Hanabusa concedes election, albizia trees targeted for eradication, DOE wants to cut special ed budget, VA listens to vets' healthcare woes, teachers doing well under new evaluations, medical marijuana task force to hit the road, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Albizia tree felled by Tropical Storm Iselle © 2014 All Hawaii News

One alien tree species — the albizia — has been fingered in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle as the primary culprit for leaving Puna a quagmire of damaged houses, blocked roads, downed power lines and blackouts. But scientists warn the "albizia monster" is not confined to Puna. Rather, stands of this towering, graceful Indonesian native — described as the fastest growing tree in the world — have taken off across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Albizias may be most menacing on Oahu where they loom over major highways. Arborists say the city would look much like Puna if a hurricane were to hit. Hawaii News Now.

Today, Senator Schatz met with Mayor Kenoi’s cabinet, HELCO, State Senator Ruderman, Director of Civil Defense Darryl Oliveira, representatives from the Big Island Invasive Species Council and the U.S. Forest Service, to begin the process of developing a hazard mitigation plan for albizia on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will not challenge her narrow loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in court. She conceded the election to Schatz late Tuesday. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that she will not legally challenge her Democratic primary loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, but the congresswoman urged the state Legislature to look into the election process to ensure every vote counts. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday she will not file a legal challenge of her Democratic primary loss to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz for the seat once held by the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Opinion: With less than nine weeks before early voting begins in the general election, it’s looking like former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s role in the governor’s race could be reduced to that of the “spoiler,” with the only lingering suspense around the question of whether his losing cause will suck more votes away from David Ige or Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

The election may be over, but many questions still remain regarding how the office of elections handled the state’s primary. Later this week, the state Elections Commission will take up the issue during a public meeting on Friday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago will likely be in the hot seat Friday as the state Elections Commission takes a look back at this month’s primary. The review is hosted following each election, but the commission is expecting to hear an earful of complaints surrounding the response to Tropical Storm Iselle and for the discovery of about 800 misplaced ballots on Maui following voting Aug. 9. Tribune-Herald.

High-ranking U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials from Washington, D.C., and Hawaii on Monday heard directly from island veterans about their long list of frustrations that include delays and the high cost of getting VA medical treatment on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii veterans complained to U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday about the reams of bureaucracy that often prevent them from getting timely access to health care and other services. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector, which was expecting its funding to end on Dec. 31, now says it can continue using federal grant money throughout 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education officials told school board members Tuesday that they want to cut $9.15 million from the roughly $326 million in general-fund special education spending because of a likely reduction in state tax revenues. The proposed cut represents a 2.8 percent reduction. Civil Beat.

Roughly 1 in 6 Hawaii public school teachers were deemed highly effective for the 2013-14 academic year under the state's newly implemented teacher evaluation system, while most educators were rated as effective. Star-Advertiser.

Despite concerns from some Kauai and statewide teachers about the burden of a teacher effectiveness program implemented during the past school year, results show that the teachers were doing their jobs well under the new program. Garden Island.

On Wednesday, August 20, KHON2 will host a telethon to raise money for the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter.

Oahu

The HPD isn't calling it a ticket quota, but critics say it sure sounds like one. Hawaii News Now has learned that an email was sent to about 20 Honolulu police officers listing how many citations need to be issued.

Some University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty members called for no confidence votes against the Board of Regents and UH President David Lassner Tuesday for their decision to fire UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple last month. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is famous for golden sand beaches and big waves. But the city's warehouse district, called Kakaako, is famous for a different sort of attraction. You won't find kitschy Hawaiian souvenir shops or hordes of tourists here, but you will find a thriving urban arts scene, with colorful street murals so big they stretch across walls and sometimes entire sides of buildings. Associated Press.

A free housing summit will be held Saturday to provide valuable information to military veterans and active duty members on government homeownership programs. Star-Advertiser.

The operators of Hawaii chef and restaurateur Peter Merriman’s Monkeypod Kitchen will take over the Jimmy Buffet’s at the Beachcomber restaurant, which closes at the end of this month, Outrigger Enterprises Group said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A dramatic decrease in apparel prices kept Honolulu inflation tame and helped drop the consumer price index below the U.S. rate for the first time in 11 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Almost half the state’s 13,115 medical marijuana patients live on Hawaii Island, but it took a request by state Sen. Will Espero for a medical marijuana task force to schedule a public hearing here. Espero, D-Ewa, prevailed upon the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Task Force at its Aug. 12 meeting to include a Hilo meeting in addition to the six scheduled for Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

A state senator is questioning the results of a Hawaii County Council race after the primary election held in storm-damaged areas of the Big Island. State Sen. Russell Ruderman says he plans to file a complaint with the Hawaii Elections Commission at a meeting Friday. Associated Press.

Workers performing a preliminary damage assessment for the Federal Emergency Management Agency completed Tuesday surveying homes in Puna hit hard by Tropical Storm Iselle. However, approval of federal relief could be a week or more away, as FEMA must also perform an assessment of damage to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says federal officials have wrapped up their assessment of damage on the Big Island from Tropical Storm Iselle and are close to submitting their report to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd RCT and the Military Intelligence Service ushered guests through an expansive exhibit of photographs and documents at the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Kaloko branch. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The 60-unit Hale Kai O Kihei condominium complex would be assessed a fine and administrative costs of $760 and pay for an independent appraisal to use nearly 3,150 square feet on public land. Maui News.

