15 years. Almost 4,000 posts. More than 3.5 million page views. A New Year's Day message from the publisher.

 

15 years. Almost 4,000 posts. More than 3.5 million page views.

Earnings? Well, not so much. Luckily, that's not the primary motivator for getting up at the crack of dawn to hand-curate Hawaii's top government and political news of the day.

Instead, it's an abiding hope that an informed public will make better decisions that will benefit us all. That a public that demands government transparency will keep better tabs on how their tax dollars are spent and on political actions that have lasting repercussions.

That's why we do it. As a nonprofit, however, we're gratified when someone sees the benefit of this daily news blog and clicks the button on the top right of this page to chip in.

Meanwhile, we'd love to hear from you. Comments, suggestions, news tips. We can be reached at the following addresses.

Email: publisher@allhawaiinews.com
X (formerly Twitter): @allhawaiinews
Instagram: @allhawaiinews
Facebook: All Hawaii News
Threads: allhawaiinews
TikTok: @nancy.cook.lauer

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024 to us all.

Sincerely,

Nancy Cook Lauer, publisher

Ten years, ten awards.

All Hawaii News' 10th SPJ award

All Hawaii News will be 10 years old this year. That's 2,517 posts featuring a digest of all the state and local government and political news from media sources all around the Hawaiian Islands.

There's no bot to do this. Every post is hand-curated in a process that takes two hours or more each day.

This is a one-woman show. I usually start before 5 a.m. so folks can read the news highlights with their morning coffee or on their smartphones during their daily commute. (Not while they're driving, of course.)

It's a labor of love, and I'm honored to be recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for keeping the state informed about the top news of the day.

But a little monetary recognition never hurts, either.

I've moved All Hawaii News' "keep the news coming" donate button near the top right of the homepage. Just click and donate using PayPal or a major credit card. You can even click a button to send an automatic monthly payment.

How to donate:

        Click the donate button at the top right of the page.
        Donate using a major credit card or PayPal account.
        Send an email to nclauer@gmail.com to get your name and/or link on the sponsor list.
       (otherwise, your gift will remain anonymous)

A donation no matter how modest would be a vote of confidence in my efforts.

Mahalo!

Nancy Cook Lauer

Happy Thanksgiving! Mahalo to our sponsors. ... You can be one too!

Pig taken from an imu for a feast © 2016 All Hawaii News

Mahalo.

That's the Hawaiian word for "thank you," and it means more now than ever, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.

"Ohana" is the Hawaiian word for family, and "hoaloha" means friend.

But generally, in Hawaii, friends are considered family, so "hoaloha" isn't all that commonplace. Instead, an older man is called "Uncle," an older woman, "Auntie," even if the speaker doesn't know you. It's a term of respect, even if you might be a "haole," (white person), "Kepani," (Japanese) or otherwise non-Hawaiian.

"Thank you," "family "and "respect" are terms to remember this holiday season and today more than ever. We need to pull together, to emphasize our similarities, not our differences.

Hawaii has been called a melting pot, but even better than that, it's a mixed salad, all the various components contributing their own unique flavor while not losing their identity, so that the whole is even greater than its parts. That's what makes Hawaii special, and helps it serve as a model for our troubled nation.

It's a good time for All Hawaii News to say mahalo nui for your support over the years (More than eight years!) by reading, subscribing and contributing to this blog.

No fake news here! Instead, your All Hawaii News curator is up before the sun every weekday, compiling and curating the top news from dozens of vetted sources -- real news by real journalists -- and providing it in one aggregated site by 7:30 a.m. every weekday. (Usually earlier!)

All Hawaii News is a labor of love. I've been doing this day in and day out for eight years now. Advertising is kept to a minimum.

Small contributions from loyal followers help pay to keep All Hawaii News online. A donation no matter how modest is seen as a vote of confidence in my efforts.

How to donate:

        Click the donate button at the top right of the page.
        Donate using a major credit card or PayPal account.
        Send an email to nclauer@gmail.com to get your name and/or link on the sponsor list. (otherwise, your gift will remain anonymous)

Mahalo to everyone who clicks, comments or contributes to All Hawaii News. I can't do it without you!

Nancy Cook Lauer

We interrupt our daily aggregate news blog post to ....

Gone fishing.

We interrupt your daily aggregate news blog to take a short break. I'll be back Wednesday.

