Hawaii Health Department sued over lack of elderly home inspection reports, cool schools bids come in lower, Kauai water quality lawsuit filed, campaign money follows incumbents, bottled volcanic water comes right from the tap, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Leahi Hospital, courtesy Hawaii Health Systems Corp.

The state’s failure to post inspection reports of state-licensed care facilities online has prompted advocates for the elderly to go to court to force the state to comply with the law. Civil Beat.

A senior citizens advocacy organization is suing the Hawaii Department of Health for failing to post inspection reports online for care homes that serve seniors and the disabled. Star-Advertiser.

Construction bids for the state’s “cool schools” initiative have started to trend lower since the Department of Education announced last month that an initial round of proposals came in significantly over budget. Star-Advertiser.

American fishermen are digging in for a fight over a proposal to shut down the vestiges of the U.S. harvest of shark fins, prized for soup and traditional medicine in Asia, and send a message to the rest of the world. Associated Press.

Why It’s So Hard To Find A Fresh Voice In Hawaii Politics. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has an easy route to re-election. Oh, there are candidates who’d love to unseat him. They just struggle to get noticed. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono isn’t up for election until 2018, but she continues to add more cash to her campaign coffers. Hirono raised $111,352 from April 1 to June 30, according the latest reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

It’s interesting that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard thinks she needs more money, as she raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period and reported nearly $1.9 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Board of Water Supply crew is patching a water main break in a sinkhole on Punaluu Valley Road that has left residents without water and a road on which to exit their neighborhood by vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

Darby scooted off to the north a weaker storm Monday, but not before pounding Oahu with enough rain Sunday night to stop freeway traffic, knock out power, spill sewage and trigger some serious flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Finalize $175 Million Plan To Protect Waikiki From Flooding. Tropical Storm Darby was a reminder that a much bigger 100-year flood could devastate Honolulu’s economic engine. Civil Beat.

Honolulu not building enough housing for its population, report says. Pacific Business News.

For the first time since state Rep. John Mizuno originally ran for the Legislature 10 years ago, he faces a Democratic primary opponent in the race for House District 28, which encompasses Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights and part of Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Rod Tam Crosses The Aisle To Try To Come Back. Talking with Rod Tam about his guilty plea, his nights in jail and why he’s running for the state Senate as a Republican. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

County water is source of premium brand. The California Department of Public Health is investigating a complaint about Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water involving “issues such as labeling and source water requirements associated with Waiakea.” Tribune-Herald.

No one on the Big Island has been issued a concealed carry license and that is unlikely to change any time soon in the wake of a recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling, attorneys say. West Hawaii Today.

The lava flow from Kilauea’s Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent crossed the Kalapana emergency route Monday afternoon as it approached the coastline. Tribune-Herald.

An active lava flow from Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent was less than a quarter-mile from the ocean as of Monday morning, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

The 61g lava flow has crossed the coastal emergency road that connects the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Kalapana. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Plans call for opening a new burial site at the Maui Veterans Cemetery by mid-September, which would add much-needed space for deceased veterans and their spouses, state and county officials said last week. Maui News.

A public hearing on the revised draft Honua'ula Habitat Conservation Plan will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Five blacktip reef shark pups have recently became a part of the marine life at Maui Ocean Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

The nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice filed a lawsuit Monday against Hawaii’s Agribusiness Development Corporation alleging it allows pesticides and chemicals to flow unchecked through Kauai’s Mana Plain and into waterways. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Department of Health and Agribusiness Development Corporation are both facing a lawsuit for allegedly polluting Kauai’s Westside waters. Garden Island.

A draft environmental assessment on a proposed residential treatment facility for adolescents on Kauai battling substance abuse is now available for public review. Star-Advertiser.

A draft environmental assessment is being prepared for the repair or replacement of the Kapaa Stream Bridge, on Kuhio Highway near mile marker 10. Garden Island.

Patricia Wistinghausen said the first day representing Kauai as a delegate in the Democratic National Convention was “crazy and crowded.” Garden Island.

Hawaii Department of Health Announces the Selection of Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensees (Press Release)

Marijuana bud, courtesy pixabay commons

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health has selected eight applicants to receive Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses. The Department will award three licenses for the City and County of Honolulu, two licenses each for the Counties of Hawaii and Maui, and one dispensary license for the County of Kauai as allowed in Chapter 329D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

While the announcement of the selected applicants is being made today, selected applicants are required to pay a licensing fee of $75,000 to the Department of Health within seven days of receiving their written notice of selection to be awarded a dispensary license. If the application fee is not timely paid by close of business on the seventh day, the selected applicant will be disqualified, and the Department shall select the next highest scoring applicant for the county, pursuant to section 329D-4(c) HRS, and section 11-850-21(b), HAR.

The applicants that have been selected for dispensary licenses are:

City and County of Honolulu

• Aloha Green Holdings Inc.
• Manoa Botanicals LLC
• TCG Retro Market 1, LLC dba Cure Oahu

County of Hawaii

• Hawaiian Ethos LLC
• Lau Ola LLC

County of Maui

• Maui Wellness Group, LLC
• Pono Life Sciences Maui, LLC

County of Kauai

• Green Aloha, Ltd.