A proposed 31-acre baseyard and light industrial subdivision project in Waikapu received initial approval Tuesday from the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Despite the attention and controversy generated by anti-GMO (genetically modified organisms) activists in the months leading up to the August primary, their candidates gained little traction in the recent primary election. Both locally and statewide, most who opposed GMOs went down to defeat in partisan races or trailed by a wide margin in non-partisan races.Maui Weekly.

Two paragliders were apprehended at Haleakalā National Park today — one for illegally launching and landing in critical endangered species habitat, and the other for attempting to launch, park officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Transforming an old sugar cane road in Lawai Valley — one in use for more than 100 years — into a Biodiversity Trail was what Chipper Wichman called an “audacious dream.” For the National Tropical Botanical Garden, however, it was an important one. Garden Island.

County to review Hanapepe Road. Garden Island.

Hawaii Health Connector in jeopardy, Charles Djou opens campaign HQ, lots of opinions in election aftermath, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell builds war chest, Waikiki tourism vs. homeless, Desmond Tutu to speak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Silversword

 

The number of ‘ahinahina, or silverswords, at Haleakala Crater has declined by nearly 60 percent over the last two decades, experts said, and scientists are studying the decline. Maui News.

The future of the Hawaii Health Connector is in jeopardy with the impending departure of one of its strongest supporters in Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the decision by the state's largest medical insurer to pull back from the troubled online marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Republican Charles Djou opened his campaign headquarters on Sunday as he prepares to face Democrat Mark Takai in November. Both candidates are vying for Colleen Hanabusa's Congressional District one seat. Hawaii News Now.

After sailing through the primary election, Republican Charles Djou opened his campaign headquarters on Sunday. He faces Democrat Mark Takai in the race for Hawaii’s First Congressional District. KHON2.

Elections results were the talk of the town Sunday, but low turnout and bad timing had some officials wondering what can be done to improve the process. KITV4.

Opinion: The irony of Neil Abercrombie's blowout loss to David Ige in the Democratic primary is that he was among the few who had successfully rebranded himself throughout his political career.Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Primary Lessons, General Expectations. Civil Beat.

Dan Inouye and Brian Schatz: A Lesson in Hawaii Politics. Hawaii's newest senator should learn a few things from its oldest. Civil Beat.

A military cargo jet will be named after the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s first term isn’t up until 2016, but that hasn’t stopped him from padding his campaign reserves. Caldwell reported more than $1.4 million in campaign contributions during the current election cycle, which began Nov. 7, 2012, the day after he beat former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano in the general election. Civil Beat.

Waikiki visitor industry officials say they are trying to raise $500,000 annually to work with the Institute for Human Services on alleviating the area's chronic homeless problem, but in the meantime they want the City Council to pass a pair of contentious bills aimed at cleaning up the tourism district. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Area Rapid Transit director Daniel Grabauskas pledged on his watch, the city’s $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project would come in “on time and on budget.” Hawaii Reporter.

The late Nelson Mandela formed "The Elders" in hopes that internationally respected, independent leaders could help resolve conflict in the "global village," much as wise kupuna in traditional villages did. Three of these elders — Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and two pioneering women leaders from Pakistan and Norway — are coming to Honolulu from Aug. 29 through 31 to speak about their work and exchange thoughts with local residents. Star-Advertiser.

Marriott International remains committed to Hawaii, following the news this week, first reported by Pacific Business News, that the Maryland-based hospitality company will lose its management contract for the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina Resort in West Oahu.

Hawaii

Puna: 15 Minutes of Fame on Hawaii’s ‘Last Frontier’ A delayed end to the 2014 primary election put the colorful community in the national spotlight. Now, some people hope the district can capitalize on it. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island’s real estate market took a bit of a pause this summer, real estate agents say. But overall, the West Hawaii market continues to grow, with the median residential sale price still increasing about 1 percent a month, said Michael Griggs, who keeps detailed real estate statistics for Big Island sales. “For this phase of the cycle, which is a pretty early one, we’re right on track,” Griggs said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is seeking a Maui County resident to be appointed to a vacancy on the Hawaii State Elections Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

It was her first visit to the Lawai International Center on Sunday. And yet, Susan Marigold said there was a sense of peace unlike anywhere else she had been. Garden Island.

Hawaii internment camp to be national park, shorter men live longer, charter schools struggle for approval, Health Department cites Big Island landfills, Honolulu cracks down on ag houses, UH presidential hopefills visit Maui and Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli Internment Camp, courtesy National Park Service

The National Park Service said Thursday it wants to make the former Honouliuli Internment Camp, now weedy and overgrown, a historic site as a new unit of the national park system, or a national monument. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service on Thursday proposed making the former Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu either a monument or a historic site. The park service plans to hold meetings this month and next to get the public's feedback. Associated Press.

In a report released Thursday, the National Park Service found that the former Honouliuli Internment Camp in Waipahu is a nationally significant historic site, a big step toward designating the area as a national monument.  The draft study evaluated 17 sites in Hawaii to determine what should be included in the national park system, and concluded that both the Honouliuli Internment Camp and the U.S. Immigration Station qualified as nationally significant. Civil Beat.

Honouliuli Internment Camp

A former internment camp where Japanese and European Americans were incarcerated during World War II could soon become a National Monument or Historic Site, the first ever in Hawai'i. Hawaii News Now.

Read the report here.

