New Honolulu rail impact fee proposed for schools, 3 media opinions on Kenoi trial, gay-bashing in Puna, Kauai inmates see violent porn, oxybenzone ban promoted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rinsing off the sunscreen at Kona beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

A nonbinding resolution asking the Legislature to ban oxybenzone in sunscreens is heading to the state Capitol, following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Airlines-Disney partnership first of its kind. Pacific Business News.

The Battle of Midway was a major turning point in World War II’s Pacific theater. But the remote atoll where thousands died is now a delicate sanctuary for millions of seabirds, and a new battle is pitting preservation of its vaunted military history against the protection of its wildlife. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Department of Education wants to start levying what it calls its only taxing power to generate funding for new schools in urban Honolulu, where officials anticipate population spikes will require several new campuses along the city’s rail line. Star-Advertiser.

The rail has triggered a new fee proposal by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education wants to establish a School Impact District along the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit (HART) route. KITV.

Anti-Caldwell Super PAC May Have Broken Campaign Laws. Save Our City spent nearly $200,000 on anti-Caldwell ads, but it hasn’t been telling voters where the money came from. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu city Councilman Rod Tam says voters should move past his 2011 conviction for stealing city funds and violating campaign spending laws as he fights for the open Senate seat representing downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu, Iwilei and Liliha. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a $1 million settlement of a lawsuit by the family of a Honolulu woman who died after she was struck by a city refuse truck in Kalihi in February 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The second-highest-ranking member of the Honolulu Police Department is leaving her post. KHON2.

The state is trying to make it safer for people to bike and jog along Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Questions about the latest proposed condominium tower at Ward Village in Kakaako were raised during an initial public hearing Wednesday on the project called ‘A‘ali‘i. Star-Advertiser

Mark Platte, news director at Hawaii News Now, will resign at the end of this year, and Scott Humber, assistant news director, will take over the top newsroom post Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mother Looks In Vain For Answers In Son’s Day Care Death. Cynthia King tried to move on after the loss of her baby two years ago. But then she came across inconsistencies she couldn’t ignore. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

An openly gay Puna father whose home and car were spray-painted with an anti-gay slur this past weekend said he thinks the vandalism is related to the hostility he alleges his two sons have faced at a Pahoa charter school. Tribune-Herald.

The Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing continued Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Crown Room in Hilo with navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan and astronomer Robert McLaren appearing as witnesses for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Famed voyaging canoe captain and Hawaiian navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan testified Wednesday in favor of building the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea, arguing it would be “the highest level of desecration” to take any action that limits opportunities for future generations of Hawaii youth. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics is scheduled to hear a long-pending complaint against Mayor Billy Kenoi next week following his acquittal on criminal charges for alleged misuse of a county-issued credit card. Tribune-Herald.

Opinion: AG swung big, and missed. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: In Kenoi Case, Don’t Confuse ‘Not Guilty’ With ‘Innocent’ The Hawaii County mayor was repeatedly warned about his misuse of a government credit card. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Kenoi leaves courtroom, his future uncertain. Star-Advertiser.
 
Maui

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran today announced she has introduced a proposal to prioritize the use of accessory dwelling units, sometimes called ʻohana units, for long-term tenants. Maui Now.

Upcountry Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura outdistanced not only her opponent, Napua Greig-Nakasone, but also every other council candidate in raising and spending campaign funds this election cycle, according to reports filed for Aug. 14 to Oct. 24 with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Maui News.

In a closely watched council race this election cycle, incumbent and Maui County Council Chairman Mike White will defend his Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat against challenger and first-time candidate Trinette Furtado on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County officials say they need more time to decide on two proposals that would extend the county’s ban on plastic bags to include reusable ones and do away with food containers. Associated Press.

Robert Olson, founder of California-based R.D. Olson Development, which has done several projects in Hawaii, has purchased property within the resort town of Kapalua on the island of Maui for $8.65 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Kauai

A state prison warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed sexually violent films to inmates as part of a therapy program he designed, but insisted they were not pornographic. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Community Correctional Center's warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed female inmates sexually-violent movies and used terms like "whore" and other derogatory words when talking to women prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

A jail warden on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is testifying about showing violent sexual films to inmates as part of a unique therapy program he created. Associated Press.

Citing bad timing, the Kauai County Council unanimously voted down Wednesday a resolution that would give them the ability to ask questions during public testimony. Garden Island.

Protecting Earth’s oceans is paramount to survival on Kauai and two local organizations are providing an opportunity for residents to have a say in preserving their place. Garden Island.

Ala Wai cleanup mulled, changes to state constitution, local charters on ballot, Oahu wants feral cat cleanup, Department of Education pares teacher suspension list, lots of candidates on ballots, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Canoe on the Ala Wai © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Ala Wai Canal is home to the largest concentration of canoe clubs in the state, yet according to city readings it sometimes has 20 times the level of contaminants considered safe for human recreation. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education’s backlog of employee misconduct cases has dropped to its lowest level in at least two years amid efforts to resolve investigations quicker and provide consistent guidelines to schools. Star-Advertiser.

Public high schools across the state saw an increase this past year in ACT results for 2016 graduates, increasing scores in mathematics by 2 percent and 1 percent in English and science.Garden Island.

From Now Through Nov 8, Every Day Is Election Day In Hawaii. Plenty of people have their ballots in hand, but there are a lot of decisions to make. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents who missed the deadline to register to vote will get a second chance. Late registration will be available during Early Walk-In voting starting on Tuesday. KITV.