In the meantime, this would be an excellent time to add a few bucks to the tip jar, to help keep the news coming.

All Hawaii News is a labor of love. I've been doing this day in and day out for more than six years now. Advertising is kept to a minimum.

Small contributions from loyal followers help pay to keep All Hawaii News online. A donation no matter how modest is seen as a vote of confidence in my efforts.

How to donate:

1.         Click the donate button at the top right of the page.
2.         Donate using a major credit card or PayPal account.
3.         Send an email to nclauer@gmail.com to get your name and/or link on the sponsor list. (otherwise, your gift will remain anonymous)

Mahalo to everyone who clicks, comments or contributes to All Hawaii News. I can't do it without you!

The greatest challenge to running a one-person news aggregate blog is this:

How do I take a vacation?

Because All Hawaii News collects and highlights the day's top government and political news, it's simply not possible to prewrite and schedule posts.

I usually find some time on vacation days to skim through my long list of media sites and post the best of them for the day. I need to keep on top of the biggest news of the day anyway, even if I am on vacation.

Sometimes, I'll write a few articles in advance and substitute them for the daily aggregate. However, with a short two-day vacation looming and articles not prewritten, this doesn't appear to be one of those times.

I'll be back Tuesday!

By the way, this would be a perfect time to help keep the news alive.

All Hawaii News is a labor of love. I've been doing this day in and day out for more than five years now. Advertising is kept to a minimum.

Small contributions from loyal followers help pay to keep All Hawaii News online. A donation no matter how modest is seen as a vote of confidence in my efforts.

How to donate:

        Click the donate button at the top right of the page.
        Donate using a major credit card or PayPal account.
        Send an email to nclauer@gmail.com to get your name and/or link on the sponsor list. (otherwise, your gift will remain anonymous)

Mahalo to everyone who clicks, comments or contributes to All Hawaii News. I can't do it without you!

Minimum wage, hospital privatization, shorter school year, 300 bills moving at Hawaii Legislature, Big Island farmer sues over GMO law, record solar sales leaving middle-class behind, former Maui mayor running for state House, researchers study acid-loving coral, Democrats caucus tonight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House chambers

Nearing the halfway point of the legislative session, the state House and Senate have traded bills that would increase the minimum wage, finance preschool for low-income children, lift the cap on hotel room tax revenue to the counties, and guide residential development in Kakaako. House and Senate leaders said after positioning hundreds of bills for exchange between the chambers by Thursday's deadline that they would still like to settle the minimum wage debate early, avoiding the pressure of end-of-session negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have passed measures in both chambers to set the public school year at 990 instructional hours over 180 school days. Both the House and Senate have advanced bills that would repeal a 2010 law that scheduled an increase in the school year to 1,080 hours by 2016. Associated Press.

As expected, most bills heard by the Hawaii Legislature on Tuesday were approved, allowing them to cross from one chamber to the other. They include measures to increase Hawaii's minimum wage, improve education and take care of kupuna. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate made short work of a heap of bills Tuesday, passing more than 300 measures to send to the House. Proposals aimed at curtailing invasive species, preparing for climate change and addressing aging in Hawaii sailed through the chamber as lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol debated a host of bills in advance of a major legislative deadline. Associated Press.

Some Lawmakers Oppose Ukulele as State Instrument. Hawaii Public Radio.

Commentary: Why Is There No Record of Many Legislative Hearings? Civil Beat.

A Senate bill to transfer state public hospitals to a private nonprofit has crossed over to the state House of Representatives, keeping it alive this lawmaking session. Maui News.

Hawaii lawmakers have taken a major step toward opening up police officers to more public scrutiny and oversight when it comes to their misconduct. On Tuesday, Hawaii House of Representatives voted unanimously on a bill that would eliminate a provision from the state's public records law that for 19 years kept information about most police misconduct out of public view. Civil Beat.

House and Senate lawmakers on Tuesday passed a pair of bills aimed at increasing the state’s minimum wage. What is uncertain, however, is which of the proposals will survive and pass through the Legislature, if any at all.  Garden Island.

State lawmakers are trying to do what they couldn't last year. They want to raise the minimum wage, and hope to agree to pass one of two competing bills. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers are trying to level the playing field for retailers on the islands by mandating taxes on Internet sales transactions. Associated Press.

