Obama library to go to Chicago but Hawaii still hopeful, federal judges hear Honolulu rail case, group sues for past-due church fees, Deedy jury to come back Monday, Kaui to fix historic swinging bridge, Hokulia development to reorganize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Baby Obama on Hawaii beach courtesy photo

The Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors was told Thursday that a decision has been made to locate President Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago, but Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz said Obama’s hometown of Honolulu is still “very much” in the running to host a presidential library or center. Pacific Business News.

There's still plenty of momentum in Hawaii's visitor industry, just not as much as Hawaii Tourism Authority officials originally thought. HTA, which manages the state government's tourism budget and sets tourism policy, had always expected 2014 would be weaker than the so-far record-setting 2013, and on Thursday the HTA downgraded its expectations further after hearing that the Japa­nese market this year is not performing as strongly as was once anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

Five churches have underpaid the state Department of Education for the use of public school facilities by more than $5.6 million over the past six years, according to a lawsuit unsealed this week in state court. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Mitch Kahle, founder of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of Church and State, and public advocate Holly Huber. They filed their lawsuit under seal in March to give the state the opportunity to join in. When the state attorney general declined, a state judge ordered the lawsuit unsealed. Star-Advertiser.

Churches are massively shortchanging Hawaii’s public schools on rent and other costs for weekend-use of school facilities, according to a whistleblower lawsuit that was unsealed by the Circuit Court late Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association lost $2.3 million in the second quarter, reversing a $9.4 million profit in the year-earlier period. The state's largest health insurer spent more on medical benefits and administrative expenses for its nearly 720,000 members than it collected in premium revenue in the quarter that ended June 30. The health plan filed its quarterly financial statements Thursday with the state Insurance Division. Star-Advertiser.

An appeal filed in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of a group challenging the state's 2012 reapportionment and redistricting plan as unconstitutional could be decided by the end of the year, an attorney for the plaintiffs says. Star-Advertiser.

The state prison system is increasing requirements for people applying to become corrections officers and already weeded out some sub-standard applicants during its first more difficult application test earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for August 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Federal judges weighing the appeal against Honolulu's rail project spent most of a pivotal court hearing Thursday questioning whether they even have jurisdiction to make a final ruling on the matter. The judges' heavy focus during oral arguments on their own role in the case — rather than the merits of the lawsuit itself — could signal more challenges ahead for opponents of the $5.26 billion elevated-train proj­ect, attorneys watching the court battle say. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard oral arguments from both sides in the federal rail transit lawsuit today. The proceeding was transmitted via live video feed to the Honolulu Federal Courthouse. A Circuit Court jury will return Monday for deliberations in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial after the prosecution and defense urged the jurors Thursday to consider the type of law enforcement officer they want in the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

In a nearly hour-long hearing that was streamed live to the U.S. District Courthouse in Honolulu, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments Thursday on whether the city adequately studied alternatives to a $5.3 billion heavy rail system. KITV

Opponents and supporters of the rail project made their way out of federal court, where they watched by television the hearing by a three-judge panel in San Francisco. KHON2.

Should a federal agent out for a night on the town with an old college buddy have waded into the middle of a brewing situation between customers at a Waikiki McDonald’s? Once he did, was he obligated as a law enforcement officer to follow through? Civil Beat.

Special-education students who exceed the state's cutoff age for services can continue to receive free public education while challenging that age limit, a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled Wednesday. The opinion stems from a lawsuit filed against the state Department of Education by a special-education student whose state-funded tuition at a private school in Hono­lulu was stopped in 2011 when he turned 20. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The creditor and debtors of the bankrupt Hokulia luxury development have come up with a reorganization plan they say will revive the long-stalled development and ensure the county gets its $20 million to complete the Mamalahoa bypass. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie doesn’t yet have the official version of the proposed West Hawaii Fishery Management rules package, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said Thursday evening. West Hawaii Today.