Voters won’t just be deciding political races in November. Also on the general election ballot, voters will find two proposed constitutional amendments adopted during the Twenty-Eighth Legislature’s Regular Sessions of 2015 and 2016, as well as proposed charter amendment questions for individual counties. KHON2.

University of Hawaii researchers have been awarded more than $1 million to test and evaluate technology used to observe aquatic ecosystems, the university announced. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Democratic hopeful aims to unseat Hawaii’s only GOP senator. Associated Press.

Honolulu Charter Commission leaders say there’s a legitimate argument for allowing the mayor and City Council members to serve up to three consecutive four-year terms instead of the current two terms. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu voters are being asked to study up on 20 proposed changes to the Honolulu City Charter dealing with topics as diverse as giving more teeth to the Honolulu Police Commission to creating a new Department of Land Management. Star-Advertiser.

Amendment Would Help Fund Honolulu Zoo With Property Taxes/ Voters are asked to dedicate a portion of the tax revenue. The zoo recently lost its accreditation, partially due to the lack of a steady funding. Civil Beat.

Nearly 70 percent of Oahu voters want feral cats removed from Hawaii, according to The Civil Beat Poll conducted earlier this month by Merriman River Group.

Mayoral candidate Charles Djou has filed an ethics complaint against Mayor Kirk Caldwell, alleging the incumbent lied on his official financial disclosure form about the value of his stock in Territorial Savings Bank. Civil Beat.

The race for state House District 22 comes down to an incumbent Democrat who does not think government is hard enough on the homeless versus a Republican businesswoman who maintains the homeless should be shown more compassion. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has the second-highest construction costs in the world behind only Oslo, Norway, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working on a plan to better protect the Pahole Natural Area Reserve at Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

A Haleiwa landowner is seeking to rezone 7 acres of agricultural property for development of 29 homes on the edge of an existing residential neighborhood and large farms. Star-Advertiser.

Palolo Valley: ‘Overshadowed By Its Past,’ But Making Progress. Though outsiders have long been wary of the community east of Manoa, its reputation is changing for the better. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

After more than 770 absentee voters cast mail-in ballots too late to be counted in the primary election, officials have tucked a bright orange reminder in the ballot packages being mailed for the general election. West Hawaii Today.

Depending on whom you ask, the single local amendment on the Big Island’s general election ballot will either do nothing or quite a lot. The amendment changes language in the county charter, the county’s governing document. It would broaden the scope of the General Plan, the document that dictates what can be developed, where. West Hawaii Today.

The House District 3 race is probably the closest it gets to putting the Thirty Meter Telescope on the ballot. Tribune-Herald.

Rep. Cindy Evans, who’s represented North Kona, South Kohala and North Kohala since 2002, said it’s her experience that makes her suited to continue representing the district during the next legislative cycle. Her opponent, community organizer Jeffrey Coakley, said it’s time to “bring in a change,” and fight for a less “Oahu-centric” government. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time in 2016, voters in West Hawaii’s 5th District have a choice to make regarding who will represent them in the State House of Representatives. Incumbent Democrat Richard Creagan’s seat, which covers the southern tip of the island from Keauhou down to South Point, is being challenged by Libertarian candidate Michael Last. West Hawaii Today.

Two community association leaders are seeking to represent lower Puna on the Hawaii County Council. Maddie Greene of Nanawale Estates and Eileen Ohara of Hawaiian Shores will face off in the Nov. 8 general election in the District 4 race. Tribune-Herald.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/candidates-share-puna-visions-greene-ohara-both-proven-leaders-district-4-race

During the first day of the contested case hearing in Hilo, Pua Case – a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and one of the original legal challengers of the Thirty Meter Telescope permit – asked planner Perry White if he believes Mauna Kea is sacred. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Wailuku council race draws candidates with contrasting styles, goals. Maui News.

Some Haiku residents are seeking help and guidance from county officials and landowners to establish a pedestrian and bike path to link Haiku’s two commercial centers — the old Pauwela and Haiku canneries. Maui News.

Record flood was a close call for parts of Wailuku. Levee holds, barely preventing massive destruction, loss of life. Maui News.

Kauai

Justin Kollar, incumbent, is seeking another term as the county’s prosecuting attorney. If re-elected, he hopes to address drug houses, domestic violence and find ways for drug addicts to get the help they need. Garden Island.

If elected, Lisa Arin promises to tackle the island’s methamphetamine problem, beginning by making sure children are safe in their homes. Garden Island.

Kauai public high schools made big strides during the 2015-16 school year. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced an increase in the number of public high schools and public charter schools in terms of their academic performance; in particular, graduation rates and test scores. Garden Island.

An online petition is circulating, demanding changes to the contract between the County of Kauai and Kauai Humane Society. Garden Island.

On Monday, the second round of Hawaiian Petrel translocation will bring another group of chicks into the borders of the predator-proof fence within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Hawaii Election recap: Low turnout, incumbent advantage, political commentary and more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz hears from Emily Naeole © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii set a record low for voter apathy in a primary election on Saturday, when only 34.7 percent of registered voters bothered to cast ballots. In all, 251,959 people voted. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout for Hawaii’s primary election of 34.7 percent was the lowest since statehood in 1959, prompting U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to suggest that a Saturday in August “might not be the best time to hold a primary.” Civil Beat.

From opponents to teammates, Hawaii's Democratic candidates gathered at the Dole Cannery Sunday for the party's traditional Unity breakfast, less than 24 hours after Saturday's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

A day after going up against each other, Democratic candidates in Hawaii are coming together for their next challenge: the General Election. Sunday morning displayed unity among many of Hawaii’s democrats who just got through the Primary Election. KITV.