The installation of solar photovoltaic systems in Hawaii set another record in 2013, although the once-explosive pace of growth slowed significantly as electric utilities took a cautious approach to allowing PV systems to connect to the grid in areas where high levels of solar power generation are raising concerns about safety and reliability. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism officials are sharing updates on their outlook for the state's biggest industry and their plans for promoting the islands to travelers around the world. Associated Press.

UH researcher sees oceans growing too acidic. The search is on for "supercorals" that can sustain reefs threatened by a warmer, more acidic ocean. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Health Connector is working with the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly to reach out to Native Hawaiians who may not have health coverage. The two groups signed a $675,000 agreement on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Commentary: Is Part of the Sovereignty Debate Just a Matter of Faith? Civil Beat.

The Democratic Party is looking for a few good men and women. The party’s Biennial Precinct Meetings, commonly known as the precinct caucuses, are happening Wednesday night across the state. KHON2.

Oahu

A woman from Oahu who has led Salt Lake City's municipal parks system is coming home to take over the Honolulu parks director job. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu remains the second-worst city in the nation for traffic congestion: Drivers in this crowded capital city wasted 10 more hours on average sitting in traffic in 2013 than they did the previous year, a new report finds.Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama's proposed budget includes promised money for Honolulu's planned rail line. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said in a statement Tuesday the president's budget proposal for the fiscal year beginning in October includes $250 million for the rail transit project. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama’s U.S. Department of Transportation budget for the next fiscal year includes $250 million for the Honolulu rail project, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The Pentagon released a $496 billion defense budget request Tuesday and a planning road map that call for a smaller Army and retirement of OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters — more than 25 of which are based at Wheeler Army Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

It’s been a long-awaited road project — repaving Kalanianaole Highway through East Honolulu. The State Department of Transportation just announced the work will start sometime between late spring and early summer. KHON2.

Keiki Care: Revolutionary Pilot Program's Campus Health Care Targets Teens. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

An unnamed farmer filed a lawsuit seeking relief from requirements of Hawaii County’s recently enacted ban on genetically modified crops. The suit, John Doe vs. County of Hawaii, was filed Monday in Hilo’s 3rd Circuit Court and seeks relief from the registration provisions of the GMO ban, which were required to be fulfilled by today. Tribune-Herald.

Warnings from Honolulu legislators that they may not support fully funding the Kona Judiciary Complex project this year has Big Island public and private practice attorneys rallying. The bill authorizing the funding is scheduled to go before the House Finance Committee today. West Hawaii Today.

The middle class and poor are increasingly footing the bill for Hawaii Island’s electric grid when wealthier homeowners, businesses and government agencies opt out by installing photovoltaic systems, the county energy coordinator said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The former general contractor for a power plant under construction in Pepeekeo is suing the developer and a construction crisis consultant, claiming they locked the contractor out of the construction site for the purposes of theft and corporate espionage. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana has officially filed to run for the 9th House District seat held by Democratic state Rep. Justin Woodson. Maui News.

An officer of Maui Air, the company whose plane crashed last week on Lanai, killing the pilot and two county workers, said Tuesday that she doesn't know what happened to cause the crash and is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the incident. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $1.5 million in capital improvement grant funds for Heritage Hall, the multi-purpose community complex that honors the history and culture of the Portuguese and Perto Rican immigrants to Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Arthur Brun, a 10-year employee of Syngenta, is the third person to declare his candidacy for the seven-seat county council. Hawaii Independent.

A group of cab drivers is suing the Lihue Airport for unlawful dispatching practices and negligence in preventing acts of retaliation by airport management. The suit, filed at 5th Circuit Court, alleges that unregulated transportation providers are ignoring protocol and cutting in line when it comes to picking up arriving passengers. Garden Island.

State works toward clean energy goals, Big Island may up tobacco sale age, Hawaiian woman's name too long for drivers license, Honolulu looks for more taxes from $1M homes, molasses spill killing fish, controversial Japanese investor sells prime Oahu real estate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii wind farm courtesy  Green Travelers Guide

To hear Hawaii's governor tell it, the state is making tremendous progress in moving toward an energy independent future. But has the administration really made good on its promises on alternative and renewable energy, as detailed in his New Day in Hawaii Plan, his state of the state addresses and his legislative packages? Civil Beat.

