Hawaii voters split on Gov. David Ige in poll, House speaker's bills killed in committee, Hawaii County mayor proclaims dengue emergency, teachers could be exempt from ethics laws, Honolulu Police Department marred by favoritism, cheating at the police academy, homeless move into shipping containers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige after 2014 victory, campaign courtesy photo

Only 33 percent have a negative view of President Barack Obama, says a new Civil Beat Poll. Gov. David Ige’s marks are nowhere near as high as the president’s, however, with registered voters split among positive and negative opinions. Civil Beat.

Bills introduced by powerful House Speaker Joseph Souki that would require owners of commercial lands to sell those lands to tenants are “clearly unconstitutional” and will not be heard this session, said House Water and Land Chairman Ryan Yamane. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House Water and Land Committee Chairman Rep. Ryan Yamane cancelled an upcoming hearing on two bills that would have given long-term lease holders of nonresidential property the right to purchase the land that they’re renting. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers are considering a measure to exempt public school teachers from the state ethics code pertaining to free travel and organizing educational trips. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers are moving forward with bill to limit the number of years tenants could stay in public housing if they agree to an incentive program first. Associated Press.

In the 2016 Legislative session, no bills may be more ambitious and wide-ranging than House Bill 2561 and Senate Bill 2964, which seek to revamp Hawaii’s penal code. The identical bills, 135 pages long, would eliminate some mandatory sentences to give judges more discretion in drug cases, raise the threshold level for some felonies, and create a new felony category, among other changes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund is facing an uphill battle amid continuing losses in the U.S. and international stock markets. The state Employees’ Retirement System fund rose 3.2 percent during the final three months of 2015, but that still left the portfolio down 3.1 percent halfway through the fiscal year that ends June 30, according to a report presented to ERS trustees Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Even as legislation on guns fails to gain traction at the federal level, Hawaii lawmakers are considering a slew of firearms legislation. Civil Beat.

Dozens upon dozens of people submitted written or oral testimony on a bill at the Hawaii Legislature that they warned would harm special-needs children. House Bill 868 would allow for school psychologists, teachers, educational assistants, occupational therapists, school social workers, guidance counselors, speech-language pathologists and audiologists to engage in the practice of behavior analysis in the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

A bill that would require large, outdoor commercial agricultural businesses to disclose outdoor application of pesticides passed the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee. Garden Island.

A bill contributing $1.4 million to the fight against rat lungworm disease cleared its first committees at the state Legislature last week. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the sale of Island Air to PacifiCap, officials announced Monday. Garden Island.

NextEra Energy Inc., which is proposing to buy Hawaiian Electric Co. for $4.3 billion, did not come to Hawaii with a strong enough case to convince state regulators to approve the major deal, according to an expert witness for Hawaii County, one of the entities taking part in the regulatory review of the sale. Pacific Business News.

Is NextEra Energy being unfairly put through the wringer as it seeks regulatory approval for its $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries? That was the underlying question that emerged on the 18th day of regulatory hearings to help decide whether NextEra’s purchase of Hawaii’s historic power company should go through. Civil Beat.

Oahu

In a case that raises serious ethical questions, a Honolulu police sergeant was given a "courtesy" ride home by officers who suspected he was driving drunk, Hawaii News Now has learned.

A cheating scandal at the Honolulu Police Department's training academy has resulted in an internal investigation, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

The last of 25 converted shipping containers has landed at Hawaii’s first homeless “navigation center,” and about one-third of its formerly homeless tenants have moved into transitional homes on a patch of Sand Island, but Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants the new Hale Mauliola project to proceed cautiously. Star-Advertiser.