“Upon the completion of the selection process and the awarding of licenses, the Department of Health will begin working with the selected licensees to ensure the safety of their products, and the safety of patients and the public,” said State Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “We look forward to improving access to marijuana for registered patients who have medical needs, and increasing educational opportunities for healthcare professionals.”

After receiving more than 60 applications in January, the department conducted a rigorous review and selection process. A four-member selection panel reviewed and scored applications based on thirteen merit criteria, some of which include the ability to operate a business, a plan and timeline for operations, proof of financial stability, ability to comply with security requirements, and capacity to meet patient needs.

A dispensary licensed pursuant to Chapter 329D, HRS, may begin dispensing marijuana no sooner than July 15, 2016, with the approval of the Department of Health.  Each dispensary licensee may operate up to two production centers and two retail dispensing locations within the county they are licensed to serve. Margaret Leong, Supervisor for the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensing Program, explained that, “There are many steps the dispensaries will need to take in order to actually start production and dispensing, so we can’t say exactly when the dispensing will begin. But we are excited to start working with the selected licensees on the next steps.”

Pursuant to section 11-850-20, Hawaii Administrative Rules, the Department is holding unselected applications in reserve to offer a license to the next highest scoring applicant if the selected applicants fail to timely pay the required licensing fee.  When all available licenses have been issued, the unselected applications will be removed from the list of reserved applications and the Department will notify all applicants of their status, at which time they will have an opportunity to appeal the denial.  

The department will post a list of the total scores received by applicants upon completion of the awarding of licenses, which is anticipated to be completed within the next two weeks. The scores will be posted at http://health.hawaii.gov/medicalmarijuana/. More information about both the medical marijuana dispensary program and the registry program are located at the website.

Native Hawaiian march draws thousands to Waikiki, Monsanto lobbyist hired to head Maui agency, medical marijuana dispensary businesses vie for limited licenses, feds take Health Department to task on grants, Oahu residents cite homeless growth, Maui hospitals attract suitors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian march in Waikiki, courtesy Walter Ritte

Thousands of demonstrators, many carrying Hawaiian flags, marched through Waikiki on Sunday in an appeal to government to protect Hawaii’s natural resources for future generations. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of Hawaiians mobilized in Waikiki on Sunday for the “Aloha Aina Unity March” — a massive show of strength that organizers hope to translate into ongoing political actions. Civil Beat.

Thousands of Aloha Aina advocates marched down Waikiki on Sunday striving to send a message to visiting astronomers and tourists. Hawaii News Now.

Medical marijuana dispensaries won’t be operating for another year, and the state Department of Health isn’t even accepting applications for licenses to grow and sell marijuana until January. But potential licensees are already acquiring land, entering partnerships and raising money to boost their chances of obtaining one of the eight licenses that will be available. Civil Beat.


Hawaii is at risk of losing federal water infrastructure improvement funds if the state doesn't start lending the money to counties more efficiently. Associated Press.

Year after year, the Hawaii Department of Health has failed to spend tens of millions of federal dollars earmarked for shoring up Hawaii’s drinking water infrastructure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Star-Advertiser.


On the fifth floor of the Hawaii State Capitol Friday, state and federal officials inked a 2015 Hawaii Catastrophic Hurricane Plan as the islands face another potential tropical storm. Civil Beat.


Oahu

Oahu residents overwhelmingly believe the island’s homeless problem has gotten worse over the past year and is hurting both the overall economy and their own quality of life, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.


Residents say they like the idea of homeless shelters in places such as Sand Island, and even say they’re willing to have a temporary shelter in their own neighborhood, if it helps ease the overall problem, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.


Both Governor David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell sat down with Hawaii News Now and the Star-Advertiser to discuss the results of the poll on homelessness in Hawaii.

The National Park Service on Friday said it was naming the superintendent of national parks in the Seattle area to oversee the USS Arizona Memorial, which has been rocked by alleged ticket sales even though people aren’t ever supposed to pay to visit the solemn site honoring World War II dead. Associated Press.

Two hospitals serving some of Oahu's most vulnerable patients are in financial crisis. Leahi and Maluhia hospitals have frozen admissions and are cutting staff. They're also reducing the number of available beds by 25-percent, a decision that will have a broader impact for medical care around the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

The cautionary context for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s imminent plan to convert Oahu’s 50,000, 2,300-kelvin, high-pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights to brighter, bluer, 4,000K LED lamps — despite public pleas that he consider a cost-neutral and less harsh, 2,700-to-3,000K alternative — certainly calls for some review. Civil Beat.


It's no secret that The University of Hawaii Athletics Department has been losing money for years. Now, the question is will its new athletic director be able to change that fact? KITV4.


Hawaii

A dispute over who should build a senior living center in Kailua-Kona has one party warning there could be a glut of such units for seniors, or the area could end up having no new units at all. West Hawaii Today.

A report of shifting crime levels and complaints about officers on Mauna Kea were talked about Friday during the Hawaii County Police Commission meeting in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

One year after Tropical Storm Iselle made landfall on Hawaii Island, its lasting impact may be one of better preparedness in the event of future storms. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Two major Hawaii health care organizations are preparing their proposals to manage the state's public hospitals on Maui. Pacific Business News.


