Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Legislature seeks to improve Farm to School program, Honolulu prosecutor wants big raise, Election Day may be out as a state holiday, Clintons visit Kilauea Volcano, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bills to improve DOE’s Farm to School program moving forward. A host of bills moving through the state Legislature represent the latest effort in an ongoing movement to bring healthier, locally sourced meals to Hawaii’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

A $500 State Tax Credit For School Supplies? Hawaii Teachers Say That’s A Good Start. Out-of-pocket expenses from pencils to lesson plans are a fact of life for educators. Civil Beat.

‘Life is not a standardized test’: Effort underway to change student assessments in Hawaii. Standardized tests measure a student’s ability to recognize and recall information, but when it comes to analyzing and applying what is learned in the classroom, a new type of testing called authentic assessments is gaining traction. Tribune-Herald.

Election Day May Soon Be Out As A State Holiday. Instead, Hawaii would establish a new holiday honoring native peoples on the second Monday of each October. Civil Beat.

Free Menstrual Products Proposed For State Buildings. Senate Bill 891 needs to clear a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Friday to advance. Civil Beat.

Regulators Seek Public Input On Energy Projects In Hawaii. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is seeking public input in an effort to create social and economic fairness in the state’s energy system.  Civil Beat.

Lawmakers show support to expand solar access for low-income households. House Bill 949 earmarks funds for a solar energy storage system loan program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Biggest change in a century coming for HECO customers. A new pilot program rolling out in the summer is meant to save customers money, but it could cost some folks more. It’s called time of use, and it will change how much your electricity costs depending on when you use it. KHON2.

Visitor arrivals in Hawaii stronger than expected. Visitor arrivals in January recovered to almost 97% of 2019, and international arrivals hit their highest monthly level since the pandemic — but maintaining that momentum likely will hinge on arrivals from Japan recovering in time to offset the loss of some U.S. visitors if a U.S. recession materializes. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green declares 2023 the 'Year of Kāhuli' to bring awareness to endemic snails. What used to span over 750 species of snails, has dwindled to about 300 — due to habitat loss and invasive predators. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Prosecuting attorney seeks pay raises. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm wants a 17% pay raise. The pay increase requested by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for its elected leader would make Alm’s salary the same as a state Circuit Court judge’s, according to a Feb. 27 letter the department sent to the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor throws his weight behind big tax break for company proposing film studio on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said a plan to build a new film studio in west Oahu will not only create high-paying jobs but will help diversify the island’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

With property taxes set to rise, Honolulu seeks advice on how to protect low-income families. To help guide policy, the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday got advice from Maui County, where over the last several years owner-occupants and homes with long-term tenants have received relief. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fireworks Cases Almost Always Get Dismissed. Here’s What We Found About Why They Fizzle. A Civil Beat analysis shows 94% of citations are dropped, but the records paint a portrait of where police try to crack down and the alleged perps. Civil Beat.

Oahu coastal property setbacks could increase. Coastal property owners would be required to locate large homes and buildings farther back from the shoreline to protect public beaches and sensitive coastal ecosystems under a bill that unanimously passed the Honolulu City Council in February and is awaiting a decision by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Star-Advertiser.

Puuloa Shooting Ranges To Be Moved Away From Shoreline. The U.S. Marine Corps said on Monday that four short-distance firing ranges at its Pu’uloa Range Training Facility will be moved inland to address concerns about erosion and potential lead contamination.  Civil Beat.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed in woman’s brutal killing just steps from police station. The estate of a woman who was brutally beaten to death at a bus stop just outside the Kapolei Police station has filed a wrongful death suit against the city. Hawaii News Now.

At a cost of $40M, large new wave pool on Oahu nearing completion. A standing wave pool being built in Ewa Beach is set to open next month, but not everyone is giving it a warm welcome. The “LineUP” at Wai Kai was originally scheduled to open this month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Safer routes for all: Bill aims to revive program that improves safety of pedestrians. A transportation program aimed at improving the safety of Hawaii’s roads and sidewalks could return to the Big Island under a new bill in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island tabbed for $73 million of DHHL’s $600 million. The Big Island’s share of $600 million appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands last year will be divided between two projects, according to the plan outlined in a report by the department. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers debate funding demands for ‘safety net hospitals’ as one facility issues stark warning. Lawmakers are responding to an HNN investigation into failing infrastructure that’s threatening the future of Kona Community Hospital. They must now decide whether to hand over nearly $19 million for emergency repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Could an independent animal control agency help Hawaiʻi Island? The Hawaiʻi County Council is working with the administration to establish an independent animal control agency. Hawaii Public Radio.