A bill allowing property owners, businesses or other organizations to replace curbside parking stalls in dense urban areas with “parklets” and bicycle corrals was signed into law by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Karen Awana, a Democrat, has pulled papers with the state Office of Elections for her former District 43 seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Awana, who was fined thousands of dollars in recent years by the state Campaign Spending Commission for various filing violations, lost re-election by a wide margin to Republican Andria Tupola in 2014. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Gov. David Ige declined again Monday to declare an emergency in response to Hawaii County’s dengue fever outbreak, despite Mayor Billy Kenoi declaring a state of emergency earlier in the day. Tribune-Herald.

Following the Hawaii County emergency proclamation on dengue fever, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said the state is preparing to do the same, pending certain criteria. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has declared a state of emergency to help tackle the mosquito-borne dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi issued an emergency proclamation Monday to help bolster efforts to combat the ongoing dengue outbreak. Civil Beat.

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has declared a state of emergency for Hawai'i County due to dengue fever. KITV4.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has declared a state of emergency on Hawaii Island in light of an ongoing dengue fever outbreak. KHON2.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi proclamation on dengue emergency posted here.

A theater director, a videographer, a papaya farmer, two former county officials and a working mother walked into an elections office last week … and one of them could become mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Music, fellowship… and above all… a place with plenty parking. Those were the wishes of the late Senator Gil Kahele in regards to his final send-off, loved ones say, and for good reason. The parking lot of the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium was full on Monday evening as hundreds came out for the “Evening of Aloha” in honor of the Hilo senator. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Officials in Mayor Alan Arakawa's administration are holding "high-level discussions" with Alexander & Baldwin officials about taking more water out of the Wailoa Ditch system for Upcountry customers as A&B's subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. phases out production at the end of the year, Department of Water Supply Director Dave Taylor said. Maui News.

Once a fixture across Hawaii, bookmobiles have all but disappeared from island roads as budget cuts have curbed services and vehicles have wore down beyond repair. Maui News.

Some Nahiku residents and their supporters are urging the county and state to fix a bridge and gulch culvert instead of constructing the proposed Nahiku Community Center, which appears to be on hold following a county lawsuit against the contractor last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Election season has begun and candidate filings are coming in. Three candidates have put their names in the hat for Kauai County Council: Juno-Ann Apalla of Lihue, Matthew Bernabe of Kapaa and incumbent KipuKai Kuali‘i. Garden Island.

All eyes on the state Legislature as the 2016 session begins -- a special news compilation with links to majority and minority speeches and more

Opening day in the Hawaii Legislature, courtesy House GOP

Lawmakers launched the 2016 session of the state Legislature on Wednesday with brief speeches and little fanfare while activists staged a daylong rally in the Capitol courtyard to draw attention to issues ranging from pesticides and genetically modified foods to the Thirty Meter Telescope and Hawaiian sovereignty. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders in the Hawaii Legislature moved beyond generalities on housing, homelessness and fiscal order to identify specific priorities in their opening-day speeches Wednesday. Leaders called for converting commercial leasehold lands to direct ownership, building a methane biodigester on Maui and giving a bigger slice of the hotel tax to counties, among other ideas.  Civil Beat.

The State Legislature convened today for the 2016 session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Homelessness and affordable housing will be key topics as the Hawaii Legislature begins its 2016 session, with Democrats and Republicans emphasizing the need for action. The House and Senate began their legislative session Wednesday, talking about the need to create a more economically viable community. Associated Press.

State lawmakers laid out their top priorities Wednesday morning as the 2016 legislative session was called to order. Hawaii News Now.

Singing and chanting outside the State Capitol marked opening day for the 2016 legislative session. Both the House and Senate have their own agendas this year, which include health care, education, and homelessness. KHON2.

Hawaii House Speaker Joe Souki plans to introduce a bill that would consider the conversion of commercial leasehold lands to fee simple ownership as a way to slow the closure of many small businesses because of the rise of leasehold rents in recent years. Pacific Business News.

Senate President Ron Kouchi expressed his desire to address quality health care in rural areas on neighbor islands in his opening speech of the 28th Legislative Session. Associated Press.

