Hawaii Army survives troop cuts, Abercrombie signs medical marijuana bills, Tulsi loses top staff, Hawaii, Kauai councils mull GMO, Honolulu advances smoking ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Army in Hawaii escaped big troop cuts — and in fact is gaining about 165 soldiers — under one of the largest organizational changes announced for the land force since World War II. Gen. Ray Odierno, the Army's chief of staff, said Tuesday that the service will shrink by 14 percent by 2017, to 490,000 soldiers from a wartime high of 570,000 soldiers in 2010. The Army will have 33 brigade combat teams, down from 45 today. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Army Pacific says units in Hawaii and Alaska will gain 700 positions under restructuring announced by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.Associated Press.

Medical marijuana bills Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Tuesday have long been needed to update the state's program and shift the focus from law enforcement to medical and health concerns, advocates said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday signed five bills in a series of afternoon ceremonies at the Capitol, including one to establish a state homeland security office and another to transfer control of the state's medical marijuana program from the Public Safety Department to the Department of Health. Associated Press.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed two bills into law relating to the administration of medical marijuana. Maui Now.

Making a Splash: Is Tulsi Gabbard the Next Democratic Party Star? Vogue.

As she looks out from the pages of the just-released July issue of Vogue magazine, the present looks golden for Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii's freshest member of Congress. But there are signs of a surprising shake-up in her cabinet. Civil Beat.

Sen. Brian Schatz called this morning’s Supreme Court ruling declaring the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, “a victory for all Americans.” Civil Beat.

Skeptics of man-made global warming need to be “ridiculed” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii who spoke at last week’s Netroots Nation gathering in San Jose, Calif. Hawaii Reporter.

Your outrageous electric bills in Hawaii are primarily the result of an ineffective regulatory agency, soaring oil prices and a profit-driven utility company. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is planning to slow its rapid expansion after launching or announcing flights to 10 new international destinations in less than three years. Star-Advertiser.

The insurance company Geico won’t, for some seemingly inexplicable reason, cover electric vehicles for new customers. Civil Beat.

Catholic Bishop Larry Silva is now a Knight Companion in the Royal Order of Kamehameha I.  63-year-old Bishop Silva, who was born here in Hawaii, became an honorary member of the Order's  first chapter. There are four royal societies; The Royal Order of Kamehameha is one of them. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Less than a year into a new system, the city of Honolulu intends to terminate its contract with an exclusive vendor for police-initiated motor vehicle tows on Oahu, acknowledging that changes have to be made before a new one is awarded. Star-Advertiser.

The County of Honolulu has already banned smoking at certain beaches and Tuesday the City Council Public Safety Committee unanimously approved a plan to outlaw smoking at all city facilities and bus stops. Hawaii News Now.

The roadwork and lane closures to replace aging waterlines beneath Ward Avenue will go on at least three months longer than utility officials anticipated — and the repaving along Kapiolani Boulevard will continue at least several weeks longer than the city planned, officials say.Star-Advertiser.

Billing problem forces review of thousands of Oahu water bills. Board of Water Supply to send out letters to affected customers this week. KITV4.

The $2 billion Sea-Based X-Band Radar recently left Pearl Harbor to take part in an upcoming test of the nation's ground-based ballistic missile defense system — a key element in the protection of Hawaii and the mainland from North Korean threats, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The city is building on a grassroots recycling initiative, with a goal of 1,000 bins by the end of this year. Hawaii Independent.

The indictment Tuesday of a 28-year-old Ewa Beach man on three charges of first-degree promotion of prostitution marks the first time that the city prosecutor's office has used legislative reforms to charge a suspected pimp with a Class A felony, a serious charge that carries the possibility of substantial prison time and fines. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Hawaii County Councilwoman Margaret Wille is preparing new amendments for her bill to limit the use of genetically modified crops. Tribune-Herald.

The Queen’s Health Systems is exploring an affiliation with the North Hawaii Community Hospital that could include an acquisition of the rural Big Island hospital founded in 1996 by Medtronic founder Earl Bakken. Pacific Business News.

