Showing posts with label Hawaii Five-0. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii Five-0. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Hirono says spreading cancer won't keep her from her post, Ige seeks Airbnb tax deal, steep hikes in local Obamacare premiums, F-35A stealth aircraft flying through, disaster declared in Maui drought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono courtesy image
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and had a kidney removed in May, announced Tuesday that she has “some small spots in my thyroid gland.” Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Mazie Hirono has a video update on her fight against cancer. KITV.

Gov. David Ige’s administration is pursuing a private tax agreement with Airbnb Inc. that would allow the vacation rental company to collect taxes from its hosts and send the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

The proverbial “tip of the spear” is about to get sharper in Asia with 10 of the Air Force’s advanced F-35A stealth aircraft transiting through Hawaii on their way to the first operational deployment for the attack planes to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA and Kaiser to raise Obamacare rates Jan. 1. The state approved an average 19.8 percent rate hike for Hawaii Medical Service Association and a 24.1 percent increase for Kaiser Permanente’s Obamacare health plans. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Health Task Force Isn’t Giving Up The Fight. After racing to craft legislation in just five days last session, the group’s members want to continue addressing ethnic health disparities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Longline Association may join the court battle over foreign fishermen and whether they should be licensed to fish in Hawaii waters despite being barred from stepping on U.S. soil. Star-Advertiser.

Lost-at-sea saga marked by inconsistencies, changing stories. The dramatic story of two Honolulu women who were lost at sea for nearly six months before being rescued by the U.S. Navy played out on front pages and websites worldwide. Associated Press.

A locations assistant on “Hawaii Five-0” sued CBS, alleging an employee harassed her repeatedly for over a year by pursuing unwanted sexual contact and threatening to light her and her desk on fire, among other things. Tribune News Service.

Medical Cannabis vs Prescription Opiate Pain Killers. More than 33,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses last year.  Local medical cannabis proponents say many of these deaths can be prevented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

It’s Hard To Say Where Homeless People Go After Sweeps. City and state data on their whereabouts is spotty. Advocates say permanent housing is the only true solution. Civil Beat.

Tenants, landlord clash at Kewalo Basin harbor. Two small businesses operating charter boats in Honolulu have been caught up in a dispute with the contractor running a state-owned harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building in Downtown Honolulu has re-opened after being vacant for more than a dozen years, following an extensive $27 million renovation that included asbestos abatement. Pacific Business News.

Former charter school director charged with theft. Laara Allbrett, who was the director of Halau Lokahi, was charged Monday with four counts of second-degree theft. KHON2.

The city levies big fines against homeowners — and then waives most of them. For the past eight years, the former owners of a Waikiki property on the corner of Kalaimoku and Kuhio streets have been accruing fines at a rate of $100 per day, for a variety of land use violations. Hawaii News Now.

Owner of Kapolei oil refinery celebrates first anniversary in Hawaii. Island Energy Services LLC, the company that took over the Hawaii-based assets of Chevron Corp., is celebrating its one-year anniversary in the Islands on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii CEO pleased by growth, says Biki is evolving. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Momi Medical Center on Monday opened its Hawaii Pacific Health Cancer Center, the first of its kind in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mum’s the word: DWS explains silence on two North Kona deep well failures in October. For at least a couple of days in the heart of October and during the thick of the Ironman World Championship, Hawaii County was down five of its 13 deep wells in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Resurfacing project on Waianuenue Avenue to begin Nov. 13. For nine days, Waianuenue Avenue will be reduced to one lane only between Kamehameha Avenue and Kaiulani Street as workers repair the road’s deteriorated surface. Tribune-Herald.

The recently vacated Keaau Village Market will be replaced by a Longs Drugs location, building permits have revealed. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Lorraine Inouye, State Representative Chris Todd, and Representative Mark Nakashima were featured speakers at Monday’s Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii general membership meeting. Big Island Video News.

Authorities on the Big Island are cracking down on agricultural theft by attempting to eliminate the market for stolen produce. Associated Press.

Maui

Drought-stricken Maui farmers eligible for federal loans. The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a Primary Disaster Area because of the drought that's plagued the Valley Isle and neighboring islands for years. Hawaii News Now.

The US Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Maui Now.

No Additional Fee for “Private” Postpartum Rooms at Maui Hospital. Effective Nov. 1, 2017, Maui Health System we will no longer collect additional fees for private postpartum rooms at the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

The Maui News has reversed course and will use carriers for newspaper home delivery after all. It also will retain its Sunday edition after announcing in a front-page publisher’s note to readers Tuesday that it is rescinding its recent decision to use the U.S. Postal Service for home delivery instead of newspaper carriers. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A program that helps landlords get paid and helps to keep tenants from being evicted has expanded to Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai renters and landlords have a new resource at their fingertips now that the state Judiciary has expanded an aid program for tenants and landlords. Garden Island.

This week, 13 elders from indigenous tribes around the world are gathering on Kauai to hold ceremonies and talk story about the condition of the planet. Garden Island.

Self-resetting rat traps are turning out to be the firepower conservationists needed to help control rat populations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed tonight due to flooding on Kauai, and a shelter at Hanalei Elementary School has been opened. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Older population increases, Hawaii in range of North Korea missiles, Honolulu Police Commission founders in chief search, Kauai continues homeless sweep, Hawaii Five-0 network defends less pay for Asian actors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Kupuna hula © 2017 All Hawaii News

U.S. Census: Those Over 65 Are Hawaii’s Fastest Growing Group. Other data findings show the state is growing more diverse and in 2015-16, the growth in housing exceeded population growth. Civil Beat.