Lawmakers moonlight as attorneys, consultants, farmers. Star-Advertiser.

Who’s Who: The State of Hawaii 2016 Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

An East Hawaii lawmaker was absent from opening day of the 2016 legislative session and will remain out until further notice, his family says. State Sen. Gil Kahele, a Democrat who represents Hilo, checked into The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu on Monday to address medical issues and undergo testing. Tribune-Herald.

Speaker Joseph M. Souki 2016 Opening Day Remarks. Hawaii Majority House blog.

House Minority Leader's Opening Day Speech Jan 20, 2016. House Minority blog.

Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate began the 2016 Legislative Session with a renewed commitment to create a better life for those who call these islands home. Senate Majority blog.

Senate Minority Opening Day Remarks. 28th State Legislature, 2016. Senate Minority blog.

Hawaii state Legislature website.

Sex education to be required in Hawaii public schools, DOE administrators get 4% raise, House speaker Souki files erroneous disclosure, three recommended for federal judge, Big Island council passes $99M bond issue, Honolulu rail station bids lower than expected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli Internment Camp, courtesy National Park Service

Two Hawaii organizations are receiving National Park Service grants to help them share the history of sites where the federal government confined Japanese-Americans during World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Starting next year, public schools in Hawaii will be required to offer sex education to students — a big shift from the current policy that allows individual schools to decide whether to teach the subject. Civil Beat.

Sexual health education will now be mandatory for Hawaii public school students, under a revised sex education policy approved Tuesday by the Board of Education that expands a long-standing abstinence-based policy to include lessons on contraception, disease prevention and skills to help students make "healthy decisions" about sexuality and relationships. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education's senior management team will receive 4 percent raises at the start of next month under a request approved Tuesday by the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Joe Souki this week denied reports that he more than doubled his investment in Hawaiian Electric Industries in late 2013, as top NextEra executives were readying their preliminary bid for the island utility. Civil Beat.

A former state attorney general, a federal prosecutor and a private attorney are being recommended for a federal judgeship in Hawaii. U.S. Sens. Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz recommended Tuesday that President Barack Obama consider former Attorney General David Louie, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Otake and private attorney Clare Connors to replace Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway when she becomes a senior judge Nov. 6.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz have submitted to the White House the names of three nominees, including a former state attorney general, for the position of U.S. District Court judge for the District of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

State lawmakers spent most of last session crafting rules for a medical marijuana dispensary system in Hawai‘i. And as Hawaii Public Radio's Molly Solomon reports, it has the potential to provide a growing market for entrepreneurs eager to set up shop.

Oahu

Honolulu's rail project officials saw lower-than-expected prices for the latest batch of stations to go out to bid, indicating that transit officials' attempts to curb at least some of the painful cost increases are paying off. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $6 billion rail project received a slight dose of positive news Tuesday when officials opened bids for construction of three stations on the west side of Oahu. Civil Beat.

A measure allowing sparklers and fireworks fountains to become legal on New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July secured a vote of support from a key City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu's fireworks ban sparked a heap of heated debate. Tuesday afternoon, the Honolulu City Council may have reignited the discussion by hearing a bill that would add more sparkle to celebrations. KITV4.

How Military Policies Drive Up Rents on Oahu. Service members who live off the base enjoy housing allowances that surpass fair market rental prices. That, real estate analysts say, helps push up rents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii News Now has uncovered troubling allegations that there's a cover-up underway by supervisors and managers at the Women's Community Correctional Center of an alleged assault by a guard on a woman prison inmate.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council, with very little comment, made quick work Tuesday unanimously passing a $99.75 million bond issue requested by Mayor Billy Kenoi. West Hawaii Today.

A nonbinding resolution in English and Hawaiian will soon be on its way to the Hawaii Legislature, asking the state to declare July 31 “La Hoihoi Ea,” or Restoration Day, in recognition of the day in 1843 that independence was restored to the Kingdom of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Peter Boylan, the high-profile spokesman of embattled Mayor Billy Kenoi, resigned after nine months on the job. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Objecting to a restriction that would limit spending in county departments to specific accounts, Mayor Alan Arakawa has issued a line-item veto of the measure in the Maui County Council's fiscal 2016 budget. Maui News.

