Big changes coming to the Ala Wai, Supreme Court mulls Native Hawaiian homesteads backlog, Honolulu rail could sap electricity as it passes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayaker on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted by a narrow 5-3 margin to approve a measure allowing Mayor Kirk Caldwell to move forward with the contentious $345 million Ala Wai flood mitigation project. The project being spearheaded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is supposed to protect the areas around the Ala Wai Canal - and Waikiki specifically - from heavy flooding during a large-scale storm by building a series of detention basins along the Ala Wai watershed including Manoa, Palolo and Makiki, as well as walls on the sides of the canal. Star-Advertiser.

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Court hears arguments in DHHL trust case. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a breach-of-trust lawsuit against the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands that has dragged on for 20 years. Star-Advertiser.

2,000+ native Hawaiians say state failed to award homesteads in timely manner. The Supreme Court still needs to make a ruling on how damages would be awarded. KITV.

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Awareness of State Sunscreen Ban Is High, But Work Still Needs To Be Done. That’s according to a new survey from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Researchers Analyzing eDNA In Water Samples Brought Back From Papahanaumokuakea. Scientists are using an established DNA technique to discover just what lives in the deep coral reefs of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

16 states are hosting tax-free shopping on school supplies. Should Hawaii be next? Last legislative session, state lawmakers considered proposals to create a general excise tax holiday for retailers who sell school supplies, only if they passed on that discount to shoppers. Hawaii News Now.

The Fattest Paychecks In Hawaii Government Don’t Always Go To The Top Bosses. More than 14,000 employees have been added to Civil Beat’s salary database, including many who earn more than the governor. Civil Beat.

Champion Of Legal Aid To Hawaii’s Poor Announces Retirement. After a 50-year career in public interest law and advocacy, Hawaii Appleseed Center co-founder Victor Geminiani announced on Wednesday that he will step down as the agency’s longtime executive director. Civil Beat.

Can This New Hawaii Venture Become The Stock Fund For Millennials? A Colorado portfolio manager has big plans for a $44 million S&P 500 index fund that he has brought to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Panel rejects outside lawyers for HART workers. A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday rejected a request for $300,000 in taxpayer money to be spent for private attorneys to represent employees of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, or HART. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s New Trains Could Sap Power From Nearby Buildings And Homes. If the trains draw too much power as they speed up to leave stations, it could affect the use of household appliances and other electrical-powered equipment. Civil Beat.

Toxic Runoff At Issue As State Considers New Permit For Kaneohe Boat Facility. Some residents worry contaminated dust will continue to be a problem if maintenance operations start again. Civil Beat.

Long-time tenants of new condo-hotel project site say goodbye. A portion of Kapiolani Boulevard near Ala Moana Center has changed dramatically. And more high rises are on the way. KHON2.

Navy commemorates the 100th anniversary of Dry Dock 1 located at Pearl Harbor shipyard. Navy and local officials commemorated 100 years of history at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s Dry Dock 1 Wednesday, noting the incredible World War II accomplishments of civilians working alongside military counterparts, the shipyard’s current necessity, and the continuum of responsibility for an important cultural place. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim to hold second meeting with Hawaiian leaders. Mayor Harry Kim will hold a second meeting with leaders of the Native Hawaiian community Friday regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

‘Our tax dollars’: Soaring costs to state for TMT protest draw concern. Lawmakers are raising major concerns about the rising costs for law enforcement and first responders at the site of the Thirty Meter Telescope protest on Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

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PGV gets OK for new wells. Applications from Puna Geothermal Venture for two new geothermal wells have been approved, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Council parses Kona CDP changes. What’s in a word? Plenty, it seems, when it comes to the difference between “shall” and “should.” West Hawaii Today.

Fines pile up for owners of downtown Hilo property. The owners of a downtown Hilo property that has become a homeless encampment have accrued nearly $200,000 in fines after failing to remove illegal structures for the better part of a year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Testifiers: Action needed now to curb overtourism. Visitor population is nearly 10 percent over island plan’s policy. Maui News.

How to Reduce the Negative Impacts of Tourism. Limiting the number of rental cars on county roads, placing a moratorium on new hotel construction and instilling a “code of conduct” for incoming tourists. Maui Now.

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Work on Wailuku Civic Complex to begin in September. Surrounding road, infrastructure and parking work to begin. Maui News.

Zoning is topic of workshops. Proposed zoning updates for Wailuku town will be the subject of Maui Redevelopment Agency workshops this and next week in town. Maui News.

Woman says she complained to Maui police a year ago about officer accused of inappropriate conduct. The Maui officer who is under criminal investigation for allegedly trying to throw a criminal trial for a woman he arrested for DUI is now facing new allegations — this time from a woman who claims he tried to coerce her after he responded to her 911 call for an assault last year. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Herbicide ban at schools. Kauai schools are working to end herbicide use on campuses after the state Department of Education announced a ban of herbicides at public schools. Garden Island.

Residents may qualify for property tax exemptions. Families that have lived on their land for generations and have no intention to sell, but can’t keep up with taxes based upon soaring property values, would be granted the opportunity to move from their current “residential” or “residential investor” classifications to various others, including homestead. Garden Island.

Resident: Horse carcass needs to go. Kauai County is considering what to do with a horse carcass reported lodged in the rocks at Aliomanu Beach on Monday. Garden Island.