Time to shake off the post-primary fog, savor the triumphs, lick the wounds and buckle down for the big one. At the Democratic Unity Breakfast Sunday, there was no mistaking the agenda for November. KHON2.

The Democrat who spoke most passionately at the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Unity Breakfast Sunday was a candidate who is not actually running as a Democrat this year. Civil Beat.

Though they didn’t have any major contested races, the Hawaii Republican Party says it’s happy with the outcome of the primary election. KHON2.

© 2016 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Legislature will remain controlled by Democrats after a primary election where many Democratic incumbents ran unopposed. There were 16 uncontested races in the elections for the state Senate and House, and all but one of the unopposed candidates were Democrats. Associated Press.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz won his Democratic primary race Saturday, defeating four challengers in his bid for his first full term in office. Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa won the Democratic primary in Hawaii on Saturday and could return to her old U.S. House seat. Associated Press.

The 2014 storm of political controversy — and weather — wasn’t there this time for Colleen Hanabusa and Brian Schatz in Saturday’s Democratic congressional primary, with both nailing lopsided victories in U.S. House and Senate races. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative incumbents find little resistance at polls. Star-Advertiser.

The Projector: Night Of Drama After Day Of Voter Apathy. Polling places were often empty Saturday, but when the returns started rolling in, the excitement picked up. Civil Beat.

Primary Election Results. Star-Advertiser.

Two OHA Seats Will Head To A Nov. 8 Runoff. Colette Machado has won her Molokai seat but the at-large seat and Hawaii Island seat will be on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Roundup of insightful quotes helps discern bull of politics. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: If there are any lessons to be taken from Saturday’s primary election, they are small and incremental. Civil Beat.

Oahu
The final battle for Honolulu Hale will play out in a general election clash on Nov. 8 between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou. Caldwell narrowly finished first in Saturday’s primary election, with 44.6 percent of the 166,002 votes cast. Djou threatened to pull the mayor into a dead heat but by the end of the night trailed with 43.7 percent of the votes and a close second-place finish. Star-Advertiser.

Just 1,500 votes -- and one major issue -- separated Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Congressman Charles Djou in Saturday's mayoral primary won by Caldwell. But a precinct-by-precinct analysis suggests it's an even tighter race for the two, who will face off each other again in a runoff election in November. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Kymberly Pine won’t have to face a challenger in November — she won re-election outright in Saturday’s primary race with a commanding 65 percent of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

An unscientific peek into how Oahu’s electorate voted in the Honolulu mayor’s race shows Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou each faring well in some regions while in need of work in other communities as they head for their Nov. 8 showdown. Star-Advertiser.

© 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii

Harry Kim defied the oddsmakers and the fundraisers Saturday, trouncing Wally Lau and 11 other candidates in his path to reclaim the county’s top post. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth won a second term as county prosecutor Saturday. With 42 of 43 precincts reporting islandwide, the 52-year-old Roth held an insurmountable lead over Deputy Attorney General Mike Kagami, 22,281 votes to 10,128, 68.7 percent to 31.3 percent. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele is all but guaranteed to finish the term his father started after defeating his two challengers in the Democratic primary Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Russell Ruderman will keep his district 2 senate seat after holding off his Democratic challenger, Puna councilmember Greggor Ilagan, in the primary election. Big Island Video News.

Seven-term incumbent Cindy Evans won the Democratic primary for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives by a narrow margin over opponent David Tarnas in one of the closest races across the entire state. West Hawaii Today.

The non-partisan race to fill the two vacated seats – district 4 (Puna) and district 3 (Hilo) – will go on to a run-off election in November, since no candidate in either race managed to get over half the vote. Incumbents also appear to have been defeated in two other tight council races – district 5 (Puna) and district 9 (Kohala) – where Danny Paleka and Margaret Wille fall short in their bids for re-election. Big Island Video News.

Jennifer Ruggles unseated Hawaii County Councilman Daniel Paleka in the District 5 race. With all precincts reporting, the 27-year-old Fern Acres resident won 1,794 votes, or 54 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Every vote counts, especially if it’s cast in the Hawaii County Council District 3 race. The race will continue as a runoff in November after Saturday’s election narrowed the field of three to two: Sue Lee Loy and Moana Kelii, both of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Two West Hawaii County Council candidates are powering their campaigns with small donations, while East Hawaii incumbents are relying more on larger contributions. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Election night 2016 was characterized by low turnout, little energy, no magic, and only a few surprises. The night’s most unexpected finish was in the race for the vacant Wailuku County Council seat where former council member Dane Kane, finished first with 6,443 votes, while first time candidate Alika Atay came in second with 6,354. Trailing the leaders was the presumed favorite Keith Regan, the county’s managing director, with 6,017, followed by Joe Blackburn 4,439 and Hana Steel 1,424. Kane and Atay, the top two vote getters in the county wide non-partisan race will face each other in the November. Maui Watch.

It was an emotional Saturday evening for Kaniela Ing as he embraced friends and family after a triumphant victory over challenger Deidre Tegarden for the Democratic nomination to the South Maui state House seat. Maui News.

In the race for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, voters on Molokai and Lanai proved to be one of the deciding factors for winner Dain Kane, pushing him through to the general election Saturday night in the tightest County Council primary contest this year. Maui News.

