Warship named for Inouye, TSA defends airport response, Kealoha defense rests, Maui council overrides mayor's vetoes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Daniel Inouye PC:U.S. Navy

Navy To Name New Destroyer After Daniel Inouye. The late U.S. senator from Hawaii received the Medal of Honor for bravery fighting in World War II. Associated Press.

Navy to christen guided missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye. The U.S. Navy will christen a new guided missile destroyer the USS Daniel Inouye this weekend during a ceremony in Maine. Star-Advertiser.

USS Daniel Inouye Guided Missile Destroyer To Be Christened. The late U.S. Senator from Hawaii will have his name on the 68th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which is one of 21 ships currently under contract for the DDG 51 program. Big Island Video News.

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TSA Honolulu Airport Review Underway: 40 Flights Delayed, Thousands Inconvenienced. Maui Now.

TSA: Everyone did ‘what they were supposed to do’ during chaotic airport security scare. Officials are defending their actions during Tuesday’s airport security scare, in which a stampede left several people with minor injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Burning battery charger led to chaos at airport. The “pop, pop, pop” that some people mistook for gunfire at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Tuesday was Plexiglas barriers and plastic posts being knocked to the floor by panicked passengers after a smoking carry-on bag was found at a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration official said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New footage released of what caused airport security scare. New video released by the Dept. Of Transportation shows the smoking baggage from Tuesday's security scare at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Hawaii State Hospital to go digital. The Hawaii State Hospital is replacing 25-year-old surveillance systems, some of which aren’t operational, with new digital equipment to bring the facility up to date and improve safety for patients and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha Trial: Closing Arguments Could Come As Soon As Tuesday. The defense rests after three days of testimony, and prosecutors plan to call a few more rebuttal witnesses. Civil Beat.

All defendants decline to testify as Kealoha mailbox trial nears end. The final three defendants in the public corruption and conspiracy trial rested their cases Wednesday, with none of them, including former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, taking the stand in their defense. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Prosecutor Rests Corruption Case Without Testifying. An ex-Honolulu deputy prosecutor on trial for corruption-related charges has rested her case without testifying in her defense. Associated Press.

Defense team rests in Kealoha trial; closing arguments set for next week. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Defense rests its case, Prosecutors present rebuttal Thursday. KHON2.

Defense rests without Katherine Kealoha, other defendants taking the stand. KITV.

Former police chief received discounted solar deal. Louis Kealoha was given a $20,000 discount for the installation of 26 solar panels at his Kahala home in 2013 as a favor to a police officer who worked part time for the solar contractor and because Kealoha was the police chief, according to the contractor. Star-Advertiser.

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Could Waimanalo to Kualoa become its own county? That’s what some are hoping for. There’s talk of of secession in Windward Oahu and community leaders sketched out what it would take to form their own county. Hawaii News Now.

State orders developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach coastline. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has ordered a Chinese developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach oceanfront. Hawaii News Now.

Street Parking Stalls for Car-Sharing Services Backed by Committee. People who use shared cars could see them parked in on-street stalls under a measure bound for the full Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Liquor store to get license despite protest. The Honolulu Liquor Commission plans to renew the license of a Chinatown liquor store in the face of significant opposition from community members and government officials. Star-Advertiser.

School gets appliances to launder uniforms for students who need clean clothes. Central Middle School celebrated a donation of new washers, dryers, and other appliances to help students whose families don’t have access to laundry facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Trackers haul in 40 tons of marine debris at Kewalo Basin. The Ocean Voyages Institute, a nonprofit based in Sausalito, Calif., chartered the Kwai for the first expedition of its kind from Honolulu to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to retrieve the tons of derelict fishing nets, ropes, plastic floats, bottles and other items after deploying satellite trackers a year in advance to locate them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council allows non-recyclable plastics as polystyrene alternative. Amid promises to create future laws curbing the growing waste stream heading to the county’s soon-to-be sole landfill, the County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill loosening restrictions on the allowable plastic alternatives to polystyrene. West Hawaii Today.

Council briefed on administration’s eruption recovery efforts. The county’s Kilauea recovery team has spent approximately $45 million on various projects to restore parts of the island affected by last year’s eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens told to return FEMA funds. Nearly 80 Kilauea eruption victims have been told to return federal disaster relief payments after a federal agency determined they might not have been eligible for the funds. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council overrode all but three of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 12 vetoes during a special meeting on Tuesday, putting the near-final touches on an $823.5 million budget that is set to go into effect on July 1. Members restore funding for sewer projects, shoreline plan. Maui News.

Council Overrides Majority of Mayor’s Line-Item Vetoes. Maui Now.

Major hurdle cleared for 250 Lahaina tenants. Their affordable rentals secured with new state law. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s tourism concerns are being addressed. The anger that resulted in Kauai protesters temporarily turning back tourists entering the stretch of Kuhio Highway that leads into Haena was tempered Wednesday after state and county officials promised more collaboration in managing tourism on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai’s Newly Reopened Park Is A Case Study In Controlling Tourism. Crowd control measures at the renovated Haena State Park will help state parks officials respond to staggering tourism growth. Civil Beat.

The message along Kuhio Highway was to slow down on Wednesday, as North Shore residents gathered with signs at the old road-closure booth in Waipa. Garden Island.

Haena fishery receives Equator Prize. Fish are on the rise in the Haena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area, and a newly bestowed international award now props up a project that’s already being hailed a success. Garden Island.

Chaos at HNL after shooter scare, protesters block newly reopened Kuhio Highway, Hawaii loses NOAA research ship, Katherine Kealoha may testify, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

False reports of shooter at Honolulu airport lead to chaos, evacuation and delayed flights. The main terminal at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was shut down Tuesday after a malfunctioning laptop at a security checkpoint led to false reports of an active shooter, an evacuation of thousands of passengers, and the delay and cancellation of flights. Star-Advertiser.