New endangered species rules worry Hawaii leaders, police dropped the ball on Mauna Kea arrests, Hawaiian Airlines adds Maui-Vegas route, Kona airport gets $40M boost, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Endangered nene goose in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Isle leaders blast new rules on endangered species. Hawaii flora and fauna, already under stress from climate change, will have fewer protections under new Trump administration rules that weaken the Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Home To More Than 400 Endangered Species. Now the Trump administration is weakening the federal law that protects them. Civil Beat.

Trump admin moves to weaken endangered species protections. The rule would also create an exemption to critical habitats that exist because of the results of the climate crisis such as sea level rise. KITV.

Schatz 'sick' over Trump administration plans to weaken Endangered Species act. Local politicians made sure their voice was heard after the news broke. KITV.

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Hawaii Democrats Elect New Party Chair. Kate Stanley will hold the interim position until May 2020. Civil Beat.

Kahele Promoted, Gabbard Leaves For Active Duty. State Sen. Kai Kahele is now a Lieutenant Colonel, while U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is off the campaign trail for two weeks of active duty training. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Legislature’s Top-Paid Officials Never Run For Office. The latest installment of Civil Beat’s public salary database includes employees of the Senate, House and Legislative Reference Bureau. Civil Beat.

New Technology to Reduce Land Court Records Clog. The Bureau of Conveyances has just awarded a $1.3 million contract to West Central Indexing to implement a highly specialized Land Records Management System to increase accuracy and improve efficiencies in recording these documents. Big Island Now.

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Officers: Police plans to arrest TMT protesters, clear road abruptly fell through. Honolulu Police Sgt. James “Kimo” Smith’s version of events sheds light on one of the most emotional days of the conflict, and raises new questions about the government response in the wake of the arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea telescopes coming back to life. Though not exactly fully functional yet, the telescopes atop Mauna Kea are starting to conduct science for the first time in nearly four weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Telescopes Employ Hundreds, Critics Say Astronomy Not Big Island Jobs Solution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Telescope confirms asteroid not a threat. Maunakea observatories returned to work last weekend and almost immediately discovered that the world will not end next year. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Extra Board Members Were Meant To Add Scrutiny On HART — But They Rarely Show Up. Only one Legislature-appointed member has attended a board meeting since February, making it hard for the Honolulu rail project to get routine business done. Civil Beat.

Rate Commission seeks testimony on bus and rail fares. The Honolulu Rate Commission will take public testimony on the future of mass transit fares at a meeting from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Mission Memorial Hearing Room. Star-Advertiser.

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How much time will the Kealohas spend in prison? The answer is not easy to figure out. Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has already spent 45 days behind bars. Time that will be credited once she is sentenced for obstruction and conspiracy on Oct. 7. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu officer who pleaded guilty in Kealoha corruption case fights to keep job. Honolulu Police Officer Danny Sellers. pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in the Kealoha’s public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Officials Say Bulky Trash Program Is Starting To Work. Honolulu officials say the city's bulky item pilot program is beginning to work despite ongoing complaints. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bulky item pickup program improving, Caldwell announces. Two months in, public participation in the city’s revised bulky item trash pickup system is growing, and the pilot project is on its way to being a success — despite some glitches along the way, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

To crack down on illegal dumpers, city wants your help.  The city’s controversial bulky item pickup pilot is in its third month, and officials say they’re now planning to ramp up efforts to catch illegal dumpers. Hawaii News Now.

Bulky item pilot pickup program seeing increase in appointments. KHON2.

Mayor’s office, Waimanalo Park renovation opponents disagree on park findings. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is planning to cut back on master plans for a renovation of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases $40.4M for airport improvements. Gov. David Ige has released $40.4 million for improvements to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, state Sen. Lorraine Inouye announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Holiday Inn to get signs. More than five years later, the Holiday Inn in Kailua-Kona is about to get its signs. West Hawaii Today.

Influx of permit applications alters Kona office hours. As part of an ongoing effort to address a backlog in the processing of applications and permits at the Planning Department’s West Hawaii office in Kailua-Kona, the department said Monday it will begin to limit service hours with the public on a temporary basis. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Airlines to Launch New Maui to Las Vegas Flights in December. The airline will inaugurate its newest narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft on the route. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Air adds Maui to Las Vegas in new route. Hawaiian Airlines announced Monday that it’s launching direct service between Maui and Las Vegas in December on its Airbus 321neo, whose midrange capabilities have allowed the carrier to beef up service to smaller, secondary markets throughout the western United States. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable rental community in Kihei taking applications. Kaiwahine Village holds 120 units, amenities. Maui News.

Public Invited to Last Open House for Baldwin Beach Park Masterplan. The public is invited to view the final concept for the Baldwin Beach Park master plan on Aug. 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Paiia Community Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tax exemption amendment goes to council. Bill No. 2756, if approved, would allow family members to apply for real property tax exemptions based upon their own eligibility, as long as there is no living person on title. Garden Island.

Coral bleaching could be on the way. Another coral bleaching event could hit Hawaii in the next four months, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Coral Reef Watch. Garden Island.

Public asked to weigh in on Honolulu rail fares, Saiki named NCSL president-elect, Waikiki pavilions to be locked down, tilapia invasion off Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

HART Served More Subpoenas, Council Defers Abolishing Agency, Public Asked About Rail Fares. A few Honolulu rail employees have been served federal subpoenas, the latest in several rounds issued in the ongoing probe of the $9.2 billion rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Rate Commission seeks public input on rail transit fares. Some of the topics to be covered include whether bus and rail fares should be the same, with no charge for transfers, as well as whether there should be flat rates or distance-based rates and the categories for rates. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Officials Won’t Say Much About New Round Of Subpoenas. The latest federal orders were served to an unspecified number of HART employees. The rail agency won’t say who or how many staff members got them. Civil Beat.