Website ranks Hawaii fifth worst among states for starting a business Star-Advertiser.

The defense minister of South Korea and a missile expert have said that North Korea’s first flight test of an intercontinental ballistic missile potentially places Hawaii within range of an attack. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Honolulu is expected to rule soon whether the Trump administration is unlawfully implementing the scaled-back version of the travel ban. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin rebutted the Trump administration’s argument that it was using U.S. immigration law standards when it defined what constitutes close family relations in its partially reinstated travel ban for people from six mostly Muslim nations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and Undocumented Immigrants: Part 4. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige named state Chief Information Officer Todd Nacapuy executive sponsor of the ongoing tax system modernization project. Pacific Business News.

Homebuyers on Kauai and Hawaii Island snapped up condominiums in June as prices and sales surged on both islands. Star-Advertiser.

CBS Defends Paying Hawaii Five-0’s Asian Cast Members Less Than White Co-Stars. The network emphasized that Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park played supporting roles, which it cites as a reason for the pay discrepancy. Vanity Fair.

Oahu

The search for a Honolulu police chief will stretch into at least mid-September as the Hono­lulu Police Commission struggles to retain a consulting firm to help with the selection process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police commissioners appear to be losing patience in their search for a new police chief to replace Louis Kealoha, who retired in January amid corruption allegations. Civil Beat.

Commission to negotiate with second pick for police chief search consultant. KHON2.

Two Honolulu police officers on July 19 will try to convince the Police Commission that city taxpayers should pay their legal fees in a high-profile civil case against them. Star-Advertiser.

A law passed nearly two decades before Hawaii became a state is at the center of an increasingly bitter fight between the Honolulu Police Commission and former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha over who should foot his upcoming legal bills — the taxpayers or Kealoha himself. Civil Beat.

A bed bug infestation at the Honolulu Police Department headquarters is prompting a temporary relocation for some of the operations. Hawaii News Now.

The chairman of the state House committee that oversees ocean resources said he will explore possible legislation to control the kind of unsafe activities that sent people to hospitals with alcohol intoxication during a Fourth of July “floatilla” off Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Waipahu Businesses Have Hopes For Rail — If They Can Survive Construction. With some owners reporting a sharp decline in customers, the Honolulu City Council has set aside $2 million for property tax relief for struggling businesses. Civil Beat.

Interagency Transit Oriented Development Council: Mayor Wright Housing is the Top Priority. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Education said it expects to spend nearly $30,000 to remove decaying banyan trees from the McKinley High School campus and replace them with a new species. Star-Advertiser.

A college student who graduated from one of the most prestigious high schools in Hawaii - former President Barack Obama's alma mater - is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday for slaughtering vulnerable seabirds at a nature reserve. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu's home prices hit an all-time high. Hawaii real-estate firm, Locations reports the median price for single-family homes on Oahu is now $795,000, according to June's Residential Real Estate Report. KITV.

Bibas Courtyard Grill was once on the Hale Koa Hotel’s potential closure list due to a steady stream of losses, but a committee of managers and union workers averted the crisis and realized the restaurant’s first profit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply finished repairs on the recently downed Keahuolo Deepwell ahead of schedule and it is up and running as of Wednesday afternoon, according to an update issued by Hawaii County Civil Defense. West Hawaii Today.

The Keahuolu Deepwell is now repaired and operational, county officials report. Big Island Video News.

Christmas came in July for the county Mass Transit Agency, when seven buses from Honolulu arrived Wednesday at Hilo Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii’s 2.2-meter telescope isn’t the biggest observatory on Mauna Kea. But with the help of a nearly $1 million National Science Foundation grant, it could in a few years give the Hubble Space Telescope a run for its money. Tribune-Herald.

The proposed Hu Honua Bioenergy facility on the Big Island is projected to generate more than $2 billion in economic activity across Hawaii over its 30-year lifespan, according to an economic analysis of the project. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Department of Water Supply Director Dave Taylor wants to shorten — from 90 to 30 days — the amount of time farmers would need to comply with water restrictions during droughts. Maui News.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has begun growing sorghum and corn on Maui as part of a test project to develop biofuel to feed a planned anaerobic digester that would produce methane gas to power the Kahului wastewater treatment facility. Maui News.

One of Maui's most popular and majestic sites has been closed for 10 months. KITV.

Restroom facilities and the parking lot at Waipuilani Park in Kīhei will be closed from today, Wednesday, July 5th to the end of August so that contractors can install a new irrigation system. Maui Now.

Kauai

Six more people were arrested for camping without permits in the Napali Coast’s Kalalau Valley during a three-day Department of Land and Natural Resources operation last week. Garden Island.

The Resort Group has hired Colorado-based East West Partners to develop some 700 acres of the Princeville at Hanalei resort on Kauai’s North Shore with ranch homesites and reopen the shuttered Prince Golf Course. Pacific Business News.

In order to map out Kauai’s agriculture atmosphere, Malama Kauai has put out a survey to island ranchers and farmers, one that can provide data to inform everyone of Kauai’s agriculture needs. Garden Island.