Active Shooter Scare At Honolulu Airport Delays Flights. Flights were being delayed and hundreds of people were waiting to go through security screening at Honolulu's airport on Tuesday after an active shooter scare. Associated Press.

Chaos erupted at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu after a laptop in a carry-on overheated, causing smoke and popping sounds. KHON2.

No active shooter situation at HNL despite false reports, DOT confirms. Thousands of people are lined up at Terminal 2 and all flights have been delayed because everybody in the entire terminal needed to be re-screened. KITV.

Disgruntled travelers say HNL wasn’t prepared for a security scare. False reports of an active shooter at Honolulu’s airport triggered “pandemonium” Tuesday and then major delays after thousands of outbound passengers were evacuated out of Terminal 2 so they could be re-screened through security. Hawaii News Now.

Passengers caught up in airport delay say they want to see changes. KHON2.

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Loss Of NOAA’s Primary Honolulu Ship A Setback For Research. Stationed on Oahu since 2004, the Hiialakai played a key role in monitoring deep-sea wildlife and cleaning up fishing debris. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Kai Kahele uses profanity when describing congressional race with Tulsi Gabbard. State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is seeking Tulsi Gabbard’s congressional seat, told VICE News that Gabbard has a “f——— tiger on her tail, and she’s gonna be in trouble.” Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit puts blame on the state for high inmate suicide rate. A class action lawsuit alleges that the state isn’t doing enough to prevent prison suicides because of a lack of mental health services for inmates. Hawaii News Now.

UH Gets $8.4 Million Boost To Study Cancer In The Pacific. The National Cancer Institute raised its funding support of the UH Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No decision yet on whether Katherine Kealoha will testify. The question of whether Katherine Kealoha — the central figure in the ongoing public corruption and conspiracy trial — will testify on her own behalf was left unanswered after her lawyers called seven witnesses Tuesday to present her defense. Star-Advertiser.

As Katherine Kealoha’s Defense Unfolds, She Still Considers Testifying. Her attorneys called several witnesses Tuesday in an attempt to punch holes in the prosecution’s criminal conspiracy charges, but they faced tough cross-examination. Civil Beat.

Ex-Prosecutor Undecided About Testifying In Corruption Trial. Ex-Honolulu prosecutor, Katherine Kealoha, hasn't decided whether she will testify in her defense at a trial over allegations she and her police chief husband framed her uncle to keep him from revealing fraud that funded their lavish lifestyle. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Katherine Kealoha may testify in her defense. KHON2.

Fireworks in court when controversial figure in Kealoha mailbox trial takes the stand. Courtroom drama on day 14 of the Kealoha mailbox trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail authority must replace 15 canopy arms. The city will redesign and replace portions of 15 metal “canopy arms” that were erected at three rail stations after flaws were discovered in similar arms that were fabricated for the rail line, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HART Loses Its Last Original Board Member. Damien Kim, who helped oversee the project since HART was formed, asked not to be reappointed. Civil Beat.

Worry over the city council’s vacation rental rules spreads to other businesses. Owners of illegal vacation rentals were too afraid to speak out after the city council passed two bills that toughen regulations, but predict dire consequences to the economy. Hawaii News Now.

Palolo Valley Basin Might Be Cut From Ala Wai Flood Project. U.S. Army Corps officials say the move might avoid condemning four private parcels for the flood-control measures. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council excited about hydrogen. Three hydrogen buses will soon be part of the county Hele-On fleet, as the infrastructure comes together to create the fuel for a Mass Transit pilot program on both sides of the island. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust Puueo Development Vote Postponed By Council. The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on two bills that would pave the way for a development in Puueo, located between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary. Big Island Video News.

More than 100 come out for second community meeting on crime, chronic homelessness. A grassroots effort to put a spotlight on crime and chronic homelessness in Kailua Village is continuing to pick up steam, with a meeting on Monday drawing a crowd of an estimated 130-150 people to the Paina Room at Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill. West Hawaii Today.

2018 eruption dampens use of Pahoa Senior Center. Closed for about three months during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano in lower Puna, the Pahoa Senior Center has since reopened and continues to offer classes for kupuna in the community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge reverses permit approval for archaeological firm. A hui that advocates for the protection of ancient burials is set to get a contested case hearing before the state Historic Preservation Division after a judge reversed SHPD’s granting of a permit to a local archaeological firm. Maui News.

New Ruling In Maui Water Case Still Doesn’t Resolve Old Dispute. The state appellate court has asked a lower court to answer key questions. Civil Beat.

Historic Plaintiff Discusses Pesticide Impacts With Maui Policy Makers. A man noted as being the first plaintiff to win a lawsuit brought against Monsanto/Bayer, met with government land management agencies and policy-makers on Maui. Maui Now.

Kaiser: Queen’s referrals largely unaffected by contract dispute. Hawaii’s two large health care companies haggling over billing. Maui News.

Kauai

Protesters briefly block Kuhio Highway. Protesters blocked Kuhio Highway at Waipa early Tuesday morning before police arrived and reopened the road. Garden Island.

Kauai protesters block visitors from entering Kuhio Highway into Haena State Park. The fragile peace over the reopening of Kuhio Highway and better management of tourism was quickly shattered Tuesday by protesters who formed a human chain to temporarily block the gateway to Haena State Park and other popular community natural resources and popular attractions on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai protestors take matters into their own hands blocking visitor traffic through Kuhio Highway. Dozens of protestors prevented visitor traffic from accessing the re-opened stretch of Kuhio Highway accessing popular sites on Kauai's north shore. KITV.

