Aila DHHL confirmation hearing contentious, Honolulu rail board mulls new contractor, multiple firearms found in ashes at tragedy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aila presides over Oct. 21, 2019 DHHL hearing ©2020 All Hawaii News

DHHL chief nominee draws disagreement. The state Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Thursday decided to defer for a week a vote on the nomination of William J. Aila as Department of of Hawaiian Home Lands chairman after a nearly eight-hour-long hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Delay Vote After Grilling Aila As Head Of Hawaiian Home Lands. The governor’s nominee was applauded for projects he’s moved forward but concerns remain over the agency’s continued backlog. Civil Beat.

State senate panel defers decision on Aila nomination to helm DHHL. William Aila’s nomination to chair the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands hit a speed bump Thursday as a state senate panel deferred a decision on his confirmation until next week. Hawaii News Now.

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Amid rematch bid, Republican Sam Slom accuses incumbent of ‘socialist agenda’. Sam Slom, former Republican senator from East Honolulu, wants his longtime seat back. And he’s coming out swinging, accusing the incumbent of having a “socialist agenda.”.  Hawaii News Now.

12 presidential candidates will appear on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will be among 12 other presidential candidates on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the deadly rampage in Diamond Head, Honolulu’s police chief says she wants to tighten loopholes in Hawaii’s already tough gun laws. There are now 38 gun proposals moving through the Legislature ― and more than a dozen were introduced since the weekend shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Measure Aims To Encourage Guilty, No Contest Pleas In Domestic Violence Cases. Advocates for victims in Hawaii domestic violence cases are backing a proposal to reduce certain domestic violence cases from felonies to misdemeanors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill package addresses wind farms in Hawaii. A host of bills looking to address utility-scale wind energy projects near residential areas in Hawaii has been introduced for this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department is warning local companies that make, distribute or sell flavored cartridge or pod-based e-cigarettes to stop, or risk enforcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes are smaller, according to the department, and are often called “pods,” “vapes,” or “JUUL,” a popular brand. These hi-tech e-cigarettes are popular with middle and high school students because they are easy to conceal, and users do not emit large plumes when exhaling. Star-Advertiser.

Public Safety’s New Alert System Requires Sign Up. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety is transitioning to a new public notification system called AlertSense, effective Feb. 1, 2020. All alerts that were on the Nixle Alert system will end Jan. 31. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Caldwell Talks Homelessness, HUD and Honolulu Rail In Washington DC. The Honolulu mayor is in the nation’s capital this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He’s also meeting with federal officials about the city’s largest ever public works project. Civil Beat.

With rail work running late, city might hire new contractor. Critically important utility work in the city center segment of the Honolulu rail line is still running behind schedule, and the rail authority is preparing to hire a second contractor to ensure the work is finished on time and does not delay construction of the last portion of the 20-mile rail system. Star-Advertiser.

HART Struggles To Keep Critical Utility Work On Schedule. The rail agency is eager for crews to work on Dillingham during the day, but the move is sure to take a heavy traffic toll on Kalihi. Civil Beat.

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Guns found at Hibiscus Drive not registered to homeowner or late husband, Chief Ballard says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said today that multiple firearms have been recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive, but checks of the names of people who lived at the Diamond Head home showed that the weapons were not registered to the homeowner or her late husband. Star-Advertiser.

Multiple firearms recovered from Sunday’s shooting, arson incident. According to the Honolulu Police Department, multiple firearms were recovered at 3015 Hibiscus Drive. KHON2.

Multiple firearms found in charred remains of the homes along Hibiscus Drive. More evidence surrounding Sunday's tragic events in Diamond Head is being found during the ongoing investigation by Honolulu Police. KITV4.

Possession of guns key to potential lawsuits. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s announcement Thursday that multiple firearms were recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive might serve as a linchpin in the likely litigation of a Sunday crime spree that left two police officers dead and seven homes destroyed by fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hibiscus Drive violence could have been prevented, landlord’s friend says. Thursday morning on Hibiscus Drive, after the reopening of the street and restoration of power to homes for the first time since Sunday’s violence and raging fire, a woman and man stood at a window overlooking the field of ashes left where the blaze burned seven homes to the ground, where a few charred fragments and a sturdy white fence remained standing. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutor’s office arresting witnesses, victims with warrants ahead of them testifying. Prosecutors recently started looking for warrants of witnesses and victims who are set to testify in upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

‘Point in Time’ survey tallies Oahu’s homeless. Outreach workers fanned out across Oahu on Thursday — starting at 4 a.m. — to survey the island’s homeless population in a one-day, compressed census as part of the nationwide Point in Time Count. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa is tops in people surveyed wanting to move elsewhere. 5% of the people in the Ewa area who plan to move over the next few years say they want to relocate to a different part of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County working on new deal for state reimbursement for TMT-related costs. More than a month after the Hawaii County Council rejected a $10 million deal with the state to reimburse police costs related to the standoff at Maunakea Access Road, a new agreement has still not been finalized. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona homeowner facing fine for illegal vacation rental. A South Kona homeowner is facing thousands in fines for reportedly operating an illegal vacation rental a stone’s throw from Pebble Beach. West Hawaii Today.

County wants to seize, sell site of former homeless camp. The former site of a homeless camp in downtown Hilo may be sold off to pay for fines the owners owe the county. Tribune-Herald.

Van Pernis confirmed to Leeward Planning Commission. Mark Van Pernis endured a second round of grilling Wednesday before being confirmed to the Leeward Planning Commission by a 6-3 vote. West Hawaii Today.

Feedback sought on hazard mitigation plan. A small group of individuals turned out Wednesday to learn more about the pending update to the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Plan aims to improve South Maui watersheds. Proposed projects would curb polluted runoff, help to protect plants from livestock. Maui News.