Size really does matter when it comes to living longer. In the largest, most detailed and longest study on aging, a team of Hawaii researchers discovered shorter men live longer. Hawaii News Now.

You're a Japanese male and you have some crazy notion about wanting to be taller. Better think again. A Honolulu-based research study published this week found a connection between short height and longer life in men of Japanese ancestry. Star-Advertiser.

Over the past few months, six prospective Hawaii public charter schools sought approval from state commissioners to move forward with their plans to develop alternative, publicly funded places of learning. But the state’s eight-member Charter School Commission denied four of the applications on Thursday for reasons ranging from insufficient planning to failure to integrate Hawaii’s culture into the learning model. Civil Beat.

A group of concerned state lawmakers has called together advocates for people with disabilities to increase public awareness of the services health care providers are obligated to provide patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf and blind. Star-Advertiser.

A massive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor last fall led Hawaii lawmakers to introduce legislation designed to prevent a repeat disaster. But the proposals they crafted failed to survive the 2014 legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

A massive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor last fall led Hawaii lawmakers to introduce legislation designed to prevent a repeat performance. But the proposals they crafted failed to survive the 2014 legislative session. Associated Press.

For her very first congressional campaign commercial, Hawaii Senate President Donna Mercado Kim takes a novel approach. Civil Beat.

A national organization promoting the labeling of genetically modified foods has opened an office in Honolulu. The Center for Food Safety has also established a local political action committee and will get involved in state elections this summer. Associated Press.

The State’s 4 County Mayors addressed members of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i today during a luncheon in Honolulu.   It was the first event of its kind hosted by the Chamber and some members said it provided a fresh perspective.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Profile: Scott Enright earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and philosophy from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, but somehow ended up having a long career in agriculture. "You know, it certainly wasn't planned," said Enright, who is chairman of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture and thus de facto director of the state Department of Agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city is cracking down on what it says are illegal houselike buildings in a remote agricultural subdivision in the foothills of Kunia where residences are prohibited. Star-Advertiser.

Bus riders tired of homeless sleeping on benches. Hawaii News Now.

An infestation of bedbugs has become so rampant at the Oahu Community Correctional Center that officials announced a plan Thursday to shut down a housing module for fumigation and temporarily relocate more than 100 inmates. Star-Advertiser.

An arraignment of individuals charged with various crimes in connection with sweepstakes machines was held Thursday in Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County has been fined more than $350,000 by the state Department of Health for alleged solid waste permit violations at the Hilo and West Hawaii landfills. Tribune-Herald.

The April 30 indictment of Waste Management of Hawaii Inc. and two of its officials shouldn’t have an impact on its lifetime contract to run the West Hawaii landfill or the current selection process for a waste-reduction facility to replace the Hilo landfill. West Hawaii Today.

An associate degree in marine science is one of the programs that could be offered when Hawaii Community College — Palamanui is up and running next year. Kenneth Fletcher, University of Hawaii Center at West Hawaii director, told residents in Waikoloa Wednesday night that many opportunities exist to link higher education with businesses. West Hawaii Today.

State officials say it will take about $2.1 million in capital improvements to help transition Kiholo State Park Reserve to a wilderness park, and estimate annual operating, maintenance costs at about $555,000. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

David Lassner and retired Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, both seeking to become president of the University of Hawaii system, offered slightly different visions for the future of the University of Hawaii Maui College in separate public appearances at the college Thursday. Maui News.

The Hawai'i Health Connector has been a costly mistake, and the state government should immediately seek a waiver from the federal Affordable Care Act's requirement for the state to have an online insurance exchange, said Michael Gold, president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Medical Service Association. Maui News.

Sugar production at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. on Maui, the state's last sugar plantation, plummeted 83 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to last year due to "extremely wet conditions," Alexander & Baldwin reported in its first quarter report Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

By their own accounts, Francis “Frank” Wiercinski and David Lassner were on different paths in life. Garden Island.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Turtle Bay protection approved, Cabanilla in trouble again, list narrowed for UH president, Hawaii council kills ethics bill, not enough oversight for $1B Honolulu rail contracts, Maui and Kauai battle budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Legislature closed its 2014 session Thursday with long, if not particularly lively, floor sessions in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a historic land-preservation deal Thursday after a last-minute debate on the final day of the 2014 legislative session. Associated Press.

The state House, swallowing deep misgivings, voted Thursday to give final approval to a bill that would authorize $40 million in state bonds to help preserve 665 acres of bucolic Turtle Bay Resort from future development. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature ended its 2014 session today.  But there was a critical last minute vote on a measure to preserve undeveloped North Shore land for future generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla said Thursday that she hopes her close ties to a nonprofit that received a $100,000 grant from the state Legislature do not jeopardize the release of the money, which would be used for the upkeep of the Ewa Plantation Cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

House Majority floor leader Rida Cabanilla, D-Ewa, controls a non-profit that was awarded a $100,000 grant on April 25 from her peers in the Hawaii state legislature while the organization was out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. Hawaii Reporter.