Friday, November 14, 2014

OHA broke Sunshine Law, Obama to make Hawaii stopover, Honolulu homeless rousted for Hawaii Five-0 shoot, rail delay costs reach $165.8M, Maui agribusinesses sue over GMO ban, state can now test for Ebola, Health Department monitoring lava flow air quality, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Molly Solomon
OHA meeting draws crowd, file photo courtesy Molly Solomon
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs violated the state Sunshine Law when trustees corresponded by telephone and email before sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry rescinding an earlier letter by Chief Executive Officer Kamanaopono Crabbe. Then the board violated the law again when it refused to allow public comment before conducting a closed-door session discussing Crabbe’s conduct. That’s the finding of the state Office of Information Practices in a Nov. 7 opinion responding to a complaint by six Hawaii residents. West Hawaii Today.

President Obama will make a refueling stop at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this weekend. Air Force One is expected to arrive early Sunday morning for just two hours, as the president's plane is refueled. Star-Advertiser.

Campaign Spending Commission Rejects Rep. Calvin Say Challenge. A review finds that it's legal for the former Hawaii House speaker to use campaign funds to pay for his legal fees. Civil Beat.

The National Center for Access to Justice released its Justice Index findings Thursday, and Hawaii ranks among the top five states in the country for “best practices of ensuring access to the civil and criminal justice systems.” Civil Beat.

The State Department of Health can now test for cases of Ebola in Hawaii. A Pearl City laboratory has been approved by the CDC and the U.S. Department of Defense to test for the virus. KITV4.

The Hawaii State Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division said Thursday that it can now test for the Ebola virus. Civil Beat.

Millions of dollars come to Hawaii each year to help law enforcement bust drug organizations. But behind the scenes of a White-House-backed agency that controls the cash, there are money troubles and internal upheaval that may lead to legal action. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association is getting a new executive director. The union says Wilbert Holck is replacing Al Nagasako. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu city officials say a cleanup of homeless encampments Thursday in Kakaako is not related to a "Hawaii Five-0" filming session this weekend. Star-Advertiser.


copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2014 All Hawaii News
Homeless Rousted from Kakaako as ‘Hawaii Five-0′ Readies Shoot. WATCH A SLIDESHOW: Officials say the latest operation wasn't prompted by TV show's car chase scene, but some of the homeless and advocates are skeptical. Civil Beat.

Approximately 150 homeless people have been cleared from Kakaako encampments along Ohe and Ilalo Streets, and some believe a “Hawaii Five-0” shoot this weekend may be to blame. Hawaii News Now.

Five days a week, city workers hit the streets to conduct sweeps on Honolulu sidewalks. It’s part of a controversial ordinance that went into effect last July, that allows officials to clear streets occupied by the homeless and their belongings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s homeless don’t usually die with dignity. Not only do they pass away at much younger ages than the rest of the population, but their demise is often the result of substance abuse, poor health or violence. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council may vote on a bill that would ban sitting and lying down on sidewalks in neighborhoods beyond Waikiki. The council plans to take up Bill 48 Friday at noon. They say public testimony is complete and no new testimony will be allowed. Hawaii News Now.

The rail transit board Thursday authorized the payment of $48.4 million for change orders and other additional costs due to delays in the project. Dan Grabauskas, executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, told board members that the latest price changes bump the total amount attributable to project delays to $165,771,851. Star-Advertiser.

It's unknown who will replace Lance Wilhelm, the man who's been responsible for overseeing Kiewit Hawaii's $556 million contract to build the first leg of the $5.16 billion Honolulu rail transit project since the company was awarded the work five years ago, after he leaves next month. Pacific Business News.

Lawsuit alleges overly aggressive security officers at airport. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools and SunEdison Inc. got a green light from the state Land Use Commission on Thursday to establish what would be the state's biggest solar farm -- generating up to 115 megawatts -- on land in Waiawa previously approved for a master-planned residential community. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has earned its biggest return yet selling one of 30 Kahala Avenue residential properties it acquired from Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto last year. The Honolulu-based firm sold two adjacent vacant parcels that include 132 feet of beach frontage for $19.4 million Thursday, according to broker Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Star-Advertiser.

It appears an invasive seaweed that has plagued the reefs of Kaneohe Bay for more than 30 years has finally met its match all quarter-million of them. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources recently put another 6,000 hatchery-raised sea urchins on selected reefs in the bay, bringing to roughly 250,000 the number of native collector sea urchins released so far in a program developed over the last decade. Star-Advertiser.

The new governing board of Halau Lokahi Public Charter School will lay off all 18 employees at the financially strapped school at the end of this semester and then quickly rebuild a smaller staff that the school can afford. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Driving through Pahoa as lava continues to threaten the town became a little easier Thursday when police removed a roadblock where Post Office Road meets Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Health set up three air-quality monitoring stations to warn of potentially dangerous conditions as a result of the lava flow threatening Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

The front of the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano threatening Pahoa remained stalled Thursday as officials monitored active breakouts and air quality. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Biotech companies, including Monsanto, filed a lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Honolulu challenging the voter-approved Maui County initiative for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms. Maui News.

A day after supporters of a Maui County moratorium on genetically engineered crops went to court in support of the new law, Monsanto struck back with its own lawsuit hoping to invalidate the voter-approved ordinance. Star-Advertiser.

Two leading developers of genetically engineered corn have sued Maui County to stop a new law banning the cultivation of genetically modified organisms. Associated Press.

Biotech companies Monsanto and Agrigenetics, an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences, have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to throw out Maui County’s recently passed moratorium on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

All Maui County House representatives secured leadership positions for the 28th Legislature, which will convene Jan. 21. Maui News.