Clintons trek around Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during Big Island visit. The Clintons visited the park with their daughter Chelsea and her family, along with a security team. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Visitor Industry on Maui experiences continued recovery in January. There were 228,743 visitors to Maui in January 2023, up nearly 25% from the 183,278 visitors who arrived in January 2022, and down -2% from the 233,422 visitors who came in January 2019. Maui Now.

Green grants available for small-scale innovative environmental projects on Maui. The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management is soliciting grant applications for the Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division Grants Program, which includes a new Green Grants Program for small-scale innovative environmental initiatives or demonstration projects as well as the continuation of the Recycling Grants Program that the department administers. Maui Now.

Fuel tanks, aging DOT baseyard to get upgrades. Storage tanks not passing inspection and ‘need to be replaced as soon as possible’. Maui News.

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course to begin pilot online reservations program starting March 15. County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation staff will be at the golf course during the week of March 6 to assist golfers in setting up accounts for the online registration process. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor arrivals to Kauaʻi in January rebound to pre-pandemic level. Visitors spent $1.89 billion in Hawai’i during January 2023, which is 35 percent more than January of last year and 17% more than in pre-pandemic January 2019. Kauai Now.

Anahola Granola earns big state award. Anahola Granola was one of more than 25 honored at the 23rd annual Hawai‘i Entrepreneur Awards held Friday evening at Wai‘alae Country Club on O‘ahu. Garden Island.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Election Day preview: Candidates and parties make last sweep, second Thirty Meter Telescope appeal to Hawaii Supreme Court, DNA to prove Hawaiian homestead eligibility, Army sued over cultural access, Maui candidate calls from jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Democratic Party rally © 2016 All Hawaii News
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Hawaii Democrats and Republicans staged last-gasp sign-waving sessions before the Democrats’ traditional Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday in the final buildup to today’s voting. Star-Advertiser.

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Trump sign-wavers
United States Senator for Hawaii Mazie Hirono took to the stage of the Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday evening. Most of her comments were directed at the Clinton-Trump presidential election. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was in Hilo Monday to take part in a Democratic Party election-eve tradition. Big Island Video News.

With a polarizing presidential race, an election to replace the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai and the possibility of an all-Democrat state Senate, Hawaii voters face difficult choices at the polls. Associated Press.


copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hillary supporters
Voter registration in Hawaii is at an all-time high, but that might not translate into higher turnout on Election Day, experts said. Hawaii News Now.

Here are some things to look for in this year’s general election in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Time to cast your ballot: What Hawaii voters need to know. Star-Advertiser.

Red flag raised on the absentee voting system. KITV.

Public access to health care inspection reports filled with delays, redactions. KHON2.

Native Hawaiians could soon be able to use DNA to prove eligibility for homesteads, under new administrative rules being proposed by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

On the eve of the election, Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Charles Djou are making their final push for votes. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Army is violating a court settlement by restricting access to cultural sites in a valley many Native Hawaiians consider sacred, a lawsuit filed today alleges. Associated Press.

Measures to pave the way for transit-oriented development projects along the rail corridor are advancing even though concerns over affordable-housing requirements persist. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education wants to impose a school impact fee on all new residential development along a 4-mile stretch of the Honolulu rail line from Kalihi to Ala Moana to build or expand schools in the area. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Health announced Monday that there are 14 new cases of salmonella on Oahu and that they have been linked to limu poke, or cubed raw fish served with seaweed. Star-Advertiser.

A city worker who was depicted on live video allegedly propositioning a transgender probationer for sexual favors pleaded not guilty Monday in Oahu’s Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Regulars at Sand Island Beach Park say that someone is bringing his dogs to the park to let them kill cats for sport. At least 15 cats have turned up dead in the last four months, including three on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A group opposing the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is appealing to the state’s highest court for the second time. The group Mauna Kea Anaina Hou filed a notice of appeal with the Hawaii Supreme Court Tuesday evening. Hawaii Public Radio.