North Hawaii Community Hospital and Queen’s Health Systems — corporate parent of Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu — are exploring an affiliation that officials with both entities say will improve health care on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation is asking the Hawaii County Water Board to come up with as much as $395,865 over the $3.7 million it’s already committed for the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A final environmental assessment with a "finding of no significant impact" has been filed with the state Office of Environmental Quality Control for the 65-acre Central Maui Regional Park that will be built in an area bordered by the Maui Lani subdivision and Kuihelani Highway in Kahului. Maui News.

On the eve of the enactment of a statewide distracted driving law carrying stiffer penalties, Maui police officers stepped up enforcement to give out 265 citations to drivers using cellphones last week. Maui News.

New data on the health of Maui County residents will be highlighted during a presentation this Friday, June 28, at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Maui Now.

High winds shut down the Central Maui Landfill as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, and it will be closed at the same time Wednesday to give workers time to collect windblown debris, according to a Maui County announcement. Maui News.

Kauai
Five days after the official announcement, Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser will introduce House Bill 2491 related to pesticides and genetically modified organisms to his colleagues. Garden Island.

Kauai Fire Department officials are reminding residents that they need to get a permit from the fire department by Wednesday, July 3 if they plan to purchase and/or light firecrackers on the Fourth of July. Garden Island.

Gay marriage bill dies, soda fee advances, Public Land Development Corp. faces repeal, Hawaii drops in ranking of government employees, charter school employee fined for conflict of interest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene courtesy illustration

The state House Judiciary Committee has decided not to hear a bill to legalize gay marriage, likely tabling the issue for this year. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie issued a statement on the topic of marriage equality, calling on legislators to hold hearings on the marriage equality bill to further discussions on equal treatment. Maui Now.

The state Senate Health Committee voted Monday to advance a soda fee of 1 cent per ounce — or $1.28 per gallon — that would raise about $37 million a year to counter obesity. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers from two House committees have voted to repeal the Public Land Development Corporation, bowing to strong community opposition across the Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Bending to public pressure, state House and Senate committees agreed Monday to repeal the Public Land Development Corp. Star-Advertiser.

House education committee Chair Roy Takumi wants to allow the state to lease unused public school land and use the revenue to help improve Hawaii’s schools. Associated Press.

A selective digest of bills and briefings of interest Tuesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has slipped from having the highest percentage of government employees to third behind the District of Columbia and Alaska, according to a Gallup poll report released Monday. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono warned Monday of "devastating" sequestration budget cuts that could cost Hawaii 11,000 jobs, result in furlough days for 18,000 defense civilians and cut into defense contracts that average $2.3 billion a year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines’ parent said Monday that it has named its turboprop interisland subsidiary Ohana by Hawaiian, and said the service operated by contractor Empire Airlines will launch this summer with flights to Molokai and Lanai. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for February 12. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state has decided not to prosecute Stoneridge Recoveries, the controversial vendor that had the city's most lucrative towing contract for eight years, on allegations of insurance fraud. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Ethics Commission announced Monday that it has fined a Big Island charter school employee $10,000 for breaking conflict-of-interest laws. Civil Beat.

Police have arrested a 23-year-old Kona man whose threatening text messages prompted schools in Waimea and Honokaa to lock down their campuses Monday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Financial pressures, including the decline of cruise ships visits to Maui, have led The Hawai'i Nature Center in Iao Valley to close its interactive museum and gift shop. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission ruled Thursday that revised plans for a commercial and light industrial subdivision violate the commission's 1995 order to reclassify 68 acres from agricultural to urban use and ordered the project stopped. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Beach House Restaurant in Po‘ipu has been named one of the top 37 “Most Romantic Restaurants” in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine. Garden Island.

Lanai

After nearly three years of waiting, Lanai residents are enjoying their own, full-time public health nurse. Maui News.