Westside facing drought. The weather will continue to be hot and dry, perpetuating the current drought on the leeward side of Kauai, according to the National Weather Service. Garden Island.

Interior secretary inspects USS Arizona Memorial, TSA warns of long airport lines, coral lawsuit threatened, Maui and Kauai pass budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

Airport squeeze. Get there early, TSA urges. Travelers are advised to get to Hawaii’s airports three hours in advance to compensate for what is expected to be the nation’s busiest summer travel season on record. Star-Advertiser.

Leaving on a jet plane? Plan ahead and arrive 3 hours early (even for inter-island flights). Hawaii News Now.

TSA’s Tips To Prepare For Summer Travel. The forecast is for the busiest season on record at HNL. Civil Beat.

The Transportation Security Administration is advising the public to be prepared for the busiest summer travel season on record at HNL. Big Island Video News.

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Arizona Memorial might reopen by October, officials say. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt got a close-up view of the disabled Arizona Memorial Wednesday before pledging to finish the repairs to its concrete passenger dock as soon as possible. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue to be a top priority according to U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior was on Oahu Wednesday and he toured one of the nation's iconic structures here on Oahu and talked about repairs. KITV.

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State Ethics Commission: DPS deputy director walked a fine line in rallying employees. The ethics commission says a Deputy Director of Public Safety may have crossed an ethical line by pushing workers to support their boss, Nolan Espinda. Hawaii News Now.

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Cauliflower coral at the center of a new lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The Center for Biological Diversity says they will sue the Trump administration for failing to protect Cauliflower coral. Hawaii News Now.

Feds could face coral lawsuit. The Center for Biological Diversity on Wednesday announced plans to file suit after a federal agency missed a deadline to rule on whether to list cauliflower coral as a threatened or endangered species under federal law. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Protect Threatened Cauliflower Coral In Hawaii. The Trump administration is accused of failing to protect the species known as Ko'a in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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Teachers Who Stay In Hawaii Find Ways To Close The Culture Gap. The diversity of Hawaii’s public schools student population isn’t matched by the makeup of the state’s teachers. Civil Beat.

Grid geared up for hurricane season, Hawaiian Electric says. The Hawaiian Electric Companies said it has been working year-round to build more resilient grids ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s actions questioned in conspiracy trial. Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s actions in a 2011 criminal case involving her uncle Gerard Puana took center stage on the fifth day of the federal conspiracy trial against her; her husband, retired police Chief Louis Kealoha; and three current and former police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Witnesses: Kealohas Targeted Uncle Years Before Mailbox Theft. Several people testify Louis and Katherine Kealoha had it out for Gerard Puana long before they accused him of stealing their mailbox. Civil Beat.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Week two is underway, get updates here. KHON2.

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Caldwell’s State of City address to key on ‘climate crisis’. An Oahu Resiliency Strategy designed as a road map for how the city will deal with climate change, sea-level rise and other 21st century issues is at the center of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s seventh State of the City address tonight. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell says Waimanalo park’s improvements will proceed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday that the city will continue work on Phase 1 of the Waimanalo Bay Beach Park improvement project because it would cost up to $300,000 to pull back from an existing contract, but that he is amenable to halting future phases if the community so chooses. Star-Advertiser.

First phase of Sherwood Forest park project to continue, despite emotional meeting. Emotions ran high on Wednesday during a special meeting at the Honolulu City Council, on the controversial plans to clear Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo. KITV.

Bulk Waste Pilot Program To Begin Monday In Urban Honolulu. Starting Monday, a new pilot program for bulky trash collection takes effect for Honolulu's urban core. Hawaii Public Radio.

City: If appointment-based bulky item pickup doesn’t work, fees might be next. In a bid to rein in ballooning costs for handling trash, the city is moving Urban Honolulu’s bulky item pickup to an appointment-based system starting Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Formby Named Head Of Pacific Resource Partnership. The former Honolulu City Councilman previously served on the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Trial set in missing police evidence case. A retired Hawaii Police Department officer accused of illegally taking drug evidence from a police locker and notifying Hilo arcade owners of a gambling raid pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 10 criminal charges. Tribune-Herald.

Council to discuss funds for Kau sewer systems. The Hawaii County Council will take up requests to borrow $37 million for two wastewater treatment projects in Ka‘u at a Finance Committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor: It’s time to clean up Mooheau Park and make it safe for families. Hawaii County will close Mooheau Park on Friday for clean up in response to what officials describe as unsanitary conditions. Tribune-Herald.

She’s Fought Nearly Three Years To Adopt Her Grandson. Hawaii Keeps Saying No. The state says it tries to reunite children with kin. But after Deborah Goodwin’s daughter died, it awarded custody to non-relatives and blocked her adoption attempts. Civil Beat.

USPS Proceeds With Relocation of Kamuela Post Office. The Kamuela Post Office will continue at the current location until a new facility is operating at an as-yet undetermined location, USPS says. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council OKs largest budget in memory Tuesday. $823.6 million for next fiscal year heads to Victorino’s desk. Maui News.

Maui County Council passes $823 million budget by majority vote. The Council passed the $823 million budget by majority vote Tuesday, it is $42 million more than what the mayor requested. KITV.

Council confirms Lutey. Corporation counsel gets nay votes from chair, vice chair. Maui County Council approved the appointment of Moana Lutey as corporation counsel on Tuesday, with two opponents citing their concerns with the county’s position on the longstanding Lahaina injection well suit. Maui News.