As of Saturday, 38,440 residents — or 34 percent of the county’s 113,355 registered voters — had made their voices heard at the ballot box, said Pat Nakamoto, Hawaii County elections division chief. Tribune-Herald.

Proving his political career is not over, outgoing Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi gave the opening speech at the traditional Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

The word of the day in West Hawaii Monday was inconvenience, as a fiber-optic cable break caused major disruptions to the communications grid across the island’s leeward region. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Republican state House candidate Chayne Marten called The Maui News from jail Saturday night, insisting he’s innocent of sexual assault charges and vowing that he would be exonerated. Maui News.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a former Maui corrections officer Saturday who spent two years evading law enforcement officials after being charged with sexual assault against a female inmate, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Today’s the last day to cast your vote for your representation in government at all levels, including the next president of the United States of America. Garden Island.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Democrats flock to the polls for Sanders, Army reorganization could affect Hawaii, initial rail route cut by 10 miles, airline seats, DUIs on Legislature's agenda, Maui battles for new school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger

Democrats crowd Pahoa polling place Saturday as Sanders takes Hawaii, photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger
Democratic voters who were both buoyed — and discouraged — by this year’s presidential hopefuls from both parties packed polling sites Saturday, hoping to influence the outcome of the November general elections. Star-Advertiser.

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders scored a stunning victory over Hillary Clinton in Hawaii Democrats’ presidential preference poll Saturday, mobilizing a grass-roots campaign that signed up thousands of new Democrats and defied the wishes of almost the entire “old guard” of the party. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Democrats have spoken, and they much, much prefer Bernie Sanders to Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. Sanders, the Vermont senator, defeated Clinton, the former secretary of state, 70 percent to 30 percent in the state’s presidential preference poll Saturday, with 100 percent of all precincts reporting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers will return from long holiday weekend and tackle a slew of resolutions and bills in committee hearings. They'll take up a resolution about driving under the influence of marijuana. And another resolution asks the federal government to set limits on how small airline seats can get. Associated Press.

NextEra Deal: What Happens If The PUC Loses A Member? PUC commissioner Mike Champley could be off the board on June 30. That puts a new card in Gov. David Ige’s hand. Civil Beat.

As laid out by the Army, the Army Reserve’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Hawaii, could lose some autonomy — and possibly its famed liberty torch shoulder patch — in its alignment with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks. Star-Advertiser.

Both the Hawaii House and Senate have passed their own version of bills that would ban the sale of certain wildlife parts, including elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn and shark. The bills include some exemptions, including for the age of the ivory and cultural uses. Associated Press.

A top Hawaii lawmaker is delaying a public-records request because of a dispute that could hold up similar requests for years. The outcome will likely determine whether legislators may withhold emails, calendars and other information from the public, which watchdog groups see as crucial to government accountability.  Associated Press.

Oahu

Local rail officials have decided that for the opening of the transit system, they won’t extend the route to Middle Street after all. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Chairman Ernie Martin and at least two other Council members want to mimic Seattle-style public showers and tent cities across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Both the city administration and the nonprofit Honolulu Zoo Society need to do more to ensure the longevity of the zoo, particularly providing more stable funding, current and former elected officials insist. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials are reminding Hawaii residents to get rid of mosquito-breeding grounds as the state Department of Health investigates whether four reports of travel-related mosquito-borne illness on Oahu could be the Zika virus, dengue fever or chikungunya. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The projects are being built and soon the bill will come due. A big bond sale last month by term-limited Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and the County Council will leave the next administration with a heck of a tab to pay. West Hawaii Today.

Three bills signed by the late state Sen. Gil Kahele hours before his death this past January, are moving full steam ahead through the House. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is moving forward with modified plans to improve Kukuihaele Park. A final environmental assessment was released Wednesday for the North Hawaii project. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Community College in Hilo announced its final four candidates for chancellor this week. The four candidates are Larry Buckey, Micheal Glisson, Anthony Munroe and Rachel Solemsass. Pacific Business News.

The public will get a chance next week to hear from four newly selected finalists vying to be Hawaii Community College’s next chancellor. Tribune-Herald.

About 2,412 more people resided in Hawaii County in 2015 than the year prior, newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau show. The bureau reports Hawaii Island’s population at 196,428 as of July 1, 2015, up from 194,016 the same day in 2014. That’s roughly a 1.2 percent yearly growth rate, or about a seven-person increase each day. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County Council budget committee chairman Thursday announced a slate of countywide meetings on Mayor Alan Arakawa's proposed $711.5 million budget while expressing concerns about its 14.6 percent spending increase over the current fiscal year and the assumptions on the county's take of the hotel room tax. Maui News.