Following a nearly yearlong search, the University of Hawaii has identified two finalists in the running to be the next president of the 10-campus system: the university's longtime information technology executive, who is serving as interim president, and the retired commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

As of this coming school year, all 5-year-olds will be required to attend kindergarten in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday marked the deadline for people to register with the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to participate in forming a sovereign governing entity for Native Hawaiians. And this time, it's final. More than 121,000 people of Native Hawaiian ancestry have signed up and been verified since the effort launched in the summer of 2012. The signature drive is called Kanaiolowalu, for the sound of people gathering. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, the online marketplace responsible for implementing President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act in Hawaii, enrolled 9,800 residents as of Wednesday’s final deadline for its first year of providing coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional contender Mark Takai has joined the political candidates vying for your attention during your favorite TV shows. Takai, who's running in the crowded race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat, recently bought his first 10 TV spots at a cost of $3,250. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation poised to dole out about $1 billion in contracts for the Honolulu rail project this year, the city Ethics Commission is worried that there isn't enough government oversight to ensure that private companies aren't given sweetheart deals. Civil Beat.

An Oahu business has shut down its Products Direct Sweepstakes machines after a federal judge ruled that use of the machines is gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu workers and residents are getting excited about the Walmart store that will open soon in the former Macy’s department store, especially since a couple of new signs have appeared on the building at the corner of King Street and Fort Street Mall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A County Council 4-4 deadlock Thursday killed an ethics bill that Mayor Billy Kenoi has pushed since taking office in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

The state budget approved by lawmakers provides $1 million toward extending Saddle Road to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Two million dollars of state funds will go toward upgrading and renovating the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy at the Keaukaha Military Reserve Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Conservation Alliance this week launched conservationconnections.org, what organization leaders hope will become the comprehensive, go-to site to find volunteer opportunities and conservation projects across the state. West Hawaii Today.

An election held last week for positions in the University of Hawaii at Hilo student government has been nullified and will be redone, university officials confirmed today. Big Island Now.

Maui

With a battle brewing over how to handle the county's fiscal 2015 budget, only 11 individuals showed up to testify on property tax rates during a public hearing Wednesday night before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

To save their homes from bright lights, noisy ball games, congested traffic and decreasing property values, Maui Lani residents proposed Tuesday that the state consider developing its Central Maui Regional Sports Complex in another location, but state officials said that would delay the project another seven to 10 years. Maui News.

Michelle Del Rosario, chairwoman of the Hawaii Independent Party. The co-founder of Hawaii's newest political party hopes to attract independent thinkers. Star-Advertiser.

A 20-year-old Maui woman fell approximately 150-feet to her death during a zipline accident near the Piʻiholo Ranch this morning, fire officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tough decisions, county officials say, lie ahead as they try to balance the county’s budget without an anticipated windfall from increased state tax revenues charged to visitor accommodations. Garden Island.

You could say that politics runs in Arryl Kaneshiro’s blood. His father, Daryl Kaneshiro, after all, served on the Kauai County Council for six terms between 1998 and 2010. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will install a fence to protect Kauai forest from the Na Pali Coast up to the Alakai plateau. The project in the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve will control invasive weeds like Australian tree ferns and remove pigs and goats. Associated Press.

Hawaii, Turtle Bay reach conservation deal, salary hikes for Honolulu, Hawaii County officials, minimum wage hike could be delayed, GAO to probe Hawaii Obamacare exchange, police to be barred from sex with prostitutes, Maui County to settle blogger's First Amendment lawsuit, Ethics Commission to investigate nepotism at state hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

The owner of Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore has agreed to sell some of its development rights to the state, the city and a trust for $48.5 million in a deal that will reduce the resort's expansion plan and preserve much undeveloped land. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state and city officials have reached a $48.5 million deal with Turtle Bay Resort to conserve more than 600 acres of the resort's land that was slated for development. Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the agreement on Thursday at the Hawaii State Capitol along with Attorney General David Louie, Sen. Clayton Hee, Turtle Bay's CEO Drew Stotesbury, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin, the Trust for Public Land Hawaiian Islands Program Director Lea Hong, and North Shore Community Land Trust Executive Director Douglass Cole. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

A $48.5 million deal has been reached to establish a conservation easement on about 666 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore, saving portions of this land from future development forever, Hawaii state officials said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Turtle Bay Resort is agreeing to protect more than 660 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore in a deal reached with the state, county and a nonprofit organization. The resort will continue to own and use the land. But it and future owners will be bound by conservation easement restrictions. Associated Press.

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced an agreement has been reached between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku. Hawaii News Now.

There’s been a new development in the battle over land belonging to the Turtle Bay Resort. Governor Neil Abercrombie has announced a deal that would conserve 665 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore. The $48.5 million agreement establishes a conservation easement, protecting the coastal area from future resort development. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers in both chambers agree that legal permission for police to have sex with prostitutes should end. House and Senate members are still negotiating on the version of House Bill 1926 they will send to the governor. But they concur that the crime bill should revoke a peculiar exemption that permits police in Hawaii, in the course of their duties, to have sex with prostitutes. Associated Press.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office said Wednesday it will investigate Hawaii Health Connector’s spending of its $204 million federal grant. Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom filed a complaint March 27, asking for the investigation. Hawaii Reporter.

Republican state Sen. Sam Slom said the U.S. Government Accountability Office will investigate the Hawaii Health Connector's use of $204 million in federal grants. Slom complained in March to the GAO, an independent, nonpartisan agency that investigates federal government spending for Congress, that Hawaii had spent more than $80 million on information technology contracts for a faulty website. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House members put forward a new minimum wage plan Thursday that would allow most employers in the state to take a longer time to increase wages. In the new proposal presented to a conference committee of Senate and House members, employers with fewer than 100 employees — most employers in the state — would not have to pay $10 an hour until 2019, phasing in the increase over five years. Associated Press.