Tariff Uncertainty Challenges Growth at Hawaii's Largest Craft Brewery. A 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made steel poses “a tremendous challenge” for Maui Brewing Company, according to co-founder and owner Garrett Marrero. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County Council comments on $242M spending plan. The Kauai County Council has refrained from making public comment on the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget throughout the budget process, which started in March. But on Wednesday, councilmembers were allotted 10 minutes by Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro to voice their thoughts about this year’s budget during the bill’s second and final reading. Garden Island.

Councilmember Felicia Cowden was not in attendance for Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting. She is traveling to Volgada, Russia to be a delegate at a Russian-American peace conference. Garden Island.

Kauai scrambles for solutions after number of unsheltered homeless doubles. No longer just hidden in the Garden Isle’s dense vegetation, Kauai’s homeless crisis is now on display -- everywhere you go. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea pool reopens after renovation. The renovation work at the pool started in November. At a cost of about $1 million, the pool deck was restored, plumbing and electrical improvements were done, as well as accessibility upgrades in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Garden Island.

Active hurricane season predicted, Ige seeks to hire top officials, Kealoha trial begins, firefighter killed in crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iniki NOAA

Hawaii braces for another busy hurricane season. With El Nino conditions expected to persist into the fall, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the upcoming hurricane season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and the Central Pacific could experience more storms than normal during this year's hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted Wednesday there will be five to eight named tropical cyclones in the region from June 1 through Nov. 30. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forecasters warn of above-average 2019 hurricane season in Central Pacific. In a news conference Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said they are predicting five to eight tropical cyclones. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA forecast active hurricane season, 5-8 tropical cyclones. This number includes tropical depressions, named storms and hurricanes. A near-normal season has four to five tropical cyclones, and an above-normal season has six or more tropical cyclones. KITV.

Officials: Start preparing now for above-normal hurricane season. Forecasters and government officials on Wednesday urged Hawaii residents to prepare now to weather the effects of a tropical cyclone during hurricane season — which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Tribune-Herald.

El Nino Will Foster Above-Normal 2019 Hurricane Season, NOAA Predicts. Big Island Video News.

Predictions are for five to eight tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific for the 2019 hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Garden Island.

NOAA predicts an 'above normal' hurricane season. KHON2.

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State announces job openings with Ige administration. The Governor is seeking forward-thinking team players with a wide range of experiences and expertise. KITV.

UH Lab Gets $77M Contract For Defense Research. Core subjet areas for the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii Manoa include ocean science, astronomy, sensor development and renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kealohas On Trial: Conspiracy Or Just A ‘Conspiracy Theory’? Opening statements kicked off one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii history Wednesday, the first of what could be three trials facing the former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

In an hour-long opening statement Wednesday, a federal prosecutor sought to lay the foundation for the public corruption case against former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha, saying “this story neither begins or ends with a mailbox.” Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha trial begins. The first Honolulu trial in decades involving accusations of corruption by high-ranking public officials began Wednesday with retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha hoping to convince the jury they did not fake the theft of their mailbox as part of a family fight over money. Star-Advertiser.

The Kealoha trial starts today, get the latest updates here. KHON2.

Opening statements made in Kealoha corruption case, next comes the defense. KITV.

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HPU prepares for a big move, which could change the dynamic of Downtown. The state’s largest private university is creating a centralized campus, closer to its dorms at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

New lawsuit filed over deadly Marco Polo fire. Another lawsuit has been filed over the worst high-rise fire in Hawaii’s history. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe residents fighting a plan to develop homes near a flood-prone preservation area. The area of Kaneohe behind their homes has a large stream that neighbors say is prone to flooding. KITV.

Airport parking may reach capacity this summer. The Department of Transportation is urging those traveling during the summer to be dropped off at the airport rather than park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter Dies In Highway 190 Vehicle Crash. 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was killed following a three- vehicle collision on Wednesday on Highway 190. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police have identified the man killed in a crash on Highway 190 Wednesday morning. Police said 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was riding his motorcycle on Highway 190 when he was hit by an S.U.V. just after 6:30 a.m. south of the 14-mile marker. Hawaii News Now.

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Council adds golf course vouchers, whistle-blower hot-line, more to annual budget. The first round of County Council budget amendments brought treats for West Hawaii, more money for council members to spread around their districts, a whistle-blower program and a discussion about whether the county should spend every cent it collects. West Hawaii Today.

Whistle Blower Program Added To County Budget. During its budget discussion on Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council voted to dip into the fund balance from the previous year to pay for the independent program. Big Island Video News.

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DOH shuts down Genki Sushi in Kona due to roach infestation. Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant. West Hawaii Today.

Roach infestation results in temporary closure of Kona sushi restaurant. One customer reported a roach in their bento box. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s second-largest retail property owner, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., wrapped up a recent real estate buying binge with the resort shopping complex Queens’ MarketPlace. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lotteries were held for applicants of the Waiale Elua workforce housing subdivision. The 70 unit development is located on land north of the Waikapu Gardens subdivision in Central Maui and features three or four bedroom options. Maui Now.

General manager of Mahi Pono resigns. Larry Nixon came aboard in January; Darren Strand to serve as interim GM. Maui News.


Kauai

Taxable property value rises. In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, the Kauai County Council — missing members KipuKai Kuali’i, Arthur Brun and Felicia Cowden, who were excused — held a hearing Wednesday on proposed amendments to Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Garden Island.

As Crowds Grow, Tourists Will Start Paying to Visit The Most Popular Parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources also hopes to cut in half the number of daily visitors to Haena State Park and its famed beaches and trails. Civil Beat.

While recovery from April 2018 floods continues on the North Shore, the Westside is looking at severe drought conditions through September. Garden Island.