In a tight race with no candidate taking a majority of the votes Saturday, former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane and "aloha aina" advocate Alika Atay prevailed in the primary contest for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Yuki Lei Sugimura held on to an early lead for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, and Napua Greig-Nakasone secured the second spot Saturday night as they advanced from a four-candidate field to the Nov. 8 general race. Maui News.

All of the precincts in Maui County were accounted for in the Third and Fourth election printout from the State Office of Elections on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. The Fourth printout, produced at 11:47 p.m. was considered the Final Summary Report for Maui County races, where all precincts are accounted for. Maui Now.

A four-way race for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council turned into a two-way contest Saturday night, with incumbent Council Member Don Couch and challenger Kelly King getting the most votes and advancing to the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Upcountry Rep. Kyle Yamashita was able to fend off a challenge from political newcomer Tiare Lawrence Saturday night, taking a winner-take-all contest to return to 12th District House of Representatives seat he has held since 2004. Maui News.

Elections for federal and state legislative offices were primary elections with parties choosing their candidates for the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii State Sen. Ron Kouchi garnered more than half of the votes in the primary election. Garden Island.

District 15 incumbent James “Jimmy” Tokioka will return to the state House after winning the seat convincingly, beating his opponent and first-time political candidate Thomas Oi of Lihue. Garden Island.

With 12 of 16 precincts reported, Derek Kawakami led the race for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Cheers rang through Brick Oven Pizza in Wailua Saturday night when Nadine Nakamura and her supporters received the first printout of election results from the 2016 primary election. Garden Island.

The race for the Kauai prosecutor’s office hit a milestone Saturday when the incumbent took a significant lead against his challenger. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Darby continues path toward Hawaii, Ige pledges another $12M to fight homeless, only Senate Republican faces challengers, incumbent advantage on Big Island, UH tuition to increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fisherman in Ala Moana Park © 2016 All Hawaii News

City officials said Thursday it will take two weeks to repair a section of Ala Moana Beach Park Drive where a large sinkhole has been blocking the Ewa entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park since Tuesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Darby maintained its strong winds overnight as it continued heading west toward Hawaii island. As of 5 a.m. today, the center of Darby was located 390 miles east of Hilo and 595 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. Maximum sustained winds measured 60 mph as the storm moved west at 12 mph. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige plans to spend an extra $12 million this year to make a dent in the state’s homelessness crisis, outlining a three-pronged approach that includes expanding services, conducting sweeps of encampments and developing more affordable housing. Associated Press.

Armed with $12 million in supplemental funding to stem the state’s homeless crisis, Gov. David Ige unveiled a four-year plan Thursday that aims to reduce the number of unsheltered homeless people to “functional zero.” Civil Beat.

Governor details $12 million spending plan to tackle homeless crisis. KITV.

Gov. David Ige pledged Thursday to allocate $12 million to combat the issue. The plan is to get more people into permanent housing by building 10,000 affordable units in the next four years, expanding homeless outreach, and providing more funds for property storage and cleanup. KHON2.

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The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted Thursday to hold tuition flat across the 10-campus system for the 2017-18 academic year, a move that will delay the administration’s plans to begin upgrading campus facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Students at Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo will see modest tuition hikes in coming years. The UH Board of Regents on Thursday approved a three-year plan that starts in the 2017-18 school year and caps increases at 2 percent systemwide. Tribune-Herald.

In a case stemming from ballot shortages at precincts on Oahu and the Big Island in the 2012 general election, the state Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the state Office of Elections needs to establish rules through proper public noticing and hearing on the method it uses to calculate the number of ballots printed for precincts and how to handle ballots cast incorrectly. Maui News.

Valley Fever Risk Won’t Slow Flow Of Hawaii Inmates To Arizona. Hawaii may soon face legal claims over prisoners infected with valley fever, a disease endemic in the Southwest. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which has pending projects across Hawaii, is mum on what will happen with those projects following its termination of its proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., a spokesman for the Florida energy giant told Pacific Business News this week.

Oahu

State Sen. Sam Slom has held the District 9 seat representing East Honolulu for two decades, but a pair of Democratic candidates are spending thousands of dollars in hopes of unseating Hawaii’s only Republican senator. Civil Beat.

The State and City of Honolulu are implementing separate plans to address homelessness and affordable rental housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chief academic officer for the University of Hawaii at Manoa announced he is resigning from the post but said the decision was not a result of complaints lodged last year by faculty and staff over alleged bullying and racist and sexist behavior. Star-Advertiser.

The attorney for Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha wants the federal prosecutor heading a grand jury investigation dismissed from the case. KHON2.

The Navy held a lease-signing ceremony Thursday with Hawaiian Electric Co. for a 20-megawatt alternating-current solar farm at Pearl Harbor’s West Loch Annex that HECO said would be the second largest for photovoltaics in the state. Star-Advertiser.

A new 60-second radio commercial from the campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell “fact-checks” challenger Charles Djou and finds him wanting. Specifically, the spot refers to Djou’s statements on rail and homelessness. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

There’s a definite incumbent advantage when it comes to raising money for County Council elections. West Hawaii Today.

Citing violations ranging from poor land husbandry to evidence of a junkyard and the possibility of a cockfighting operation, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider a request to revoke the lease on a 10-acre Panaewa parcel. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission paved the way Thursday for construction of a 19-unit, single-family subdivision on the mauka side of Alii Drive across from the Alohi Kai Subdivision and Kamoa Point, allowing the applicant, Larry Smith of Royal Alii LLC, a five-year extension to meet conditional requirements set forth when the project was initially approved in July 2006. West Hawaii Today.