The head of the Maui region of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. told PBN Friday it was disappointed that the United Public Workers union filed a complaint for an injunction to block its path towards privatization. Pacific Business News.


Carol Reimann, who had been community and government affairs manager for Monsanto Hawaii, has been named director of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Mayor Alan Arakawa announced Friday. Maui News.

In a move that’s sure to keep the county’s anti-Monsanto/GMO activists buzzing for months (but perfectly illustrates the very tight bonds that connect local government with big business), Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa has appointed Carol Reimann to be the new Housing and Human Concerns Director. MauiTime.

Despite criticism from activists against genetically modified organisms, Carol Reimann does not expect her experience working for Monsanto Hawaii will affect any decisions she makes in her new job as director of the county Department of Housing & Human Concerns. Maui News.

Preserving the historic character of bridges along Hana Highway, some of which are more than a century old, is a top concern as the state finalizes a comprehensive plan to maintain those landmarks. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. is moving into large scale - "first of their kind on Maui" solar ventures with plans to purchase a total of 5.7 megawatts of photovoltaic power from projects in Lahaina and Kihei. Maui News.

County crews continue to respond to waterline breaks in South Maui and Haʻikū. Maui Now.

Kauai

Swim at your own risk. No plans for lifeguard towers at Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

The Kauai Creative Technology Center, a project of the Kauai Economic Development Board, will provide a multipurpose creative technology facility for workforce training, a hub for film and music industry professionals, as well as an audio and video resource center for members of the community. Garden Island.

Commercial real estate booming, judge extends moratorium on Maui GMO ban, Aloha Stadium needs $200M, fire chief suspends critics, over-budget Honolulu rail project seeks bailout, tech troubles Hawaii County, rats plague Health Department, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Downtown Honolulu © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's commercial real estate market has moved from a rebound to full-blown boom, according to a tally of major property sales last year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige earned the respect of his colleagues during his long, successful career in the Hawaii Senate, which an outsider might assume earned him political capital to sway votes. But that wasn't the case during Ige's first major political test as governor, when most of the members of his old political faction in the Senate — the Chess Club — were among the majority of senators who planned to reject his nominee for Department of Land and Natural Resources before a scheduled vote on the Senate floor. Associated Press.

Unlike the Carleton Ching nomination for the director of DLNR, the confirmation of the director and deputy director for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism passed committee and the full senate with no hang-ups. Hawaii Independent.

Department of Health employees say they're getting sick from unsanitary working conditions at their office, caused by an infestation of rats. Hawaii News Now.

The deadline for applications to fill vacancies on the state Ethics and Campaign Spending commissions has been extended to March 31. There is one vacancy on the Ethics Commission, and two on the Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The number of visitors filling hotel rooms in January declined across all major islands except Maui, causing a dip in statewide occupancy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hotels had a good week last week, showing increases in both occupancy and room rates, according to the weekly report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR, Inc. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The latest report from the independent contractor monitoring Oahu's public rail transit project echoes what rail leaders first acknowledged publicly in December: that despite their public assurances that the project would come in on time and on budget, the effort will "most likely exceed" what it was supposed to cost. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers seem poised to bail out Honolulu’s over-budget elevated rail system, but they have yet to find the right tax formula. On Thursday, a state Senate panel approved a convoluted House measure that could extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge for an additional 25 years. Civil Beat.

To keep Aloha Stadium operational for the next 30 years will cost $200 million just to address priority health and safety problems, a consultant told the Aloha Stadium Authority on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has reaffirmed an earlier informal opinion by its staff that said Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other city officials were acting within the scope of their duties when they used city resources in an attempt to rally the community behind an effort to stave off possible downsizing of military troops on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people have weighed in so far on the future of Ala Moana Beach Park. But many are asking – why not work on the things that need to be fixed now? KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers’ latest attempt to swap urban state property for private farm land appears to be dead this legislative session. The Senate passed a bill earlier this month that proposed spending $400,000 next fiscal year to investigate the possibility of acquiring lands owned by Dole Food Company between the North Shore and central Oahu that may be suitable for long-term diversified agriculture production. Civil Beat.

The buyer of the $8.7 million Hawaii beachfront estate known as the home of Tom Selleck’s 1980's television character “Magnum P.I.” — a Chicago entity with close ties to President Barack Obama — has "strong ties to Hawaii," the firm that represented the seller said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

A former program director of an Oahu transitional homeless shelter has been charged in the theft of more than $700,000 from her former employer. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The county has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on two audiovisual systems that were supposed to connect the West Hawaii Civic Center with the county building in Hilo. Four years after buying the system, the county in January finally tried to use it, only to find it doesn’t work properly and one of the warranties has already run out. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Fire Chief Darren Rosario has suspended two battalion chiefs after they complained about his alleged mismanagement of the department. They've been on paid leave for four months -- and now are under investigation themselves for speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

There will be no changes this year to laws governing how Kona coffee and Kona blends are labeled. A House bill requiring that the origins of coffee used in blends be listed on the package — plus a provision that coffee carrying the Kona label have at least 51 percent coffee from that region — never received a hearing. West Hawaii Today.