Hawaii's best beaches, fundraiser set for Obama library, Keith-Agaran named to state Senate, Kauai taro farmers boycott poi mill, new Civil Defense chief for Hawaii Island, more news from across the state

Hapuna Beach, Hawaii (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Travel + Leisure magazine this month released for the first time a Best Beaches on Earth list, and, not surprisingly, four in Hawaii made the cut. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, who was expected to become the House majority leader in the next Legislature, has been appointed to the Senate, filling a vacancy left by former Senate President Shan Tsu­tsui, who became lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Kahului state Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran to the 5th Senate District seat vacated when former Sen. Shan Tsutsui accepted an appointment to lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Gilbert Keith-Agaran to the state Senate to represent Hawaii’s 5th senatorial district, a seat recently left vacant by Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui. Maui Now.

State Rep. Calvin Say is all packed up and ready to move out of the big office reserved for the head of the House. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hosting first fundraiser for Obama library. Hawaii News Now.

Health insurance premiums for about 14,400 individuals covered by Kaiser Permanente Hawaii jumped 9.7 percent on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A deadline is nearing for Hawaii residents who lost their homes to foreclosure to benefit from a settlement between the state and five large banks. Tribune-Herald.

A University of Hawaii audit found that UH short-changed students on two campuses out of financial aid, mistakes that UH officials said were later corrected. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Office of Information Practices reduced its backlog just by just six cases in the 2012 fiscal year, leaving 78 pending cases on its list — some of them years old, according to the office's director. During the 2010 fiscal year, the office cleared 37 cases from its backlog. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding its fleet again with an eye toward the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding again and plans to offer more routes and 1,000 new jobs. KHON2.

The difference between owning a ferret in Hawaii and one in Pennsylvania can be up to three years in jail — and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Language Newspapers Now Searchable Online. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Elevator workers were trying to determine Monday what caused Honolulu District Court elevators to malfunction for the second time in less than a week, resulting in a long line of people trying to get in to the Alakea Street building. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu firearms owners are increasingly frustrated with long lines at the registration desk at the main Honolulu Police Department station. Hawaii's firearms registration laws are among the strictest in the country, and mandate gun owners must register firearms within 72 hours of purchase. Hawaii Reporter.

Gordon Bruce, former chief information officer for the City and County of Honolulu, has become chief executive officer of Honolulu-based information technology company Pacxa. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Stanley Chang is drafting a new bill in response to repeated complaints from residents both in his district and county wide. KHON2.

Hawaii

Former Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira is taking over as the administrator of the county Department of Civil Defense. West Hawaii Today.

County Legislative Auditor Colleen Schrandt has left Hawaii to take a job as an auditor with the United Nations in New York City. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou Bay was one of the areas hit hardest by the 2011 tsunami and the harbor is still in dire need of repair — a situation that could change as soon as late summer, when state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation officials are anticipating construction to start. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With new management in place and soon-to-be new ownership, the financially troubled Residences at Kapalua Bay appears poised to turn the corner. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting this week to present a technical report and corrective action plan for the Keawakapu artificial reef in South Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened the Na Pali Coast State Park to the public Monday after shutting it down for three weeks while law enforcement searched for a suspect who allegedly threw a 31-year-old Japanese visitor off a cliff.  Star-Advertiser.

Upset with the transfer of Makaweli Poi Mill to Lehua Poi Company, former workers have not reapplied for employment at the new mill, and their former customers — the taro farmers — are boycotting the mill as well. Garden Island.

Several computers were discovered stolen from Kapa‘a Elementary School after students and administrators returned from winter break. Garden Island.

Hawaii coral mulled for endangered species list, sex offender list scrutinized, Hawaiian Airlines adds Taiwan flight, unexploded weapons found in underwater cable project, Molokai school most improved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii yellow tang and coral (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to place three species of coral found in Hawaii under the protection of the federal Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

Akaka Retiring: Plenty Aloha, But What About Accomplishments? Civil Beat.