The Army is moving forward with plans for a $29 million Infantry Platoon Battle Course at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

When other companies were struggling during the recent economic downturn, at least one West Hawaii business saw steady growth. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After a meeting that spanned two days, most of which was conducted behind closed doors in executive session, Maui County Council's Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee advanced to the full council two proposals regarding how the committee will proceed with its investigation into the possible misuse of public funds to demolish the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui News.

US Senator Brian Schatz today announced the distribution of $800,000 in federal funds to the County of Maui Department of Transportation for its ADA compliant Bus Stop Shelter and Signage Program. Maui Now.

A minor special management area permit for the Rock & Brews restaurant project in Paia is being challenged in an appeal to the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

The administration told the Kauai County Council Wednesday that the reconstruction of Kapaia Swinging Bridge will be 10 times cheaper than a $2 million estimate two years ago. County Engineer Larry Dill said the latest preliminary estimate to replace both towers is about $100,000. Garden Island.

The Kauai Planning Commission on Tuesday deferred for two months any action related to a request from Longs Drugs CVS to build a new store on a protected coconut grove in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Mary Pigao, a resident of the Isenberg Tract, urged people to visit the results of a feasibility study on the proposed adolescent treatment center Tuesday. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and Kauai County are planning to collaborate on energy-saving projects such as a solar photovoltaic system and battery storage on county buildings, as well as pilot programs on time-of-use rates and electric-vehicle initiatives in an effort to reduce the Garden Isle’s fossil fuel consumption and lower the cost of energy, KIUC and the county said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Audit slams Honolulu International Airport contracts, Abercrombie mulls bills to sign/veto, Hawaii County elections face audit, Oahu Democrats craft platform, Molokai loses electricty, Sears to leave Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport courtesy Hawaii DOT

Hawaii’s state auditor says Transportation Department officials improperly shifted buying power to a contractor managing a $1.7 billion renovation of the Honolulu airport as part of a pattern of repeat violations. Associated Press.

The state auditor released a scathing report Wednesday slamming the Department of Transportation's Airports Division for a "pattern of recurring violations and questionable practices" as it moved forward on a 12-year, $1.7 billion overhaul of Honolulu Airport. Star-Advertiser.

More than half a million dollars in office renovations. That’s just one example of questionable spending for the state’s billion dollar airport improvement project. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants the public’s input on what bills he should sign into law or veto. The Legislature passed 293 bills this past session, which ended May 2. Those measures are now on the governor’s desk and he has until June 24 to let lawmakers know which one he plans to veto. His deadline to veto bills is July 9, according to the Hawaii Public Access Room. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit executives are applauding action by the state Legislature that could generate tens of millions of dollars for local charities. Pacific Business News.

Six weeks before Hawaii’s media shield law expires, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York says he plans to revive federal legislation that would protect journalists from being forced to disclose confidential sources and information. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association said Wednesday that premiums have not kept up with rising health care costs, leaving the state's largest health insurer with a $3.6 million loss in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

A former civilian defense worker accused of passing national defense secrets to his Chinese girlfriend will have to wait a little longer for his release from custody pending trial. Star-Advertiser.

This Friday is Bike to Work Day in Hawaii. The annual event promotes bike safety and encourages more people to think about the possibility of commuting by bike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Two years after the state began charging tourists $3 to park at the Pali Lookout, Hawaii News Now found many visitors aren't paying the fee because they don't know they're supposed to pay or they can't understand English when attendants ask them to pay.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the burden to pass a balanced budget has shifted to the City Council after his proposal to increase the county fuel tax by a nickel per gallon suffered a speedy defeat back in March. KITV4.

Admissions that the Internal Revenue Service improperly targeted tea party groups in Hawaii and 17 other states for scrutiny when they filed for tax-exempt status should be troubling to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, says one member of an isle tea party group that was among those singled out. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats, at the party's annual state convention last weekend, approved resolutions calling for the decriminalization of pot, the legalization of same-sex marriage, the raising of the minimum wage and the public financing of elections. Civil Beat.