‘Most Hawaiian hotel’ gets makeover: KBH to undergo $65M ‘renewal’. Beachfront restaurant, more parking on tap. The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel will undergo a $65 million “property enhancement project” this spring that will include a new beachfront restaurant, redesign of its 180-room Kauai wing and an additional floor of parking. Maui News.

Former Boys & Girls Club employee gets year in jail. Victoria Satoafaiga sexually assaulted girl when she was assistant director. Maui News.

Kauai

County dumps need work. The County of Kauai is continuing work to get the Kekaha Landfill up to state Department of Health standards after receiving a warning letter from the DOH in November. Garden Island.

Garden Island editor moves on. After nearly seven years on Kauai, we’re returning to our home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Garden Island.

University officials grilled over budget, Honolulu mayor signs plastics ban, Kauai woman, Mormon church, settle over child sex assault claims, Mauna Kea obstruction defense cites war crimes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

UH Executive Salary Hikes, $2.7M Enrollment Contract Under Scrutiny. State lawmakers grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday about the university's spending, focusing on a $2.7 million consultant contract to increase enrollment and recent salary increases for UH vice presidents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senators question University of Hawaii officials over spending and raises. State senators grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday for hiring an outside firm to help recruit new students and giving his vice presidents raises when student enrollment overall has dropped. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Think UH Regents Are ‘Too Cozy’ With Officials. A Senate panel will be digging into university issues in the next month. Civil Beat.

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State employees say supervisors are spying on them with taxpayer-funded cameras. Over the course of the last year, an additional set of surveillance cameras have been installed at the state parole office on Alakea Street. Hawaii News Now.

State budgets $2.5M to replace state Capitol’s carpeting. The price tag for a project to replace the carpets in offices and meeting rooms on four floors of the state Capitol is approaching $2 million, with crews working seven days a week to get the first phase of the job finished in time for the Jan. 15 opening of the state Legislature, according to state Comptroller Curt Otaguro. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Single-use plastic ban becomes law on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Sunday signed into law one of the nation’s strictest bans on plastics, which will prohibit all single-use plastic plates, bowls, cups and serv­ice ware on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs Plastic Ban into law. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs one of the strictest plastics ban into law Sunday following a 7-2 vote on the City Council level earlier this month. KHON2.

Bill 40 signed into law, banning most disposable plastics on Oahu by 2022. Supporters say protests from Hawaii's food manufacturers and restaurant owners allowed them to work together to include exemptions for local businesses. KITV.

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Ala Moana park playground backers announce relocation. A nonprofit group that has been working to build an inclusive playground at Ala Moana Regional Park announced Saturday that it now will focus on building the playground at Kakaako Makai Gateway Park. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Playground Moving To Kaka'ako From Ala Moana. An inclusive playground planned at Ala Moana Regional Park will instead be built in Kaka'ako Makai Gateway Park, the group that lobbied for the project announced Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial playground planned for Ala Moana is headed to Kakaako. Supporters of a controversial playground at Ala Moana Beach Park officially announced Saturday that they are moving the project to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

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HART Reversed Course And Fired Embattled Employee. HART’s top executive has declined to say who advised the rail agency regarding former agency information specialist, Russell Yamanoha. Civil Beat.

Aiea Board Gives Its Blessing To Preliminary Plans For A New Jail. In a surprise move, after early indications they would oppose the project, the Aiea Neighborhood Board has given its blessing to the state’s next planning steps toward building a new jail in Halawa to replace the decrepit Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point cleaning up after eviction. The Naval Air Museum Barbers Point is busy clearing out exhibits and displays since getting evicted by the state over five weeks ago. KITV.

Spalding House’s closure brings mixed emotions, memories to those who loved it. The parking lot at Spalding House, the museum tucked away in Makiki Heights, has been packed this month as dozens of visitors walk its grounds one last time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County bill seeks to update energy code. Proposed amendments to the county’s conservation code intended to reduce power use and construction costs will be discussed at a county committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

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Attorneys Plan To Argue State Engaging In “War Crimes”. Attorneys representing some of the kupuna arrested on the Mauna Kea Access Road in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope plan to fight obstruction charges on grounds that are related to the occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

5-year window for state to reimburse Hawaii county for Mauna Kea law enforcement. It took the state and county to November 1 to sign their written agreement on how the state will reimburse the county for police overtime relating to the blockade. Hawaii News Now.

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With Highway 132 open, county officials focus on recovery efforts for other lava-hit areas. About 13 miles of public roads were inundated by lava during the eruption last year, including portions of Highway 132, Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Honuaula Street and Lighthouse Road. Tribune-Herald.

Kimball launches council campaign. Surrounded by a small but vocal crowd of supporters yelling out a paddler’s cheer, Heather Kimball on Friday launched her campaign for the open County Council District 1 seat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation Rental Fine Hikes to Take Effect. Beginning Dec. 27, illegal short-term vacation rentals will be fined $20,000, plus another $10,000 each day the operation continues. Maui Now.

Nonresidents Will Soon Have to Pay for Parking at Big Beach. Beginning the first week of January, nonresidents will have to pay $5 for parking at the Makena State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Friday. Maui Now.

Illegal Parking, Trespassing at Jaws Challenge Sparks Community Concern. Representatives from the Hana Highway Regulation committee say they received numerous complaints from Haʻikū residents regarding illegal parking and trespassing on private property during the contest on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Settlement reached in church suit. The Mormon Church has settled a lawsuit by a Kauai woman, who accused a missionary of molesting her as a child. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway closures begin today. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds the public of temporary full closures on Kuhio Highway at Mile Marker 1, the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge. Garden Island.