While it never left Pahoa, the Puna Community Medical Center is eager to return to its home at the Pahoa Marketplace, said Clinical Programs Director Dan Domizio. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A federal judge has extended an injunction blocking Maui County’s voter-approved moratorium on genetically engineered farming from going into effect for at least another three months. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers advanced a bill today to enable neighbor island hospitals to transition into public-private partnerships, beginning with Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state House of Representatives approved its version of the state's biennium fiscal year budget Wednesday, including nearly $64 million for Central Maui capital improvement projects. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee recommended approval on Wednesday of community plan and zoning changes that would move the long-awaited Downtown Kihei project forward. Maui News.

The Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel and its twin resort, The Plantation Inn, have been voted “Number One Hotel with the Best Aloha Spirit” and “Number One Best Budget Hotel” respectively, by readers of Hawai‘i Magazine. Maui Now.

Kauai

When the maile lei to Kanikoo senior housing project was undone Thursday, 36 residents were already moved into their apartments at the site of the former in Lihue. Garden Island.

Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, in collaboration with the Kauai Fire Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Kauai Civil Defense Agency, will hold community input meetings to develop a Kauai Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Garden Island.

An 11.78-acre slice of vacant, beachfront land set aside for the proposed Coconut Plantation Resort has new owners. And the buyers, who purchased it on Thursday at an absolute auction, didn’t have to look far beyond their backyard to find it. Garden Island.

They know about birthing babies, judge says police must release records, stiff e-cig tax mulled, hospital privatization advances, state picks up $5M baggage screening tab, Waikiki tile rainbow to be restored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian family man (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Dozens of mothers and their children crowded a hallway at the Hawaii State Capitol on Monday afternoon hoping to shoot down a proposal to increase government oversight of home births. The measure, Senate Bill 2569, creates a regulatory framework for people who help women give birth at home. Home births currently aren't regulated in Hawaii and advocates for the bill say that it would make such births safer for women and their babies. Civil Beat.

Legislation proposing to establish a home birth safety board to regulate midwives and providers drew passionate testimony Monday from both sides of the spectrum. Star-Advertiser.

A new bill in the senate aims at making licensing a requirement for home birth providers. Supporters say educational mandates for those who practice mid-wifery are long overdue, but opponents fear the bill will put an end to the practice. KITV4.

For nearly 20 years, Hawaii police officers who were suspended for misconduct have been able to hide behind an exemption in the state’s public records law that prevents officials from releasing their names and details of disciplinary actions. But on Monday, in a case brought by Civil Beat, Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto ruled that police cannot be above the law when it comes to disclosure of their misconduct.

State lawmakers on Monday advanced bills that could heavily tax electronic smoking devices in Hawaii. People who sell the devices, also called vaporizers or e-cigs, turned out to hearings Friday and Monday to oppose the bills (SB2495 and SB2496). They said the devices help people stop smoking cigarettes and that high taxes could put their shops out of business. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would clear the way for public-private hospital partnerships in Hawaii is getting across-the-board support. Testimony for Senate Bill 3064, which was scheduled for a Senate Health Committee hearing Monday afternoon, shows representatives from a number of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. hospitals are in favor of the measure, which would allow nonprofit hospitals already operating in Hawaii to partner with the state-supported facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Previous measures have failed to get very far at the Legislature, but now that Washington and Colorado have changed their laws on marijuana, Hawaii lawmakers are given the idea another look. Civil Beat.

A bill that would remove the state’s general excise tax from groceries and medical services has stalled in the Legislature. Introduced by Sen. Sam Slom, Senate Bill 2169 would also make seeds and garden plants, as well as meals prepared for those age 60 and above, exempt from the GET. Big Island Now.

Of all the ants in all the world, Hawaii had to get bitten by this one. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday advanced a bill aiming to study and kill the little fire ant, a hard-stinging pipsqueak that threatens the state's economy and ecology. Associated Press.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: Feb. 11. Civil Beat.

State Land Board Chairman William Aila said he will seek fines against two people who damaged a front door of Iolani Palace and made their way into the historic building Sunday morning. Star-Advertiser.

KHON2 has exclusive video of two suspects arrested for vandalizing Iolani Palace over the weekend.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is currently considering his third appointment to the Hawaii Supreme Court. He received a list of six candidates from the Judicial Selection Commission on Jan. 27. Under the state Constitution a governor must make the judicial appointment within 30 days of receiving the commission's list. That deadline falls on Feb. 26. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health will temporarily be without a director. Gary Gill, who Gov. Neil Abercrombie named as interim director after Loretta Fuddy died in a plane crash off Molokai in December, returned to his deputy director for environmental health administration post on Monday after the interim appointment expired. Star-Advertiser.

The number of discrimination complaints filed statewide increased in 2013, with retaliation as the most common suit against employers. Garden Island.