You have heard these figures before: Hawai’i burns five billion dollars worth of fossil fuel each year for 85% of the state’s energy needs. But, the Blue Planet Foundation has set a goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2030, more than double the state’s clean energy objective. Hawaii Public Radio.

President Barack Obama has nominated Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Deputy Director Esther Kiaaina to be assistant secretary for insular affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior. Associated Press.

Hawaiʻi state and congressional delegates today applauded the president’s announcement of his intent to nominate Esther Kia‘āina to serve as the assistant secretary for insular areas at the US Department of the Interior. Maui Now.

Kia’aina currently serves as the First Deputy Director of the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources. Appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to oversee the management of 1.3 million acres of public lands and near shore ocean resources in the State of Hawai’i, Kia’aina has worked on watershed management protection initiatives, threatened and endangered species protection, invasive species control, land and ocean preservation, and strengthening public-private and enforcement partnerships. Hawaii Independent.

Legislators have been slow to incorporate digital delivery into the law. Hawaii’s Sunshine Law still requires “mail” delivery. And although “mail” isn’t defined, the law was written before email existed, and this provision hasn’t been amended since. Civil Beat.

The Memorial Task Force, co-chaired by David Brostrom and Allen Hoe, the Gold Star Fathers of Army 1st Lieutenants Jonathan Brostrom and Nainoa Hoe, are seeking input from the public on the design and location of a newly planned memorial honoring Hawaii veterans. Hawaii Reporter.

As two more of the nation's wars begin to fade from the forefront of American consciousness, two fathers who lost their sons in Iraq and Af­ghani­stan hope it won't be the same for their sons' sacrifices. Star-Advertiser.

DonorsChoose.org is a Kickstarter for public education. Much like the giant crowdfunding site that helps people raise money for creative endeavors, on DonorsChoose.org teachers across the country collect donations for classroom projects. One study suggests that U.S. public school teachers spent on average about $485 of their own money last year on school supplies and other classroom materials, a tendency that local educators have highlighted in their rallies to secure higher wages and increased investment in the state’s public schools. Civil Beat.

State roundup for September 11. Associated Press.

Oahu
The Honolulu City Council will vote today on a proposal to establish a new tax classification for houses and condominiums valued at $1 million or more, allowing the city to tax them at a higher rate than other residential parcels. Bill 42, however, would shift into a new "Residential A" class only those properties that do not have home exemptions. Star-Advertiser.

A molasses spill dumped an estimated 233,000 gallons of the dark, syrupy liquid into Honolulu Harbor on Monday, killing thousands of fish so far and prompting beach closures. State officials said they are still trying to assess the scope of the “severe” environmental damage. A corroded, faulty pipe that runs under Pier 52 at Sand Island and pumps molasses exports onto Matson Inc. cargo ships likely caused the spill, company representatives and state officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A massive molasses spill at Honolulu Harbor that Hawaii News Now first reported on Monday is killing fish and the State has no way to clean up the sticky substance.

Japanese investor and real estate tycoon Genshiro Kawamoto has sold his collection of 27 Kahala Avenue properties and four other parcels in Windward Oahu and on Maui to local real estate firm Alexander & Baldwin Inc. in a $98 million deal announced Tuesday. A&B said it plans to clean up, refurbish and resell the parcels, some of which look like ruins with little more than the foundations of former homes, untended vegetation and swimming pools piled with rubble. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin announced Tuesday that it has purchased 31 properties from Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto for $98 million. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin’s property arm said Tuesday that it has acquired 27 residential properties in Honolulu’s oceanfront Kahala neighborhood, along with properties in Windward Oahu and on Maui, from Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto for $98 million. Pacific Business News.

A company seeking to develop what would be Hawaii's second seawater air-conditioning project said it has received letters of intent from some of Waikiki's biggest hotels and other businesses interested in the electrical savings promised by the plan. Kaiuli Energy has received authorization from the state to issue $200 million in special-purpose revenue bonds for the project that could replace conventional air-conditioning systems in an area stretching from Kaka­ako to Waikiki by 2018. Star-Advertiser.

The notice of violation issued to a trucking company owner under fire for apparently hauling dredged material from a Hawaii Kai marina to a private Wai­anae property last week was the second citation received in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

A century-old bronze statue of President William McKinley is making waves in some circles in the native Hawaiian community. KITV.