Citing a Legislative Reference Bureau report showing declining enrollment at Maui High School beginning in the 2018-19 academic year, state Rep. Bob McDermott of Oahu says a new Kihei high school is not needed and that state funding should go toward building a new high school in West Oahu, which is "exploding in growth." Maui News.

Permit application requests Baldwin estate to become grand vacation rental. The former Baldwin estate in Haiku has a long history as well as a botanical garden with a collection of rare species of tropical trees collected from around the world. Maui News.

Kauai

Mix seasonal changes with chronic erosion, dash in some global warming, coral death and rise in sea level, and top all of that with one mean El Nino year — and you’ve got a cocktail of challenges for Kauai’s coastline. Garden Island.

On Sunday, the debris clogging the Morgan’s Ponds swimming pond and adjacent keiki pond kept people on land. Garden Island.

Lanai

A roughly 20-year dispute over whether a luxury resort golf course on Lanai is improperly tapping the island’s stressed drinking water supply appears headed back to the state Land Use Commission after a court ruling last week. Star-Advertiser.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Bernie Sander's wife visits Aloha State as Hawaii Democrats prepare for caucus, public records dispute slows response, Kauai streams contaminated, marijuana patients increase, success of PISCES rocket unclear, new electric substation for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
School of tropical fish © 2016 All Hawaii News
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Rep. Mark Takai have introduced the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act, legislation that would jumpstart research related to coral reef conservation. Garden Island.

Hawaii Democrats will gather for their presidential preference poll this weekend in what is expected to be a large turnout driven in part by new party members who signed up in recent months to support U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Star-Advertiser.

Two enthusiastic Honolulu receptions on Sunday for the wife of Hillary Clinton’s chief opponent, Bernie Sanders, suggests that supporters of the Vermont senator believe the Democratic primary process is far from over, despite the substantial delegate lead for the former secretary of state. Civil Beat.

Battling both a cold and the constrictions of a one-day barnstorm itinerary, Jane Sanders, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, proved herself a good listener, a well-versed explainer of all things Bernie and, when she could get away with it, an efficient speaker. Star-Advertiser.

A top Hawaii lawmaker is delaying a public records request because of a dispute that could hold up similar requests for years. The outcome will likely determine whether legislators can withhold emails, calendars and other information from the public, which watchdog groups see as crucial to government accountability. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are pursuing a bill aimed at the state’s largest health insurer’s new imaging exam rule that is frustrating physicians. Associated Press.

Hawaii already prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on their gender, but some legislators think more needs to be done to promote equal pay between men and women. Civil Beat.

What really happened at the ʻAha, part III. Impediments to carrying out the people’s business continue throughout the final days of the Native Hawaiian convention. Hawaii Independent.

At the end of February, there were more than 1,800 additional people registered as medical cannabis patients than in January 2015, the first month the DOH began overseeing the program. Broken down, that’s about a 16 percent increase between last month, when 13,244 unduplicated patients were registered, and 14 months ago, when the registry was about 11,402 people. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

With the primary election now a scant five months away, acrimony between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ernie Martin’s leadership team amped up last week, with accusations flying both ways. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital is in danger of closing if it doesn’t find the funds to keep its doors open. KHON2.

The UH Cancer Center has made significant strides in its fight against one of the world’s most deadly diseases, targeting research and clinical trials specifically to Hawaii’s diverse population. But the center is struggling to secure long-term funding from the state Legislature to help offset this year’s $7 million operating deficit and future shortfalls. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kai housing plan is criticized as ‘incursion’ Star-Advertiser.

As Stephan Jost departs the Honolulu Museum of Art for a new job in Canada, he’s leaving behind a number of achievements. Hawaii Public Radio.


Hawaii
Researchers at the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems say it’s back to the drawing board after a test Sunday showed its lunar landing pad’s interlocking mechanism wasn’t quite up to par. Tribune-Herald.

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, or PISCES, conducted a successful rocket engine firing test at its Lunar Landing Pad Site today. Big Island Video News.