Molokai

The beautiful island of Molokai is in dire need of one thing: Medical professionals. For a place most would consider just a sleepy little town, Molokai General Hospital sees a lot of action. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu airport near bottom in satisfaction, Hirono in national spotlight, big jump in foreign homebuyers, first two war remains identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport near bottom in satisfaction study. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which is getting a face-lift as part of a statewide airports modernization program, ranks near the bottom among large airports in a satisfaction study of North America airports. Star-Advertiser.

Natural disasters nip at state’s economic growth, report says. Economic growth in Hawaii this year took a couple knocks from natural disasters but hasn’t been stopped, according to an academic report being released today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii jobless rate in August holds at 2.1 percent. Hawaii’s labor market continues to be a source of strength for the state’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Spending by foreign homebuyers in Hawaii rises 75% in first half of 2018. The bulk of the sales to Japanese buyers were on Oahu, while the majority of sales to buyers from Canada were on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Mazie Hirono Basks In Her Newfound Celebrity. The Hawaii senator is getting a lot of attention over her lead role in opposing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Associated Press.

Ethics commission holds hearing on OHA Trustee Rowena Akana. The state ethics commission will hold a hearing on Friday regarding allegations OHA Trustee Rowena Akana violated rules by misspending money while receiving money she shouldn't have. KHON2.

Public school students make gains in English, stay steady in math. Hawaii public school students improved their English performance by four percentage points while math skills stayed flat on the 2018 Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to results presented Thursday to the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Pentagon identifies first 2 Korean War remains recovered from North Korea. A 25th Infantry Division soldier and an Army medic whose dog tag was recovered are the first two Korean War identifications to be made from 55 sets of remains turned over to the United States by the North in July, officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Salary Database Now Includes Hundreds Of Hawaii County Employees. With the inclusion of Big Island data first requested in July 2017, only Honolulu police officers are still missing. A judge’s ruling is pending on that. Civil Beat.

To save Hawaii’s disappearing cauliflower coral, biologists seek federal protections. The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Thursday that Hawaii’s cauliflower coral may be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Hawaii News Now.

Loss Of Mainland Market For Marlin Is One More Sign Dan Inouye Is Gone. For six years, Hawaii and other Pacific islands enjoyed an exemption that allowed them to sell billfish on the mainland. Congress and President Trump just revoked it. Civil Beat.

Gearing up for a resilient grid. Federal and state government officials along with Hawaii’s local utilities are confident that the Islands’ power grids are better equipped to deal with a large-scale natural disaster than the one in Puerto Rico was. However, vulnerabilities remain. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

GOP surrogates rally at UH event for Trump and right-wing ideas. The event, organized by the Hawaii Republican Party and Young Republicans on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, included a 45-minute talk and question-and-answer session at Kuykendall Hall that was attended by about 200 people. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Gearing Up to Clamp Down on Monster Homes and Illegal Vacation Rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

More transparency ahead for reservoir evacuations. People on Oahu will soon have a much easier way to know if they live, work, or visit an area at risk from dams and breaches. KHON2.

The John A. Burns School of Medicine's mobile clinic has brought medical care to hundreds of homeless people across Oahu in the past twelve years. KITV.

Honolulu police bring aloha to #LipSyncChallenge. The Honolulu Police Department has finally joined the summer’s hottest public safety social media campaign, producing a slick video with officers dancing and performing from Waikiki to Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department joins the nationwide lip sync battle. KITV.

A 43-year-old Halawa prison guard who was being investigated for first-degree sexual assault of a 28-year-old male inmate committed suicide six days after the alleged rape occurred. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

After a full morning of public testimony and discussion that went into Thursday afternoon, the Leeward Planning Commission voted to forward to the County Council a favorable recommendation on a vacation rental bill along with some suggestions for changes from the Planning Department and the commission itself. West Hawaii Today.

Destructive Kapoho Lava Flows Remembered At OHA Meeting. During the Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting in Hilo on Thursday, the Board of Trustees heard directly from a beneficiary who lost her Kapoho home in June due to the eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved Thursday the appointments of six members of the community-based Maunakea Management Board. Tribune-Herald.

County, visitors bureau launch campaign to try to make tourists more respectful. During a press conference Thursday morning, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch and county Managing Director Will Okabe presented the “Pono Pledge,” a public information campaign intended to build awareness for treating the island with respect. Tribune-Herald.

Lava evacuees offended by video of woman frolicking in 'mermaid pools' off Kapoho. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Kihei Community Association pinned down mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino on Tuesday night on issues affecting South Maui, including upkeeping and updating the area’s infrastructure and obtaining more funding for the region from the county budget. Maui News.

The two candidates vying for the Maui County Council’s East Maui residency seat addressed questions Tuesday night on tourism, affordable housing, community plans and allowing the community to have more of a say to the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

State slapped with big fines over safety violations at Maui Community Correctional Center. The state has agreed to pay more than $22,000 for safety violations at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Draft plan aims at West Maui disaster preparedness. After flooding from tropical storms Lane and Olivia and the Aug. 24 wildfires that burned more than 2,000 acres from Maalaea to Kaanapali, the release of a draft West Maui all hazard plan comes as public attention is focused on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Maui News.

Flood recovery ongoing ‘off the grid’ in Honokohau Valley. Residents still without water a week after Olivia passed through. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply is requesting customers in the West Maui area of Kahana, Napili and Honokowai to conserve water. As a result of Tropical Storm Olivia, the Honolua Ditch that provides surface water to the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility is under maintenance and repair. Maui Now.

The unemployment rate on Maui Island was at 1.9% in August, down from the 2.1% rate in July and down from the 2.1% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Heat index reached 106°F at noon at Kahului Airport on Maui today, according to the National Weather Service.  The actual temperature was 90°F, but it felt 16 degrees hotter because of the humidity, which is around 56%. Maui Now.

Kauai

Debate, North Shore-style. It was a political debate like no other. Garden Island.