Hawaii

The legal age to buy tobacco products on Hawaii Island would increase from 18 to 21 under a bill set to be discussed next month by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

State alters woman’s name after it fails to fit on driver’s license. For the past 20 years, Janice “Lokelani” Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has had to carry two identification cards. KHON2.

The man who swam to the aid of a fellow surfer after he was repeatedly bitten last month by an estimated 10-foot tiger shark at Pohoiki will be recognized next week by the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Island school that four years ago was close to losing its charter amid financial troubles and lagging test scores was recognized Tuesday as one of the state's top-performing public schools. Na Wai Ola, formerly Waters of Life, was among 14 schools awarded more than $1 million in prizes for academic performance on a new accountability system the state Department of Education is calling Strive HI. Star-Advertiser.

The response to a special legislative session called to act on a gay marriage bill from Big Isle legislators interviewed Tuesday ranged from enthusiastic to tepid, with some not quite willing to show their cards yet. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State crews were on site this morning, monitoring the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Odyssey vessel that had run aground near McGregor Point in Māʻalaea on Maui. Company officials advised that the grounding is being investigated by the US Coast Guard. Maui Now.

Kahului firefighters assisted the Coast Guard with evacuation of a Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran that grounded near McGregor Point Tuesday morning, Maui County fire officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Kauai Planning Commission unanimously approved permits Tuesday for the county Department of Water to go ahead with an $8 million project to construct a new administration building twice the size of its existing headquarters at Pua Loke Street in Lihue. Garden Island.

Commentary: Proud to be Hawaii's #1 solo news blog, three years in a row!

I am beaming.

The judges for the Society of Professional Journalists 2012 Excellence in Journalism awards recognized what I already know-- maintaining All Hawaii News day in and day out is a lot of work:

"This site represents an impressive amount of work for a single blogger. And it's incredibly informative. Nice job."

All Hawaii News, which will celebrate its 5th anniversary later this year, has become for me a labor of love. That's a good thing, as it certainly hasn't made me a millionaire.

This blog is how I read the day's news each morning. It's a way for me to share my passion for government and political news with the world.

All Hawaii News is a boutique blog. It appeals to a small but steadily growing group of decision-makers and media types. It attracts readers from across the state, the Mainland U.S., China, the South Pacific and Russia.

This blog will never get as many Google hits as someone's obese cat. It will never embrace the "If it bleeds, it leads" mentality.

But if one person is better informed about government and politics across our tiny island chain in the middle of the Pacific, my mission has been accomplished.

Don't let that stop you from dropping a buck or two in the collection box to the right, however.

:)
N

Hawaii media spotlight turns to Snowden's girlfriend, workplace; lawmakers and public react; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bikini-clad Lindsay Mills cavorts in Hawaii with boyfriend Edward Snowden according to this You Tube screen capture

The girlfriend of Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who leaked classified documents about US surveillance operations, has apparently blogged about the couple's life in Hawaii and her uncertainty about the future without her "man of mystery". The Guardian.

Watch the YouTube video here.

The live-in girlfriend of National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden was described by acquaintances Monday as a dancer and acrobat who was on Oahu about a year. Star-Advertiser.

Edward Snowden’s most intimate connection to Hawaii in the months leading up to a massive leak of top-secret American surveillance techniques is a 28-year-old acrobatic dancer named Lindsay Mills. Civil Beat.

Booz Allen Hamilton said Tuesday that it has fired Edward Snowden from its Hawaii operations following Snowden's confession over the weekend that he had been the source of leaked documents detailing top-secret National Security Agency surveillance programs. Pacific Business News.

Pacific Guardian Center

The former Kunia resident who’s accused of leaking classified U.S. government information worked for one of the best firms in Hawaii. KHON2.

A day after former Hawaii resident Edward Snowden revealed that he leaked top-secret government information to the media, his employer, Booz Allen Hamilton, would say nothing beyond a written statement posted Sunday on its website. Star-Advertiser.

Edward Snowden, the man who said he's responsible for leaking information about classified surveillance by the U.S. government, was one of about 350 Hawaii employees of the contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, sources told Hawaii News Now. Booz Allen Hamilton's Hawaii office is headquartered downtown in the Pacific Guardian Center at the corner of Nimitz and Alakea.