The state House was kind to Hawaii Island this year, almost doubling its proposed spending for capital improvement projects compared to last year. West Hawaii Today.

Who will it be? Hillary, Bernie or Rocky? That’s what Hawaii Democrats will decide when they cast their ballots Saturday in the Hawaii Democratic Party Presidential Preference Poll, or caucus, at an array of locations around Hawaii Island.  West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Island doctor specializing in anti-aging medicine was arrested Thursday on allegations he violated the state Uniform Controlled Substances Act. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A citizens group much like the one that led Maui County's first successful ballot initiative for a moratorium on genetically engineered crops has new goals - an initiative for the county to take over sugar cane lands and convert them into the world's "largest diversified organic farms" and a voter-led charter amendment to make way for district voting for Maui County Council members. Maui News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved Maui Electric Co.'s request to build a new substation to meet a growing demand for electricity in Central Maui, according to a commission decision and order filed last week. Maui News.

Plans for a new power substation near the intersection of Kuihelani Highway and Maui Lani Parkway include overhead power lines to connect it with Maui Electric Co.'s Maalaea-to-Puunene 69,000-volt line in a sugar cane field. Maui News.

Kauai

Some waterways on Kauai are chronically contaminated with the bacteria Enterococcus, according to findings released recently by Surfrider Kauai Chapter’s Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

Group shares pesticide fears with Ige. Kauai residents call on governor to implement study suggestions. Garden Island.

Kauai could see a little more than $141 million in Capitol Improvement Project money if the Hawaii House of Representatives’ proposed state budget cruises through the Senate and the rest of the legislative process. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai plane crash survivor Doug Miller told a Maui County Council committee Friday to "do the right thing" and allow the survivors and families of the deceased to keep their settlement money from a lawsuit with the airline, Maui Air. Maui News.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Tulsi Gabbard feels the Bern of Democratic National Committee politics, Clinton opens campaign office, Caldwell wants $21.6M for parks, term limits mulled in Legislature and Hawaii County Council, water for Kauai ag park, Maui tourism head retires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Gabbard on the 2012 campaign trail © 2016 All Hawaii News





U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard resigned her post as a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee on Sunday, allowing her to formally endorse Bernie Sanders for president. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she’s resigning the Democratic National Committee to support Bernie Sanders for president. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced Sunday that she is supporting Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for president. The Democrat from Hawaii will resign her position as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee so that she can actively endorse Sanders. Civil Beat.

In a bold political move, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today announced she is resigning as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee effective immediately, so that she can endorse Senator Bernie Sanders to be the next President of the United States. Big Island Video News.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her Democratic National Committee post on Sunday to endorse presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard rejected the notion that intra-party squabbles with the Democratic National Committee led to her resignation from the organization and her endorsement of Bernie Sanders. Politico.

Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her post on Sunday to endorse Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, following months of rising tensions within the group. Reuters.

Former U.S. Sen.Daniel Akaka and former Hawaii Governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano will speak this Sunday about the “importance of caucusing for Hillary on March 26th.” Civil Beat.

A ranch, a sugar cane plantation owner and a wealthy investor trying to start a dairy farm have received state tax credits under a program that rewards preservation of privately owned farmland in Hawaii. The three entities — Parker Ranch, Alexander & Baldwin Inc. and Pierre Omidyar — acquired $1.5 million in state tax credits for making investments in agricultural operations in 2014, according to a recent state Department of Agriculture report to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Should members of the Hawaii Legislature be term-limited? The Hawaii Senate Judiciary committee has scheduled a hearing Wednesday at the Capitol on Senate Bill 2753, which calls for exactly that. Civil Beat.

Hawaii legislators are exploring ways to bring back more than 1,300 inmates housed in an Arizona prison operated by the Corrections Corp. of America. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation urges more to use food stamps. Tribune-Herald.

Key lawmakers are wavering on whether they will require law enforcement agencies to test hundreds of unprocessed rape kits that have sat in county storage facilities for years and sometimes decades. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has no law requiring government agencies to take proper care of public records. But that could change under a bill now moving through the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

A bill that would transfer $3 million from the state tourism special fund to support travel expenses for the University of Hawaii athletics program advanced through three senate committees Friday. Pacific Business News.

With less than five months to go before medical marijuana dispensaries can open in Hawaii, business owners could be facing unique obstacles in a state of islands separated by federal waters. Associated Press.