Kauai

County officials announced that repairs to the Kealia Beach parking lot will begin on Monday. The project will be done in phases to allow the public access to the areas of the parking lot that are not being worked on. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Hawaii moves to Election Day voter registration, financial disclosure bill to become law, Waihee endorses Schatz, China at RIMPAC draws media attention, Coco Palms seeks foreign investors, cellphone fines reach $307, Abercrombie gets star endorsement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii early voting file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News
With the state's voter turnout foundering among the lowest in the nation, a measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie could boost the state's rating by as much as 10 points by 2018, advocates say. House Bill 2590 allows voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016. Same-day voting registration would be allowed starting in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Saying “every vote is precious,” Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed into law legislation that seeks to improve voter turnout. House Bill 2590 allows for voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016, and late voter registration — including on election day — beginning in 2018. Civil Beat.

A measure taking aim at Hawaii's worst-in-the-nation voter turnout is now law. Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed a bill making Hawaii the 12th state in the country where late registration could be done on the day voters head to the polls. But same-day voting registration won't begin until the 2018 elections to give state election officials time to phase in the program. Hawaii News Now.

A new law will allow voters to register at absentee polling places in 2016 and at all polling places on election day in 2018. Big Island Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed House Bill 2590 (Act 166), a measure that will allow voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on Election Day, beginning in 2018. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he will allow pending legislation to become law that adds members of 15 state boards and commissions to the list of public officials whose financial interests are publicly disclosed. The decision comes one week after signaling his intent to veto the legislation, but instead he is allowing it to become law without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

The public can expect a much closer look at the financial interests of powerful state board members after Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s decision Monday to not veto a disclosure bill that has already been cited as the reason for two resignations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that he would allow Senate Bill 2682, which expands the number of state boards and commissions that require public financial disclosure statements of board members, to become law without his signature after previously indicating that he planned to veto it. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will allow Senate Bill 2682 Relating to Financial Disclosure Statements to become law, the governor said today in a letter to Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and House Speaker Joe Souki. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents John Dean and Saedene Ota have resigned over pending legislation that would require them to make their financial disclosure statements available to the public as well as to the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Pacific Business News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed 16 bills into law today, a majority of them relating to aging and health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Gov. John Waihee has endorsed U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the Democratic primary for Senate, arguing that the appointed senator has already put himself in strategic positions to help move Hawaii forward. Star-Advertiser.

Daniel Dae Kim, star of the CBS series "Hawaii Five-0," is endorsing Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his re-election campaign, noting his longtime support of the arts as a key to Hawaii's tourism industry. Hawaii News Now.

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Monday China’s first-time participation in the world’s largest maritime exercises in Hawaii will help Beijing and other nations work together in a crisis. Associated Press.

Although 22 nations are participating in the largest-ever Rim of the Pacific exercise getting underway in Hawaii, media questions at an opening news conference Monday at Pearl Harbor focused primarily on just one: China. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education is reminding parents that the upcoming new school year comes with changes in kindergarten requirements. Starting this school year, children must be 5 years old by July 31 to enter kindergarten. Previously, children could enter kindergarten if they turned 5 by December 31. Kindergarten is now mandatory in Hawaii. Associated Press.

A new Hawaii program will allow former foster youth to voluntarily extend foster care until they turn 21. Associated Press.

The Federal Department of the Interior continues public meetings this week, gathering testimony on whether they should propose establishing a government to government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

A little-publicized change in the state law banning the use of cellphones and other mobile electronic devices while driving takes effect today, the first day of the new fiscal year. Penalties now range to $307. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. said on Monday it will not seek a rate increase in the current three-year rate cycle. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the Power of Incumbency. In bill-signing ceremonies, Hawaii governor honors lawmakers, pleases advocates and acts like a leader — one running for re-election. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Relief is in sight for Oahu drivers. The state’s H-1 Freeway Rehab Project, which started last September, is almost finished. But until then, drivers will still have to deal with lane closures. KHON2.

Residents should anticipate increased traffic congestion as construction workers begin laying a column in July that will support the elevated rail line as it crosses over the H-1/H-2 freeway merge between Waipahu and Pearl City, according to a news release issued Monday by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. continues to negotiate with the nine solar energy firms to develop large solar photovoltaic projects that could be up and running quickly to provide electricity on Oahu at a lower cost, but sources tell Pacific Business News that the process has become unfair.

American taxpayers have so far paid $4.3 million to defend former Schofield Barracks soldier Naeem J. Williams against the death penalty, according to data the U.S. District Court here released Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Locals speak first. That’s the new rule for hearings about Native Hawaiian sovereignty being held by the U.S. Department of Interior, following complaints that the same group of people was traveling meeting-to-meeting and monopolizing the conversation. West Hawaii Today.

In a rare move, Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign a collection of legislative bills in Hilo this morning. Tribune-Herald.
copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hamakua Ditch © 2014 All Hawaii News

Several miles of the Lower Hamakua Ditch may still be put into a pipe. Last week, the state Department of Agriculture re-issued a bid request for the project, which would channel 3.7 miles of the 26-mile-long open irrigation system into high-density polyethylene pipe. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating a report of another sailboat dropping anchor chain on coral in Kailua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County as of now prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under age 21, becoming only the fourth municipality in the country to do so. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Veteran state Sen. Rosalyn Baker faces opposition from three first-time candidates from different political parties in her bid for a sixth term in Maui's 6th District. They are Democrat Terez Amato, Libertarian Bronson Kekahuna Kaahui and Republican Jared P. Dubois. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui Police Commission announced the recruitment for a chief of police to fill the vacancy being created by the retirement of Chief Gary Yabuta in July. The recruitment notice indicates that the job pays $135,000 per year, and that applicants must be a citizen of the US and a resident of the state for at least one year preceding appointment. Maui Now.