Scientists are using crittercams and crowdsourcing to bust myths about Hawaiian monk seals.  The incredible footage they're gathering from little cameras mounted onto the seals' backs are dispelling misconceptions many have had about the endangered species. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu
The state Department of Transportation is paying $5 million for a baggage screening contract at Honolulu International Airport that airlines used to pay for, Hawaii News Now has learned.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is visiting the Philippines. Caldwell's office says the purpose of the visit is to strengthen ties, promote business opportunities and renew sister-city relationships. Associated Press.

Come rain or shine, a rainbow always will grace the Waikiki skyline thanks to Hilton Hawaiian Village's $4.25 million commitment to restore the colorful ceramic-tile bands around the sides of its Rainbow Tower. Star-Advertiser.

There’s a proposal to install a zipline above an Aiea neighborhood, but not everyone is happy about it. The Aiea Neighborhood Board will take up the issue at its monthly meeting. KHON2.

Shares of Cardax Pharmaceuticals rose sharply on the first day of public trading for the Honolulu-based biotech firm. Cardax opened at $1.50 a share and rose as high as $3.25 a share before closing at $3.05 in the over-the-counter market. Trading volume was 5,200 shares. Star-Advertiser.

Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA, which won the 2013 America’s Cup in one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, will be the keynote speaker at a Hawaii Coast Guard Foundation event in April. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Legislation seeking an environmental study of Keauhou Bay, the creation of an ocean management recreation area and a moratorium on new commercial vessels permits in the area is likely dead. House Bill 2226 was considered Friday during a joint hearing with the Committee on Land &Water and Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs at the state Capitol. West Hawaii Today.

The state House Committee on Higher Education will hear a bill today proposing funding for the Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency program. The program, administered by Hilo Medical Center and Hawaii Health Systems Corp., is viewed as an important tool to help address the Big Island’s growing doctor shortage. Tribune-Herald.

The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the state’s Clean Air Branch to modify or reissue an air pollution permit for the proposed Hu Honua Bioenergy facility in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Home Birth Bill in Senate Prompts Demonstration on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Authorities are investigating the poisoning deaths of five pets in a Kauai subdivision but say it's unclear whether they were intentional. The four dogs and one cat were poisoned Jan. 25 in Kalaheo using paraquat, a highly toxic pesticide used to kill unwanted plants, state Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi said. Associated Press.

The Anianiau is one of six Kauai forest birds found nowhere else on Earth, restricted to the high elevations of Kokee and the Alakai Swamp. Garden Island.

Rising for justice. Red flags aim to raise awareness for domestic violence. Garden Island.

Civil unions coming to Hawaii, new taxes boost revenue forecast, state tops nation in teen suicide attempts, new BOE flexes muscle, Kauai food bank fight continues, Maui flights boost tourism, Big Island crime patterns change, more news

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) All Hawaii News

The state Department of Health expects to issue the first licenses for civil unions by Dec. 3, with the expressed, written understanding that the authorizations would not take effect until Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

The State Council on Revenues raised its projections today for General Fund tax collections this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's economy is expected to grow slowly, despite the overall dreary financial outlook from economists. KITV4.

At a Tuesday meeting Hawaii’s Council on Revenues projected substantial growth to the state's general fund for the next several years, but much of that is due to tax increases passed by state lawmakers, not a strengthening economy. KHON2.

Hawaii high school students had the highest self-reported prevalence of seriously considering suicide, making a plan and attempting suicide in the nation. They also had the third highest rate of being sad or hopeless. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii health officials are sponsoring events statewide to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week. Associated Press.

The public will have the chance to voice their opinion on the possible closure of several Hawaii post offices starting Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The question of whether the media should be able to live blog from a federal court trial in Hawaii is again up for debate. Civil Beat.

State health officials responded more quickly to the swine flu and SARS viruses because of techniques and equipment developed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but modern-day priorities mean they are less focused on monitoring Hawaii’s milk supply and tracking diseases such as tuberculosis. Honolulu Advertiser.

A group of retired military leaders who drew attention last year with its claim that overweight children are a threat to national security, are now targeting Hawaii's obesity rates. Associated Press.

Hawaii's Board of Education members promised culture change during their confirmation hearings earlier this year, and barely more than four months later, it's clear that they're already bringing it. Civil Beat.

Students get reprimanded for turning in an incomplete report and today so did the Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Home sales on Hawaii island and Kauai rose or remained unchanged in August compared with a year earlier while prices mostly declined, according to the latest report from Hawaii Information Service. Star-Advertiser.

Against a backdrop of local slowing and deteriorating conditions in the U.S. and global economy, Hawaii will see only modest growth in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Seven species of Native Hawaiian bees will be placed on the endangered species list. KHON2.

Oahu

The city began notifying groups early on this year that permits for events in November could be rejected because of the security surrounding the upcoming economic summit. KITV4.

The Board of Education wants a better study before taking a possible elementary school closure to a public hearing. KHON2.

The state Board of Education wants more information on the impacts of closing Likelike Elementary in Kalihi before the cost-saving proposal is taken to the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Big Island's fastest-growing district has experienced a double-digit drop in crime. Tribune-Herald.

The instances of murder, rape and robbery in West Hawaii increased last year compared to 2009. West Hawaii Today.