State comptroller refuses to pay for setbacks blamed on the rail authority. State Comptroller Curt Otaguro is refusing to authorize payments for delay claims on the city’s rail project if the city rail authority or its consultants were to blame for the circumstances — rejecting already a total of $11.2 million in invoices. Star-Advertiser.

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China tariff increases take effect on local businesses. Tina Yamaki, president of the 200-member Retail Merchants of Hawaii, said the tariffs will affect almost every consumer product, which is especially bad for an island state where most things are imported. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki was named president-elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Nashville this week. Civil Beat.

Speaker Saiki Named President-Elect of NCSL. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Proposal to curb crime at Waikiki pavilion gets mixed reviews. To clean up the pavilions in the heart of Waikiki, the city plans on putting gates around them that would be locked at night. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Prosecutor Wants Court To Decide If He Can Run Again. Under the city charter, Peter Carlisle has been out of the prosecutor’s office too long to qualify for the ballot. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha: Sentencing must be finalized before finding out if new trial is granted. Last month, she filed a motion for a new trial claiming her court-appointed lawyer was ineffective. KITV.

Judge Puts Chill On Lawsuit Over Pesticides At Kaneohe Marine Base Housing. Hundreds of service members alleged they should have been warned about pesticide problem at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. Civil Beat.

Legal battle over rundown Waikiki hotel comes to a head. The so-called “Ebbtide Hotel” on Kuhio Avenue has been a Waikiki eyesore for years. Hawaii News Now.

Millions more to be spent on Kakaako parks after state hands off to city. One of Hawaii’s largest transfers of park land is about to take place, when the state turns over a large portion of Kakaako makai to the city. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea Scientific Toll: 2,000 Observing Hours For 400 Projects Lost. Maunakea Observatories have been been closed for three weeks now – resulting in a loss of more than a year’s worth of discoveries. Scientists say unreliable access to telescopes is preventing them from resuming operations on the summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

$1.1 million grant will help boost UH telescope. The National Science Foundation awarded a $1.1 million grant to a University of Hawaii scientist to install an advanced secondary mirror onto the university’s 2.2-meter telescope. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii’s senior adviser on Mauna Kea has another title. Greg Chun has been named executive director of Mauna Kea stewardship for UH. Hawaii News Now.

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PONC money for nonprofit boards heads to 2020 ballot. A charter proposal allowing the county to pay nonprofit board members to help maintain open space cleared its final hurdle Thursday and is headed to the 2020 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Disciplined officer reason for closed case dismissal request. Officer misconduct apparently sidelined a police witness in a drug case, and now a judge is set to rule today on whether the defendant in the case will stand trial. West Hawaii Today.

‘Carmageddon’: Peak-hour roadwork without prior notice causes major traffic snarl. Lack of public notice about a lane-striping project that started during rush hour Thursday morning on Highway 130 between Shower Drive and Kaloli Drive in Hawaiian Paradise Park caused a massive traffic snarl that frustrated and angered Hilo-bound motorists. Tribune-Herald.

Highway 130 Restriping Brings Traffic Delays To Puna. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Police sent to Mauna Kea accumulate $68,105 in overtime. During today's city council meeting on the Valley Isle, MPD Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu testified the state is reimbursing the county to cover overtime expenses. KITV.

At a Maui County Council meeting Thursday, Maui’s police chief defended his decision to send 27 MPD officers to the Big Island last month to assist with the TMT conflict. Maui police chief defends decision to send officers to Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The administration’s long-awaited “strategic plan” for affordable/attainable housing was greeted with ridicule and dismay by several members of the Maui County Council attending the Aug. 7th meeting of the council’s Affordable Housing Committee. Maui Watch.

State working on repairing water leak at Maalaea. Harbor users concerned about lost water, also say leak a hazard. Maui News.

Community Meeting on Wailuku Town Improvements, Aug. 19. During this meeting, the department will provide information on the latest construction schedule, updates on temporary parking locations and shuttle transportation, status on the re-examination of Phase 2 of the Civic Complex, planned construction mitigation and communication efforts, and ways the public can support Wailuku Town’s businesses. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kealia subdivision EIS approved. A proposed subdivision is one step closer to fruition in Kealia, after the Land Use Commission accepted the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement Thursday. Garden Island.

Tilapia invasion along Napali Coast concerns state officials. State officials announced Thursday they are working to stop an invasion of black-chin tilapia in the near-shore waters of the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Introduced Tilapia Invade Kauai’s Napali Coast. The state is investigating its fish removal options in order to protect the pristine region. Civil Beat.

Tilapia invade Napali Coast. Thousands of black-chin tilapia have invaded near-shore waters in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Garden Island.

Huge schools of tilapia crowd near-shore waters on Napali Coast. Hawaii News Now.

The state calls tilapia invasion an emergency. KHON2.

Sanders out-raising Gabbard in her home state, HART employees questioned in federal probe, Mauna Kea roadblock protest costs taxpayers, Kauai advances guest house bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard campaign photos

It’s Gabbard’s Home Turf, But Sanders Is Raising More Money From Hawaii Donors. The Hawaii congresswoman is second and President Donald Trump comes in third, but many of his contributions are too small to be tallied. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers’ Financial Disclosures Don’t Always Paint A Complete Picture. Sen. Russell Ruderman, who owns health foods stores, was the only lawmaker to report more than $1 million in outside income last year. Several of his colleagues reported no income beyond their legislative salaries. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's CBD Industry Grows As State Opts To Educate Before It Imposes Fines. It's illegal in Hawaii to manufacture, distribute or sell products containing cannibidiol or CBD but that hasn't stopped businesses from setting up shop in the islands. Civil Beat.