The mayor of Maui ordered an end to direct communication between his staff and members of the Maui County Council. Associated Press.

Paramedics asked to vacate clinic in Hana. For nearly two decades, Hana residents have known exactly where to go when they have had an after-hours medical emergency - the Hana Health hale where American Medical Response paramedics live. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of the Interior came to accept comment on five specific questions related to whether — and how — it should proceed with re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians on Monday. Garden Island.

Supporters of an independent Native Hawaiian nation were out in force Monday night to reject the possibility of federal recognition of a native government in the first of two meetings on the Garden Isle. Nearly 200 people filled the Wai­mea High School cafeteria after the meeting was relocated from the smaller Wai­mea Neighborhood Center to accommodate a larger crowd.  Star-Advertiser.

Officials seeking to rebuild Coco Palms Resort say they will likely rely on an infusion of loans from foreign investors to support the project during the hotel’s first years in operation. Garden Island.

Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital's budget is now facing more intense scrutiny as HHSC board members on Kauai seek to address a projected $11 million budget shortfall facing the region by cutting costs and streamlining operations. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Hawaii tourism projects get $2.7M boost, lawmakers scrutinize Abercrombie's preschool plan, UH rec center 14 months behind schedule, Michelle Obama on Maui, indigent moms get attorneys, fire damages Hawaii Five-0 star's home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki Spam Jam file photo (c) 2014 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has awarded more than $2.7 million in 2014 grants to 138 organizations statewide that enrich tourism through culture, natural resources and county-specific events across the isles. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has selected 138 statewide programs and events to receive funding and other resources through its Product Enrichment Programs for 2014, the state’s tourism agency announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Some of the programs include Chinese New Year Festival 2014, Waikiki Spam Jam, World Whale Day on Maui and the Kau Coffee Festival on the Big Island. Associated Press.

Some lawmakers are wary of the Abercrombie administration's plans to move ahead with state-funded preschool, calling a nearly $6 million funding request premature ahead of a constitutional amendment that will be on the November ballot. The proposed amendment, which lawmakers reluctantly agreed to last session, will ask voters whether public funds should be spent on private preschool programs. Star-Advertiser.

A top priority for the governor is a $4.5 million funding request for 32 preschool classrooms at public schools in underserved or rural Hawaii communities. Associated Press.
Downer 

New Head of Cultural Preservation in Hawaii Pledges Transparency. Federal and state officials are hoping that Alan Downer, who spent the last 27 years working for the Navajo Nation, will help mend the agency's relationships with the public, shore up its internal operations and, most importantly, lead the agency out of the cross-hairs of the National Park Service. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Republican Party has turned down a plea from the Hawaii Health Connector to use party leadership and legislators to recruit for the exchange. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for January 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

A recreation center project being built at the University of Hawaii's flagship Manoa campus has suffered further delays and is now expected to be completed one year and two months late, Hawaii News Now learned Monday.  The $33 million project is being funded in part by $100-a-year athletic fees that UH Manoa began charging students in the spring of 2011.

Fire damages Alex O'Loughlin's Diamond Head home. Firefighters were called to Hawaii Five-0 star Alex O'Loughlin's home Monday afternoon after neighbors say they heard a loud boom. Hawaii News Now.

Last year was a record year for Oahu's housing market, as the median price for single-family houses and condominiums reached new highs. Yet, the growth was a relatively modest 5 percent, which economists predict will pale in comparison with much stronger gains this year and beyond. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu officials brokered a deal Monday to resuscitate the $142 million sale of 12 public affordable housing complexes to a private developer. The agreement relies on city coffers to make the transaction possible. Civil Beat.

The continuation of negotiations between the city and the group that agreed to pay $142 million for the lease interest in 12 Oahu housing complexes is contingent on the city's agreement to arrange "seller financing" to the partners. Star-Advertiser.

A painting project at a downtown Honolulu high-rise has been temporarily put on hold following complaints to the Department of Health. KHON2.

An ongoing stalemate between Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration and the Honolulu Ethics Commission could have long-standing implications for the ways city officials address government corruption and misconduct. Civil Beat.

A state judge has fined a defense lawyer $250 for telling the jury in federal agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial that the man he shot had resisted arrest in a prior case. City prosecutors wanted Circuit Judge Karen Ahn on Monday to fine Karl Blanke $1,000 and prohibit the Virginia lawyer from practicing law here. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Indigent Hawaii parents who face losing custody of their children are guaranteed the right to a court-appointed attorney, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday. The ruling overturns a decision to terminate parental rights of a Kona mom who was 15 when she gave birth in 2009. Associated Press.

With a flourish of a brush stroke, Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi set in motion Monday a project that promises to put a new face on downtown Hilo businesses. Tribune-Herald.

A month has passed since Mayor Billy Kenoi signed Bill 113, limiting the use of genetically engineered crops on the Big Island, but the Hawaii County Council may still get a second helping of the contentious issue. Ka‘u/South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford is bringing her own bill that would ban all modified crops back for discussion after the council’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee voted it down last September. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents and visitors celebrated North Hawaii Community Hospital founder, Hawaii Island philanthropist and pacemaker inventor Earl Bakken’s 90th birthday Monday. West Hawaii Today.

December was a generally weak month for the housing markets on Hawaii island and Kauai, though the softness did little to undermine what was mostly a positive year. Star-Advertiser.