Trump honors fallen Hawaii soldier, Monsanto fined $10M for illegal pesticide on Maui, Legislature to mull red light cameras, former judge launches bid for Honolulu prosecutor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami PC:Department of Defense

Fallen Keaau soldier remembered as ‘strong, courageous’. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr., an Army pilot, was participating in a night raid when the Apache helicopter crashed. Tribune-Herald.

Trump pays respects to Army officers killed in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump paid respects Thursday to two Army officers who were killed when their helicopter crashed this week in Afghanistan, holding his salute until each of the flag-draped cases containing their remains were returned to their grieving families. Associated Press.

Big Isle man, 25, among 2 Army aviators killed in Afghanistan chopper crash. A Hawaii Island man who had recently started a deployment to Afghanistan was one of two U.S. Army aviators killed when their AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed Wednesday in Logar province, the Pentagon said today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii service member killed in Afghanistan chopper crash remembered as gentle, kind. The Department of Defense said Thursday that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., of Keaau, and another soldier — identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle — were killed on Wednesday in Logar Province. Hawaii News Now.

Keaʻau Man Dies In Afghanistan In Support Of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fuchigami died in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island man killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr. died in Logar Province while providing security for troops on the ground. KHON2.

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OHA appoints permanent CEO at ‘critical moment’ in its 40-year history. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ board Thursday voted unanimously to appoint educator and administrator Sylvia Hussey as its permanent CEO. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to implement red light cameras may return to Legislature. After a string of crashes, some deadly, some are revisiting the idea of bringing red light cameras island wide. KHON2.

Seed Industry Is Shrinking Dramatically But It Still Grows Hawaii’s No. 1 Crop. Despite controversy and declining production, executives say Hawaii will remain a key player in growing GMO seeds for years to come. Civil Beat.

USDA Announces $13M for Community Facilities in Hawai‘i. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday it will invest $13,450,000 through its Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to improve the quality of rural life in Hawai‘i and the Western Pacific. Big Island Now.

Sexually Transmitted Infections On The Rise In Hawaii. But programs for getting screened and tested for STIs on the neighbor islands are scarce and sometimes expensive. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto appears before grand jury for 3 hours. Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto spent roughly three hours before a grand jury in U.S. District Court today and emerged with little to say to reporters. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu May Sue Convicted Police Chief To Claw Back Retirement Money. The city will likely take its former police chief to court. Civil Beat.

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Steve Alm, a former judge and U.S. attorney, announces bid for Honolulu prosecutor. Promising to restore integrity in a Honolulu prosecutor’s office that’s “in crisis,” former state judge and one-time U.S. Attorney Steve Alm announced he is running for the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s post next year. Star-Advertiser.

Former Judge Steve Alm Announces Bid For Prosecuting Attorney. He has the support of the police union and the chair of the police commission. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu rail authority budgets $200K to help employees cope with federal subpoenas. Another batch of federal grand jury subpoenas was delivered to the offices of the Honolulu rail authority last month, and the rail board approved a budget Thursday that includes $200,000 for next year to hire legal counsel to assist rail employees who have been served. Star-Advertiser.

More HART Employees Hit With Federal Subpoenas. It’s the second round of orders sent to rail staff. The agency still won’t say how many employees have received subpoenas. Civil Beat.

Kapolei residents raise concerns over development as rail is poised to roll. Construction on the city’s rail project began in East Kapolei after ground was broken in 2011. Hawaii News Now.

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Faceoff set for controversial Kaneohe cemetery expansion plan. Fresh battle lines are now drawn in a more than decade- old effort by the largest funeral and cemetery service business operator in the nation to expand Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe on forested conservation land near a residential subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs bill extending Oahu lifeguard services from sunup to sundown. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law today a bill extending the hours of city lifeguards from sunup to sundown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor signs bill to extend beach lifeguard hours. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed a bill extending lifeguard service hours from dawn to sundown. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s largest prison doesn’t have an overcrowding issue — but that doesn’t mean it’s free of any others. Halawa Correctional Facility is the state’s largest prison. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Homeless camp razed. A long-standing homeless camp in downtown Hilo was torn down by county workers Thursday after existing for nearly a year. Tribune-Herald.

Unpermitted Hilo Structures Demolished. The County of Hawaiʻi, with a court order, removed unpermitted structures from a property in downtown Hilo on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

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Big Isle cancer patient sues Johnson & Johnson over asbestos-containing talcum power. A Hawaii Island woman with a rare form of cancer is suing Johnson & Johnson and Foodland Super Market Ltd. for selling talc-based baby powder she claims was contaminated with asbestos. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island woman sues Johnson & Johnson over mesothelioma diagnosis. An Ahualoa woman is suing the manufacturer of a popular brand of baby powder, claiming asbestos contamination of the talc-based powder caused her mesothelioma. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island woman claims that her rare form of cancer was caused by Johnson & Johnson product. Since February a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma took her out of the saddle. KITV.

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More delays for Hele-On contract. Hawaii County Council members continue to have confidence in Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira, despite a fumble in the department that forced the cancellation of a long-overdue contract award. West Hawaii Today.

HOPE Services Hawaii Receives $2.75 Million Bezos Grant. The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund is granting $98.5 million to 32 nonprofits around the United States that are assisting families experiencing homelessness. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Monsanto Fined $10 Million For Using Banned Pesticide On Maui. The chemical company continued to use a pesticide banned in 2013 for about a year after the prohibition. Civil Beat.

Monsanto Pleads Guilty To Illegal Pesticide Use In Hawaii. Agrochemicals company Monsanto on Thursday pleaded guilty to spraying a banned pesticide on research crops on the Hawaii island of Maui in 2014, prosecutors said. Associated Press.