House and Senate lawmakers found common ground Thursday on a few dozen differences between their chambers’ respective versions of the state budget, but it was mostly minor stuff on the second day of hearings in conference. But with an April 25 deadline to iron out a final draft, the pressure will be on the 29-member joint committee to tackle the bigger disagreements when it reconvenes Monday. Civil Beat.

Sen. Clayton Hee wants to see how Gov. Neil Abercrombie feels about requiring some of the most powerful state boards and commissions to start filing public financial disclosure statements.  If Senate Bill 2682 can avoid a veto, Hee said he’s inclined to go along with the House version of the legislation despite its broader reach. Civil Beat.

The state Ethics Commission has agreed to open an investigation into nepotism at the Hawaii State Hospital. A state Senate panel investigating mismanagement and assaults on staff at the Kaneohe psychiatric hospital has documented that at least eight staffers have relatives working at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is making her first trip to Japan, South Korea and China as a member of Congress. Gabbard, a Democrat, announced Thursday she will be part of a mostly Republican delegation to meet with leaders in the three Asian powerhouse nations. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for April 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Salary Commission is proposing 8 percent raises be given to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, City Council members and most department heads starting July 1. Star-Advertiser.

With its court battles behind it, Oahu's elevated rail project is poised to become a concrete-and-steel reality and city officials have launched an effort to show the public the construction that's already happening. Star-Advertiser.

If you change channels between local television newscasts, you may have noticed that some of the broadcasts are identical. The Federal Communications Commission, which has the power to regulate such matters, recently concluded that it is a problem worthy of its attention. A recent FCC decision will prohibit a single company from controlling two or more television stations in the same market, which could signal changes in Hawaii’s TV news market. Civil Beat.

A high ranking Honolulu Police officer has been stripped of his police powers.  Maj. Ryan Borges has turned in his gun and badge while the department investigates harassment complaints from a 33-year-old man. Hawaii News Now.

A study on traffic lights passed second reading and would cost $5.6 million. KHON2 wanted to know why this study would be so expensive and how it would help.

Hawaii

The county Salary Commission has pay hikes in store for county officials who didn’t get raises last year, including the next mayor and County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s tourism industry has steadily increased over the years, but an increase in hotel prices and air fares could have an adverse effect on the market this year. That was the message David Uchiyama, brand manager and vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, gave at a luncheon with the Japenese Chamber of Commerce Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

EPA official tours Kona reuse site. West Hawaii Today.

An advocacy group for victims of sexual abuse is asking the state Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities to explain how children were continually placed in the care of Jay Ram, accused in a lawsuit of abusing boys he fostered and adopted. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission is sending a bill requiring subdivision site visits back to the County Council with an unfavorable recommendation, but not before conceding the concept behind the proposal has some value. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
For the first Lanai Planning Commission meeting since the February plane crash that killed two Maui County planning staff members, all county officials from Maui attending Wednesday night's meeting elected to take the ferry to and from Lanai. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee recommended Wednesday to authorize a settlement of a federal lawsuit in which county administration officials were alleged to have violated an employee's First Amendment right to free speech in a case involving the popular MAUIWatch Facebook page. Maui News.

Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray received a positive evaluation from the Maui County Fire and Public Safety Commission during its annual mandated review, the commission announced today. Maui Now.

Despite having to relocate their businesses to Lahaina and Maalaea harbors after Mala Wharf closed for repairs March 16, boaters and commercial tour operators say business is still "on par." Maui News.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is researching options that could possibly end the need to burn the leaves off its sugar cane crop before harvest. Maui News.

Kauai

Review: Police shooting justified. Following a Kauai Police Department investigation, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has concluded its review of the police-involved shooting of Mason Saio on Aug. 16. Garden Island.

Court documents released Wednesday by the state attorney general’s office show a company owned by retired auto dealer James Pflueger has paid $350,000 to the state of Hawaii. The money was part of a controversial plea deal that let’s Pflueger’s company, Pacific 808 Properties LP, and not Pflueger himself, take responsibility for 7 manslaughter charges. Hawaii Reporter. In November 2008, Pflueger was charged with 7 counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree for recklessly causing the deaths of 7 people when his Ka Loko dam breached on March 14, 2006. Hawaii Reporter.

Dirty tricks in Hawaii Legislature, Democrats fight open primary, 2k acres of Maui farmland could go to bioenergy, state mental hospital under fire, safe harbor for child prostitutes, Obamacare health exchange seeks more money, Pfleuger trial delayed again, developer stymied by graves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A series of bills lawmakers passed in the Hawaii Senate were drafted without giving the public the proper chance to weigh in, following a “gut-and-replace” maneuver scorned by government watchdog groups. Associated Press.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii argues in a new legal filing that there is no important difference between Hawaii's open primary and a California blanket primary that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional in 2000. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has challenged the state's open primary as a violation of the First Amendment right to free association. The party wants to restrict primaries to party members and voters who publicly choose to affiliate with the party before the elections. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the Hawaii Health Connector told a panel of lawmakers Wednesday that the troubled health exchange will need $4.7 million to be financially sustainable next year. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, which has struggled to enroll Hawaii residents in health insurance plans, is proposing to shift a key part of the application process to the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate has passed a measure that would allow some child prostitutes to go free, in the hopes of sending them to so-called "safe harbors," such as social service agencies. Hawaii News Now.