Almost two years since it was completed, The Kohala Center’s Health Impact Assessment on Hawaii County’s Agriculture Plan has garnered national attention and helped produce meaningful effects on the local food system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A caravan of Maui police cars and black sport utility vehicles was sighted near Oprah Winfrey's house in Kula on Sunday morning, local residents said, fueling speculation that first lady Michelle Obama is visiting the island. Maui News.

With the use of a new one-man robotic total station, police traffic investigators could be spending half as much time mapping the scenes of fatal crashes. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines today announced plans to add daily non-stop service between Los Angeles and Maui this summer. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has spent about $14,000 campaigning for a yes vote in its current special election related to smart meters. Garden Island.

Anyone interested in ocean safety is invited to attend the Kauai Water Safety Task Force meeting at 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Department of Health office on Umi Street in Lihue. Garden Island.

It has taken a group of local residents and community volunteers more than three years to begin construction on a dog park in Wailua Homesteads Park. But it only took one night and one act to set those efforts back. Garden Island.

Food bank targets reached. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Smoking ban looms for Honolulu, group wants Dems to drop closed-primary lawsuit, Maui dumps wind power from the grid, solar owners get big break, tax review panel gets off the ground, new home for Hawaii Five-0, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki beach scene (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Lighting up cigarettes and other tobacco products at bus stops and city-run parks and beaches would be illegal come Jan. 1 under bills the Honolulu City Council passed unanimously on Wednesday. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he expects to sign both bills, assuming they clear routine legal reviews. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is moving to ban smoking at city parks, beaches and bus stops. The council passed two bills covering the bans on Wednesday. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to sign the measures. Associated Press.

The Honolulu City Council is sending a strong message against smoking. The nine members unanimously approved two measures that bans lighting up at all bus stops and city parks, beaches, athletic fields and facilities. Hawaii News Now.

With nine ayes for the two laws banning smoking in more public areas, it was clear Wednesday morning that the city is aiming for a cleaner environment. KHON2.

A national organization representing independent voters is calling for the Democratic Party of Hawaii to withdraw its federal lawsuit that seeks a closed primary election system. The lawsuit filed in federal court last month claims Hawaii's primary system that allows every registered voter to participate in the party's nomination process is tantamount to forced political association and is unconstitutional. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Health says the availability of tuberculosis testing solution is returning to normal. Health department clinics statewide will resume providing tuberculin skin tests on Monday. Associated Press.

Does the University of Hawaii even need a new president? That’s the argument being raised by the university’s faculty union — the University of Hawaii Professional Association. UHPA has for years urged UH to overhaul its governance structure, including eliminating the president's post, so it can better manage its finances and establish clearer, more efficient lines of authority. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Ethics Commission is taking a whack a free golf outings for state officials. In a July 3 advisory letter, the commission said that dozens of state contracting officials and lawmakers have accepted complimentary entry and green fees to charity golf tournaments from companies that do business with the state. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $1,204,918 in grant awards to 14 Hawaii health centers operating 79 sites to enroll the uninsured in new health coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act.  In Hawaii, health centers served 144,427 patients last year, 24 percent of whom were uninsured. Hawaii Reporter.

HECO Says Residents With Solar Aren't Paying Their Fair Share of Costs. Civil Beat.

The Federal Communications Commission has fallen short in its effort to reform a government program that subsidizes telephone service in rural areas, including Hawaiian Home Lands, according to a report released Wednesday by a Las Vegas-based think tank. Star-Advertiser.

Car booting is now banned statewide.  It is illegal for any person, business—even the police department— to clamp a boot on vehicles.  The bill passed through the Hawai'i State Legislature in April and became law Tuesday without the Governor's signature. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s military still follows green building standards, despite 2012 law. Pacific Business News.

Federal officials say studies of white shark populations along the West Coast show no need to list the animal as threatened or endangered. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

The surveillance video that captured an altercation and subsequent fatal shooting at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki early Nov. 5, 2011, was shown Wednesday to help a Circuit Court jury decide whether U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy murdered a 23-year-old Kailua man or shot him in self-defense. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer who testified in the Christopher Deedy murder trial was accused of bias Wednesday after defense attorneys found he'd posted information about the case to his Facebook page. Civil Beat.

Jurors in the murder trial of federal agent Christopher Deedy on Wednesday were finally able to view a much-talked-about security video of the shooting of Kollin Elderts inside a Waikiki McDonald's. But the video is of such poor quality that it does little to help jurors see what really happened in the early morning hours of Nov. 5 when the two men scuffled and Deedy shot and killed Elderts. Civil Beat.

As George Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial for the killing of Treyvon Martin crawls to a close in Florida, Hawaii is in the midst of its racially charged murder trial. Claims of self defense and the right to bear arms are central in both cases. Hawaii Reporter.

With the cost of public worker pay raises expected to surge during the next fiscal year, Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to begin a dialogue with Oahu residents about the creation of a tiered system for property taxes. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council gave the go-ahead for the long-awaited update Ewa Development Plan on Wednesday but not before some three hours of heated testimony, mostly against the controversial 12,000-home Ho‘opili housing project. Star-Advertiser.

Six months after announcing an ambitious push to fix the city streets in most need of repair, Mayor Kirk Caldwell says work remains on course to repave 300 lane miles of degraded road on Oahu this year. Star-Advertiser.

Filming of the new season of "Hawaii Five-0" got underway Wednesday with the Hawaiian blessing of the production at the show's new home at the Hawaii Film Studio near Diamond Head. Star-Advertiser.