Land preservation proponents today will begin the long process of trying to get a 2 percent land fund amendment on the ballot -- again. West Hawaii Today.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources staff is recommending approval of a month's worth of high-altitude helicopter training on the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa for Army pilots and crews deploying to Afghanistan in January. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui has been getting a whole bunch of direct nonstop flights that will go a long way toward helping carry the economic momentum the Valley Isle has been seeing for much of the last year. Pacific Business News.

This summer, seven high school students experienced what it is like to be a doctor as they made rounds with physicians at the hospital, witnessed surgeries and even dealt with dying patients. Maui News.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has scheduled hearings this month in Kaunakakai and Kihei to gather public input on a draft programmatic environmental impact statement for its plans to help the recovery of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Maui News.

Fire officials say arson is the cause of a fire that broke out at the Maui Drug Court Office Tuesday morning. KHON2.

Kauai

In recent weeks, Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank in Lihu‘e has been fending off a flurry of accusations made by an O‘ahu food bank official. A central allegation is that KIFB charges a steep service fee while Hawai‘i Food Bank does not. Garden Island.

County prosecutors are concerned that marijuana legalization advocates may influence state legislative decisions because those advocates are well organized and more active than their opponents. Garden Island.

Public parks, private profits? Big changes coming to Hawaii restaurant inspections, ocean nibbling Kauai development, Maui tech park in the works, Big Island school kitchens clean, electric bills, tuition going up, more news

Oahu North Shore beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A father and son from Oahu have a dramatic fishing tale to tell and video to prove it. They came face to face with a tiger shark while spearfishing on the Big Island Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Allowing private companies to profit from state parks and beaches may sound like a tough sell in Hawaii. But Act 55, signed into law two months ago by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, facilitates just that. Civil Beat.

Big changes are coming to the way the state Department of Health inspects and evaluates food establishments. West Hawaii Today.

Without union agreement, the state is forging ahead on a pilot program in the coming school year that will substantially change how some public school teachers are evaluated, basing their rating in part on the academic growth of their students. Star-Advertiser.

The state will be applying for the new “Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge” federal grant administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Filipino Chronicle.

Hawaii has long been a national leader in the generation and consumption of solar energy, and the state continues to be a concrete example of the growth of the solar energy industry in the United States. Hawaii Independent.

A solar-powered charging station in Honolulu is being used to study the impact electric vehicles can have on electric grids.Associated Press.

Hawaii has been largely successful in preventing snakes from entering the island paradise over the years and avoiding the grave danger they present to tropical birds, colorful plants and the vibrant environment that draws millions of tourists to the state each year. Associated Press.

An advisory committee to help Honolulu find a new landfill site must weigh dozens of possible choices Star-Advertiser.

The Mayor of Honolulu went on the offensive today in the battle of what to do with the city’s wastewater sludge. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu residents will begin paying more for electricity starting Tuesday. KITV4.

When University of Hawaii at Hilo students set pen to checkbook this summer in preparation for the first day of classes on Aug. 21, they will no doubt notice that tuition has once again increased. Tribune-Herald.

Schools on the Big Island keep their kitchens pretty clean. West Hawaii Today.

New plans in the works for Maui high-tech park. Maui News.

Ocean eating Anahola properties. Garden Island.

A Maui-based veterans charity called "highly questionable" by a watchdog group and now under review by the state attorney general's office has dropped its website, but the organization's president vows to resume operations. Star-Advertiser.

Four Punahou graduates are hoping to change the on-line marketplace when buying and selling college textbooks. KHON2.

Kealakehe High students will no longer earn a "D." West Hawaii Today.

The start of direct flights from Shanghai to Honolulu is welcome news for Hawaii tourism industry officials still recovering from the impact of the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami as well as state’s persistent economic downturn. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii radiation fears rekindled, mini-furlough proposed for public workers, lawmakers consider tax hikes, plastic bag fees, gifts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trace amounts of radiation from Japan's nuclear crisis were detected in Hawaii for the first time Monday night as fallout spread as far as Iceland, officials said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

The Conversation for 3/23: Stop worrying about radiation! Hawaii Public Radio.

The more than 250 people who attended an emergency preparedness meeting in Ewa Beach Tuesday night were told Hawaii does not face the same kind of tsunami threat as Japan and that people here should have confidence in the state's published tsunami evacuation zones. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service has issued an advisory of strong winds for all islands. Associated Press.

The state Civil Defense will test Oahu sirens on Wednesday and Thursday on Oahu. KITV4.

Recovering from the tsunami: PBN’s continuing coverage. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's government employers, the four county mayors and the governor, may be offering a mini-furlough to government workers in effort to win approval of a 5 percent pay cut. KITV4.

State Senate President Shan Tsu­tsui said yesterday that a general excise tax increase is an option to close the budget deficit. Star-Advertiser.

Choosing paper or plastic bags may cost you a nickel in the future.  Lawmakers are strongly considering a bill aimed at shifting public behavior from single-use plastic and paper bags to re-usable bags. KHON2.

Hawaii will remain one of a handful of states where the attorney general is appointed, after the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday rejected a proposal to make it an elected position. Star-Advertiser.