Monsanto admits to illegal use of pesticides on Maui. Monsanto Co. has agreed to plead guilty to using a banned pesticide on corn seed and research crops at its Valley Farm facility in Kihei, Maui, and will pay $10 million for illegally storing the chemical on Maui and Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Monsanto to Plead Guilty to Illegally Spraying Banned Pesticide on Maui. Monsanto Company has agreed to plead guilty to illegally using a banned pesticide known as Penncap-M on research crops at one of its facilities on Maui, according to the Department of Justice. Maui Now.

Monsanto to plead guilty to criminal count of spraying banned pesticide. Monsanto has agreed to plead guilty to illegally using a banned pesticide on Maui research crops, the U.S. Justice Department said. Hawaii News Now.




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Mayor confronted over injection wells. Victorino still firm on stance that case should be decided by US Supreme Court. Maui News.


Makani Kai wins service to Hana. Airline to cover route without any subsidy. Maui News.

Kauai

Shoreline creeps closer. Kauai’s multi-use path, Ke Ala Hele Makalae, is being threatened by coastal erosion, triggering community concern and a little government action. Garden Island.

Jim Benkert sees potential with eco e-bikes Kauai. The Lihue man recently opened eco e-bikes Kauai on Rice Street. He rents and sells pedal-assisted, battery-powered two-wheelers for a relaxed and relatively easy way to cruise the island. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanaʻi Health Center Expands Telehealth Team. The Lanai Community Health Center named its newest pediatrician, Dr. Jeesun Nam. Maui Now.

Oahu, Maui top U.S. Thanksgiving destinations, Honolulu plastic ban advances, Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested, PUC nixes HELCO rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News

Oahu, Maui listed among top US Thanksgiving destinations according to AAA. Two Hawaiian Islands have been listed among some of the most coveted Thanksgiving destinations in America, according to a recent report by the American Automobile Association of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu, Maui Among Top Thanksgiving Destinations For US Travelers. For those travelers planning an international vacation for Thanksgiving, sandy beaches are their destinations of choice. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Economic Growth Is The Lowest In The Nation. Record visitor numbers are hiding an alarming trend. Civil Beat.

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Officials urge public to stay away from ocean ordnance prior to removal in 2020. State and federal officials say remedial work of unexploded ordnance off of Oahu’s North Shore and in Molokini is scheduled for spring 2020, after humpback whales have migrated back north and ocean waters are calmer. Star-Advertiser.

Federal and state agencies are issuing warnings to the public advising of the planned removal of unexploded ordnance from Oahu and the Molokini islet off Maui. Maui Now.

More money for protection of coral. Hawaii coral reefs are one step closer to receiving nearly $10 million more in federal funding thanks to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee approval of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. Garden Island.

Bill To Restore And Conserve Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs Passes Key Committee. A bill that would help to restore Hawai‘i’s coral reefs, was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.  The measure was introduced by US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), who is a member of the committee. Maui Now.

Oahu

Foodware plastics ban bill advances. Oahu would have the state’s strictest law against single-use, oil-based plastic containers and utensils under a bill approved 3-2 by the Honolulu City Council Public Safety and Welfare Committee Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of the proposed plastic ban want the city council to start over. Those who are against the proposal say the city council is rushing the bill and would prefer that they start over to get things right. KHON2.

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At least 26 arrested as hundreds of wind farm protesters turn out in Kalaeloa. Dozens of arrests were made late Thursday into early Friday as hundreds of protesters of a wind farm project gathered in Kalaeloa to block a transport of heavy equipment. Hawaii News Now.

The first of the latest wind turbines goes up in Kahuku. KITV.

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Honolulu Taxpayers Are Footing The Bill For Defense Lawyers’ Rail Advice. But city officials won’t say how much they’re paying the San Francisco law firm. Civil Beat.

Department of Planning and Permitting schedules public meeting to provide community with update on draft plan. The Department of Planning and Permitting has scheduled a public meeting to provide the community with an update on the East Kapolei Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Draft Plan. KITV.

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Taxpayers Spent Nearly $700,000 on Kealohas’ Legal Fees. The court-appointed attorney for Katherine Kealoha received the largest chunk of the fees. Civil Beat.

The federal government has paid out nearly $700,000 in legal expenses for the Kealohas and one of their co-defendants. The fees and costs were detailed in a report from the federal court Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha fed cases run up $700,000 in taxpayer-funded attorney fees. Taxpayers have footed the bills for nearly $700,000 in attorney fees in the Kealohas’ federal corruption and fraud cases. KHON2.

O'ahu taxpayers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for Kealohas and HPD officer. O'ahu tax payers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for the Kealohas and an HPD officer convicted of corruption. KITV.

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Yep, Hanabusa Is Running For Mayor Of Honolulu. The former congresswoman all but declares her campaign in an email to supporters. Civil Beat.

Waianae community divided over relocation of state’s largest homeless camp. The relocation of the state’s largest homeless camp is facing new resistance from its would-be neighbors. Hawaii News Now.

First kauhale homeless tiny homes going up next month in Kalaeloa. The first 10 tiny homes aimed at housing homeless military veterans are scheduled to go up next month in Kalaeloa as part of a new, wider approach to quickly develop permanent housing communities for homeless adults who have been living the longest on Oahu’s streets. Star-Advertiser.

The Fate Of This Beautiful Honolulu Park Is Now In The Hands Of One Man. Damon estate heir J.P. Damon has ended up the sole owner of Moanalua Gardens, the historic park on sacred land in west Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Rapid ohia death spreads on Oahu. An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of Oahu forest has yielded the island’s fourth detection of rapid ohia death, the fungal disease that has killed millions of ohia trees on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Cardax’s quarterly loss widens to $1.4 million. Pharmaceutical company Cardax Inc. saw its loss widen in the third quarter as revenue plunged more than half from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Regulators decline to approve increase in Hawaii Electric Light rates. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued an interim decision that results in no increase in electric rates at this time for Hawaii Electric Light Company customers, the PUC announced today. West Hawaii Today.