A bill allowing licensed clinical psychologists to prescribe medication in Hawaii cleared two state Senate hearings this week. Tribune-Herald.

By a vote of 88 to 30, a Native Hawaiian constitution was adopted Friday by participants in the Nai Aupuni aha, or convention. Civil Beat.

A constitutional convention of Native Hawaiians has adopted a governing document that will go out to a vote for ratification, the organization behind the gathering announced. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will announce that he will seek $21.6 million for parks projects from the Honolulu City Council during a no-frills State of the City address tonight. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell plans to give his fourth State of the City address on Monday at Mission Memorial Auditorium by Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will deliver his fourth State of the City address on Monday. KHON2.

Old Case Sheds New Light On Police Major’s Domestic Violence Past. Honolulu Police officials pushing to promote Maj. Ryan Borges never mentioned another time the cops were called and his wife ended up in the hospital. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Eight is apparently not enough for Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who is proposing a charter amendment to increase council members’ terms to three consecutive four-year stints. West Hawaii Today.

Battling dengue outbreak, Hawaii faces small staff, pesticide fears. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s last remaining native crow species, extinct in the wild for about 14 years, will begin to be released from a captive breeding program in September, with a dozen in all to be offered freedom by year’s end to seed what biologists hope will be their comeback. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Terryl Vencl has led the Maui Visitors Bureau through the crippling lows of the Great Recession to the record-breaking highs of today. After 13 years, though, the longtime executive director plans to retire later this year. Maui News.

Neighbor Island medical equipment companies are bracing for change as new Medicare reimbursements take effect this year. Maui News.

Resort installs photovoltaic system. Maui News.

Kauai

Access to water was a major problem for the first phase of the Kilauea Community Agricultural Park. But no longer. Garden Island.

Council members on Wednesday put the brakes on passing a bill that would regulate lobbying on Kauai in order to answer a few lingering questions and to have a full council present for the decision. Garden Island.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Marines still hold hope for survivors following collision of helicopters carrying 12; Hillary Clinton, Duke Aiona, Thirty Meter Telescope, Honolulu rail tops in polls; Maui mulls private electric utility; Kauai recycling challenged, Banyan Drive redevelopment plans; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Window washers at Hawaii Convention Center © 2016 All Hawaii News
Over the past two decades taxpayers have paid about $450 million toward the cost of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, but lawmakers were told last week the Hawaii Tourism Authority still owes almost as much for the center as when the state first started paying for it in 1995. Star-Advertiser.

The search continues for 12 missing marines after two military helicopters crashed late Thursday off O‘ahu’s north shore. Coast Guard Captain Jim Jenkins said there are no plans to call off the mission and still believes there’s hope for survivors. Hawaii Public Radio.

The search for 12 Marines who were on board two helicopters that collided off Oahu's North Shore has entered its fourth day on Monday, with rescuers scouring a widening search area in hopes of finding survivors.  Hawaii News Now.

The ongoing search for 12 Marines who are missing after two helicopters crashed off Hawaii entered the third day with no plans Sunday to call off or suspend the massive effort, the Coast Guard said. Associated Press.

Federal, state, and county officials are searching for a third day today for 12 Marines who are missing after the two helicopters they were in crashed off Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Far beyond Hawaii's shores, family and friends of the Marines refuse to give up hope. KITV4.

======================

Creating more affordable housing, helping the homeless and seeking greater fiscal accountability top the Legislature’s 2016 agenda.  On Friday, House and Senate leaders provided more details of their agenda this session. Civil Beat.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is clearly the most popular candidate for president among Hawaii voters early in the 2016 election season, with 35 percent of those surveyed saying they would cast their ballot for her if the election were held today, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A substantial majority of Hawaii residents supports the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, while a plurality opposes a convention that aims to form a Native Hawaiian government. But it’s a different story for Native Hawaiians, most of whom oppose the telescope while a narrow majority supports the Na‘i Aupuni convention, or aha. Star-Advertiser.

A state legislator is taking issue with comments made at a legislative hearing Wednesday by a top state land department official that implied the agency’s law enforcement officers need semi-automatic weapons to guard against fishermen from the Philippines and Indonesia working in local waters who may be Muslim. Civil Beat.

Opposition to NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries is growing among Hawaii residents, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

More people are working in Hawaii than ever before, and the additional income being generated is keeping card machines whirling. Star-Advertiser.