National Security Administration surveillance programs recently revealed by the media are "troubling" and "unacceptable" and deserve a thorough investigation to determine whether they were an abuse of government power, members of Hawaii's all-Democratic congressional delegation said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Last week saw revelations that the FBI and the National Security Agency have been collecting Americans' phone records en masse and that the agencies have access to data from nine tech companies. But secrecy around the programs has meant even basic questions are still unanswered.  Here's what we still don't know. Has the NSA been collecting all Americans' phone records, and for how long? It's not entirely clear. Pro Publica.

Edward Snowden's revelation about secret NSA surveillance programs was a reminder that intelligence-gathering and intrigue related to it go way back in Hawaii and are alive and well today. Star-Advertiser.

The leaker who revealed top secret U.S. surveillance programs says he hopes to find shelter in Iceland, but he may be disappointed by the reception from a new government seen as less keen than predecessors to attract exiles and Internet renegades. Hawaii Reporter.

With the recent identification of Edward Snowden as the man who leaked National Security Agency documents detailing anti-terrorism programs unknown to the public, Hawaii is home to yet another man accused of releasing top-secret government information. Star-Advertiser.

Local experts react to reported NSA leaker. KHON2.

The Hawaii Health Connector said Monday that the state’s first online health insurance exchange has received the next stage of federal approval to launch on Oct. 1. Pacific Business News.

A new state law removes the University of Hawaii president's power to serve as the chief procurement officer for construction contracts. Associated Press.

In the event of a large tsunami, surging water levels could easily course past two rows of houses, across a flat clearing, and reach an important one-story cinder-block building in Ewa Beach. Employees in the exposed structure joke about the irony of their situation, which isn't entirely surprising given that they work in the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Civil Beat.

The state's film industry is expecting a big boost in business thanks to a new law. With an enhanced tax credit starting next month, companies like Hawaii Media Inc. predict more productions will be shooting in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

An estimated $400 million polysilicon plant built in eastern Idaho by Hawaii firm Hoku Scientific Inc. now has only eight workers, all security guards, after its last engineer exited last month amid dwindling hopes the facility will ever produce materials for solar panels. Associated Press.

State roundup for June 11. Associated Press.

Oahu
Sewer rates on Oahu are going up again on July 1. KITV4.

The Academy of the Pacific is shutting down due to financial struggles and dwindling enrollment at its Alewa Heights campus, following more than 50 years of educating "out-of-the-box learners," school officials said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii is hoping a late "push" will stimulate the sale of slow-moving football season tickets. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit group that provides shelter, training and work experience for the elderly and people with learning disabilities is the focus of two separate investigations regarding the use of $7.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, which were given to the city by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. KITV4.

Hawaii

Some Hawaii Island residents have told Margaret Wille she doesn’t need to be in a rush to prohibit genetically modified crops here. But the Kohala councilwoman said she’s seeing both proposed GMO projects on Hawaii Island that concern her, and ways banning GMO here could provide the county with an economic boost. West Hawaii Today.

For Hawaii’s floral industry, genetic engineering may be an idea whose time is near. Fifteen years after the transgenic Rainbow papaya was commercialized, scientists say the state’s valuable flower crops could be the next to benefit from the controversial technology. Tribune-Herald.

Anthurium isn’t the only flower that University of Hawaii scientists have considered for genetic engineering. Research has also been done on making a virus-resistant orchid, but funding has dried up, leaving that effort on hold, said Teresita Amore, assistant researcher with the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A council committee will consider a resolution that if approved, would authorize an investigation into the “potential misuse” of county funds, Policy Chair Riki Hokama announced today. The resolution reportedly seeks authorization to investigate funding of the  Old Wailuku Post Office demolition, and master planning for the expansion of the Kalana O Maui campus. Maui Now.

A husband and wife on Maui have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Oregon fruit distributor whose frozen berry mix has been linked to four cases of hepatitis A in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With Maui Memorial Park at capacity, the Wailuku cemetery has begun construction on its second mausoleum. Maui News.

California-based developer Brian Hoyle is more optimistic than ever that funding will come through in the next several months and he can finally build the long-awaited West Maui Hospital and Medical Center. Maui News.

Even in the usually slower shoulder season of tourism, many Maui hotels are still seeing gains in occupancy rates and earnings, according to the latest Hospitality Advisors LLC report. Maui News.