No special tax class for vacation rentals. There will be no special property tax classification for short-term vacation rentals under recommendations proposed by a panel tasked with revamping the county property tax code, but some people currently getting tax breaks for agriculture could take a hit. West Hawaii Today.

40 attend inaugural cleanup aimed to integrate homeless back into community. The basis of HONOUR (Homeless Outreach Nurturing Our Community) is to integrate the homeless back into the community by having them work on projects under positive guidance. West Hawaii Today.

LEAD Homelessness Program Arrives in Kona. The pilot project, which received $650,000 in ʻOhana Zone funding from the State, launched Thursday in Kona. Big Island Now.

A former employee at the Big Island’s largest community health center says she was retaliated against for blowing the whistle on its former CEO and its board. She’s said she’s one of dozens of workers who are alleging a hostile work environment at the Bay Clinic. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Agency considers raising height limits in Wailuku. Meeting to be held Friday but decision not expected till next year. The Maui Redevelopment Agency, which has the power to alter zoning and development rules for downtown Wailuku, will continue to mull whether to hike height limits from four to six stories along certain streets during its Friday meeting, though decision-making likely won’t come until next year, an official said. Maui News.

Hawaii endangered bird program halted after 9 die of illness. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project will halt the program after the deaths of nine endangered birds, officials said. Associated Press.

Kauai

House Finance members to visit. Members of the state House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Sylvia Luke, will tour sites on Kauai to view firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. The visits will also allow committee members to learn about other concerns and needs facing Kauai. Garden Island.

Baby fish eating plastic off Hawaii, $214M bond floated for Honolulu rail, half of workers say they're sexually harassed, Anheuser-Busch buys Kona Brewing Co., more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Scribbled filefish in sea of plastics sampled in surface slicks off Hawaii Island. NOAA/David Liitschwager

Study Confirms Plastics Are Threatening Fish Nurseries. Tiny bits of plastics are threatening fish nurseries in Hawaii, and likely around the globe. That's according to the latest study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

Recent evidence has shown that adult fish are eating plastics in the ocean and suffering from perils such as malnutrition and toxicant buildup. Now, for the first time, a study conducted in Hawaii shows baby fish are ingesting tiny plastics, too. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers find microplastics in the stomachs of baby mahimahi, other species off Hawaii. A new study released Monday says baby fish around Hawaii are eating a large amount of plastic particles. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers find plastic in baby fish on Big Island. A troubling discovery announced on Monday, researchers found plastic in baby-fish in waters off the Big Island. KITV.

Fish in study found to be eating fibers thought to come from everyday laundry. Larval fish off the coast of Kona are eating plastics at an alarming rate, according to a study published Monday in a national scientific journal. Tribune-Herald.

Study: Plastics plague Pacific fish. A new study on the Pacific Ocean’s floating trash indicates not only a significant accumulation of microplastics in the Hawaiian Islands, but that larval fish are eating the debris. Garden Island.

NOAA fisheries report on the plastic research can be found here.

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Half of isle adults claim sexual harassment, survey finds. Nearly half of adults have experienced sexual harassment while working in Hawaii, a new statewide survey suggests. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly Half Of Hawaii Workers Say They’ve Been Sexually Harassed. People who grew up in Hawaii were much less likely to report any sexual harassment they experienced. Civil Beat.

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Meth Deaths Soar in Hawaii Even As Opioids Grab Public Attention. Meth-related overdose fatalities have significantly outpaced other drug overdose deaths in the the past five years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council, Caldwell OK rail bond spending. Without the fanfare of past similar votes, the Honolulu City Council and Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed off on a bill clearing the way for the city to spend up to $214 million in taxpayer dollars for the over-budget $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Another push to impeach city Prosecutor Kaneshiro gains traction. Organizers filed more than 500 signatures collected online with docushare and in person. Hawaii News Now.

Who stole the Kealohas’ mailbox? 6 years later, prosecutors could finally find out. Katherine Kealoha’s plea deal requires that she cooperate with federal prosecutors — without limitations or restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center On ‘Losing End’ Of Battle With Meth. Some days, as many 40% of people admitted at the ER in Punchbowl have problems related to meth use, according to hospital officials. Civil Beat.

Republican Party of Hawaii looking forward to 2020. American Conservative Activist Scott Presler promised high energy during his speech. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Will Mayor Harry Kim run for re-election? That’s the question on a lot of people’s minds with the campaign qualifying season set to commence in less than three months. West Hawaii Today.

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Anheuser-Busch to buy out Kona Brewing parent company. Kona Brewing Co. is soon to become wholly owned by beer giant Anheuser-Busch. West Hawaii Today.

Anheuser-Busch to acquire all of Kona Brewing Co. Kona Brewing Co. is slated to become wholly owned by beer company behemoth Anheuser-Busch under a deal announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Anheuser-Busch to Take Full Ownership of Kona Brew. Anheuser-Busch currently owns 31% of Kona Brewing Company. Big Island Now.

Anheuser-Busch to buy out owner of Kona Brewing Company. Anheuser-Busch, the folks who produce big brands like Budweiser and Stella Artois, announced Monday that they plan to buy out Craft Brew Alliance, the Portland-based craft brewing company that owns Kona Brewing as well as a number of other small brands. Hawaii News Now.

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Man arrested following fatal head-on crash had prior DUI conviction. A 25-year-old Waimea man Sunday arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide and DUI following a two-car crash near Ke Kahakai State Park that killed a 35-year-old mother and hospitalized three girls has a prior conviction for drunken driving. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Supreme Court Recordings Reveal Justices Struggling To Find Answer in Maui Case. During an hour-long hearing on the Maui Clean Water Act case, the U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed to be seeking a legal path to keep polluters from skirting the law without ensnaring ordinary homeowners. Hawaii Public Radio.