Want To Serve On Hawaii’s Land Board? The governor is recruiting for the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART employees to be questioned in federal probe. The agency overseeing construction of the city’s $9.2 billion rail system already was slammed with three federal subpoenas for records, and now several employees have been served subpoenas and asked to meet with federal investigators about possible wrongdoing and irregularities. Star-Advertiser.

Council Chair’s Proposal To Kill HART Dies Its Own Early Death. The proposed resolution would have allowed voters to decide whether to end HART, but it didn’t clear its first reading. Civil Beat.

HART budgeting to fix cracks found in West Oahu rail stations. Honolulu’s embattled rail project is already in need of repairs, and it isn’t even fully operable yet. The rail authority says it’s setting aside $10 million to fix cracks discovered at canopy arms at its West Oahu rail stations. Hawaii News Now.

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City Council once again looking at banning styrofoam containers and plastic utensils. The City Council is looking at banning single-use plastic utensils and bags. The bill passed its first reading Wednesday. If adopted, the ban could take affect as early as January. KHON2.

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Efforts re-launched to impeach Kaneshiro after e-signatures denied. If the impeachment is accomplished by December 31, the vacancy is filled by special election. KITV.

Katherine Kealoha will not get a new trial for now. U.S. District Chief Judge J. Michael Seabright on Wednesday decided not to hear a motion for a new trial before Kealoha is sentenced in October for conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Suit Against City, Ethics Commission Cost Over $355K. The invoice represents only some of the city’s Kealoha-related legal costs. Civil Beat.

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Financial impacts of short term rental law. While inventory goes up, prices could be going down. KITV.

Kailua woman on a fixed income fears new vacation rental rules will have a domino effect. For the past several years, Fabienne Melchior has rented the top floor of her Kailua home to tourists, charging $160 a day. Hawaii News Now.

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Police hunting for arsonist. An arsonist, who is believed to have set three Waikiki hotel fires in three days, is still on the loose and police are asking the public’s assistance to help find a “person of interest,” whose image was captured on surveillance video taken at the scene of the crimes. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authorities Seek 'Person of Interest' In Arsons At 3 Waikiki Hotels. Associated Press.

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Another Hawaiian monk seal accidentally hooked by a fisherman has been rescued, treated and released, according to federal wildlife officials. Star-Advertiser.

Local fisherman reports accidental monk seal hooking, saves the endangered animal. Once he cut the line, he called the Hawaiian monk seal response team. KITV.

Hawaii Island

More complete numbers coming for TMT-related costs. The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday discussed a possible financial report of the county’s expenses relating to the ongoing standoff on Maunakea, but meaningful numbers will not be available until later this month. Tribune-Herald.

Law enforcement costs associated with TMT conflict are mounting. The costs of assigning law enforcement to a protest at the base of Mauna Kea are mounting, leaving some concerned about how taxpayers will cover the tab. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea Observatory’s New Instrument Stuck In Hilo. The East Asian Observatory had hoped to install its new Namakanui instrument on Mauna Kea by now, but the conflict over the Thirty Meter Telescope has altered that plan. Big Island Video News.

Frustration mounts for Mauna Kea telescopes. The existing 13 telescopes atop Mauna Kea remain shuttered and unable to function as the Thirty Meter Telescope protest continues into its fourth week at the base of the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

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Eruption recovery manager faces questions and criticism from council members. An interim strategy to help the county recover after the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption is still being developed, but the recovery process has frustrated and concerned some county leaders and community members. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Council Losing Patience With Lava Recovery Process. Puna councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz said she is tired of the process, tired of the system, and tired of the apologies. Big Island Video News.

Council advances changes to Kona CDP. The County Council on Wednesday tightened government oversight before unanimously moving to a final reading a package of changes that some community members say will weaken the Kona Community Development Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

All proceeds from former sugar land sale invested. Alexander & Baldwin’s second quarter report last week contained information on a couple of Maui projects, including the sale of the final 22 units in the 170-unit Kamalani workforce development in Kihei and the near completion of the first phase of the Hookele Shopping Center in the Maui Business Park. Maui News.

Panel: More money, more problems with wage hikes. Economic experts discuss living wage at chamber installation. Maui News.

Arson Investigation Launched, $20K Damage at Wailuku Parole Facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Bill revising ‘guest house’ definition advances. Homeowners and landlords are one step closer to being allowed to contain kitchens in their guest houses. Garden Island.

PMRF Change of Command set for Friday. Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, will hold a change-of-command ceremony Friday at the hangar bay on base. Garden Island.

Capt. Vincent Johnson leaves as commander of PMRF. Sitting on the shady Shenanigan’s patio days before the change of command at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Capt. Vincent Johnson said he’s not ready to say goodbye to the island he’s grown to love. Garden Island.

Thirty Meter Telescope almost 20% done, UH Board of Regents approves group to study Mauna Kea management, money in politics, police salaries, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Depression Flossie at 5 a.m. Aug. 5 NOAA

Tropical Depression Flossie Continues to Weaken. At 5 a.m., Tropical Depression Flossie was located about 155 miles E of Hilo and 225 mile ESE of Hana, Maui (near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 152.7 West). Maui Now.

Tropical Depression Flossie expected to bring high surf, heavy rain and thunderstorms. KHON2.