Kauai

Scientists continue to look for clues to what is causing an outbreak of skin disease in Hawaiian puffer fish on Kauai's North Shore, but have had some success using a marine epoxy to slow the large-scale kill-off of diseased coral in the same area. Star-Advertiser.

A group of South Kauai landowners and residents agreed that more must be done to address development, roadway safety and parking concerns in long-term community plans, according a straw poll taken Saturday. Garden Island.

Kauai Planning & Action Alliance will be “Celebrating 10 Years and Charting the Future” at their annual meeting in a few weeks — and they want the public to speak up. Garden Island.

Molokai

Seven years after Molokai veterans began the process to construct a veterans center, the building is finally nearing completion. But the group is far from celebrating. Hawaii Public Radio.

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

Honolulu International Airport courtesy Hawaii DOT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Molokai

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

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

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

HECO to farm wind on Neighbor Islands, state Senate Dems hold major money advantage, Sierra Club targets PLDC, Maui could end water waiting list, geothermal drilling draws friends and foes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

wind farm courtesy photo

Meeting part of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s renewable energy target with large-scale wind projects on the neighbor islands would have a net positive effect on the state's economy, according to preliminary findings of a study being done by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

With the election a week away, the Hawaii Sierra Club is making a final push to ensure the Public Land Development Corporation is a major issue in legislative campaigns. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter has called for repeal of the Public Land Development Corp. and has begun a campaign to target state lawmakers who have supported the law. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats running in the general election for the state Senate have raised a combined $1.9 million compared with just $145,300 raised by their Republican opponents. Civil Beat.

Barbeque spare ribs. Oxtail Soup. Onolicious chicken? Not exactly what comes to mind when you think politics. Unless you reside in Hawai'i, where politicians have been passing out free recipe pamphlets for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa doubled her advantage over Republican Charles Djou in about a month, pointing to another term for the Democrat, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is recruiting more applicants for its program to groom people with business, military and other non-education backgrounds to become public school administrators. Associated Press.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is proposing a 5.3 percent rate increase on Jan. 1 for more than 150,000 members covered by employer-sponsored health plans. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis by Edmunds.com of Polk’s new car registration data found that Hawaii ranked 10th in the nation for electric vehicle registrations, with 2.9 percent of all new electric vehicles sold to date this year in the United States registered in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Since the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation started its archaeological inventory survey in Kakaako in September, bone fragments have been found in a couple of sites under some watchful eyes. Hawaii News Now.

Punahou and Damien Memorial boys were front and center Wednesday at a change of command for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Hawaii-based military unit that investigates, recovers and identifies Americans missing from past wars. Star-Advertiser.

Unions and special interest groups are feeding the campaign coffers of the leading candidates for the three open Honolulu City Council seats. Civil Beat.

Former state Rep. Colleen Meyer is seeking election to the state Senate, challenging incumbent Clayton Hee in a reconfigured district that now includes Waialua, Hale­iwa, Sunset Beach and Pupukea. Star-Advertiser.

An East Honolulu and Windward Oahu state senate race will pit veteran lawmaker Fred Hemmings against the daughter of a fellow Republican.  But, Laura Thielen is a Democrat making her first run for a key office. KITV4.

On Oahu, there are two county charter amendments on the ballot. KITV4.

An Oahu company will soon take over towing responsibilities for the Honolulu Police Department, which is expected to benefit HPD and the public. KHON2.

Drivers beware: All freeway ramps to and from Aiea will be closed tonight through early Friday so crews can reattach a 5-ton, 35-foot-long section of a pedestrian overpass sheared off by an oversize load on a truck trailer last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Hawaii economist offered continued optimism for Hawaii’s economic recovery, according to a report First Hawaiian Bank released Wednesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture, criticized for around-the-clock drilling earlier this year, plans to take extra steps to reduce its noise impact. Tribune-Herald.

Opposition is growing to a County Council bill that would limit the drilling of geothermal wells to daytime hours. Big Island Now.

Less than a week after Hawaii County evicted Abel Simeone Lui and a group living on county-owned property at Kawa Bay, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied Lui’s appeal of a June 2011 eviction order granted by the 3rd Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

In a candid interview, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Ben Fuata shared what worked and what didn’t during Saturday night’s tsunami scare. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee has advanced a bill that would ban new applicants from joining the longstanding waiting list for water meters in Upcountry. Maui News.