Residents on Maui say they’re being overwhelmed by mosquitoes. KHON2.

Kauai

A University of Hawaii research organization is forecasting a slight decrease in visitor stay times and an increase in visitor arrivals for Kauai through 2017. Garden Island.

Friday is the deadline to submit a completed bed-and-breakfast (homestay) permit application if it includes a guesthouse. The Kauai County Council recently approved changes to the rules governing the B&B permit process; among the changes, permits will no longer be granted to B&B operators who use a separate guesthouse to provide accommodations. Mayor Bernhard Carvalho, Jr. has said he intends to sign the bill. Garden Island.

Ige gives Thirty Meter Telescope go-ahead, protestors vow to continue; busy hurricane season ahead; Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Honolulu for ceremony; population grows 4.4%; Ellison has big plans for Lanai; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thirty Meter Telescope protestor on Mauna Kea, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

Gov. David Ige said Tuesday he supports and will protect the rights of the builders of the Thirty Meter Telescope to proceed with construction on Mauna Kea, but he also announced the creation of a cultural council to restore balance between science and Native Hawaiian interests on the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige gave his official support for the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project Tuesday, and asked that the University of Hawaii return to the authority of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources more than 10,000 acres of the Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island not being used for astronomy. Pacific Business News.

While promising to protect the rights of the Thirty Meter Telescope to proceed with construction and opponents to peacefully protest, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday outlined his vision for better stewardship of Hawaii’s tallest and most sacred mountain. Tribune-Herald.

A project to build a giant telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea has the right to move forward, but Hawaii has failed the mountain in many ways, Gov. David Ige said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Foes of the planned Thirty Meter Telescope on Tuesday vowed to continue blocking construction of the $1.4 billion project despite plans announced by Gov. David Ige to improve the stewardship of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced his support for building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea on Tuesday, saying the project has the right to proceed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor David Ige announced his support of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope and believes the project may proceed with construction. He also laid out his plan for future development on Mauna Kea, calling on the University of Hawai‘i to be better stewards of the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige is laying out his plan for the stewardship of Mauna Kea, as it relates to TMT construction and beyond. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige announces changes to stewardship of Mauna Kea. The governor supports the TMT's right to move forward as well as public right to protest; charges UH with doing a better job serving the mountain's best interests. Hawaii Independent.

Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners challenging the Thirty Meter Telescope in court say they were left disappointed after Gov. David Ige’s remarks about management of Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

This afternoon, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced at a news conference his “way forward” for the University of Hawaii’s proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. MauiTime.

Governor David Ige says a project to build a giant telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea has the right to move forward, but that the state has failed the mountain. KITV4.

Governor David Ige announced his plan for moving the stewardship of Mauna Kea forward, including a change in the way the State of Hawai’i manages Mauna Kea, which will lead to the formation of a Mauna Kea Cultural Council and actions that the University of Hawai’i must take to enhance stewardship. Big Island Now.

Those standing vigil on Mauna Kea in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope have issued a written response to Governor David Ige’s plan calling for changes in how the state manages the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Following Governor David Ige’s press conference in which he laid out his vision for future stewardship of Mauna Kea, University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner responded with a statement to reporters, saying that the university “can and must do better.” Big Island Video News.

Following a busy 2014 season that saw three hurricanes threaten the islands, forecasters Tuesday predicted a slight uptick in activity with five to eight "tropical cyclones" expected this season in the Central Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Meteorologists at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center predict 5 to 8 tropical cyclones could form in the central Pacific basin this year. It's the most since the center began holding pre-hurricane season press conferences in the early 2000s. Hawaii News Now.