It took Hawaiian Airlines jst two months to capitalize on Taiwan being added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The state’s largest and oldest carrier said this morning it plans to launch three-days-a-week service between the capital city of Taipei and Honolulu next summer. Star-Advertiser.

When the state Legislature created Hawaii's sex offender registry in 1997, proponents argued that the new law would improve public safety and inform residents about offenders living in their neighborhoods. Star-Advertiser.

Regardless of what the experts say, Kristalyn Stephenson, 18, believes that Hawaii's sex offender registry is effective and serves a vital function. Star-Advertiser.

Retailers seem to be feeling more optimistic about their futures in Hawaii by adding 4,300 jobs this past year. Pacific Business News.

It wasn't the lowest bid. And the company's not local. But Hawaii Department of Education officials determined Management Partnership Services was the best consultant to study the state's broken student transportation program. Civil Beat.

Since Monday is the first work day of the month testing will also be done the emergency sirens across the state. KHON2.

State roundup for December 3. Associated Press.

Oahu
Thousands of unexploded chemical weapons are sitting on the ocean floor about five miles off of Oahu’s famed southern beaches. Civil Beat.

The vog that rolled in this morning is expected to linger all the way into next weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is objecting to a bill passed last legislative session that it says removes its permitting authority over new geothermal projects. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is holding a series of public meetings on the Big Island to give the public an opportunity to comment on the “Integrated Resource Planning” process. Big Island Now.

Almost three years after Hawaii County finished a study outlining potential treatment options, many homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Kapoho Vacationland Estates remain on cesspools despite being adjacent to the Wai Opae tide pools and Champagne Pond. Tribune-Herald.

On Dec. 31, Gerald De Mello will retire after serving for 21 years as the Univeristy of Hawaii-Hilo University Relations director. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bids for the demolition of the 51-year-old former Wailuku Post Office/Federal Building across the street from the Kalana O Maui building are being accepted. Maui News.

Air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with a Cessna 172 that departed Kahului Airport for Molokai on Saturday night, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. Maui News.

The small plane that disappeared off of Maui's north coast Saturday night belonged to Jose Krall, the pastry chef and owner of Maui Bake Shop & Deli in Wailuku, his wife, Claire Fujii-Krall said Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors to the Garden Isle during October spent 18.5 percent more this year from the same period in 2011. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Middle School was recently recognized by the Department of Education as the most improved school in the state.  Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai teachers are joining public school educators around the state to raise awareness of their efforts of negotiating a fair contract with the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lanai

A Hawaii company that struggled to start a fish farm raising opakapaka in ocean cages submerged off Lanai gave up the effort last month, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Public fights sealing Hawaii court records, Hanabusa-Djou debate for 1st Congressional, man seeks DNA confirmation of Native Hawaiian blood, Oracle sailing team not training off Lanai after all, Kauai councilman-prosecutor fight intensifies, Hawaii County Council battles its attorneys, UH backlash continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A proposal to seal court records that have been expunged is getting a lot of push back, with the majority of people who submitted formal comments saying the records shouldn't be kept secret. Civil Beat.

In their first debate before a large audience this election, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa repeatedly questioned challenger Charles Djou's voting record when he briefly represented Hawaii in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that her top priority would be job creation to help with the nation’s economic recovery if she is re-elected to Congress in November, while former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, her Republican opponent, said he would focus on the federal government’s $16 trillion debt. Star-Advertiser.

Djou

Former Congressman Charles Djou, running for his old job as the U.S. representative for urban Honolulu, has made being a dad part of his pitch to voters. Civil Beat.

On Tuesday, September 25th, Hawaii Public Radio hosted a candidate forum for the First Congressional District in HPR’s Atherton. Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa faced challenger and former Congressman Charles Djou. Hawaii Public Radio.

Candidates for Hawaii's first congressional district squared off in a debate on Tuesday.KHON2.