As Tropical Storm Darby continues to track toward the state, the Big Island could see heavy rain and strong winds as soon as Friday night. As a result, officials has begun preparations for the storm. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company was fined $600,000 by the state for violating air quality regulations. The state Department of Health said that the excess emission and reporting violations occurred from 2009 to 2014 in Puunene, Maui. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association is throwing its weight behind the plan to subdivide 120 acres on the Kilauea Plateau, but the group wants a seat at the table when it comes to developing the eight planned parcels. Garden Island.

The plan for the future of Haena State Park has been tweaked, and Saturday, the State Parks division and members of the Haena State Park Community Advisory Committee will host an open house to chat about the changes. Garden Island.

When it comes to creating bus stops, Mel Rapozo, chair of the Kauai County Council, wants to make sure they will be accessible for everyone. That’s why the council voted to defer a decision on passing a resolution that proposes establishing a bus stop on Kawaihau Road, west of Awa’a Place, near the Menehune Food Mart and the Kauai Athletic Club. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court supports Green Party in ballot lawsuit, Hawaiian Electric ends natural gas plan and vows to go it alone, $875M Honolulu rail segment awarded, Legislature back for more on Maui hospital sale, poll workers needed, former Kauai police officer pleads to $25k theft, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Elections Chief Scott Nago © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the the method the state Elections Office used to order an insufficient number of ballots in the 2012 general election should have undergone an official rule-making process instead of just being an internal management decision. The Green Party of Hawaii sued Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago and the state in December 2012, asking the courts to stop him from conducting another election until there were new rules in place to prevent the type of voter disenfranchisement that occurred that November. Civil Beat

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle was one of the speakers at the Republican National Convention on the event’s opening day, but her appearance forced the party to shut down online live chat because of anti-Semitic remarks being posted on its YouTube page. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. Ige’s support for the former secretary of state is unsurprising given that both are Democrats. But his endorsement may irk some die-hard Bernie Sanders supporters in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's attorney general is the new chairman for a group of his counterparts in the western states. The Conference of Western Attorneys General elected Doug Chin to be its chairman. The selection was announced Tuesday at the conference's annual meeting in Idaho. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Co. ended its contract Tuesday to bring liquefied natural gas into the state one day after NextEra Energy Inc. walked away from its bid to buy the electrical utility’s parent company. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that the company has withdrawn its applications with the state Public Utilities Commission for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawaii Energy, plans to upgrade its Kahe power plant to use the gas and a waiver from the competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Two important decisions by Hawaiian Electric Industries herald a new era for the state’s largest electric utility. The board of directors authorized a terse news release Tuesday evening that it has decided “to remain independent.” Hawaii News Now.

One day after NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries abandoned their efforts to merge, leading foes of the deal gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday, partly to say they were right all along. Civil Beat.

People in Hawaii are talking about what’s next for the state’s largest utility now that a merger between NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric failed. Associated Press.

How A Mideast War Made HECO Start To Think Green. The Arab oil crisis brought a new awareness of the promise of renewable energy. But the spark fizzled. Hawaiian Electric was hooked on oil. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii Inc., one of the largest owners of retail gas stations in the state, is in the process of changing the names of many of these stations from 76 and Tesoro to Hele at a cost of $4 million, its top executive confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Oahu

Shimmick/Traylor/Granite, a California- and Indiana-based joint venture that’s new to the project, was picked Tuesday for its $875 million proposal to build rail’s next 5.2 miles of elevated guideway and four stations, getting the project as far as Middle Street. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $8.3 billion rail project is now officially stuck. On Tuesday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation awarded an $875 million construction contract to a joint venture of three companies to build roughly five miles of guideway and four stations from the airport to Middle Street. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Tuesday it has awarded an $875 million contract to build the elevated guideway and stations around the Honolulu International Airport to a trio of contractors from the Mainland. Pacific Business News.

Rail officials are touting some good news for a change on the cost of the project. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Tuesday that the airport section of the rail project has come in on budget. KHON2.

The last time voters had a direct say on Honolulu rail was in 2008 when a slim majority approved the project. Now that the project costs much more than projected, and with public officials talking about stopping it at Middle Street before finding the funds to build all the way to Ala Moana Center, a new group proposes that voters weigh in once again. Civil Beat.

Seven Oahu nonprofit groups that lost their federal funding this year to serve an estimated 300 of the island’s most vulnerable formerly homeless people got a temporary reprieve this week from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Farrington Highway is a deadly stretch of road in West Oahu -- with 6 fatal pedestrian accidents this year alone. So it is no wonder Waianae crosswalks are getting a closer look. But instead of adding more pedestrian crossings, some will be taken away. KITV.

The city is making good on the promise made more than a decade ago to turn a derelict lot in the heart of Waikiki into a neighborhood park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With time running out for poll workers to be recruited and trained for the Aug. 13 primary election, county election officials are sending out a plea for help. West Hawaii Today.

The state Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed the state Ethic’s Commission’s ruling that a Connections New Century Public Charter School employee violated the state’s conflict-of-interest law for purchases made in 2006 and 2007. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a Hilo charter school employee, saying he was not subject to the state Ethics Code and should not have been held liable for violating conflict-of-interest laws. Star-Advertiser.

Those stuck in traffic on Alii Drive may find this hard to believe, but the number of vehicles using the road has actually decreased over the past few years. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Legislature will try again Wednesday to come up with amendments to a bill vetoed by Gov. David Ige that was designed to assist state employees at Maui County's three public hospitals who could be adversely affected when the private Kaiser Permanente takes over operations. Maui News.