Both city officials and (de)Occupy Honolulu members are hoping a U.S. district judge will make a ruling Friday on the protest group's encampment on the sidewalks near Thomas Square and the city's efforts to remove them. Star-Advertiser.

The number of recruiters attending the largest job fair in the state Wednesday was up sharply from a similar event just four months ago, illustrating the continued strengthening of the labor market in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

What started as an attempt by Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi to find out how much overtime was paid during the 2012 election has blossomed into an audit by an outside firm comparing election expenditures for the last three election cycles. West Hawaii Today.

Queen Liliuokalani Trust officials want to protect and preserve threatened plant and animal species on their property, Vice President LeeAnn Crabbe said Wednesday. But the trust needs to find the balance between land preservation and serving Hawaiian children, Crabbe said after a public meeting on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to designate nearly 19,000 acres as critical habitat for three endangered plant species endemic to Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members urged the county’s lawyers not to file an appeal in a South Kona planning case, but Corporation Counsel has already lodged one request with the 3rd Circuit Court seeking clarification on its ruling. West Hawaii Today.


Maui
Maui County will demonstrate Thursday a "first of its kind in Hawaii" wireless remote controlled streetlighting system that can be dimmed late at night to save energy, the county announced last week. Maui News.

The county Department of Water Supply has completed a final environmental assessment and has issued a finding of no significant environmental impact for the reopening of two Hamakuapoko water wells. Maui News.

Tea Party Maui was among hundreds of groups targeted by the Internal Revenue Service for extra scrutiny when it applied for tax-exempt status in May 2010, said Bill Doyle, the group's president in 2012. Maui News.

A tea party group on Maui says it was among those targeted by the IRS for special scrutiny when it petitioned for tax-exempt status. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i legislators ended this year’s session with $51.9 million approved for capital improvement projects across the island. Garden Island.

Sears is bidding aloha to the Garden Isle, and putting more than 40 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Molokai

Power has been restored on Molokai after an islandwide outage Wednesday morning, Maui Electric Co. officials said. Maui News.

An island-wide power outage on Molokaʻi affected some 3,200 customers, according to officials at Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) proposed increased protection for the Papohaku dune system. While the changes will not likely bring enforcement of stricter development rules, officials said they hope the protection would raise awareness of the dunes’ value. Molokai Dispatch.

Media blames senator for killing shield law, union bosses make big bucks, medical marijuana bill limits doctors, bill of rights passed for domestic workers, HMSA rate hike trimmed, safe place bill dies, tsunami debris removal grants announced, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Legislature is holding its last session of 2013. Both the House and the Senate plan to meet this morning. They plan to vote on just a handful of bills, including proposals addressing the state's settlements with unions and unfunded liabilities for employee benefits. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a historic shift in how the state manages its medical marijuana program after years of failed efforts to reform it. House Bill 668 authorizes the transfer of the program from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health. Civil Beat.

A coalition of Hawaii news media is blaming the state Senate for failing to extend a journalism shield law past its expiration on June 30. Associated Press.

Sen. Clayton Hee

Free-press advocates lamented the impending expiration of the state's news media "shield law," hailed nationally as a model for protection of news sources, and laid the blame squarely on Sen. Clayton Hee, the Senate's judiciary and labor chairman. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Judiciary and Labor Chair Clayton Hee is not known for his compassion, consistency or tolerance for mainland folk. This year, it was the media – not a particular person or judicial candidate – who was the focus of his ire. This followed an unflattering and brief but trashy story in a Republican blog during the 2012 election that used no sources when accusing Hee of misdeeds clearly in an attempt to influence voters in the November election. Hawaii Reporter.

A national organization representing local groups of nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers is praising Hawaii’s Legislature for passing a bill to create a domestic workers bill of rights. Associated Press.

Senate Bill 391 would have established a network of "safe places" for youth. The two-year pilot program would've made use of existing organizations such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. But the measure, which was the state Keiki Caucus's top priority this year, died in conference committee Friday. Civil Beat.