A man who says he’s at least half Native Hawaiian but doesn't have the records to prove it is suing the state for not accepting DNA test results as evidence of his ancestry. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines, state's largest carrier, which collected $32.6 million in baggage fees through midyear, is well on its way to eclipsing the record $56.6 million it collected in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Airlines may be a step closer to flying from the Mainland to Hawaii, but the airline says it is not ready to publicly discuss a timeline as to when that might happen. Pacific Business News.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is partnering with Hawaii’s state Department of Education to give Isle students in public and private schools, as well as home-schooled students, the opportunity to create a design that will decorate one of the airline’s Boeing 737-800 airplanes. Pacific Business News.

A research team has returned from research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands with new information on opihi reproduction. Associated Press.

Researchers say preliminary evidence reveals that female ‘opihi or limpets live higher on the rocky shore than their male counterparts. Maui Now.

A state Senate committee plans to press the University of Hawaii about its contract and tenure procedures, as the scale of its Stevie Wonder concert inquiry expands. The committee chair says loose ends revealed in the first hearing need more investigation, including something known as instant tenure. KHON2.

A marathon Senate panel meeting Monday on a botched benefit concert revealed a dysfunctional UH leadership team, embarrassed the university and raised serious governance and operational concerns, onlookers said. Star-Advertiser.

Senate hearings on the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder debacle are finally letting the public in on key information that UH leaders wrongfully sought to keep to themselves. Star-Advertiser.


The former chair of the University of Hawaii Manoa Faculty Senate said the performances of UH President MRC Greenwood and Board of Regents Chair Eric Martinson before a special State Senate committee Monday were "terrible" and did not restore confidence in the university. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for September 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. has completed the second and final phase of a project to upgrade transmission equipment in urban and East Honolulu that includes "smart controllers" that will allow the utility to more quickly detect outages and restore power to customers. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: Deception at Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

The city's Department of Planning and Permitting will hold separate community workshops to present the Downtown and Kalihi neighborhood transit-oriented development draft plans. KITV4.

Hawaii

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and the civil attorneys whose job it is to represent the county continued sparring over representation Tuesday, when Yagong abruptly canceled an executive session scheduled to discuss defending the county against a high-stakes lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

The primary contest for County Council District 1 saw five candidates face off in the Aug. 11 primary, with just 93 votes separating the two finalists, Valerie Poindexter and Chelsea Yagong. Tribune-Herald.

More than 4,500 Hawaii County voters have either changed their addresses or registered anew since the August 11 primary registration deadline, but it's not clear when they will receive confirmation of their voter status. Hawaii Public Radio.

Repairs to Milolii landing are completed and a prefinal inspection is scheduled for Thursday morning, said Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Developers of the planned Honua'ula luxury golf community in Wailea say they're still committed to building the required affordable housing units tied to the project despite telling the state Land Use Commission there are no immediate plans to start construction in the near future. Maui News.

The Maui County prosecutor's office is declining prosecution of nine people who were arrested on suspicion of gambling offenses when police vice officers executed search warrants at a Wailuku residence last month. Maui News.

Kauai

Citing distorted news releases and alleged lies from a defense attorney’s press release, the Kaua‘i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has made recordings related to a civil lawsuit available to the public. Garden Island.

The nine candidates running for one of the seven seats at the Kaua‘i County Council went through a battery of quick-fire questions Monday evening at the Historic Waimea Theater. The forum attended by approximately 60 people and hosted by the West Kaua‘i Business Association was the first of four events scheduled in four days this week. Garden Island.

Lanai

Oracle Corp.’s sailing team is canceling plans to train in Hawaii this winter for next year’s America’s Cup race in San Francisco, the team’s general manager said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Ed vs. Mazie battle intensifies, Hawaiian Airlines starts nonstop flight to NYC, 5-year-olds to evaluate their teachers, Hanalei farmers market closes, 400lbs kalua pork recalled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Democratic Senate candidates Ed Case and Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case have a lot in common. But Case and Hirono are two very different people with different backgrounds, personal and professional, and starkly different personalities. Civil Beat.

Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, Ed Case and Mazie K. Hirono, will participate in an hourlong debate, sponsored by AARP Hawaii, on June 12 in the Maui Beach Hotel Elleair Room. Maui News.