As new director of the county Liquor Control Department, Glenn Mukai said Monday that he plans to increase transparency with liquor licensees, expand the department's educational program and identify laws that must adapt to the changing liquor industry. Maui News.

The Department of Public Works will be closing down a portion of Piʻilani Highway in Kīpahulu for geotechnical testing next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $25,000 in federal grant money from the department. Garden Island.

Former Kauai Police Department Lt. Karen Kapua pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court this afternoon to stealing $25,000 from the department. Star-Advertiser.

Parking on the sand is part of life at Black Pot Beach and at Tuesday night’s meeting, it was a main concern as the community shared its thoughts about the new plan for developing the beach park. Garden Island.

Ige vetoes Airbnb tax, six other bills, lawmakers call special override session on Maui hospital, Biden stopping in Hawaii, Kenoi ethics case delayed again, Anaergia seeks to sell energy to Maui Electric, revamp for Kauai Black Pot park, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai short-term vacation rental © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige has vetoed a bill that would allow short-term accommodations brokers, such as Airbnb, to act as tax collection agents for the state, along with six other measures that he found problematic for various reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige dropped the veto hammer Tuesday on seven bills, including one that would have allowed vacation-rental companies like Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige vetoed a bill that would have allowed online lodging services like Airbnb to collect taxes, delving into a debate about whether websites should be held responsible for the listings people post on their sites. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige announced the vetoes of seven bills Tuesday, including one that prompted the Hawaii State Legislature to call for a special session. West Hawaii Today.

Governor David Ige announced the veto of seven bills on Monday, a day ahead of Tuesday’s July 12th deadline. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Legislature convened a special session on Tuesday in an effort to save a bill aimed at providing benefits for unionized employees at three state-owned Maui hospitals who risk losing their jobs due to privatization. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday for a special “override” session to consider Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill to provide severance payments or retirement bonuses to workers at three Maui County hospitals, but quickly recessed without voting. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday to continue their deliberations on whether to amend the bill or allow the governor’s veto to stand. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers back in special session to salvage Maui hospitals deal. KITV.

David Ige Vetoes Far Fewer Bills Than His Predecessors. Hawaii’s governor has vetoed 16 bills from the first two legislative sessions of his term. Former governor Linda Lingle has him beat – by a lot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers convened a special session Tuesday to revive a bill providing financial assistance to public employees at three hospitals in Maui County that was vetoed by Gov. David Ige on Monday. Civil Beat.

The legislature convened a special session today to consider the Governor’s veto of a bill to help Maui hospital workers.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Vice President Joseph Biden will make a brief layover in Hawaii this week on his way to state visits in Australia and New Zealand, the White House announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Public Utilities Commission Chairman Randy Iwase said Tuesday he is hopeful the commission will announce a decision on NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. this week. Star-Advertiser.

A 10-page unsigned document titled “ODC COMPLAINT” that was distributed to some media outlets late last week has blown up into a request for a full-fledged investigation amid concerns over its impact on the sale of Hawaiian Electric to NextEra Energy, the biggest business deal in Hawaii’s history. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaii Has A Double Standard On Isolating Prison Inmates. Hawaii lets its for-profit prison contractor set its own rules for what it terms segregated, instead of solitary, confinement. Civil Beat.

A fighter pilot and former U.S. Air Force commander in South Korea has taken over as the top U.S. Air Force leader in the Pacific. Associated Press.

A group working to raise $2 million to bring the newly created Native Hawaiian constitution to a ratification vote by the end of the year says they’re running behind schedule. Associated Press.

Items confiscated at Hawaii airports now up for sale. KHON2.

Oahu

The reams of paperwork in Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine's lawsuit against the Honolulu Ethics Commission include records that reveal new details about what provoked the federal probe. Civil Beat.

A group whose stated purpose is to lobby and educate government officials, property owners, vendors and the public about the vacation rental industry is suing to invalidate the way the city enforces its bans on some bed-and-breakfast and transient vacation rental units. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to build on existing plans for transit-oriented development in Waipahu, the city is holding a meeting today to identify short-term projects to enhance Waipahu town. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday that former state Rep. Richard Fale pleaded no contest July 1 in state District Court for failing to file “a complete and accurate candidate committee report.” Civil Beat.

With the number of hepatitis A cases on Oahu climbing to 52 adults, state health officials are urging all residents to consider getting vaccinated — and especially anyone who consumed food or drinks at a Waipahu ice cream shop between June 17 and July 3. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The county Board of Ethics moved Tuesday to defer until November a complaint that Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of a county-issued credit card for personal expenses violated the Ethics Code, while a petition alleging the panel’s vice chairman is biased toward Kenoi and shouldn’t be allowed to hear the matter won’t be considered until next month’s hearing. Tribune-Herald.

A lingering ethics complaint against Council Chairman Dru Kanuha could be revisited next month, just a few days before the primary election. The unresolved ethics issue is one reason Kanuha, who’s never had an opponent in his four-year political career, faces a challenger for his Kona council seat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Anaergia Services is seeking local buyers for its biogas and engaging in talks with the state's only franchised gas utility, Hawaii Gas Co., as it awaits a ruling from the state Public Utilities Commission on its efforts to get Maui Electric Co. to consider purchasing its product, a company official said. Maui News.

South Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing pulled no punches Monday evening in his first face-to-face forum with challenger Deidre Tegarden, questioning her campaign support and endorsements. Maui News.