Coming together for peace. Everyone was invited to create peaceful relationships Sunday when the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai presented its International Day of Peace celebration at the Lydgate Beach Park main pavilion. Garden Island.

Commentary: Kauai feels the burden of overtourism. The new Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan has at its heart a stunning premise — that tourism has reached capacity on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii timeshares popular, Honolulu panel rejects Caldwell's vacation rental bills, Coco Palms back on track, Kakaako business fights rail condemnation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hyatt Regency Maui timeshares, courtesy photo

Hawaii timeshare occupancy increased 1.6 percentage points to 91.5 percent during the second quarter of 2018, about 11 percentage points higher than hotel occupancy during the same three-month period. Pacific Business News.

An April flood on Kauai and an erupting volcano during May and June on the Big Island didn’t seem to deter timeshare visitors to Hawaii, according to a state report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Timeshare properties in the Hawaiian Islands reported an average occupancy rate of 91.5 percent (plus 1.6 percentage points) in the second quarter of 2018, according to the Hawaii Timeshare Quarterly Report: April-June 2018, issued Wednesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Garden Island.

Why Aren’t There More Women Judges In Hawaii? Despite calls for more women to seek judgeships, their numbers lag in applications and appointments. Civil Beat.

#BeingMicronesian in Hawaii Means Lots Of Online Hate. Even though the islands are made up of diverse languages and cultures, “Micronesians” has become a catch-all term in Hawaii for immigrants from Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia who came here through treaties known as the Compacts of Free Association. Civil Beat.

Oahu

After more than eight hours of divided testimony spread across two days, the Honolulu Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to reject Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposed short-term vacation rental bill. Star-Advertiser.

City Council advances a bill to let neighborhoods restrict parking. A bill that won tentative approval from the City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday would allow a group of neighbors to petition for a restricted parking zone. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail authority files condemnation suit against Kakaako business. But the company is fighting back, saying the rail authority is trying to force them to accept a low-ball offer for their land. Hawaii News Now.

Permanent home within reach for tenants of Waianae encampment. Leaders of one of the state's largest homeless encampments say they are getting ready to move. Hawaii News Now.

Candidates Vying to Represent Waikiki, Kakaako and Ala Moana at the State Legislature. Only one in three races for the Hawaii State Senate and House of Representatives are being contested by Republicans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The cost of a $3.2 million landslide mitigation project in Mililani is being placed on the backs of residents — many of whom don’t live near the two eroding hillsides in question. Civil Beat.

Shidler alumnus establishes $100,000 endowment for student leader. University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business alumnus Christopher Helm and wife, Debra, have established a $100,000 endowment through the Helm Family Trust for the David Bess Leadership Award. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu airport considered one of the worst in the country. That's according to J.D. Power's annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released Wednesday. KHON2.

Canine team goes to work at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A dedicated team is working daily to make sure all passengers are screened for explosives and explosive materials at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

TSA highlights working canines at airport security operations. KITV.

Honolulu police plan to increase enforcement on roadways in the wake of two separate pedestrian fatalities that occurred within minutes of one another Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$35M Hurricane Lane hits council budget plans. Two Kona road projects and an express Kona-Hilo bus route face delays because of new expenses created by Hurricane Lane. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council bill that would have required local government to be “accurate and factual” was taken off the table on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

State looks for alternative boat ramp sites. The fate of the Pohoiki boat ramp is uncertain after the Kilauea volcano eruption in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

$96M Keahuolu Courthouse taking shape. The Keahuolu Courthouse is taking shape, but Kona’s first centralized judiciary complex remains about a year away from the gavel striking the block. West Hawaii Today.

Flood Insurance Meetings to Be Held in Hilo, Kona. Big Island Now.

A supervisor for BEI Hawaii in Hilo who suffered lung injuries as a result of a chlorine gas leak at the facility two years ago is suing the county and state for negligence, claiming response to the leak was inadequate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members are asking for $3 million to help repair a road destroyed during Tropical Storm Lane's heavy rains. Hawaii News Now.

Residents are still unhappy with Piilani Promenade plans. Developer offers ‘snapshot’ of project at community meeting. Maui News.

A former Maui County Public Works Department supervisor was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor theft charge involving a subordinate employee’s unrecorded vacation time. Maui News.

Maui seems to be getting a handle on its homeless population, but finding affordable rentals is still the main problem, whether you’re on the street yet or not.  A recent study concluded Maui will need 14,000 more housing units by 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

A week after Olivia, West Maui is still cleaning up — and assessing the damage. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Developers: Coco Palms project back on track. Developer Tyler Greene said Wednesday that with legal disputes behind them, the project to rebuild the Coco Palms Resort is moving forward with an estimated completion date of late next year. Garden Island.

County calls for DOE audit. The proposed constitutional amendment that would add a surcharge on investment real property to fund public education in Hawaii if approved by voters Nov. 6 would have dire consequences, say Maui County leaders. Garden Island.

Kauai dentist sentenced for insurance fraud. State Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe sentenced Dr. Terry Allen to a four-year term of deferral and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,878.86 to Hawaii Medical Services Association. KHON2.

Sharing resources for health. Students descended on Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall for the county’s annual Health and Wellness Fair. More than 40 vendors provided information and premium giveaways to guests. Garden Island.

Prepping for RimPac, lava forces more evacuations, election signup deadline nears, $220M Honolulu airport addition planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Leaving Rumut, Malaysia, for RimPac. The Air Times Network

The Navy said Wednesday that 26 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in this summer’s big Rim of the Pacific exercises June 27 to Aug. 2, mainly in in Hawaii but also in Southern California. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Pacific Command, the oldest and largest of the military’s major commands, officially received a name change Wednesday, reflecting evolving priorities, including a “great power” competition with China. Star-Advertiser.