Farmers convention growing the good stuff. Knowledge-sharing draws hundreds to Puunene event. Maui News.

Kula Community Association Meeting This Wednesday. The Kula Community Association is inviting all Maui residents to its community meeting this Wednesday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Surfrider releases latest water test results. These are the latest results for this month’s Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force sampling of our Kauai waters for Enterococcus, a fecal indicating bacteria, on Nov. 9. Garden Island.

East Kauai Irrigation System to revert to DLNR. In 2001, the East Kauai Water Users Cooperative was formed to take over management of the state-owned irrigation system in our area previously operated by Lihue Plantation. Garden Island.

Hawaii bankruptcies hit 5-year high, state looks to curb child sex trafficking, counties struggle with vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Orchids at Hawaii show ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate Provision Requires Impact Study Of Imported Orchids. Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi, a state known for its orchid growing industry, wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture to submit a report on the economic and environmental impacts of importing foreign orchids in growing media. Big Island Video News.

State bankruptcies hit highest level in 5 years. There were more bankruptcy filings in October than in any month since 2014 as the number of cases now appears nearly certain to top 2018’s full-year total in just 11 months. Star-Advertiser.

Feds called to resolve rail land dispute. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the city are turning to the federal government to help resolve a years-long stalemate over how to value land in a property exchange involving the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

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Protests are continuing against three separate projects in Hawaii. That’s led people who work with infrastructure development to rethink how they engage the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea protests have exposed ‘corruption,’ activists say. There is a strong sense among them that the struggle over Mauna Kea has finally exposed systemic unfairness in public institutions that, among other injustices, allowed the TMT to win government approval. Star-Advertiser.

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Why Some Native Hawaiians End Up Selling Coveted Homesteads. So far this year, 16 residential homesteads have been sold on Oahu — allowing buyers to shortcut DHHL’s long waiting list. Civil Beat.

Aloha United Way helps families stay out of poverty. After waiting 60 years for a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands lot to build their home, Keonaona Salis and his family finally felt like they won the lottery. Star-Advertiser.

Principals Forced to Hire Non-speakers for Hawaiian Immersion Positions Amid Teacher Shortage. About 43 percent of Hawaiian immersion teachers do not speak Hawaiian. Maui Now.

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Authorities seek ways to protect children in the islands from sexual exploitation. It's a relatively unknown crisis that has hit our island paradise, but officials say more awareness about the issue of child sex trafficking is the first step to ending its vicious cycle. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii tourism industry is getting involved with sex trafficking awareness. It's part of an inaugural symposium that kicks off on Oahu Monday and will continue statewide through the week. KITV.

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September Vacation Rental Performance Report. For seven years, the State of Hawai‘i has set visitor arrival records. But during those years, the number of traditional lodging units, like hotels and timeshares, has increased only minimally. Big Island Now.

State drives toward renewable energy. Hawaii is getting a boost toward the goal of transitioning its municipal fleets to 100% renewable energy by 2045 thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Garden Island.

State Rep. John Mizuno (D-Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights) is calling for the U.S. Attorney General’s office to investigate allegations that New York City officials are shipping homeless people to Hawaii. Garden Island.

Why Nearly Half The Kids In An Island State Can’t Swim. Some Hawaii schools are working with community groups to make swim lessons more affordable and more widely available. Civil Beat.

Kaiser billing-practices suit against Queen’s dismissed. A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. against The Queen’s Health Systems over unfair billing practices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu short-term vacation rentals drop steeply since city’s crackdown Vacation rental supply fell on Oahu and the number of visitors reporting vacation rental stays dropped by about half in September, the first month since the city’s crackdown on illegal rentals took effect. Star-Advertiser.

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State to extend Pali Highway hours as crews prepare to wrap up repairs. The state is extending Pali Highway hours, giving Windward Oahu drivers the opportunity to use the route seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Highway to open daily starting Monday. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has completed emergency slope repairs and is reopening the Pali Highway (Route 61) daily during daytime hours. KHON2.

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A new village-style homeless project could begin to rise by Thanksgiving on Oahu. A new village-style homeless project could start to rise in Kalaeloa before the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Vacation rental applications flood Planning Department. A month after a key deadline for short-term vacation rentals, the Hawaii County Planning Department is plowing through almost 4,000 applications, including 1,150 seeking exemptions for nonconforming zoning. West Hawaii Today.

County to hear first appeal of vacation rental permit denial. A Captain Cook homeowner is appealing the county’s new short-term vacation rental law, saying it’s unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today.

Second lab sought for HMC cardiac clinic. Cardiac services continue to expand at Hilo Medical Center, with a full panel of cardiologists now on staff and treating patients, and hospital officials are hoping to keep that momentum going. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thousands of meals made for local children in need. Two local companies team up for a good cause. Many hands made light work Saturday during a joint local effort to pack 20,000 dry meals for Maui children in need. Maui News.

Kauai

Spectrum restores internet, cable for Kauai residents after second lapse in service. Kauai residents are back online after another outage of phone, internet and cable services Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami on Thursday signed a proclamation declaring Stop the Ant Month in support of little fire ant awareness on Kauai. Garden Island.

Kahuku wind farm project lacks environmental review, Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition, drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm arrests PC:Choon James

PUC’s Former Lawyer Says Approval Of Kahuku Wind Farm Violated Law. A former Public Utilities Commission counsel said regulators needed to complete an environmental review before approving the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm ‘arrestables’ say breaking the law is their last option. Over the last two weeks, 111 people volunteered to be arrested for protesting a controversial wind energy farm in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Wind farm demonstrators out in Kalaeloa again Sunday night. Wind turbine construction materials are scheduled to move again on Sunday night, leaving from Kalaeloa for the Na Pua Makani wind farm site in Kahuku. KITV.