The Maui Mall Service Center will reopen Monday after a four-month closure following rain damage from a leaky roof, the county announced. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Parks and Recreation is leading a public planning effort to develop a master plan for the future expansion of Black Pot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Solar power incentive programs can useful, according David Bissell, president and CEO of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, but they need to undergo periodic evaluation. Garden Island.

Ige signals veto of social media, Airbnb tax, seven other bills, signs Maui stream diversion bill, Maui's first mayor dies, Djou gets rare union endorsements for Honolulu mayor, Hawaii Island police switching to Glocks, Kauai police files lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige singles vetoes, courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige said he plans to veto nine bills. Among the nine is a bill that would prohibit employers from accessing or obtaining employees’ social media accounts and passwords. Associated Press.

The Governor today released the list of bills he intends to veto or needs more time to look over. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced Monday that he intends to veto nine bills, including a measure that would allow vacation-rental companies to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige expects to veto a hotly contested bill that would allow transient accommodations brokers, such as Airbnb, to act as tax collection agents for the state, as well as eight other bills that he’s determined to be legally questionable, fiscally unsound or generally problematic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said Monday he intends to veto a bill that would allow Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and other alternative accommodations companies to act as tax brokers on behalf of the state. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige detailed his "Intent To Veto" list in a press release Monday.  On the list are nine bills. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers Monday that he intends to veto nine bills. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers that nine bills are on the Intent to Veto list. The Hawai‘i State Constitution requires the governor to give notice to the Legislature by Monday’s deadline. Maui Now.

Young Brothers, Hawaii’s largest interisland cargo service provider recently invested tens of millions of dollars in four new tugs — the first to be delivered to the state in 2018 and the fourth by 2019. Garden Island.

Oahu
The city wants 10 additional months to submit to federal transit officials a plan for how it intends to proceed with its increasingly expensive rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Officials overseeing Oahu's billion-dollar rail project have expressed concern in recent months about staffing issues that could potentially delay progress on the rail. Associated Press.

The images of the mural taggers left on the rail cars were jaw dropping not just because they're elaborate... But for the apparent easy access to Honolulu's very expensive train. KITV4.

Rail officials hope the cleanup of a rail car vandalized by graffiti is done by the end of the week. KHON2.

A 1st Circuit Court of Hawaii judge ruled Monday that state Sen. Laura Thielen properly filed her nomination papers for re-election this year. Civil Beat.

Officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday that the Navy’s plan to secure and prevent future leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is moving forward and making progress. Star-Advertiser.

Three monitoring wells will be built near where 27,000 gallons of fuel spilled from the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill fuel storage tanks in January 2014. Civil Beat.

In seven months the Hale Mauliola homeless shelter on Sand Island has managed to get 61 individuals into permanent housing, but perhaps the greatest benefit is the lessons learned from the first-of-its-kind project that can be translated to other homeless projects in the future, according to Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Charles Djou scored endorsements Monday from five organized labor unions that had backed incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell in two previous bids. Star-Advertiser.

Charles Djou’s campaign acknowledged the novelty of the occasion of having received union endorsements in his campaign for Honolulu mayor. After all, the Republican politician had not received labor backing since 2006, and Democrats have historically sided with Democrats. Civil Beat.

The owner of a company that sells Hawaiian-themed souvenirs was sentenced to six months in jail this afternoon and fined $40,000 for smuggling walrus ivory and whale teeth into and out of the country and for importing black coral without a permit. The company, Hawaiian Accessories Inc., was also fined $50,000. Star-Advertiser.

Column: A Rare Chance To Explore Chinatown’s Mysterious Lofts. History is preserved in the apartments and businesses that most people will never see above street level in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Police Department is going the way of many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and exchanging officers’ clunky old Smith &Wessons for sleek, new Glock 9 mm semiautomatic handguns. West Hawaii Today.

The latest lava flow from Kilauea’s Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent has begun to peek over the pali, providing curious onlookers an early glimpse of its glow from Kalapana. Tribune-Herald.

Things just got a lot louder at Kahaluu Beach Park, not to mention safer, thanks to a recently gifted long-distance communication system. The system lets lifeguard messages reach surfers 300 yards away from the north tower. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on the Waimea District Park continues, with the frame of the initial structure visible from Ala Ohia Road. A metal roof in nearly completed on one side of the covered play courts building that can be seen from the southeast side of town, atop exposed beams. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County consumers spent an average of $51,700 per household in 2014, with the bulk of those expenditures falling in three categories: housing, transportation and food. The number is less than both Oahu’s average ($62,280) and the nationwide average ($53,495). Hawaii County spends more on housing and food, but less on transportation as compared to the U.S. average. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Elmer F. Cravalho, who served as speaker of the state House, Maui County chairman and mayor for 12 years, died Monday afternoon under hospice care after a long illness. He was 90 years old. Maui News.

Elmer Cravalho, Maui’s first mayor, has died, county officials confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige on Monday signed a bill allowing Alexander & Baldwin to continue its more than century-old practice of diverting water from East Maui streams for at least three more years under current lease terms to the jeers of East Maui taro growers and environmentalists. Maui News.

Among the nine bills Gov. David Ige put on his list of potential vetoes Monday is one that aims to help Maui County public hospital employees as the facilities move to become privately operated by Kaiser Permanente. Maui News.

With some using Brexit as a cautionary tale of rushing a vote, dozens of testifiers made their case to a Maui County Council committee on Monday on a new form of county governance, which could be placed on the general election ballot in November depending on what council members decide in the coming weeks. Maui News.