After hearing strong opposition, the House Judiciary Committee delayed a decision on a bill to allow state employees, including lawmakers, to accept free tickets to nonprofit fundraisers and even foreign junkets without restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators quizzed state Ethics Commission executive director Leslie Kondo this afternoon about recent guidance he has delivered on gifts that lawmakers may not accept under the state Ethics Code. Hawaii Reporter.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is in Hawaii tonight -- his first visit to the Islands since being appointed to the cabinet-level position by President Obama two years ago. KHON2.

Although U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was the guest of honor at a Tuesday night gathering of politicians and union leaders in a Hilton Hawaiian Village conference room, the event was mostly a testament to Sen. Dan Inouye's influence. Star-Advertiser.

A month after denying a cell phone carrier a permit to install a 150-foot pole by Halfway Bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway, the county Planning Commission on Wednesday granted Sprint/Nextel a request for reconsideration. Garden Island.

The developer of a regional mall planned for East Kapolei on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property received approval yesterday from the Hawaiian Homes Commission to build a small phase initially and defer paying rent on most of the land for up to six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy scored a major victory on Monday when a long-awaited report recommended the approval of its biomass-burning power plant in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

A tight county budget inspired little participation Monday evening, with only 10 people coming out to a County Council public hearing to comment on the $366.1 million spending plan. West Hawaii Today.

Tower rises in place of old one. Maui News.

Mayor’s Aloha Garden sprouts more gardens. Garden Island.

Hawaii veterans celebrated, new state committee favors civil unions, Lingle mulls Senate run, Health Department changing restaurant rules, tourism up, Queen Liliuokalani Elementary fears closure, Maui business bucks sign rules, Hawaii sues for drug overcharges, more news

Hawaii celebrates Veterans Day with a number of ceremonies on Thursday. KITV4.

Honoring veterans is shared experience. Garden Island.

Hope for Homeless Veterans. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii arrivals by air for the first third of November were up 14% from the same time last year, with strong increases in mainland arrivals to all four operating counties. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday she will take six months off before deciding whether to run for the U.S. Senate in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

The new composition of the Hawaii Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee favors same-sex civil unions. Associated Press.

As chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Daniel Inouye's schedule is packed with meetings and special events. KHON2.

The state health department is working to draft new food rules that will affect every restaurant in the state. KITV4.

Hawaii on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against two companies to recover what the state believes were prescription drug overcharges. Associated Press.

Attorney General Mark Bennett announced today that the State of Hawai`i has filed a complaint against McKesson Corporation and First DataBank, Inc., as part of an ongoing effort to recover for what the State believes were prescription drug overcharges to the State. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will hear an update Friday on an investigation into a Dec. 2, 2009, incident in which 125 concrete slabs were mistakenly dropped on a living reef at Keawakapu. Maui News.

Acting city Managing Director Doug Chin appears headed to confirmation after sailing through his committee hearing yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Results in all races in the 2010 Hawaii elections are expected to stand after the last likely challenger conceded his race for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

A review by Civil Beat casts doubt on lieutenant governor's assertion that his only involvement with the founder and president of Harvest Evangelism was at 2006 meeting. Civil Beat.

Surrounded by landowners, neighbors and Hawaiian activists, the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday took a firsthand look at a public road one of its members is asking to turn over to property owners. West Hawaii Today.

Kaheawa Wind Power II's draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment are available for public review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. Maui News.

As one of the older schools on Oahu, and bearing the name of Hawaii’s beloved last reigning monarch, the prospect of closing Queen Liliuokalani Elementary is a source of great concern to many within Kaimuki. Hawaii Independent.

Man is giving Mother Nature a hand to protect and preserve one of the last frontiers on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The once abandoned pool at Kaluakoi Hotel was recently revitalized by Molokai Ranch workers and is now open to residents and guests. Molokai Dispatch.

Even after being threatened with a county citation, Maui Coffee Roasters owner Nicky "Beans" Matichyn refused to remove a window painting that announced what he was selling in his store. Maui News.

Hilo repair shop to close after nearly six decades in business. Tribune-Herald.

On any given day at the Kaunakakai arena, Chelsea Sakamoto is saddled up on a horse with rope in hand, heart pumping, and a gaze fixed on an all-too unpredictable steer. Molokai Dispatch.

If you eat seafood, chances are good it came from a fish farm somewhere in the world. Big Island Weekly.

In 1971, Pentagon consultant Daniel Ellsberg leaked 7,000 pages of documents on the Vietnam War to the New York Times. Honolulu Weekly.

Maui County cuts public access to save a buck, program for addict mothers losing funds while sterilization draws debate, Star Bulletin owner puts property for sale, county parks not maintained, restaurant inspections targeted, more Hawaii news

With Hawai'i's unemployment rate hovering at the highest level in three decades, Gov. Linda Lingle will offer $10 million to help businesses hire new workers by covering half of the workers' health care premiums for one year.


It was a war of words at the state capitol and Governor Linda Lingle took the first shot.

A bill moving through the Legislature would allow the Health Department to use the fees it gets from restaurants to hire more inspectors and put food violation records online.

Funding is in jeopardy for a clinic that has provided prenatal care to 200 pregnant women struggling with addictions and has delivered 82 babies with good results.