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TMT almost 20% done: Despite ongoing protest on Maunakea, work continues around the world. Although no construction equipment has been able to ascend Maunakea for three weeks due to the ongoing protest by some Native Hawaiians, the Thirty Meter Telescope is nearly 20% complete. Tribune-Herald.

UH Board of Regents Approve Forming Investigative Group For Mauna Kea. A new University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents group will be investigating the school's role in managing Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fact-Checking Environmental Concerns About The Thirty Meter Telescope. TMT officials say the world’s largest telescope will be a zero-waste facility, while the state has determined  it doesn’t pose a risk to the Big Island’s water supply. Civil Beat.

Claims about TMT’s impact on watershed are just plain false, according to expert, EIS. The most vocal opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project has come from the perspective of the rights of indigenous people and the cultural significance of the site. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea protests seen as generational shift, pivot point. As they enter their fourth week, the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope are beginning to look like something new and powerful in Hawaii politics, a magnetic and growing movement that has captivated thousands, including even some committed Hawaiian supporters of the TMT. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea Radio Broadcasts Defy FCC. A low power radio station broadcasting from the base of Mauna Kea is just one of the many media efforts supporting the opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

Conflict on Mauna Kea 'Where it Stands’ mini-documentary. The conflict on Mauna Kea is about to enter its fourth week with no end in sight. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s homegrown teachers step up to the plate as efforts target teacher shortage. As students head back to public schools across Hawaii today, the first cadre of newly licensed teachers in the “Grow Our Own” initiative are stepping to the front of their classrooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Efforts To Stop Youth Vaping Stalls As Use Increases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Hawaii number two among states for children grades 6 to 12 who are vaping. Hawaii Public Radio.

$2.7B Weinberg Foundation re-balancing Hawaii real estate empire. Recently, leaders of the Baltimore-based Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation have made major changes to the organization’s Hawaii operations, leading some local business leaders to worry whether the foundation’s historic role in the state would be diminished. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Councilwoman’s use of city funds to pay PR firm is scrutinized. Honolulu City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi is using her taxpayer-funded Council contingency account to pay a Honolulu public relations and advertising firm for community and media outreach and marketing. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Faces More Uncertainty As Council Leader Tries To Abolish HART. After years of missteps it’s time for the rail agency to be replaced by city control, Honolulu’s City Council chairman argues. HART says that’ll only make things worse. Civil Beat.

DHHL land deal under fire. Two parties are raising questions about the commission practice of turning over land from the department’s 203,000-acre land trust to nonbeneficiaries, typically through long-term leases or short-term rights of entry. Star-Advertiser.

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In wake of pedestrian crash, state to look at building parking for Laniakea Beach Park. Under pressure from the North Shore community, the state Department of Transportation said it will now look at moving parts of Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach inland to provide limited parking on the makai side of the highway. Hawaii News Now.

Laniakea task force urges state to improve pedestrian safety. Members of the Laniakea Task Force are urging the state to prioritize adjustments to Kamehameha Highway to help avoid future accidents like the one involving a 10-year-old boy just days ago. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Salary Database 2020: We’re Kicking Off This Year’s Report With HPD. A legal challenge by the police union held up release of officers’ names for years but a recent court ruling found disclosure is required under public records law. Civil Beat.

Fort Street Mall satellite city hall relocating to bigger location. The city says the location will close this coming Friday and will reopen Monday around the corner at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Money in politics: Lawmakers fundraise during legislative session. Elections are more than a year away — and for some senators three years away — but that hasn’t kept state lawmakers from holding fundraisers during the legislative session and collecting money from the very people who are trying to influence their votes. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR declines settlement offer for grave damage. More than a year after the state Department of Land and Natural Resources sought to fine the Edwin C. Olson Trust No. 2 for damage allegedly done to a plantation camp cemetery by heavy machinery, a settlement still has not been reached. Tribune-Herald.

New marketplace to open next year. A larger Safeway being built as part of the Niumalu Marketplace is on track to open up in summer 2020, the project’s developers said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

More than the mountain: New tours offered to fill stargazing gaps. Big Island tour companies are increasingly learning not to put all their eggs in one basket, as even temporary closures of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Maunakea summit play havoc with tour groups’ plans. West Hawaii Today.

University of Washington starting physician assistant program in Hawaii. The UW School of Medicine’s MEDEX physician assistant program is investing up to $1 million to open a training center at the former Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

HIOSH ordered Maui Police Department to conduct internal investigation. The letter states that MPD had until July 30th to conduct an internal investigation. KITV.

New Partner Joins Maui-Based Consulting Firm. Skog Rasmussen LLC, a Maui-based consulting firm, announced that Melissa Unemori Hampe has joined the firm as a partner. Maui Now.

Fire fully contained; work to quell hot spots in 5,300-acre Pukalani blaze will continue. Maui News.

Kauai

An infrastructure project to replace the Hanapepe River Bridge is well behind schedule, and construction has been at a virtual standstill for months. Garden island. Construction on a replacement for the 80-year-old bridge began earlier this year, and already the project has been delayed five or six months, said Larry Dill, district engineer with the state Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

Bridge meeting set. The state Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and WW Clyde and Co., has scheduled a public meeting to provide an update on the construction of the Hanapepe River Bridge replacement. Garden Island.