Sens. Josh Green and Clayton Hee are certain nepotism runs rampant at the Hawaii State Hospital, they’re just looking for more proof. During an investigative committee hearing Wednesday, the senators peppered the hospital’s acting administrator William Elliott with questions about hiring practices and employee relationships at the facility. Civil Beat.

The acting director of the troubled Hawaii State Hospital admitted Wednesday that he lacks the minimum educational qualifications to head the facility and was grilled about charges that managers manipulate the hiring process to unfairly hire some of their relatives. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate Education Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to recommend retired bank executive Don Horner for a second term on the board overseeing Hawaii public schools, crediting his leadership as chairman for recent strides in student achievement and more accountability within the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Education Committee got an earful Wednesday about why Don Horner should not be reappointed to a new three-year term as chairman of the Hawaii Board of Education. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat obtained Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s travel records for August, September and October in response to a Uniform Information Practices Act request.

Hawaii state government no longer is failing when it comes to spending transparency. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund’s new report “Following the Money 2014: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data” gives Hawaii a “C” this year. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 10. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu city and rail leaders are in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss the latest on the island's 20-mile transit project with lawmakers and transportation officials. Star-Advertiser.

Three bills designed to significantly increase penalties and stiffen other language against illegal dumping, stockpiling and grading have been introduced by West Oahu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine to stem a growing environmental problem along the Leeward Coast. Star-Advertiser.

The Palolo Chinese Home has received a $750,000 capital improvement grant from the state of Hawaii on Wednesday to support the fourth phase of the nonprofit’s $25.5 million master plan to build a progressive care complex. Pacific Business News.

King's Village, a retail complex in Waikiki designed to resemble Honolulu around 1900, along with Prince Edward Apartments and Hale Waikiki would be razed to make way for a project's 256-unit condominium hotel, parking deck, retail and office center, and a small park. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Honolulu editor A. Kam Napier has been named editor-in-chief of Pacific Business News, Publisher Bob Charlet announced Wednesday.

Hawaii

Maile David can keep her position as deputy county clerk while running for the County Council, the Board of Ethics voted Wednesday after hearing about certain “shields” that have been put into place to protect the integrity of the election. West Hawaii Today.

The head of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources visited Honokohau Harbor on Wednesday to make the case that the island is not getting the short end of the stick. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou Bay isn’t too shallow to accommodate planned expanded use there, several proposed new moorings won’t prevent Keauhou Canoe Club from operating in the bay and the Department of Land and Natural Resources isn’t in violation of Chapter 343, the state statute that requires environmental assessments for state projects. Those were just some of the denials DLNR made in its response to Keauhou Canoe Club’s lawsuit, filed in December, about the department’s plan to add moorings to the bay. West Hawaii Today.

Developers of a proposed timeshare and single-family home development just above Alii Drive say they’re working with families concerned about graves on the site and preparing a revised cultural impact statement before proceeding with their plans. West Hawaii Today.

The state House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill that looks to further implement the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College’s aviation programs on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona police officer delivers his own baby in squad car. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A California-based renewable energy company hopes to revitalize about 2,000 acres of West Maui's fallow farm lands to grow a biocrop that could be used to generate electricity while using county wastewater for irrigation. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee is considering deferring the mayor's proposed water service fee increases until it gets more input from the public. Maui News.

A grenade and 12-inch mortar shell, found by a man in his late father's belongings, were disposed of at the Ukumehame Firing Range on Tuesday night by a bomb disposal team in an incident that shutdown the Maui County Service Center, parking lots in the area and part of East Kamehameha Avenue for most of the afternoon and early evening. Maui News.

The public is invited to comment on the Maui Police Department's services and performance as a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will be visiting Maui County Monday to April 17. Maui News.

Kauai

Big changes, Kauai County officials say, are in store for Hardy Street as contractors fine tune the last details needed to kick off a multi-million dollar project aimed at improving connectivity in the area. Garden Island.

Sentencing has once again been delayed for James Pflueger. The retired car dealer pleaded no contest in July to first-degree reckless endangerment for his role in the deadly 2006 Ka Loko dam disaster on Kauai’s North Shore. Garden Island.

Thirty Meter Telescope gets the go-ahead, minimum wage hike advances, Hawaii Obamacare head testifies in Washington, Hagel shows war machines, Honolulu's secret budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thirty Meter Telescope, artist rendering, courtesy photo

Hilo Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura ruled in favor of the Thirty Meter Telescope project Wednesday. Nakamura based his decision off four points, including one that found that the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ approval of a conservation district land use permit to the University of Hawaii at Hilo prior to holding a contested case hearing did not warrant reversal of the decision or order. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to protect the state from unlimited liability for accidents on public land is in danger of dying for the second year in a row if a key committee doesn’t take up the legislation this week. The proposal, Senate Bill 1007, has incited a groundswell of support from paragliders, bikers, hikers, rock climbers and others who worry about the potential closure of public trails if the state is left vulnerable to lawsuits. Civil Beat.

A key committee in the state House of Representatives advanced a bill that would increase the minimum wage to about $10 an hour, lower than the $10.10 that was previously called for in the proposal. Associated Press.