Hawaii is being billed as one of the best vantage points in the world for viewing the transit of Venus tomorrow because the entire transit will occur before the sun sets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will be one of the best spots to see the transit of Venus this Tuesday. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines is about to be the only carrier offering year-round flights between Honolulu and New York City. Associated Press.

According to Hawai`i’s constitution protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s best farmland is the duty of state leaders. Decades after rules were written, what makes up the state’s top farmland remains ambiguous. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public school students as young as 5 are being asked to consider their classroom experiences in surveys that will soon become one of the high-stakes measures used to evaluate teachers.Star-Advertiser.

Just over half of Hawaii’s public school teachers cast ballots in the re-vote last month on the tentative January contract agreement with the state, according to the results certified late Saturday. Civil Beat.

The chancellor of Kapiolani Community College says he is committed to ensuring instructors in its noncredit program are paid on time and has asked anyone who is overdue paychecks to call the administration. Star-Advertiser.

The state's highest court took the extraordinary step last month of abandoning its earlier stance on eyewitness identification. Misidentification, the court said May 17, is "one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions." Star-Advertiser.

The Rising East: Pacific Command Theme Might Be 'On the Road Again' Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will receive a $6 million federal grant to continue its work to convert grass and other biomass into biofuel. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

If elected, Cayetano has plan for killing rail. Pacific Business News.

Several bus routes on Oahu were changed or eliminated Sunday as the city tries to meet increased fuel costs without raising fares. Hawaii News Now.

Part of the Pagoda Hotel in Pawaa could become a residential condominium under a plan by Kamehameha Schools and developer Peter Savio to satisfy an affordable-housing requirement tied to building new condo towers in nearby Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa is known as the Gateway to the famous North Shore but the town's reputation has been an infamous one. KHON2.

About 400 pounds of Keoki's Lau Lau 12 and 48 ounce tubs of kalua brand pork are being recalled due to possible listeria contamination.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

On the heels of an intense state Elections Commission inquiry into the readiness of the Hawaii County Elections Office, Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi is now seeking to have the county clerk and elections administrator update the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is poised to make this year’s mayoral race a lot more interesting. West Hawaii Today.

The governing board of a Mauna Kea telescope says it is “very disappointed” with the decision of the United Kingdom to cease funding after September 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Co. have launched an upgraded computer system to maintain customer records and manage billing. Tribune-Herald.

Just outside Kailua-Kona there’s a place where a short walk can take you back to Hawaii old. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal scientist said Maui residents shouldn't be too concerned about the risk of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and officials are looking to expand the network of monitoring stations on the island in the next few years. Maui News.

More than likely, there will be no body parts or radioactive materials among the Japan tsunami debris that may begin washing up along the main Hawaiian Islands this year, federal officials said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Vendors at the Hanalei Farmers Market got a shock Saturday when the board of Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei, which operates the market, announced the market would close immediately until permitting issues could be resolved. Garden Island.

A new generation is taking control of Kauai's struggling Maka­weli Poi Mill with the dream of inspiring young taro farmers to continue producing a brand of poi they consider more appealing to traditional Hawaiian tastes throughout the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The LEED green building certification program, a nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of green buildings held its first Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design training workshop on Kaua‘i in April with another planned for June. Garden Island.

Molokai

Residents participate in Historic Preservation Plan update. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Legislature down to the wire, plastic bag fee unlikely this session, Obama declares Kauai disaster, Honolulu rail argued in court, Maui wind farm set to break ground, fired Big Island workers willing to settle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

House and Senate conference committee members have just over a week to reach agreement on measures they want to see passed this legislative session. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s first lady is joining environmental groups in calling on state lawmakers to take a vote on a bill that would charge a fee every time a shopper chooses a disposable paper or plastic bag. Associated Press.

Once touted as one the biggest environmental measures of the year, a bill that would charge consumers for single-use bags at the check-out counter appears to be on its deathbed. Civil Beat.