The start of the 2015 Central North Pacific hurricane season is just days away, and forecasters are expecting a busier year thanks in part to El Nino. West Hawaii Today.

Meteorologists with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center are predicting a busy storm season. In their pre season press conference officials predicted 5 to 8 tropical cyclones could form in the central pacific basin this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Health Connector board has postponed a board meeting to discuss and approve a “corrective action plan” for the health insurance exchange by a week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's population last year rose by by 4.4 percent to 1.41 million residents, from 1.36 million in 2010, but all three of Hawaii's Neighbor Island counties saw a higher percentage of growth in population than that of the state average and the City and County of Honolulu, according to 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data. Pacific Business News.

Opinion: Dear Joe, If You’re Concerned About Ethics Problems Look in the Mirror The Hawaii House Speaker is off-target in his criticism of the Ethics Commission for doing its job. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will attend the Change of Command ceremony for the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Pacific Fleet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Two towers up to 23 stories would bring 151 affordable rental units for seniors in Chinatown under a plan outlined by city officials Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa has formed a new law company in Hawaii that bears her name, according to public records. Pacific Business News.

The 1977 decision to transform fields of sugar cane in West Oahu into a new city known as Kapolei is one of Honolulu’s most significant planning decisions. But some urban planners now think that starting a community from scratch miles away from downtown Honolulu was a bad idea. Civil Beat.

Several residents and officials contend that creating an exclusive fund for the popular Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park would help with much-needed improvements and maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s plastic bag ban starts in a month, and retailers are feeling the pressure. Come July 1, retailers will longer be allowed to give out plastic bags. KHON2.

The federal government has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the mother of 5-year-old Talia Williams. Talia died July 16, 2005, after nearly seven months of almost daily beatings at the hands of her father, former Schofield Barracks soldier Naeem Williams, and her stepmother, Delilah Williams. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Hurricanes Iselle, Julio and Ana that threatened Hawaii Island last year brought with them some valuable lessons on how best to prepare this year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an “above-normal” hurricane season with 5 to 8 tropical cyclones expected to affect the Central Pacific this season.  That’s more than the average season of 4 to 5 tropical cyclones in a typical year, which includes tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a homestay permit application for the first time in more than a decade. Garden Island.

A group of employees at the Kauai Humane Society is calling for the dismissal of KHS executive director, Penny Cistaro. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a public hearing to consider requests for surf and stand up paddling schools and boating companies at Hanalei Bay and Black Pot Beach Park to amend the “Rules and Regulations Relating to the Use of Parks and Park Facilities by Peddlers and Concessionaires.” Garden Island.

Lanai

Former Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, the majority owner of the island of Lanai, has proposed a lot of new projects for the Pineapple Island, including building a third luxury resort, a research university, more residential projects, a bowling alley and a film studio — and he is still considering those projects and other developments, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa told Pacific Business News.

Reorganization pits Hawaii House vs. Senate in GMO fight, Maui residents sue for GMO home rule, Abercrombie sparse with pardons, woman sentenced to jail for damaging Iolani Palace, Kauai anti-war group allowed in job fair, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2014All Hawaii News

The coalition of dissident Democrats and minority Republicans that brought state House Speaker Joseph Souki to power last year has officially ended. Souki's postelection reorganization of the House reflects his expanded support among Democrats and sheds the alliance with Republicans, who had held three committee vice chairmanships — including the vice chairmanship of the House Finance Committee — through the coalition. Star-Advertiser.

GMO Debate to be Shaped by New Senate, House Ag Chairs. Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to regulating the seed industry. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Joe Souki and the Democratic majority met in caucus briefly Wednesday afternoon before unveiling the 2015 leadership team and committee chair assignments for next legislative session, which convenes Jan. 21. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House of Representatives has named new leaders for its key committees and top posts. Speaker Joseph Souki and Vice Speaker John Mizuno will head the chamber with Majority Leader Scott Saiki. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Ethics Commission must release the financial disclosure statements of all members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, state Land Use Commission and Agribusiness Development Corp.'s board of directors, a state judge ruled Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

First Circuit Judge Rhonda Nishimura has granted Honolulu Civil Beat’s request for a preliminary injunction to require the Hawaii State Ethics Commission to make public the financial disclosure statements of certain state board members. Civil Beat.