UH West Oahu, HCC Offer New Cybersecurity Degree. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Big Island residents will find themselves with a bigger bill the next time they register their car or truck. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted 8-1 to approve higher vehicle taxes and registration fees, a move intended to support infrastructure and make costs more comparable with other counties. Tribune-Herald.

The confirmation Wednesday of Bobby Jean Leithead Todd as Environmental Management director hinged on the definition of “related field.” West Hawaii Today.

The fifth time proved to be the charm Wednesday, when the County Council finally agreed on the makeup of a task force to make recommendations on revamping the county’s property tax code. The resolution, introduced in December, was debated at four previous council sessions before its unanimous vote.  West Hawaii Today.

Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy will retain its accreditation following a late June meeting of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In the first five months of this year, more than a quarter of collected wind energy reported from three wind farms that deliver electricity to Maui Electric Co. has been dumped from the grid, according to the utility's website. Maui News.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Harbors Division announced plans to host an informational meeting to discuss proposed improvements to Hāna Pier in East Maui. Maui Now.

Billionaire Larry Ellison's purchase of Island Air and his interest in go! airlines has garnered most of the headlines in recent months but flying under the radar has been Mokulele Airlines, which has been growing and expanding its reach and operations. Maui News.

The Hōlua area of Haleakalā National Park will be closed on Thursday evening July 11, 2013, as park biologists work to control the spread of non-native Argentine ants, officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Just when it appeared that Coco Palms would never be rebuilt, there seems to be new hope for the iconic Wailua Beach resort. “A new, Hawaii-based group of investors has stepped up and is willing to restore the property to its former glory,” states an online petition launched by the Save Coco Palms Committee Wednesday.Garden Island.

Planning Director Michael Dahilig on Tuesday gave the Kauai Planning Commission an outline of efforts to enforce transient vacation laws. The Kauai County Council passed four ordinances in the last five years to stop new TVRs in residential neighborhoods and agricultural lands, and grandfather those that could prove they were operating in those areas and paying their taxes prior to March 2008. Garden Island.

Molokai
The 36-passenger Safari Explorer yacht begins a new itinerary in the Hawaiian islands that includes one-way travel between Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, company officials announced today. Maui Now.


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Hawaii Legislature recognizes fallen warriors, North Korea can't hit Hawaii, Senate passes higher budget than House, UH drops biolab plan, police rally opposes marijuana decriminalization, bomb threat closes Kauai courthouse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abercrombie courtesy photo
Gov. Abercrombie honors military at Medal of Honor ceremony, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state lawmakers on Wednesday recognized 19 Hawaii-based members of the U.S. military who died in defense of their country. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state House and Senate held a joint session to honor military service members who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Associated Press.

No, North Korea can’t hit Hawaii. CNN.

Hawaii senators on Wednesday cut $140 million from Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s $23 billion biennium budget request, far less than the House did earlier this month. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee has announced a two-year state budget proposal that funds some of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s key initiatives, including early childhood education. Associated Press.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday outlined the Senate's draft of the state's two-year budget, restoring money sought by Gov. Neil Abercrombie for early childhood education, cash incentives for entrepreneurs, and information technology that was left out of the House's version. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed House Bill 200 with amendments today.  The Senate’s version of the bill is approximately $141 M less in general funds than Governor Abercrombie’s budget proposal. Hawaii Reporter.

Democrat Calvin Say has hired a Republican candidate who tried to defeat one of Say's own political opponents just last year. Civil Beat.

Law enforcement officers joined community groups and individuals at a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday to show their opposition to a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police officers took a stand in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday afternoon, over a bill that would decriminalize marijuana. KITV4.

State Senators unanimously approved the measure, a move the men and women in blue say is not OK. KHON2.

A pair of resolutions to be heard today by the state House of Representatives are calling for the Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy to head up a task force to study atrazine’s effects on humans. Garden Island.

The future of growing food in Hawai’i rests on the ability of farmers to continue making a living.   According to one UH study, farmers receive only 19 cents out of each dollar spent on locally grown produce and vegetables.  The rest of the money goes to packaging, marketing, refrigeration and transportation. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new study confirms what many reporters and taxpayer watchdog groups already know: Hawaii’s public records are difficult to get. Hawaii Reporter.

About 20,000 civilian defense workers in Hawaii are expected to get a reprieve from the 22 furlough days that were expected through September under sequestration. Star-Advertiser.

CBS said Wednesday that it is renewing “Hawaii Five-0” for a fourth season. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple has decided to drop plans to build an expensive, controversial bio lab in Kalaeloa, a project officially known as the Pacific Health Research Laboratory. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials are trying to find the source of an E. coli outbreak on Oahu that has sickened nine people and hospitalized four. Star-Advertiser.

A highly infectious strain of the E. coli bacteria is continuing to spread on Oahu, but state health officials still can't pinpoint the source of the outbreak. Civil Beat.

With a 10-day supply of food in its Honolulu warehouse and the Easter holiday weekend approaching, the Hawaii Foodbank is putting out a call for canned goods and monetary donations. Star-Advertiser.

The Polynesian Cultural Center will hold a grand opening for two new attractions on Friday that cost the nonprofit organization more than $25 million to create. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi will get a $22,000 raise and other county officials will get up to 19.8 percent raises under a salary adjustment plan proposed Wednesday by the Hawaii County Salary Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Modernization efforts at the open-air, traditional Hawaii-feel Kona International Airport are on the horizon. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island hunters brought a reminder to the Hawaii County Council Wednesday about how voters here feel about aerial hunting and protecting hunters’ rights. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than three decades in the making, the Lahaina bypass highway opened to traffic Wednesday. Maui News.