Is there still an argument to be made — either in favor of or in opposition to — an increase in Hawaii’s minimum wage that has not already been made? After four hearings on Senate Bill 2609, two floor debates and hundreds of pages of written testimony, it seems that there is nothing new to be said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Reporter has obtained a copy of the testimony that Tom Matsuda, the Interim Executive Director of the Hawaii Health Connector, will present on April 3 to the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs and Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements during a hearing on “Examining ObamaCare’s Problem-Filled State Exchanges.”

Improved science and the vast distance between Hawaii and the magnitude-8.2 earthquake that rocked Chile on Tuesday helped the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to decide not to put the state in tsunami warning status, a move that would have likely triggered a costly evacuation and inconvenienced thousands. Star-Advertiser.

It took nearly four hours between the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center's first bulletin to when it sent out a tsunami Advisory Tuesday. The Center's director Chip McCreery said scientists needed the time to evaluate data. Hawaii News Now.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel showed off a state-of-the-art $1.3 billion Navy ship for foreign defense ministers Wednesday and Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft zoomed overhead — not in a demonstration of combat firepower but as a sign of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief the U.S. military can provide. Star-Advertiser.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 3. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Things at Kailua District Park's pool haven't been so ducky. A sign posted Wednesday read: "CLOSED due to Duck Feces," and that's been the case since Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State pest control officials on Thursday were moving to assess and eradicate an infestation of little fire ants in Waimanalo, but not before landing a scolding from a key state lawmaker. Star-Advertiser.

There's a new outbreak of Little Fire Ants in Waimanalo, and the state Agriculture Department is still trying to figure out the extent of the outbreak while some senators are critical of the state's response. Hawaii News Now.

The Caldwell administration is refusing to make public high-level budget documents that the mayor used to set his spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. These records show exactly how much money each department head — from the police chief to the managing director — asked for in 2015 along with the justification for those expenses. Civil Beat.

Who sits on the board of the Hawaii Community Development Authority historically has not been a contentious issue. But with the recent flurry of Kakaako condominium towers winning agency approval, the selection process is attracting more attention. Star-Advertiser.

Marilyn Lee has filed papers with the Office of Elections for the District 36 seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives.  Lee, a Democrat, served as the representative for Mililani, Mililani Mauka and Waipio Acres for 16 years. Civil Beat.

Renovation work on a new track field at Radford High School has been halted after debris and soil samples tested positive for contaminants including lead and arsenic, the state Department of Education announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s Mayor Billy Kenoi’s biggest budget yet, and a full $18.4 million in a budget increasing by $18.3 million is going for employee raises and added benefits. Kenoi, presenting his budget Wednesday to the County Council Finance Committee, said the $412.6 million spending plan, 4.6 percent higher than last year, was accomplished without raising property taxes or user fees. West Hawaii Today.

After years of planning, an effort to build a network of mixed-use trails in Hilo will soon take its first steps along the winding path to completion. The Hilo Bayfront Trails project, spearheaded by a group of citizens working in partnership with the county and state, seeks to construct a multiuse trail system from the Wailuku River at Reed’s Island to Hilo Harbor’s cruise ship terminal, totaling about 6 miles, located on 700 acres of public land. Tribune-Herald.

The same Hawaii Island company known for its grass-fed hamburgers now wants to sell the electricity used to cook them. Parker Ranch Inc. CEO Neil “Dutch” Kuyper announced Wednesday the launch of Paniolo Power Company LLC, aimed at using renewable resources in Waimea to generate power. Tribune-Herald.

Parker Ranch on the Big Island, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States, has formed a new subsidiary called Paniolo Power Co. LLC to oversee its energy efforts. Pacific Business News.

University of Hawaii at Hilo officials say they are encouraged that this could be the year funding is secured for a permanent home for the university’s pharmacy school. Big Island Now.

The percentage of children in Hawaii receiving free and reduced lunch hit a new high in 2012, at the state level and in Hawaii County. That’s according to the annual Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, a national look at issues that affect children. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county Department of Parks and Recreation is hoping to add several new positions to its staff in the upcoming fiscal year, including park rangers, maintenance workers and administrative staff. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Water Supply today announced it has begun the long-awaited process of issuing water meters in the Upcountry area. Maui Now.

Maui County state senators indicated that major projects were spared the ax in the state Senate's version of the budget approved Monday. Maui News.

Kauai
More than 50 Kauai teachers showed up Tuesday night to Wilcox Elementary School with complaints about a pilot program that evaluates their classroom effectiveness. Garden Island.

A Native Hawaiian charged with commercial vending in a state park says he was only practicing his religious and cultural rights. Garden Island.

Kauai residents have a chance to weigh in on the future of transportation on Kauai tonight. The state Department of Transportation will host a public meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison, the billionaire owner of Hawaii's island of Lanai, on Tuesday announced plans for the Lanai Documentary Film Festival, which seeks to "ignite and lead conversations for worldwide change by empowering the individual." Pacific Business News.

The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaiʻi partnered with the Blue ʻĀina program of Trilogy Excursions this weekend to collect a total of 300 cigarette butts from Hulopoʻe Beach Park on Lānaʻi. Maui Now.