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Drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M last year. Hawaii doctors received $4.29 million in total payments from drug companies for promotional talks or consulting work in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Dispensaries stop selling vapes with outside ingredients. Five out of eight Hawaii medical marijuana dispensaries that had been warned by health officials to stop selling vaping products made with outside ingredients say they are now in compliance with state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants prepare to vote on a possible strike. Starting Monday, more than 2,100 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will begin voting on whether they should authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii kids hit median on Smarter Balanced Assessment. A new analysis shows that Hawaii’s public school students rank in the middle of the pack in both English and math proficiency among the states that use the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Want a selfie with a Hawaiian monk seal? Don’t get too close. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers recently conducted a study of how social media can play a role not only in monitoring the public’s interaction with endangered monks seals in Hawaii, but in research, education and conservation. Star-Advertiser.

Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund. The move by the inspector general comes after a Civil Beat investigation and request from four congressmen. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement late Thursday that she won’t seek reelection to Congress so she can focus on her presidential bid turns what early challenger Kai Kahele saw as a likely mano-a-mano contest into a political free-for-all. But it’s up for debate whether this makes it more or less difficult for the relatively new state senator from Hilo to win the congressional seat. West Hawaii Today.

Tulsi Gabbard’s decision not to seek reelection to Congress and instead focus on her presidential campaign opens an opportunity for familiar and lesser-known potential candidates who might want to run in 2020 to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Why Tulsi Gabbard Should Quit Congress Right Now. The presidential wannabe can show true aloha for the people of the 2nd District by letting them have proper representation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Feds Demanded Rail Information From Honolulu City Hall. Officials investigating the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation have either seized or requested information from the city, the mayor’s communications director Andrew Pereira confirmed. Civil Beat.

Acting city prosecutor faces heat over failure to act in wake of scandals. Acting city Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto continues to dodge questions about the suspected cover-up of crimes by ex-deputy Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

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Pro-Labor Bill Becomes Law Without Mayor’s Signature. Caldwell informed the council he wants to work on “legal concerns.” Civil Beat.

Labor bill favoring unions becomes law without the mayor’s signature. Union workers will essentially get priority for all city projects over $2 million thanks to a bill that is now law. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Wai harbor redevelopment effort falls short — again. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has come up empty-handed after a committee reviewed proposals for redevelopment of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor — rankling some Waikiki residents and boaters who fear the state will never get it right. Star-Advertiser.

State goes ‘back to the drawing board’ for Ala Wai harbor development. Many people consider the area near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to be the gateway to Waikiki. But for years, that area has included a fenced-off vacant lot. Hawaii News Now.

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Kirk Caldwell, developer of Ala Moana playground reject idea of different site. Moving the site of a proposed inclusive children’s playground from Ala Moana Regional Park to Kakaako Waterfront Park will cause suffering to children with special needs by making them wait longer to enjoy the first such playground in Hawaii, said Tiffany Vara, executive director of Pa‘ani Kakou, a nonprofit that has pledged to build the playground with private money and give it to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Support for an inclusive playground is there. But where should it be built? Dozens on both sides of the controversy over a proposed, privately funded playground at Ala Moana Park attended a rally at the park today. Hawaii News Now.

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Bill 25 standoff reveals difficulty in requiring greener energy as part of Oahu’s building code. Improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings is a key element to reducing global climate heating. And on Oahu, there’s plenty of room for improvement, as our built environment is responsible for some 35% of the island’s carbon pollution, according to the city’s recently established greenhouse gas inventory. Star-Advertiser.

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Financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa may be overseen by conservator. A hearing will be held to determine whether a conservator will be appointed to oversee the financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa outside of her $215 million trust, a judge ruled Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian royalty descendant rejects calls for appointment of a conservator. Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa was back in court Friday, rejecting claims she can’t handle her own financial affairs and medical needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki residents concerned by bikers on sidewalks. Riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal. KITV.

This Run Down Shopping Center In Hawaii Kai Has Neighbors Begging For Repairs. It’s not the only shopping center in Hawaii that is showing signs of decay. But this community, fueled by a neighborhood social media discussion, is fighting back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition. A petition that challenged the density of development of astronomy observatories on Mauna Kea was denied Friday by the state Land Use Commission, with a majority of the commissioners declaring they have no jurisdiction over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Land commission votes 5-2 to deny request by two Hilo residents. The state Land Use Commission voted Friday to deny a petition that requested a declaration that the use of land at Maunakea summit is improper for its current zoning. Tribune-Herald.

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Sirens in tsunami-prone areas now ‘highest priority'. Prioritization of emergency warning siren maintenance, repair and installation across the state has changed. West Hawaii Today.

Final review of proposed dolphin swimming ban continues. Federal officials are still working to finalize a rule three years in the making that’ll render it illegal to approach or swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui continues to discuss how to meet Hawaii’s renewable-energy goals. The months-long, record-breaking heat wave that has caused spikes in Maui’s electricity use underscores why the island — and the state as a whole — has such ambitious renewable-energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Column: Tax reform legislation moves to the full council on Nov. 8. Five months ago, the Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee decided to study options for more equitable taxation by creating a temporary investigative group, or TIG, on real property tax reform. Maui News.

Local Businesses Open Up Shop at Wailea Village. Wailea Village, a new shopping center in South Maui that promises a “different” and “outdoor-focused” retail experience, is now the home of several locally owned stores. Maui Now.

Kauai

Police Chief Calls For New Procedures In Wake Of School Threats. Responding to recent threats against island schools, Kaua'i Police Chief Todd Raybuck described school lockdowns and evacuations as appropriate when the threats are active and imminent, but said they may not be when unconfirmed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai’s police chief urges parents to remind kids about seriousness of making threats. In light of recent threats against DOE schools, Kauai’s Police Chief Todd Raybuck is strengthening the call for the community to work together to prevent future incidents. Hawaii News Now.