Pentagon Salutes US-India Ties With Pacific Command Name Change. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announces the change at Pearl Harbor as he welcomes a new commander. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced on Wednesday that he officially submitted his nomination for the Lt. Governor seat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Is Short On Poll Workers As The Primary Approaches. The state is trying to fill almost 3,000 one-day positions for the Aug. 11 primary, and it’s only about halfway there. Star-Advertiser.

The deadline to file nomination papers to appear on the 2018 Election ballot is Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Hawaii tour company to pay $570k to settle sexual harassment suit. KHON2.

State takes first step toward lucrative hemp industry with new research program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Winner Of Governor’s Race Will Have Stronger Hand In Rail Project. Colleen Hanabusa and David Ige have played varying roles in moving the project forward, while Clayton Hee wants to curtail construction. Civil Beat.

Ex-police chief, wife plead not guilty to financial, obstruction charges. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday to financial and obstruction charges. Hawaii News Now.

New Indictment Against Kealohas Focuses on Bank Fraud, Identify Theft. Defense attorneys had wrongly hoped federal prosecutors were dropping conspiracy charges involving an alleged mailbox theft. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Transportation broke ground Wednesday on a $220 million, two-level Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to begin the next phase of Hawaii’s airport modernization plan. Star-Advertiser


$220M Airport Modernization Project Launched. The next phase of the long-awaited airport modernization project was launched on Oahu today. Star-Advertiser.

First look at new Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu.  KHON

State officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mauka Concourse on Wednesday morning, marking a new step in a series of renovations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

The new operator of the Kuhio Beach concession stands that provide surf lessons, board rentals, umbrellas, chairs and canoe rides has encountered resistance from opponents since opening Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo said it is looking to hire up to 200 workers for its new store at Ala Moana Center, slated to open this fall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said she believes Gov. David Ige can make it easier for Lower Puna residents displaced by the Kilauea eruption to find emergency housing by issuing two executive orders and allowing “ohana zones.” Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Harry Kim signed a second supplementary emergency proclamation on Thursday due to to the ongoing Kilauea eruption. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Announces Change in Emergency Procedure. Big Island Now.

A shortage of rental housing in East Hawaii has become part of the ongoing crisis caused by the lava from Kilauea volcano, which has destroyed homes and forced hundreds of lower Puna residents to evacuate. Tribune-Herald.

Police launched a dramatic house-to-house evacuation of the Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots subdivisions in Puna early Wednesday morning as fast-moving lava threatened the last route out for residents of those communities, but the flow slowed later in the day without blocking the coastal highway. Star-Advertiser

Nearly four weeks after eruptions started in lower Puna, lava has wiped out at least 75 homes, active flows continue to cover major thoroughfares and threaten properties, and the volcanic activity still shows no signs of stopping. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

Lava Speeds Up And Forces More Evacuations As Despair Grows. More refugees are likely headed for the Pahoa Community Center, where hundreds already reside. Some have been there for weeks. Civil Beat.

Kapoho area under evacuation, lava approaching Beach Road. KHON2.

Bulldozers began digging their way through lava rock on Chain of Craters Road on Wednesday as molten rock continued to threaten the “Four Corners” area in Kapoho. Tribune-Herald.

Goodfellow Bros. Inc. began work on Wednesday to clear nearly a mile of solidified lava to prepare an evacuation route through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the event the only highway leading from the coast is cut off by the latest eruption of Kilauea volcano. Pacific Business News.

The Pride of America canceled its Wednesday visit to Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Despite vog, half-Ironman race on Kohala Coast will go ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Explosive eruptions at Halemaumau Crater have overwhelmed Ka'u neighborhoods on the Big Island for weeks, and residents in the area say more needs to be done to inform them about how the emissions are affecting them. Hawaii News Now.

Lava scientists’ drone guides lost resident through jungle. Star-Advertiser.

Stranded Leilani Estates Man Instructed to “Follow the Drone to Safety”. Maui Now.

An eleventh-hour escape from a lava-doomed home was more sedate than might be expected, recounted a Leilani Estates resident who was rescued by emergency responders Sunday night. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council gives final approval to fiscal 2019 county budget. The Maui County Council approved a $758.3 million county budget for fiscal 2019 on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui Professor Selected for 2018 Omidyar Fellows Program. Maui Now.

Kauai

North Shore seeks balance between locals, tourists. Residents on Kauai’s North Shore don’t want life to go back to the way it was before the April floods. Garden Island.

Kauai County rolls out updates on transportation, garbage collection for residents affected by severe flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Tiny homes tucked into backyards of existing houses could be the answer to Hawaii’s housing crisis. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism setting records, audit blasts Health Department handling of disease outbreaks, U.S. Appeals Court rules fishery feds erred in allowing turtle takings, minimum wage increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula on Waikiki beach ©2017 All Hawaii News

State visitor arrivals to break 9 million mark for year. With just three days left in the year for visitors to step off planes, it’s expected that about 9.3 million tourists — a record — will have come to the state this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor spending increases to $1.3B in November. Visitor spending in Hawaii increased 4.5 percent in November to $1.29 billion, while year-to-date spending rose 6.6 percent to $15.2 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii visitor spending, traveler numbers went up this November. Whether it's to escape the cold on the mainland or just to relax on the beach, travelers continue to choose Hawaii as their vacation destination. KITV.

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The state auditor is slamming the Health Department for failing to properly communicate with its own divisions, health responders and the public during three major disease outbreaks in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Hawaii Needs To Get Its Act Together In Responding To Outbreaks. When it comes to communication and record keeping, the Health Department seems to start from scratch with each disease outbreak. Civil Beat.