Crackdown on Honolulu vacation rentals, Gabbard sues Google, TMT protest simmers, rail fares discussed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell screenshot from video

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. The city has sent out approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals, warning them to cease advertising or risk paying hefty fines starting Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Sends Warning Letters To 5,000 Owners Of Suspected Illegal Rentals. More aggressive enforcement of laws against unpermitted short-term rentals begins Aug. 1, but some potential violators are hearing from the city now. Civil Beat.

City sends warning letters to 5,000 owners of suspected illegal vacation rentals. The city has mailed out letters to 5,000 property owners who are suspected of running illegal vacation rentals. Hawaii News Now.




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Gabbard sues Google for $50 million. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google alleging that the tech giant harmed her bid for the presidency and infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account after the first Democratic primary debate in June. Star-Advertiser.


Gabbard sues Google for $50M, claiming ‘interference’ in her presidential bid. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google, claiming the internet behemoth suspended her Google Ads account in the hours immediately after the first Democratic presidential debate last month in a deliberate act of “election interference.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going after Google. Her presidential campaign has sued the tech giant. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard, the most searched candidate during debate, sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard's presidential campaign sued Google on Thursday after the company suspended the candidate's Google Ads account following last month's Democratic presidential debate. KITV.

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A new law that took effect July 1 is providing for tougher penalties for DUI offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Veto Means Some Eligible Patients Still Can’t Get Medical Cannabis Legally. The bill to allow interisland transport of the medicine would have been especially helpful for patients on Molokai and Lanai, which have no dispensaries. Civil Beat.

State Aims To Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits By Empowering Paramedics. Hawaii is creating a community paramedicine program that officials hope will mean fewer ambulance trips to hospitals. Civil Beat.

Six weeks after Kaiser Permanente filed suit against The Queen’s Health Systems after the latter informed the former it would begin billing Kaiser members for the balance of emergency services it provides, Queen’s has yet to file a response in court. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

City Kick-Starts Public Discussion On Future Rail Fares. Commissioners will consider whether the fares should be a flat rate or distance-based, as well as how much the interim service should cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rate Commission wants your input on future rates for the rail once it begins operations. The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV.

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About 100 to 150 supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project rallied in front of the Capitol during the evening rush hour Thursday.  Associated Press.

TMT supporters rally at the Capitol. Organizers of the two-hour rally in Honolulu said they wanted to show the world Hawaii appreciates astronomy, that its edu­ca­tional and economic benefits are welcomed and that Hawaiian culture and science can coexist on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief faces council over Mauna Kea deployment; police-powers suit in legal ping-pong. Honolulu’s police chief told lawmakers today, public safety on Oahu was never compromised during their absence. KHON2.

Hawaii

‘We are not willing to negotiate,’ Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leader vows. A key leader of the effort to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope says it is clear that neither the state nor Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has the power to stop the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents say no deal; Kim’s office says offer not made. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rejected an offer by mayor Harry Kim Thursday that would temporarily suspend construction efforts — a proposal that Kim’s office later said was never made. Tribune-Herald.

Despite talk of negotiation, both sides make clear there’s little middle ground in TMT conflict. The Thirty Meter Telescope insisted Thursday that it has no plans to pull out from building at Mauna Kea. Hours earlier, activists protesting at the base of the summit reiterated their demand: They’ll take down the human barricade only if TMT leaves. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Talks: Kim Clarifies Role, Gabbard Sends Ige Letter, OHA Votes. Big Island Video News.

Day 11 of TMT: Hawaii County mayor acts as bridge between Kiai and TMT construction. KHON2.

OHA Board Calls on Governor to Rescind Emergency Proclamation for Mauna Kea. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the OHA Board approved a resolution that both calls for the governor to rescind the proclamation, as well as authorizes the OHA administration to advocate for the rights, safety and well-being of Native Hawaiian protectors and provide related-assistance as appropriate, according to an OHA press release. Big Island Now.

OHA approves resolution to advocate for health, safety of protectors. All nine trustees unanimously voted Thursday to approve a resolution that supports a proclamation retraction and allows OHA to advocate for the health and well being of demonstrators. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Clarifies Role in TMT Dispute. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says “he has no authority to intervene or make any kind of deal regarding TMT.” Instead, Kim says his role is “to work with all sides to find a better way forward for everyone concerned.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige’s official website now has a form that you can fill out to let him know whether you support the TMT project or not on Mauna Kea. As of Wednesday afternoon, we’re told that his office has received more than 14,000 responses. KHON2.

Hawaii Enters Next Phase Of Eruption Recovery, FEMA Talks Set. There are a number of upcoming initiatives and public meetings scheduled in regards to the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption recovery effort. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Offshore Sand Sought to Mitigate Erosion at Kahana Bay. A 157-page Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed to address erosion mitigation at Kahana Beach in west Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Adds New Traffic Safety Initiatives As Death Toll Increases. The Maui Department of Public Works is trying to decrease the county’s traffic-related death toll through various safety initiatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

MPD officers return to Maui after being called to Mauna Kea. Officers assisted Hawaii County police with safety, road congestion. Maui News.

Summit brings new solutions for landlords. Annual event dispels myths about housing subsidies; offers tips to solve issues between landlords and tenants. Maui News.

Kauai

100 come to meeting on EIS for Kealia Mauka subdivision. The Land Use Commission held a packed meeting in the Moikeha Building conference room Thursday where 38 public testimonies were taken and over 100 people attended. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life acquires Kauai real estate brokerage. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers has acquired Kauai real estate agency Hanalei Country Brokers, giving the growing firm an office in the place where it began. Pacific Business News.