Senate Democrats Help Each Other Raise Campaign Cash. Civil Beat.

An overhaul of Hawaii's criminal justice and corrections system is moving forward at the state capitol. KHON2.

Two bills that had proposed raising fees on state-chartered banks and other financial institutions have failed to pass the Hawaii Legislature — leaving the state’s Division of Financial Institutions with budget deficits in the coming years. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers approved a bill that will require cell phone or communication service providers to assist law enforcement agencies in determining the location of a cell phone in emergency situations. Maui Now.

Incumbent Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and her Republican challenger, former Congressman Charles Djou, are building their campaign warchests in anticipation of a November showdown. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will see their wages rise by 15 percent over the next four years under the terms of a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new educational exchange program is planned for students and teachers in the Asia Pacific region. Hawaii Public Radio.

A little more than a year after the Times named Alvin Kuo Wong the Happiest Man in America, he's now trying to create a nonprofit think tank devoted to happiness while continuing to run his company, which helps physicians cope with reduced medical reimbursements. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

The city of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.2 million for water quality improvements on the Waianae Coast to settle a state Health Department fine for dumping truckloads of concrete slabs into a West Oahu stream used by endangered Hawaiian birds. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health and Honolulu have agreed on a $1.2 million settlement in one of Hawaii’s most controversial water pollution cases. Associated Press.

The environmentalist who brought to the forefront one of Hawaii's most controversial water pollution cases ever says the state's $1.4 million fine against the city is an insult to taxpayers. KHON2.

A motion to dismiss portions of a federal lawsuit challenging Honolulu’s $5.3 billion rail project was argued in court this morning, with U.S. Senior Circuit Judge A. Wallace Tashima to issue a ruling later. Hawaii Reporter.

A Honolulu City Council committee has approved a measure that would ban commercial beach activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks, seven days a week. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of an estimated 200 people at a meeting at Kailua High School on Wednesday night told City Council members that they want a blanket ban of all commercial activity at the popular Kailua and Kalama beach parks. Star-Advertiser.

The city will seize and sell a derelict three-story Waikiki apartment building if its owners do not pay the taxes on the property that has sometimes been used by squatters and drug abusers in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

The city will spend nearly $1 million to renovate nine Waikiki public restrooms that residents, business owners and tourists have described as gross and, at times, unusable. Star-Advertiser.

It's Your Money: Council Spends on Travel and TVs. Civil Beat.

Grand opening ceremonies were held Wednesday  for the latest Whole Foods Market in Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

Three fired election workers who threatened a $1.5 million lawsuit were willing to accept $10,000 each, a public apology and their jobs back, according to a settlement offer obtained Wednesday by West Hawaii Today. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday defended his $365.3 million budget before a County Council largely skeptical about whether the administration has trimmed the size and cost of government as much as he’s said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sempra US Gas & Power breaks ground on the new 21-megawatt Auwahi Wind Farm project in Ulupalkua on Maui next week. Maui Now.

Children from Wailuku's Kehalani master-planned community would attend the new Puu Kukui Elementary School, under attendance boundaries being considered by the state Department of Education. Maui News.

Real estate developer Peter Savio will meet with Lanai residents today to offer fee-simple ownership in a 24-unit town house complex built in 1990.Maui News.

Kauai
President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for Kauai County on Wednesday, making available millions in federal money to repair damage incurred by flooding and landslides on the Garden Isle March 3-11. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday issued a disaster declaration for Hawai‘i, clearing the way for federal funds to cover 75 percent of the costs of emergency work and repairs or replacement of public property damaged by the storms and flooding that hit Kaua‘i in early March. Garden Island.