Audit blasts outbreak responses. A breakdown in communication reported throughout the dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii Island between October 2015 and April 2016 were included in an audit of the Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division that was critical of several issues in the way the agency handled that and other outbreaks across the state. West Hawaii Today.

State Health Officials Criticized For Dengue Outbreak Response In Audit. The State Auditor details confusion and discord in the Department of Health during the 2015 Big Island dengue fever outbreak, as well as other outbreaks. Big Island Video News.

Audit slams state's fumbled response to 3 major outbreaks. The state Health Department experienced "communication breakdowns" and "inconsistent processes and procedures" in its response to three disease outbreaks in 2015 and 2016, a scathing new audit found. Hawaii News Now.

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Report: Most sirens worked during Hawaii warning test. A report on a Hawaii siren test that drew international attention amid a North Korea missile threat shows that 28 sirens statewide played the wrong sound or had other technical problems. Associated Press.

Come Jan. 1, Hawaii's minimum wage workers will earn more. Hawaii's minimum wage will go up to $10.10 per hour starting on New Year's Day. Hawaii News Now.

Swordfishing permit review ordered. Environmental groups that sued to protect migratory birds and endangered sea turtles are claiming victory in their challenge to the federal government’s authorization to expand the swordfish fishery for Hawaii-based longline fishing vessels. Star-Advertiser.

US Appeals Court: Feds Erred In Hawaii Fishery Expansion. Conservation groups had challenged a rule that doubled limits on how many endangered sea turtles could be accidentally hooked. Associated Press.

Hawaii Looks To Spur School Creativity With ‘Innovation Grants’. Up to $250,000 will be available for the right idea and a two-year plan to implement it. Civil Beat.

Kamehameha Schools invests $24M in community programs. Kamehameha Schools has awarded $24 million in community investment grants to support collaboration partners in more than 100 programs and projects during current fiscal year, which began July 1. Pacific Business News.

USS Wasp with F-35B makes stop on way to Japan. The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp pulled into Pearl Harbor on Thursday for a port visit on its way to Japan and the introduction of an F-35B ship-based joint strike fighter capability in the highly charged region that includes North Korea and China. Star-Advertiser.

A report on sea level rise vulnerabilities and adaptation has been released by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, known as the Climate Commission, and the 304 pages are available online.  Garden Island.

Climate Change's Impact on Hawaiian Fishpond Aquaculture. New research is shedding light about what needs to be done as the cultural resource is under threat by climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers names Gas Co. executive to take over as president. Young Brothers Ltd., the state’s largest interisland cargo carrier, said today it has selected Joseph Boivin as its new president. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Year’s means higher taxes, fees, bus fares and minimum wage. The state and city are ringing in the new year by lightening your pocketbooks through new laws or rule changes that take effect Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Rush is on to prepay property taxes. Dozens of people waited in line for more than an hour Thursday at Honolulu Hale trying to beat an end-of-the-year deadline to save money by paying their 2017 property taxes early. Star-Advertiser.

City and County of Honolulu says bond refinancing saves taxpayers $20.7M. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services said it closed on $253 million of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds last week that will be used to refinance existing debt for improvements to Oahu’s wastewater system. Pacific Business News.

Leaky roofs still a problem at Honolulu airport, some say it’s getting worse. KHON2.

Kualoa Ranch plans include expanding visitors center, new buildings. Kualoa Ranch, a Windward Oahu visitor attraction that has also served as a filming location for such movies as “Jumanji” and “Jurassic World,” is planning to build a number of improvements, including an expanded visitors’ center, a new retail building, new tour depots and more than 7,000 square feet of office space. Pacific Business News.

Diamond Head Theatre redevelopment moves ahead with revised plan, new architect. Two years after launching a capital campaign to fund a redevelopment, Diamond Head Theatre is moving ahead with plans to build a new 500-seat theater building and has hired a Houston-based architecture firm that specializes in theater design. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Did Hawaii Really Try To Thwart CNN’s Homelessness Report? The DLNR explains its reasons for not granting a permit for access to an encampment near the Waianae Boat Harbor. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Allure of isle boosts tourism. Tourism numbers were strong in November — and for the year overall statewide — particularly for the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Invests Nearly $7M in Hawaii Island Programs. Big Island Now.

An endangered seabird is nesting 7,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Visitor Spending and Arrivals Surpass 2016 Numbers. Visitor spending on Maui rose (+2.7% to $359.4 million) in November 2017, boosted by growth in visitor days (+5.8%), and visitor arrivals (+9.3% to 215,266), according to preliminary data released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Maui close to record-breaking visitor arrival, spending totals. Maui visitor arrivals by air were up 9.3 percent in November to 215,266 and up 3.7 percent to 2,483,686 for the year’s first 11 months. Maui News.

Reef Safe Sunscreen on Maui. There’s now a movement in Maui County to ban sunscreen containing chemicals that scientists say are harming the reefs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kamehameha Schools Invests $1.7 M in Maui Programs. Kamehameha Schools has awarded more than $1.7 million in community investment grants to support collaboration partners on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for the current fiscal year which began July 1. Maui Now.

November home sales sizzle with strong demand. Low inventory makes it a hot sellers’ market. Maui News.

More fish, lower sashimi prices predicted. Retailers say there should be plenty for New Year’s parties. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitor spending continues climb. Kauai saw 95,900 visitors in November, an increase of 9.8 percent over November 2016. Through the first 11 months of 2017, Kauai has had 1.16 million visitors, a 7.5 percent increase over the same time frame last year. Garden Island.

Canines latest tool in effort to curb avian botulism. Avian botulism has been dropping ducks in outbreaks that have been sweeping the population since 2011 — and it’s not just koloa ducks. Garden Island.