You say Kailua, we say Kailua, Micronesian migrants to get less health care, ACLU sues over religious pre-K, Gabbard named to Armed Services Committee, Maui leads in solar panels, Kauai reforestation advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kailua-Kona (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

State lawmakers are considering a resolution this week to urge Facebook to distinguish between the communities of Kailua and Kailua-Kona on the social networking site. Associated Press.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii is suing the state, arguing a child care assistance program that provides preschool tuition subsidies for low-income families violates the state and U.S. constitutions by providing public funds for religious observations and teachings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii isn’t required to fund Medicaid for migrants from three Pacific Island nations in Micronesia to make up for a reduction in federal funding, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. - Associated Press.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday issued a ruling that will likely have a dramatic impact on Micronesians living in Hawaii. The appellate court determined that the state is not required to fund Medicaid for migrants from island nations in Micronesia including the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. Civil Beat.

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled Tuesday that the state can resume offering fewer health care benefits to Micronesian migrants than those given other Medicaid recipients. The decision vacates a 2010 preliminary injunction handed down by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright that prohibited the state from denying migrants full Medicaid benefits. Star-Advertiser.

A law that aimed to equalize instructional time across Hawaii's regular public schools was implemented a few years ago and is gradually being phased in, but now lawmakers are revisiting questions about how much time the state should require public school students to spend in the classroom. Civil Beat.

A bill aimed at reducing the interisland spread of invasive species was deferred in a state House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

It's looking less likely that teenagers in Hawaii will be allowed to hit the tanning salons before going to the beach. A key Senate committee in the Hawaii Legislature approved a bill Tuesday that bans minors from using tanning beds. Associated Press.

Hawaii was the first to commit to rollout of an insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, but the last to get up and running. On Tuesday, Governor Neil Abercrombie told Hawaii News Now that execution was fundamentally flawed by a Legislature decision to set up a nonprofit.

The Pentagon is overhauling its efforts to find and identify missing service members from past wars, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Monday. Civil Beat.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are providing common ground for Southeast Asian defense ministers meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Honolulu. Hagel, who arrived Tuesday afternoon at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, will be in Hawaii for three days as the U.S. for the first time hosts a meeting of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) defense ministers. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii has been named to the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Associated Press.

Hawaii scientists and emergency personnel kept watch on a tsunami generated by a magnitude-8.2 earthquake off Chile on Tuesday, the anniversary of the 1946 tsunami that devastated Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

When the Board of Directors of the Hawaii State Bar Association recently rated Judge Michael Wilson as “unqualified” to serve as a member of the Hawaii Supreme Court, based on its confidential review, it placed bar association representatives, legislators and the nominee in very awkward positions. They all had to deal with the allegations, however veiled, but had little real data to work with because the substance and sources of many charges remained behind a curtain of confidentiality. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made it official Tuesday: Jan. 23 will be known as Saint Marianne Cope Day in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Biotech, which is focused on the research and development of vaccines for established and emerging infectious diseases, thinks that the next major outbreak of the West Nile Virus could happen next year, and when and if that happens, the Aiea-based firm will be positioned to help put out this deadly virus, its CEO, Dr. Elliot Parks, told Pacific Business News.

President Barack Obama has inserted himself into Hawaii’s most contentious political race, endorsing U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz over challenger U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the state’s upcoming U.S. Senate election. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 2. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Wednesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Low-income apartments with ocean views don't get built every day in Hono­lulu. Nearly 200, however, are just about finished in Kaka­ako and are getting ready for occupancy after 15 months of construction. Star-Advertiser.

A key House committee approved a bill on Tuesday evening that would allow the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to build condos on part of its land in the area known as Kakaako Makai.  OHA is already allowed to build commercial buildings in the property, but says that residential development would allow the agency to maximize its revenue for the land. Civil Beat.

A local hospitality and healthcare union has enlisted two Honolulu City Council members in its ongoing fight with Kaiser Permanente over pension benefits. Unite Here Local 5 has spent tens of thousands of dollars on three 15-second TV ads featuring Stanley Chang and Joey Manahan. They are airing on KFVE, KGMB, KHNL and KITV during the morning and evening news hours. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

More salary bumps are on the horizon for county staff. Two of Mayor Billy Kenoi’s top aides will see double-digit percentage increases and others will get slightly less under the 2014-15 budget he is scheduled to present today to the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A small grass lot has stirred up a big controversy for Hawi residents, who are divided on whether the county should purchase it for open space or allow its owners to build an art gallery. West Hawaii Today.

The Democratic Party on the Big Island is in the process of refining the procedures for replacing midterm vanacies in the State House and State Senate.  This follows some controversy about the selection of the replacement for State House Rep Denny Coffman when he resigned. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill seeking to help Hawaii County combat little fire ants in its parks will face its last committee today. SB 2920 would grant the county an unspecified amount of funding as part of a pilot project for fire ant containment. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In the last couple of years, Maui County has installed more solar rooftop photovoltaic systems per capita than nearly anywhere else in the nation, and now industry professionals are looking to Hawaii as a pioneer in solving some of the challenges with integrating more renewable energy. Maui News.

Nearly 40 Maui Lani residents have signed a petition opposing the state's 65-acre Central Maui Regional Park, also known as the Central Maui Sports Complex, saying that the facility will negatively affect their neighborhood with noise from sporting activities and nighttime lighting. Maui News.

Student volunteers from two mainland universities spent their spring break on Maui, assisting in the construction of Habitat for Humanity’s Kahawai Street affordable housing project in Happy Valley. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is finalizing plans for a major reforestation on 1,000 acres of forest reserve land in and around Kokee. Garden Island.

Hawaii native Ernest Kanekoa, Jr. filed his nomination papers Tuesday to run for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.