Both political newcomers running for Maui County Council's Molokai residency seat tout their ability to collaborate and understand other as part of their personal strengths they would bring to the council if elected. Maui News.

Anthony Natividad, renowned for his playing and building of nose flutes and an original cast member of 'Ulalena, died Sunday. He was 48. Maui News.

Kauai
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Sunday praised all parties involved in the “excellent response” to a tsunami threat Saturday night. But to some Kaua‘i residents, there was a lot to be improved in future disaster threats, especially when it comes down to giving proper public notice. Garden Island.

Following a meeting convened by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. earlier this week, the Kaua‘i Police Department has agreed to resume referrals of status offenders to the Teen Court program operated by Hale ‘Opio, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. partnered with the Committee on the Status of Women and the American Cancer Society Tuesday for the final Walk and Talk Story with the Mayor. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism looks bright, few judicial applicants, teachers angry over union negotiations, Medicare premiums to rise, solar for every school, Kauai mayor can discipline police chief, more tsunami response analysis, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Tuesday that September visitor arrivals grew 6.1 percent to 595,019 and spending rose 15.6 percent to $1.1 billion, which was $146.5 million more than in September of 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Total spending by visitors to Hawaii rose 16 percent in September to $1.1 billion, and was nearly 20 percent higher for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Aspects of Hawaii’s economy — outside of tourism — are beginning to show signs of a recovery, according to First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

A month of head-to-head debates, outside spending and full-bore campaigning did not move the needle, and Mazie Hirono is still comfortably ahead of Linda Lingle in the race for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate Candidate Lingle Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Negotiations between the State and the Hawaii teachers union has stalled again and some teachers are talking strike. Hawaii News Now.

In what could become the largest solar power project of its kind in the nation, the Department of Education is proposing to install photovoltaic panels on every public school in Hawaii over the next five years in a bid to cut electricity costs and move the state closer to its renewable energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Miscalculated Wave Impact on Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Buoys may need relocating after Saturday's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senior Geophysicists: There May Be More Cost Effective, Efficient Ways to Track Tsunamis. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of applicants for higher-level state judgeships has been decreasing over the years, according to data released Tuesday by state Judicial Selection Commission members who want to see more applications for future vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two largest health insurers will increase premiums for seniors with Medicare insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two major surveys conducted earlier this month have both candidates for Honolulu mayor as frontrunners: the pro-rail Caldwell, and the anti-rail Cayetano. KITV4.

The tab for the advertising campaign by the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee this election season has topped $2.8 million, with nearly all of it going to the pro-rail group's effort to defeat mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano wants Honolulu’s local TV stations to stop airing certain ads by the Pacific Resource Partnership, otherwise he might include them as defendants in a defamation lawsuit he lodged last week. Civil Beat.

By the time next week’s election is over and all the bills are paid, the Hawaii Carpenters Union and its affiliates will have spent nearly $4 million in an unprecedented effort to elect their chosen candidate for Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell and, perhaps more importantly, blasting his opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

It wasn’t 10 to 1, but when it comes to campaign money Ben Cayetano is definitely the last dog around the bend in the sprint for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Thielen challenges Hemmings’ return to Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Cockroaches have invaded an Ewa neighborhood by the thousands. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi pumped almost $90,000 into his re-election machine between the primary election and Oct. 22, as challenger and former Mayor Harry Kim sprinkled his grass-roots campaign with a tenth of that, according to reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is calling a cattle grazing program at the Kapulena Agricultural Park a success, but when the land will host its first farmers remains unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Big Islanders using the county Civil Defense’s mass emergency notification system on Saturday received no notice of a tsunami warning until after 8:45 p.m. – nearly two hours after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center told residents to anticipate a tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino has spent close to $100,000 on his bid for re-election with a week to go before the general election. Maui News.

After a first term highlighted by passage of short-term vacation rental regulations and work toward a Maui Island Plan for future growth, Don Couch says he hopes to be re-elected to the Maui County Council's South Maui residency seat so he can continue the work. Maui News.

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals' denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Kula resident Richard Dancil today said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration this morning seeking a stay of the event. Maui Now.

Kauai
A Kauai circuit judge Tuesday ruled the mayor of Kauai has powers to suspend or discipline the police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled that the mayor has the power to suspend or discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.