Dozens of farmers, ranchers, gardeners and other residents voiced their disapproval during a County Council committee hearing on a bill that would give the water director, with the consent of the mayor, the power to impose higher rates during water shortages and to penalize those who violate drought directives. Maui News.

Dropping off your cardboard, newspaper and nonredeemable glass and plastic bottles at some neighborhood county recycling centers may become a thing of the past under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

County police departments across the state will increase efforts to deter distracted driving during an upcoming campaign that begins next week, officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai
An early morning bomb threat disrupted business for more than an hour at 5th Circuit Court Wednesday. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Honolulu rail in court, Catholic priest child sex charges hit Hawaii, UH probes Stevie Wonder fiasco, school superintendent gets poor review, Maui hotels at top of sun and fun resort lists, kauai wildfire almost contained, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART courtesy photo
Honolulu rail project commences, courtesy photo
Federal Judge A. Wallace Tashima heard two hours of arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit that seeks to stop work on the city's $5.26 billion rail project, but gave no clear indication of how he will rule in the case or when. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge from California is now the central figure in a legal fight that could decide the fate of the controversial $5.26 billion rail project and perhaps even determine who will be Honolulu's next mayor. Civil Beat.

The fate of Honolulu’s elevated-rail transit project is now in the hands of a federal judge. Pacific Business News.

Opponents of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project got their final day in Federal Court today and expect a decision in a few weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

A standing room only crowd packed a courthouse inside the Prince Kuhio Federal Building Tuesday as U.S. District Judge A. Wallace Tashima heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by opponents of the city's $5.3 billion rail project. KITV4.

Rail had its day in federal court in an environmental challenge that could derail or delay the project. KHON2.

Did the city break environmental laws in the planning of the rail project? A federal judge is considering that right now and his decision could affect the future of the rail. Hawaii News Now.

Will Honolulu’s pricey and controversial rail project ever be built or will it be derailed in court? That could depend on what Ninth Circuit Court Judge Wallace Tashima decides in the next few weeks. Hawaii Reporter.

Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Sen. Robert Kouchi would appear to be the state's wealthiest lawmakers. Civil Beat.

Working Families for Hawaii has spent more than $70,000 supporting Democratic candidate Mazie Hirono, including nearly $34,000 on radio spots bashing former Democratic primary candidate Ed Case. One would think that a super PAC that has emerged as third biggest outside spender in Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race would be anything but anonymous. Civil Beat.

The Board of Education Tuesday gave Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi an overall rating of "fully meets expectations" in her first evaluation since being appointed to the position in September 2010. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of a Board of Regents session to discuss the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood said Tuesday that athletic director Jim Dono­van was on his way out before the ill-fated venture. Star-Advertiser.

A day before the University of Hawaii Board of Regents meets behind closed doors to discuss the investigation into UH's failed Stevie Wonder concert and Jim Donovan's re-assignment as athletics director, it's unclear how much of the probe UH will make public. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Aug. 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu police officer on trial for theft and tampering with government records was found not guilty Tuesday afternoon on all thirteen counts. KHON2.

University of Hawaii-West O‘ahu officials have been giving out the wrong address for their campus for the past six months, but an estimated 1,800 students and 60 faculty still showed up for the first day of classes Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Are public agencies allowed to censor comments on their social media pages and can they be held liable for deleting comments made on their social media pages or for banning users? Hawaii Reporter.

Two gun advocates who run a charity called the Hawaii Defense Foundation are suing the city because they claim the Hono­lulu Police Department has censored, removed and banned their comments from HPD's Facebook page. Star-Advertiser.

A resident of Mayor Wright Homes, who fought to make sure everyone had hot water at the public housing project, is now in hot water himself.  Fetu Kolio is being evicted. KITV4.

The push to keep the North Shore country has lost one of its chief advocates. Civil Beat.

A local affordable-housing developer has arranged to buy the former Honolulu Advertiser property in Kakaako, and envisions putting up two moderate-priced condominium towers on the site while preserving the historic News Building. Star-Advertiser.

The producers of “Hawaii Five-0” will move from their soundstage at the former Honolulu Advertiser building once the show’s third season wraps production next spring, but exactly where is the question. Pacific Business News.

Carlisle paid price at polls for beefing with Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Monday its acquisition of the Gentry Pacific Design Center, located in the 500 block of Nimitz Highway in Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii
The child sex abuse scandal surrounding the Catholic Church has hit close to home, with fingers of accusation pointing at a priest revered in the local community. Tribune-Herald.

The family of a New York teen swept out to sea while hiking on the Big Island filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday, claiming tour guides were negligent for leading a group of teenagers to a dangerous area. Associated Press.

The draft environmental assessment for the Kapi‘olani Street extension will be available for comment Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is moving forward with development of a park in Pahoa village with funds previously set aside for a regional community park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Occupancy at Maui hotels during the first half of the year ranked third-highest among more than 38,000 "island and sun" properties worldwide, according to a new report by Honolulu-based Hospitality Advisors. Maui News.

County of Maui was selected as a finalist for the 2012 Healthiest Employers contest, hosted by the Pacific Business News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho and Deputy County Attorney Justin Kollar squared off Tuesday night at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall for a debate in front of an audience of about 200. Garden Island.

Crews continued to fight high winds and dry conditions to contain the Koke‘e brush fire that is now reported to be 85 percent contained. Garden Island

The Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council will renew its work to review and comment on the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks Master Plan. Garden Island.