The one-woman show that is Project Prevention completed a three-day stint in Honolulu last week, generating 37 calls to the toll-free line and debate about Barbara Harris' unconventional approach to stopping substance-exposed births by paying drug addicts and alcoholics $300 to obtain long-term birth control or be sterilized.

Oahu Publications, Inc.(OPI) is selling the assets used in connection with the publication of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin newspaper, including the Star-Bulletin masthead and the URL, starbulletin.com, and related land, buildings and production assets.

Maui County's budget shortfalls have led to another cutback - television coverage of county boards and commissions.

Akaku: Maui Community Television and other public-access television stations would not have to compete for their contracts under a bill moving through the state Legislature.

The United Public Workers union announced that one of its units, which represents 9,000 blue-collar workers, overwhelmingly approved a new contract agreement with the state and counties.

Hanalei Bay might be touted as the best beach in America, but the bathroom facilities would likely be rated the worst, said Kaua‘i resident Jeff Tucker.

Plans by China's Hainan Airlines to provide service between Beijing and Honolulu appear to be running behind schedule again.

Embattled Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam said he will introduce a resolution to eliminate the discretionary fund allowance given to council members to avoid the same problems he has encountered.

Police cited 167 Big Island drivers in the first two months of the new ban on using cell phones and hand-held electronic devices while driving.

The parking lot at Pu'u Pua'i Overlook in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be closed Monday, March 15, through Wednesday, March 31, for repaving.

Hundreds of beer enthusiasts ascended upon Kailua-Kona Saturday, taking in the views while enjoying a few cold brews to support local nonprofits.

Aging in 22-ounce bottles at the Kona Brewing Company is a very green beer.

For 17 years, the Friends of Moku'ula have dug through red tape to unearth ruins linked to Hawaii's ancient monarchy - and what many consider to be the greatest archeological find in the entire state.

Chinatown rat video sends Health Department scurrying, elections worries escalate, more news

Blogger exposes rat problem in Chinatown

An appetite-killing video spreading around the Internet of rats leaping and scurrying over produce at an indoor Chinatown food stall prompted the state Health Department yesterday to issue a citation to the business — while highlighting Chinatown's perennial problem with rats and other potentially disease-carrying vermin.

When the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled three years ago that the public shoreline extends to the seasonally highest wash of the waves, many saw it as a sign that wealthy coastal landowners would no longer be allowed to extend their yards onto the beach.

The resignation of Chief Election Officer Kevin Cronin is renewing concerns about whether there is enough money, manpower and time to plan successful elections next year.

People in Hawaii have given less money at red kettles across the state so far this year, compared to last year at this time, the Salvation Army said.

A 54-foot fishing vessel, the Logan, ran aground about 50 yards offshore of the John Dominis restaurant at Kewalo Basin at around 7:30 AM Wednesday. According to fire officials on the scene, the Logan was returning to Kewalo when the incident occurred.

The final two components of a plan to manage Mauna Kea were rolled out Tuesday in Hilo at a public open house.

Facing unprecedented deficits, the Hawaii County Council will take its first stab at next year's budget at its meeting today.

No concrete pads for the planned affordable townhouses at the Aina Lea project in South Kohala have been poured, the infrastructure is not in place and no progress is yet visible from Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Whale experts will be monitoring the location of a juvenile humpback after failing to free the animal from several hundred feet of heavy rope Tuesday.

A state court judge on Wednesday ruled in favor of Lady Ann Cruises and against Kaua‘i County in a Hanalei boating case.

The "facts" on roadside spraying depend largely on whom you listen to or care to believe.

Honolulu welcomes lingerie choices, Hilo Hattie emerging from Chpt. 11, shipping costs come down

People identified as most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu, or swine flu, will find out soon when, where and how they can get vaccinated, state health officials say.

Pomare Ltd. dba Hilo Hattie expects to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Donald B.S. Kang.

About 600 people lined up for the grand opening of the first Victoria's Secret in Hawaii on Thursday.

As a result of recent declines in bunker fuel prices, Matson announced today that it is decreasing its fuel surcharge by four percentage points, from 28 to 24% for its Hawaii service, and from 29.5 to 25.5% for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia service, effective October 4.

A Kaua‘i judge has ordered a contractor to provide 2,200 cubic yards of rock for a breach in historic Hapa Trail in Po‘ipu.

Whether you're stuck in traffic on the H-1 Freeway, or waiting in line at the grocery store, it's easy to get bogged down with life. But there's a place on the leeward coast that gets down to the basics and teaches people how to live off the 'aina.

Puna residents peppered Mayor Billy Kenoi and his Cabinet with questions Wednesday night in a wide-ranging "talk story" session.

Thanks to the rapid response and generous support of library users across the state, a portion of the donations to the "Keep Your Library Open!" campaign will be used to keep Mountain View Public and School Library open during October.

When incarceration and fines aren't the answer, judges can offer convicted offenders the chance to right their wrongs by making nonmonetary restitution through court-ordered community service.

The Maui Planning Commission voted this week to recommend a long-range plan that would set aside more than 3,000 acres for new development over the next 20 years.