Astronomers evacuate Mauna Kea as police presence builds, Ige seeks new energy chief, Honolulu rail hazard could cost extra $10M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

All Observatory Staffers Evacuated As TMT Protest Continues. As hundreds of telescope opponents gather for a second day at the base of Mauna Kea, others descend on the office of Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Observatories Close, Personnel Withdrawn. The observatories at the summit of Mauna Kea are shutting down, and taking their personnel off the mountain, as the standoff over the planned Thirty Meter Telescope continues. Big Island Video News.

Maunakea Observatories Withdraws Personnel, Suspends Summit Activities. The Maunakea Observatories today announced the withdrawal of all personnel from their telescope facilities atop Maunakea on Hawaii Island amid safety concerns. Maui Now.

Observatory Personnel Withdraw From Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Scientists escorted off of Mauna Kea. Just around 4 p.m., a long caravan of vehicles packed with scientists were escorted off of Mauna Kea. They were being led by sheriffs. KHON2.

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Talks between TMT opponents, law enforcement to resume after another day of no arrests. The directors of existing telescopes atop the mountain have evacuated their employees over safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea negotiations are largely unsuccessful as protesters brace for police intervention. Two days into the announced construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes held their ground without arrest and claimed victory once again. Star-Advertiser.

Latest On Protest Against TMT Construction on Mauna Kea. State officials estimated about 200 protesters gathered near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road on Tuesday, day two of the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kupuna stand firm; Deal for no arrests eases tension between TMT protesters, law enforcement. A tense standoff between Thirty Meter Telescope protesters and law enforcement ended with jubilation after officers assured they would make no arrests Tuesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Two days of 'roller coasting,' and no arrests have been made. They waited hours then heard the news that because of safety concerns, they would not be taken into custody. KITV.

Mauna Kea Update – Day Two. Day two of the scheduled construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope began quiet, but ended with a dramatic truce with police. Big Island Video News.

Construction of TMT poses conflict for those who want science to progress but also respect culture. KHON2.

Former Gov. Abecrombie: TMT opponents are being hypocritical by blocking project. He says while opponents have the right to protest and are entitled to be treated respectfully under law, he says the TMT also has a right to be on Mauna Kea under law. Hawaii News Now.

TMT says it’s not responsible to reimburse law enforcement. State officials say it’s too early to estimate how much it could cost law enforcement agencies to provide protection and help pave the way for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as protesters attempt to block the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT files response to opponents’ TRO petition. TMT International Observatory on Monday filed a response to an application by opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope for a temporary restraining order to halt construction of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists say possibilities of space observation from TMT would be out of this world. Dr. Adamson believes there is a deeper space the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope can discover. KITV.

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Gabbard Lags Behind Presidential Race Frontrunners In Fundraising. The Hawaii congresswoman raised less money in the second quarter of 2019 than she did in the first part of the year. Civil Beat.

Gabbard’s presidential campaign fundraising numbers show quarterly dip. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s presidential campaign raised less than half the amount of money in the second quarter of this year as it did in the first, according to campaign finance records that were released earlier this week. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Seeking State Energy Chief. The state is taking job applications until the end of the month. Civil Beat.

State cultivating Hawaii's future farmers. Next month, another crop of Hawaii students will get a chance to experience running their own small farm, in the GoFarm Hawaii program. KITV.

Hawaii Struggles To Maintain Its Worn-Out Hiking Trails. “Honestly, we’re just trying to keep up with demand,” the state’s trails manager said. Civil Beat.

Humpback Whale Calls Heard In Mid-Ocean Basin. The results of the first leg of an autonomous humpback whale acoustic survey have been released. Maui Now.

Oahu

A hazardous discovery could cost the rail authority $10 million. Rail construction near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport stalled for about five months back in December after contaminants found in solvents were found in the groundwater, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Hawaii News Now.

Reopening of Arizona Memorial moves closer. Twelve new synthetic straps are anchoring the USS Arizona Memorial’s boat landing dock in place, and a contractor has 30 days to adjust the tension, leaving the National Park Service optimistic that the reopening of the iconic memorial to walk-on traffic is getting closer. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor is in capital to talk climate change. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to testify before a Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis in Washington, D.C., this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a community noise variance application for a project to install pavement markings and milled rumble strips at various locations on Oahu. KHON2.

Nanakuli residents are fed up over proposed landfill expansion. Officials with the PVT Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Nanakuli say it needs to expand its landfill because its current location is close to filling up. Hawaii News Now.

Hitting The Road To Stem Summer Hunger. On the Waianae coast, the state DOE deploys a food truck to distribute free, freshly packaged meals to kids in need. Civil Beat.

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Historic Spalding House to be put up for sale. The Honolulu Museum of Art announced Tuesday that its board of trustees has decided to put the historic Spalding House in Makiki Heights up for sale. Star-Advertiser.

HoMA’s Spalding House to go on sale. KHON2.

A picturesque Makiki Heights home with ties to art is going up for sale. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

In-depth look at 2018 eruption’s economic impact part of county’s recovery efforts. As the Big Island continues recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, the county Department of Research and Development selected the Institute for Sustainable Development to do an in-depth assessment of the eruption’s economic impacts and draft an economic recovery plan. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County issues surveys to help shape future eruption recovery efforts. Hawaii County officials are asking for public input on last year’s Kilauea eruption response so that they can better shape how recovery efforts for future eruptive events are handled. Hawaii News Now.

