Forest Discovery Trail — a one-mile, interpretative loop trail located in the game management area of Kaohe, which falls within the boundaries of the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Representative Kaniela Ing of Maui was apologetic for missing a court date and being served a subsequent bench warrant for failure to appear in court for a vehicle insurance violation. Maui Now.

Last night, state Representative Kaniela Ing, D–South Maui, released a statement on his July 26 arrest on a $250 traffic infraction bench warrant issued back in February of this year. MauiTime.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing was arrested by Maui police Tuesday on a warrant for failing to appear in court for a vehicle insurance violation that the South Maui representative described as "a human mistake." Maui News.

The closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is costing parent company Alexander & Baldwin less than expected, and the company now expects the cessation of operations to be "a cash positive event" for the full year, A&B said in its second quarter report released Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Lobbyists have to register with the Office of the County Clerk, effective Thursday, thanks to Ordinance 999, passed by the County Council in March. Garden Island.

For more than a decade, county leaders have been working toward a treatment and healing center for Kauai’s youth. On Thursday night, about 50 people gathered at the Lihue Civic Center for the unveiling of the draft environmental assessment of the proposed center. Garden Island.

A measure that would allow vending on county-owned streets was deferred Wednesday to an Oct. 12 Kauai County Council committee meeting. Garden Island.