Eyes on the reefs. The sediment in Anini’s shallow lagoon could be saturated with heavy metals, according to results from a study conducted through volunteers with the nonprofit Reef Guardians Hawaii. Garden Island.

Kealoha chapter closes with guilty pleas, City Council says no outside attorneys in rail probe, battles continue across the state over wind, solar and water issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha admit guilt. Once one of Oahu’s preeminent power couples, Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s stunning fall from grace continued Tuesday with both pleading guilty to additional federal charges. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief, Estranged Wife Plead Guilty. A retired Honolulu police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bank fraud in order to avoid other trials against them, capping a federal corruption investigation that brought down the once-respected and powerful couple. Associated Press.

Under deal approved by judge, Kealohas plead guilty to remaining charges. After maintaining her innocence for years, Katherine Kealoha pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to bank fraud, identity theft and covering up knowledge of a drug ring involving her brother ― all felonies ― under a plea deal approved by a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Judge accepts, finds Kealohas guilty. The Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright accepted the Kealohas’ guilty plea Tuesday. Prosecutors say the plea agreement that Louis and Katherine Kealoha entered into will bring some vindication for additional victims. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors may be interested in what Katherine Kealoha knows about HART, her attorney says. Attorney Earle Partington had planned to appeal the Kealohas' June conspiracy and obstruction conviction, but with the Kealohas cutting plea deals with the federal government, the focus has changed. KITV.

Is the Prosecutor’s Office doomed to repeat the past? That’s what the Council is worried about. In a tense exchange Tuesday, Honolulu Councilman Ron Menor questioned Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor on why his office hasn’t taken steps to independently confirm how deputy Katherine Kealoha abused her office for years for her personal benefit. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council rejects hiring outside lawyers to help city employees. Lawyers for the city expect the federal criminal investigation of the rail authority will likely result in more subpoenas or other requests for information from other city departments, but members of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to hire a mainland law firm to help cope with those inquiries. Star-Advertiser.

Criminal Probe Into Rail Might Creep Into Honolulu Hale, Attorneys Fear. After the City Council rejected using taxpayer money to pay for legal representation, city employees would have to seek it out on their own. Civil Beat.

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Wind farm battles aren’t new. And our search for green energy means they’re not going away. The opposition might have appeared to come out of nowhere. But in fact, wind farm projects are no stranger to controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm arrests decline on third night. Three people were arrested Tuesday in Kahuku after refusing to move from the driveway of the wind farm site where trucks were delivering four turbine tower sections. Three protesters were also arrested Monday night in Kalaeloa, bringing the total arrested to 101 since the protest began Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu Council Committee Considering Charging Transportation Companies for Parking Stalls. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces. Hawaii Public Radio.

Move proposed Ala Moana playground to Kakaako park, City Council member Kobayashi says. Instead of building a proposed 1-acre children’s playground with a zip line and water feature at Ala Moana Regional Park, the city should build it at Kakaako Waterfront Park near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of a new playground slated for Ala Moana Park are trying to convince the city to switch to a different site. They received a boost from a key council committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

How To Remove Homeless People From A Park? Close It, Honolulu Says. Opponents of the city proposal say closing parks is not the answer when better enforcement and maintenance is needed. Civil Beat.

City council exploring options for a tiny, problematic park in Downtown Honolulu. Honolulu city council members passed a resolution Monday that explores alternatives for the Kamalii Mini Park in Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Large scale enforcement effort underway at Kea‘au Beach Park. Combined efforts from numerous city departments, state coordinators, non-government organizations and volunteer community members are currently underway with the goal of cleaning a stretch shoreline along the Leeward Coast north of Kea‘au Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public hearing slated for petition challenging classification of state land on Maunakea summit. The state Land Use Commission will have a public hearing Thursday about a petition by two Hawaiian cultural practitioners concerning the classification of state land on the Maunakea summit. Tribune-Herald.

Search Begins for New UH Astronomy Director. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun. Big Island Now.

Water is the holdup for Laiopua. There are many hurdles to completing the master-planned Villages of Laiopua, but topping that list is water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Conflicts, Antitrust Questions Raised Regarding Maui Solar Farm. Utilities and others are concerned that the same lawyers are representing multiple parties in a competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Farmers, Advocates Rally for Restored Streamflow in Na Wai ʻEha. Community organizers picketed outside of the state building earlier this evening to push for full streamflow in Wailuku, Waiʻehu, Waiheʻe, and Waikapu, also known as Na Wai ʻEha, or the four waters. Maui Now.

UPW contract with hospitals is ratified. Terms not disclosed by either union or Maui Health System. Maui News.

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Brush fire closes Kapalua Airport on Maui, forces evacuations. The fire department is continuing to fight the fire in West Maui, and are working to protect homes in the Kahana Ridge and Ala Hoku subdivisions. Star-Advertiser.

Brush Fire Closes Maui's Kapalua Airport. Kapalua Airport in Maui was closed and evacuated Tuesday because of a brush fire that damaged power supply lines, causing the airport to lose power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Two pharmacies on Kauai are being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly distributing drugs without a prescription. Drug Enforcement Administration officials seized records and inventory from Westside Pharmacy in Hanapepe and Kalaheo Pharmacy during inspections on Oct. 9 and 10, according to receipts documenting the execution of a federal inspection warrant. Garden Island.

The business of climate change. On Kauai, the first of five conversations on the topic happened Monday at a meeting at Kauai Community College attended by about 40 people that was part lecture, part brainstorming session, focused on Kauai’s business sector. Garden Island.