There's a bill headed to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's desk that could help law enforcement keep tabs on gun registration and this is a proposal some Hawaii gun rights advocates are getting behind. KITV4.

The state Insurance Division has reduced Hawaii Medical Service Association’s proposed 8.6 percent premium rate increase to 6.8 perecent for small businesses renewing health policies in July, for an estimated 118,000 Hawaii consumers, a move it said would save businesses about $10 million. Star-Advertiser.

A national organization that has been ranking states’ educational policies and outcomes for nearly two decades dropped Hawaii’s grade this year in some areas, but noted significant improvements in others. West Hawaii Today.

At a time when many of their members are still struggling to find work, the heads of Hawaii's construction unions are taking home fat pay checks. Hawaii News Now.

Med School Puts Best Face Forward with in-depth report To Lawmakers. Civil Beat.

Former state Rep. Gil Riviere, who represented the North Shore in the House for one term before losing in the Republican primary last year, said he will switch political parties and become a Democrat as he tries to reclaim the seat next year. Currently, there are 44 Democrats and 7 Republicans is in the Hawaii House. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie, US Senator Brian Schatz, and State Senator Gil Keith-Agaran will be the featured speakers at the upcoming annual Convention for the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi on Maui. Maui Now.

State roundup for May 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

The ground breaks today on a sweeping four-year $739 million modernization of Honolulu Airport, starting with a new maintenance building for Aloha Air Cargo. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu prosecutor's office says that in the six-month period from October through March, there were 31 trials and 243 dismissals due to speedy trial requirements. That's one trial per eight dismissals. Victims advocates say those statistics are poor incentive for domestic violence victims to stick with their cases. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday he will use the newly enacted sidewalk nuisance law to keep members of (de)Occupy Honolulu from camping on sidewalks around Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

The city is cracking down on illegal dumping in Oahu neighborhoods. Inspectors can now issue hefty fines for bulky items dumped curbside days or weeks before collection, but some people are concerned about fair enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

A planned Kakaako condominium tower dubbed 803 Waimanu reserved for middle-income buyers will be a relatively tight fit for its location — too tight for residents in an adjacent high-rise who objected to the project at a public hearing Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A local project is taking steps to ensure that excess produce gets to the people who need it the most. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is asking the mayor to find $500,000 to bolster the Fire Department’s budget before summer begins. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii is fighting back against the coffee berry borer beetle. The pernicious pest has frustrated farmers in the Kona and Ka‘u coffee belts since its discovery in 2010, leading to decreased quality of West Hawaii’s famous black gold and many pounds of beans unharvestable. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

At least two Maui County Council members said Tuesday that they intend to seek small increases in the county's current property tax rates to provide more funds for nonprofit organizations and to upgrade needed county services and programs. Maui News.

The Hawaii Wildlife Fund has received a $20,000 grant from the state to help mitigate the possible environmental impacts of Japan tsunami marine debris in Maui County. Maui News.

A rally will be held on Thursday, May 2, to protest the planned lottery for placement in the Hawaiian language immersion kindergarten at Pāʻia Elementary School on Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. reported a net loss of $1.8 million, or 10 cents per share, for the first quarter, compared to a loss of $200,000, or 1 cent per share, for the same quarter in 2012. Pacific Business News.

A Lahaina boat captain was ordered to pay $4,000 in fines after pleading guilty Tuesday to negligent homicide and other charges in the death of a diver who was struck by an inflatable boat in waters off Lanai two years ago. Maui News.

Kauai

Fifty residents representing a handful of organizations showed up at the Kaua‘i County Council meeting Wednesday morning, asking for support on a bill against biotech companies that grow genetically modified organisms. Garden Island.

The Surfrider Foundation of Kaua‘i landed a $25,000 grant to help clean up Japanese tsunami debris washing up on Kaua‘i’s shorelines. Garden Island.