The final quarter of 2015 was the 24th consecutive quarter of growth in credit and debit sale transactions in Hawaii, meaning sales in the state were up 7 percent for the year, according to First Hawaiian Bank’s Business Activity Report. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Bishop Museum is selling off land. HC&S is ending sugar operations. The University of Hawaii is shelving plans for a building in Sen. Dan Inouye’s honor. More stark reminders of what Hawaii is like without Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Hawaii Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona insists he has not made up his mind about running for Honolulu mayor, but the latest Hawaii Poll may give him encouragement. Aiona, who on Friday acknowledged that he is considering a run, came out on top in a three-way poll question asking registered voters whom they’d select as mayor if the election were to occur today, beating out incumbent Kirk Caldwell and the second-most powerful person at Honolulu Hale, City Council Chairman Ernie Martin. Star-Advertiser.

With nearly 300 concrete columns planted firmly in the ground from East Kapolei through Central Oahu and nearly six miles of guideway built on top of them, most Oahu residents now say they think rail construction should proceed, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to leave tonight to attend the United States Conference of Mayors annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C. and to meet with federal officials on homelessness and the Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu voters might have the chance to enact meaningful police reform when they cast their ballots this November. On Friday, the Honolulu Charter Commission was supposed to make decisions on several measures that would toughen up police oversight in the city. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Candidates can start pulling papers for this year’s election in just two weeks, but who plans to run for the county’s most important seat is still a big question mark. West Hawaii Today.

A few thousand dollars here, a few thousand there. Pretty soon it starts to add up. In the case of a special County Council fund for contingencies, it adds up to $900,000. Each council member at the beginning of the fiscal year received $100,000. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Planning Director Duane Kanuha announced the state and local governments have entered into a cooperative agreement that will enact a Banyan Drive redevelopment agency, similar to the Hawaii Redevelopment Agency that helped Hilo recover following the 1960 tsunami. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is looking to take the wheel on revitalizing Hilo’s beleaguered Banyan Drive with a new planning agency that could largely take over the state’s role in overseeing leases and development on the Waiakea Peninsula. Tribune-Herald.

Access to Waipio Valley could remain restricted for 8-12 weeks even after no new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in the area, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense officials. Tribune-Herald.

A state-funded project to upgrade the Big Island’s largest port facility has reached its final phase. On Friday morning, state Department of Transportation officials and lawmakers broke ground on the interisland cargo terminal of Hilo Harbor’s Pier 4 project. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii state Office of Aerospace Development is anticipating that environmental assessment for Kona International Airport will be completed in the coming weeks. Pacific Business News.

Torrential summer rains knocked out construction work for several weeks, and the discovery of shabby fill material on Highway 11 sent a 500-foot retaining wall back to the drawing board to the tune of $900,000. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Homelessness, energy, public school infrastructure needs - such as cooling hot classrooms - the economy, health care issues, penal reform and perhaps even a statewide lottery are among top issues expected to confront Maui County's state lawmakers in this year's lawmaking session that kicks off Wednesday. Maui News.

An independent operator should run Maui County’s power utility — not Hawaiian Electric, according to a study of utility ownership models released on January 15. Civil Beat.

A consultant hired by the administration of Mayor Alan Arakawa recommended that Maui County seek a new private entity to oversee Maui's electric grid while leaving power generation and transmission in the hands of Maui Electric Co. Maui News.

The owner of a plantation on Maui who is looking to turn the property into a development with small businesses and more than 1,400 homes expects for the project's environmental impact statement to be submitted for review this week. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of Waikapu Country Town, a development of more than 1,000 homes and acres of farmland surrounding the Maui Tropical Plantation, expects to submit the project's draft environmental impact statement to the state Land Use Commission this week. Maui News.

With approval for the site plan in hand and many procedural hurdles already cleared, the physical work on West Maui's long-awaited hospital is soon to begin. Maui News.

Kauai

Citing rising costs and inadequate funding, Reynolds Recycling is making cuts around the island. Garden Island.

The seawall fronting the Pono Kai Resort in Kapaa has been dedicated — below budget and ahead of schedule. Garden Island.

Incoming ninth-graders and their parents got a surprise recently when they learned advanced classes will not be offered at Kapaa High School next year. Garden Island.