Consumer finance site NerdWallet has a new study out that estimates gay weddings could have a $26.6 million benefit to Hawaii in additional annual revenue. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pardoned significantly fewer criminals than his three most recent predecessors, according to records obtained by Hawaii News Now.

While the Hawaii Supreme Court already has dinged the state for failing to provide sufficient funding to operate the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the debate now turns to what constitutes sufficient funding. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i Short 50K New Housing Units by 2016. State Lawmakers conducted a comprehensive briefing on Housing requirements state-wide today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A 22-year-old woman who admitted that she damaged a 130-year-old glass panel when she kicked in a door to break into Iolani Palace could be spending 12 more months in jail. Star-Advertiser.

A Civil Beat analysis of Honolulu death records found that 139 of the 417 homeless people who passed away from March 2006 to July 2014 died of natural causes, most often heart disease and pneumonia. That’s second only to drug and alcohol-related deaths, which totaled 142 in the same period.

A decision to expand the city's contentious sit-lie law outside of Waikiki and into business sections of other Oahu neighborhoods is delayed until Friday to allow Honolulu City Council members more time to examine and research the latest draft they received Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday suspended a final vote on a bill that would extend the city’s ban on sitting and lying on sidewalks in Waikiki to commercial districts throughout Oahu after four council members said they hadn’t been given sufficient time to review last-minute amendments. Civil Beat.

Construction equipment may begin rolling again next week on the site of the 801 South St. Building B condominium tower in Kakaako after a state court injunction that stopped work in May was lifted Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in four years, Honolulu motorists can look forward to seeing $3.50-per-gallon gas prices, and not five or 10 years from now, but in three to six months. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii, a nonprofit that will work to establish a bike-sharing transportation system on Oahu, is under new leadership. Star-Advertiser.

The public will get its first look at a planned $38 million affordable rental complex aimed at local artists in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako on Dec. 17. Pacific Business News.

Starting Wednesday night, it’ll be a nightmare to drive through the Kalihi area. That’s when a Department of Transportation pavement resurfacing project begins. KHON2.

Hawaii

Following the destruction Monday of the first home in Pahoa to be hit by the advancing lava flow, one question is likely on the minds of many homeowners in the area. When will the state request federal assistance for individual homeowners and renters as a result of the June 27 lava flow? Tribune-Herald.

As lava slowly oozed its way into Pahoa last week, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers were out on the flow field, providing aerial imagery to emergency responders. Big Island Video News.

courtesy Hawaii County

Firefighters doused two power poles threatened by lava with water and foam Wednesday to help protect them from temperatures that can exceed 2,000 degrees. Tribune-Herald.

The lava flow from Kilauea Volcano is lingering near Pahoa's $3.9 million waste and recycling center while county officials keep an eye on a breakout upslope that moved 225 yards Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

If public meeting laws were applied to the scientific investigations of a board trying make a determination on public policy, they would create “unworkable and absurd conditions.” So argues the state Commission on Water Resource Management in its response to an allegation it violated the Sunshine Law during site visits to West Hawaii this fall. West Hawaii Today.

Facing sanctions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and striving to keep Kailua Bay clean, Hawaii County is undertaking a $6.5 million sewer project mauka of Kuakini Highway in an area residents have dubbed “Hamburger Hill.” West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Global seed companies Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences promised litigation after Maui County residents approved a voter initiative to ban on genetically modified crops on Election Day, but five residents have beaten them to the punch. Civil Beat.