Molokai

Paschoal Hall in Kalaupapa is one of the historic preservation projects chosen state-wide to be honored by the Historic Hawaii Foundation. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu Mayor Carlisle outlines state of the city, Laupahoehoe teachers sue to stop charter school, attorney general launches Main Street Maui probe, tobacco tax could rise again, 5,000 want to be Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Managing Director Doug Chin courtesy photo

 

 

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle highlighted his administration's achievements and outlined a vision for the city's future that hinges on the $5.27 billion rail project in his State of the City address Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's second State of the City address Thursday was a tale of two cities.Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle in his State of the City Speech Thursday cast Honolulu's rail project as a choice between the future and the past. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle delivered his second State of the City of Honolulu Address today at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. The hour-long oratory covered his administration’s accomplishments and major priorities in the years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

After Thursday's State of the City speech the mayor defended the lifting of the city's debt limit above a 20 per cent threshold. KHON2.

Kirk Caldwell, a candidate for Honolulu mayor, released this statement today in response to Mayor Carlisle’s State of the City address. Hawaii Independent.

Some lawmakers want to increase Hawaii's tobacco tax to reduce smoking and oral tobacco use across the state. Associated Press.

Teachers who spend their own money to purchase school supplies would qualify for a tax credit to help offset such out-of-pocket expenses under a bill advanced by a Senate committee Thursday. Associated Press.

Opponents of human trafficking are pushing for passage of a Senate measure that would fine "johns" $5,000 and place the money into a special fund for victims of sex assault and domestic violence. Star-Advertiser.

Major tourism stakeholders seem to agree that the future of Hawaii’s primary economic driver will have to include plenty of growth. Pacific Business News.

The state House Judiciary Committee shelved a bill Thursday that would have allowed dogs to accompany their owners in restaurants at the discretion of restaurant owners and managers. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would give counties the power to open ag lands to be used for overnight accommodations has been deferred at the state House of Representatives. A Senate version of the bill is still alive, waiting for next hearing to be scheduled. Garden Island.

Skateboarders of all ages would be required to wear helmets whenever they ride under a bill that cleared the state House Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The scope of a bill requiring helmets for skateboarders was broadened Thursday, requiring anyone of any age to wear head protection, as the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A bill calls for a five-year moratorium on opihi picking in certain areas, along with restrictions on harvesting times and amounts. Tribune-Herald.

Nepotism, ethics violations, conflicts of interest, abuse, waste and fraud. All are accusations that have been brought against individual charter schools in Hawaii in the last year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

More than 5,000 people applied for 175 flight attendant positions at Hawaiian Airlines, a record for the company. KITV4.

Closing the Sears store at Ala Moana Center next year will come at a big price -- $250 million, to be exact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is taking a major leap forward on its road to renewable energy with the start of construction today on the state's largest wind turbine project on Oahu's North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Teachers at Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School filed suit Thursday to halt their school's conversion to a charter school. Tribune-Herald.

All the trappings for a successful grand opening celebration were there Thursday evening when Tulsi Gabbard opened her campaign headquarters at the old Chevrolet dealership across from Hilo Shopping Center. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka'u District Gym and Shelter is on track to meet a tight deadline or risk losing state funding. West Hawaii Today.

Alapaki Nahale-a became chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands Commission in January 2011, and says it was "kind of shocking" to learn that he was the first chairman in its 100-year history to have been born and raised on Hawaiian Home lands — in Pepeekeo, north of Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in the summit region of Kilauea Volcano. Associated Press.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa delivers his State of the County Address at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Maui Now.

Auwahi Wind Energy will go before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to seek a conservation district use permit to realign Papaka Road on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

The state Department of the Attorney General has opened an investigation into the Wailuku Main Street Association, following allegations that officials with the organization withheld information and records from board members. Maui News.

After a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the building and comments from guests, Senator Daniel K. Inouye and dignitaries untied the maile lei to initiate the opening of the new headquarters and visitor center at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Historical Society will host its first Vintage Book Offering and Wine and Cheese Tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Molokai
Ten years ago, Mo`omomi was vibrant, green and healthy, with plentiful fish, according to Molokai-born Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. Now, he said, the landscape is suffering, resources are being depleted, and the buildings are facing a high level of vandalism and damage. Because of this, Ayau has made a tough decision: erect a gate at Mo`omomi and initiate managed access to the area. Molokai Dispatch.