Officials looking to limit, avoid transfer station closures attributed to ‘staff shortages’. With the closures of three West Hawaii transfer stations Tuesday that sent residents to Waimea and Kailua-Kona to dispose of their rubbish because of staff shortages, local officials say they’d like to see some solutions. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Telescope protest draws county residents to protect Mauna Kea. Walter Ritte and Kaleikoa Kaeo, both from Maui County, chain themselves to cattle guard in roadway. Maui News.

Keopuolani Park Closed July 18-19 to Address Health and Safety. Maui Now.

Maui County is seeking public input on options for 50 Maui Lani lots that the county acquired through a settlement with a developer in 2011. Maui News.

Maui County condominium prices spike to decade high. The median sale price for Maui County condominiums spiked in June to $552,000, its highest mark in a decade. But inventory reaches all-time low. Maui News.

Kauai

In Tuesday’s early afternoon heat, kupuna and kanaka gathered at the intersection of Ahukini and Kapule Highway, known as the airport corner. The group was rallying support to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, where hundreds are gathering in protest. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has implemented new rules for after-hours use of Weke Boat Ramp. Garden Island.

Confidential KPD records to be used in trial. Records related to an internal police investigation could be used to determine the credibility of officers set to testify in the upcoming trial of a man accused of killing a 19-year-old Kapaa woman in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. Garden Island.

Councilwoman balks at paying HART legal fees, skydiving company had been ordered grounded before fatal crash, county police to enforce state action on Maunakea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli station construction PC:HART

HART should pay its own legal fees, councilwoman says. Honolulu Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi says the agency tasked with building the $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to- Ala Moana Center rail line shouldn’t use additional city taxpayer money to hire a lawyer to deal with three federal subpoenas that are looking into wrongdoing at the agency. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu councilmember wants answers from rail officials about what she says is the use of $50,000 in taxpayer money for an outside attorney. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resolution introduced urging HART to pay its own outside legal counsel. A move by the Honolulu rail authority to have city tax payers pay for its legal fees isn’t sitting well with one council member. KHON2.

Resolution introduced ensuring HART pays for its own outside legal council. Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi introduced a resolution Friday urging HART to use the $3.7 million it has allocated for legal expenses to pay for counsel related to three federal grand jury subpoenas. KITV.

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State Sends Residents New Survey As It Assesses Foodborne Illnesses. People chosen randomly are being asked about their diets and where they purchase or grow their food. Civil Beat.

Abandoned tax licenses set to be purged. The state Department of Taxation announced July 1 that it has published a notice to revoke tax licenses due to abandonment. Maui News.

Oahu

Company was told to stop skydiving before fatal crash; now ordered to vacate.The company in charge of the airplane that crashed in Mokuleia last month, killing 11 people, had been ordered to stop its skydiving operation well before the fatal crash. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Approves Funding For New Aloha Stadium. The new law allocates $20 million in general funds to improve the dstrict for public use. It also approves issuance of up to $180 million in revenue bonds and $150 million in general obligation bonds to build a new stadium. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige signs into law bill that kicks off the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium. Governor David Ige signed into law Monday a bill that kicks off the process of redeveloping the 44-year-old Aloha Stadium into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district. Hawaii News Now.

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Petition for Kaneshiro’s impeachment dismissed. A setback Monday in state Circuit Court won’t discourage Oahu businessman Tracy Yoshimura from going back to the starting line in his quest to have Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro impeached, his attorney said Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses petition to impeach City Prosecutor Kaneshiro. Oahu Businessman Tracy Yoshimura collected more than 500 signatures through his online petition, but a judge ruled the online signatures could not be verified. KITV.

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Council resolution demands agencies say how they’ll prevent more Kealoha-esque incidents. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption verdicts, one leading Honolulu councilman says he has grave concerns about the ability of city agencies to police their own employees ― and he’s demanding they prove they are capable of preventing corruption in their departments. Hawaii News Now.

'The world knows the truth;' Man framed by Kealohas speaks out for first time since historic verdict. Gerard Puana was set up in the famous 'mailbox' incident by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to raise money for Hawaiian Home Lands turns ugly in Kapole. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to develop about 100 acres in Kalaeloa for a solar energy project. Hawaii News Now.

City’s bulky item pickup system has led to mounds of rubbish. As part of the pilot, which is slated to run through the end of January, the city has shifted single-family and multifamily residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai, including Waikiki, from monthly scheduled bulky item collection to an appointment-based program. Star-Advertiser.

Never-Ending Waikiki Sidewalk Project Hurts Businesses, Obstructs Tourists. Work that began a year ago is still disrupting the south end of the bustling district. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council committee hears concerns about police protecting TMT. Prayers, chants and tears — and an outburst or two — marked an afternoon of testimony Monday as more than 50 people shared their mana‘o about Maunakea and the impending construction of a massive telescope there. West Hawaii Today.

Council Questions County Involvement On Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Residents push to preserve 70-acre parcel but landowner still plans to develop off Lako Street. West Hawaii Today.

Desk Duty For National Park Ranger After Hawaii Shooting. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officer who shot the driver of stolen vehicle is on desk duty while local and federal agencies investigate. Associated Press.

Maui

Koieie Fishpond holds community workday. Efforts follow calls to restore historic pond. Maui News.

Ban on Commercial Permit Operators at Hanakaoo Becomes Law. Maui Now.

Kauai

State to explain water study results.The Department of Health is making a trip to Kauai to explain their recent findings regarding the water quality in the Maha‘ulepu and Waikomo watersheds. Garden Island.

Highway to close at Waipa Bridge. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a reminder Monday that the upcoming full weekend closure of Kuhio Highway at Waipa Bridge is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and continue through 5 a.m. Monday. Garden Island.