California-based U.S. Realty Partners Inc. said Monday that it has acquired the Lahaina Cannery Mall in West Maui from an affiliate of Safeway for an undisclosed price. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

An assistant chief in the Kauai Police Department is suing the department and Kauai County. The civil court filing by assistant chief Mark Begley claims he was harassed and intimidated for following department procedures after a female officer accused another assistant chief of inappropriate behavior. KHON2.

Salvaging of the Coco Palms property is wrapped up, and demolition has begun. On Monday, heavy demolition equipment took to the 46-acre lot, tearing down the former cottages. Garden Island.

With Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump the presumptive presidential nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties, many voters on Kauai have mixed feelings on who they’re supporting to be the next president of the United States. Garden Island.

June snowfall in Hawaii, Honolulu rail project short on cash, South Korean destroyers arrive ahead of RIMPAC, Island Air resumes Kona route, new Hilo pier advancing, Kauai affordable housing project commences, Maui citizen initiative fails to reach ballot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow atop Mauna Kea, courtesy National Weather Service Honolulu

Mauna Kea had a white cap once again this week, if only briefly. A moisture-rich weather system brought a dusting of snow to the summit Monday as it drenched lower elevations on the windward side. Tribune-Herald.

About a dozen candidates are running for seats in the state Legislature this year who political observers say make up an emerging progressive faction within the Democratic Party. What constitutes a progressive agenda isn’t easy to define, but for John Bickel, one of the movement’s leaders, it means “standing up for the little guy against the corporate interests.” Star-Advertiser.

Two South Korean destroyers arrived at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday for the Rim of the Pacific war games, while other ships are also heading to Hawaii from around the region for the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Star-Advertiser.

The only Republican woman who Hawaii voters have ever sent to represent them in Washington, D.C., believes she has found the right candidate to follow in her stead. On Tuesday at GOP headquarters in Honolulu, Pat Saiki announced her pick: Shirlene Ostrov, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Civil Beat.

The fee Hawaiian Electric’s residential customers pay to finance clean-energy installations for low-income residents will decrease slightly starting in July. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu solar energy company Alternate Energy Inc. has reached a settlement with state regulators after allegedly misrepresenting information related to requirements for interconnecting solar energy systems, according to public records. Pacific Business News.

Kenneth Uemura, former vice president and chief financial officer at Hawaii Pacific University, has been appointed by Gov. David Ige to the state Board of Education. Civil Beat.

Federal judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals are in town this week and will hear oral arguments Wednesday for three lawsuits challenging county regulations on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

The Public Utilities Commission is considering Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to raise shipping rates by 4.36 percent, which will generate an increase in revenue by $3.13 million for the shipping company, according to a PUC public docket. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is about to hit a cash crunch, and wants to borrow money that puts taxpayers on the hook. KHON2.

The rail isn’t going to make its way to Dillingham Boulevard any time soon, but HART is already meeting with businesses in the area to talk about what impact the project could have. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Candidate Profiles: Peter Carlisle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Mayor Candidate Profiles: Charles Djou. Hawaii Public Radio.

The founder of a former Hawaii organization that encouraged the adoption of foster children has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls. The girls were 11 and 16 at the time of the assaults in 2011. Associated Press.

A special investigator's report on sex assaults at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind provided chilling accounts of the way children were being treated and how the school's principal allegedly tried to cover up the scandal. Hawaii News Now.

It is the small Oahu village that time seemed to forget, and it looked like the city did too...until now. Varona Village was originally built for sugar plantation workers, but now its residents wonder who will live there in the future. KITV4.

Hawaii

Island Air flew from Honolulu to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time in about four years on Tuesday, signaling an expansion plan that’s beginning to heat up. Pacific Business News.

Optimism blew in with Island Air’s first flight to Kona on Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

The state initiative to upgrade Hilo’s port by constructing an additional pier remains on schedule, with the next significant construction step expected later this summer. Tribune-Herald.

A federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of Hawaii island marijuana advocate Roger Christie and his wife, Sherryanne, who contend that U.S. drug laws violate their right to freely exercise their religion. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for the county and for Kukuihaele residents opposing the county’s planned improvements — especially a fenced baseball park — argued Tuesday before Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura. Tribune-Herald.

Pahoa Village Road will be closed next week between Apa‘a Street and Post Office Road in order for the Hawaii Electric Light Company to relocate utility infrastructure and remove five utility pole protection measures that were installed in response to the June 27, 2014 lava flow. Big Island Video News.

Maui
There will be no citizen-driven initiative on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. Farmland voter initiative falls short on signatures. Maui News.

A partnership led by a Dallas-based real estate investment firm has purchased the 304-acre Pulelehua working-class housing community in West Maui from Maui Land & Pineapple Co. for $15 million. Maui News.

About 80 acres of sugar cane burned Sunday afternoon in an unscheduled fire in Haliimaile, fire and Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. officials said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

A 54-acre piece of land near the intersections of Kuhio and Kapule highways is being converted into a housing development. D.R. Horton, a national home construction company, is partnering with Kauai County to develop Ho‘oluana at Kohea Loa, a neighborhood that offers both affordable housing options and single-family homes. Garden Island.

The Ocean Course at Hokuala, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course on Kauai, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Pacific Business News.

About five months ago, the Hanalei Watershed Hui and several partners created Ahupua’a Explorations as way to engage, entertain, and teach the children of the North Shore when they weren’t in class. Garden Island.