The group responsible for putting a moratorium on genetically engineered crops on the Maui County ballot launched a pre-emptive strike against agricultural giants Wednesday by filing a lawsuit in Maui Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

With the dust still settling from last week's election, two dozen California lawmakers are flying to luxury resorts in Hawaii for conferences subsidized and attended by interests that lobby the Legislature: oil companies, public employee unions, drug and tobacco firms, and others. L.A. Times.

Kauai

Hawaii Peace and Justice — an organization that supports the demilitarization of Hawaii — will be allowed a spot at the upcoming Hawaii College and Career Fair after initially being told it could not participate. Garden Island.

A decision could be issued soon on whether two Kauai fishermen will get a chance to challenge new rules approved for the state's first community-based subsistence fishing area in Haena on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan’s civil action alleging former neighbors built un-permitted structures that caused environmental damage will move forward with the same judge in 5th Circuit Court. Judge Kathleen Watanabe on Wednesday denied a plaintiff’s motion to recuse herself as presiding judge in the case. Garden Island.

Hawaii House leadership unchanged, public employee overtime out of control, state technology lacking, Augie T hired by Hawaii County mayor, Maui measles van mobilizes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature 2014 courtesy photo

State House Speaker Joseph Souki will keep power in the House with expanded support from fellow Democrats. House Democrats, meeting privately in caucus Thursday, backed the veteran Maui lawmaker by acclamation. Star-Advertiser.

Joe Souki, speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, will remain in his post for another two years. All 43 Democrats — including the handful of new ones elected Tuesday — met today at the Capitol and gave unanimous support to Souki. John Mizuno will also continue as vice speaker. Civil Beat.

Longtime Central Maui Rep. Joe Souki was re-elected House speaker "by acclamation" Thursday, winning the support of his fellow Democrats, avoiding a repeat of a leadership battle and leaving minority Republicans out in the cold. Maui News.

Temporary emergency rules that went into effect Wednesday will continue state-funded medical assistance benefits for noncitizens, including some 13,700 Micronesian migrants, Hawaii officials said. But advocates for noncitizens say the rules will mean more out-of-pocket costs for migrants. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Human Services says Gov. Neil Abercrombie has approved temporary emergency rules that will allow non-citizens to receive state-funded medical benefits in Hawaii. The department said Thursday the rules will be in effect for 120 days. Associated Press.

The time a veteran waits in Hawaii and other parts of the Pacific to see a primary care doctor for the first time has dropped to 35 days — a reduction from 110 days since May 15, the head of the system said. Star-Advertiser.

Now that Hawaii knows who the next governor will be, we can take a look at where Gov.-elect David Ige stands on energy. Pacific Business News.

The average daily room rate at Hawaii hotels rose 6.2 percent to $217.60 last week, while the statewide average occupancy rate rose 2.5 percentage points to 71 percent, according to the weekly hotel report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR, Inc. Pacific Business News.

Opinion: While fears grow about the feds tracking us too keenly, we should be equally wary of the state's near-inability to track us at all. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Ballot Issue Grew Out of Abercrombie’s Retreat Into Secrecy. The Hawaii governor continued to fight over judicial transparency long after he should have given up.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Next time the state or city bring up budget cuts, remember this: More than $100 million a year gets shelled out in overtime alone. What’s being done to crack down on this costly problem? KHON2.

Oahu's housing market is looking like it will reach new annual highs this year by producing moderate gains in median prices for a third consecutive year. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy should be forced to shut down its massive Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility unless it double lines its 18 active underground tanks within 10 years to prevent leaks, according to a draft report from a state task force formed to study the facility and make recommendations to the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

A lawyer who was entrusted with sensitive criminal trial documents that were found unattended in a downtown Hono­lulu restaurant is facing penalties that could include paying for the prosecutors' time and expenses in connection with recovering the missing documents. Star-Advertiser.

The Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful part of Oahu, but there is an ugly dispute brewing with some folks who live nearby. The Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary is a restricted area, but right across the driveway is the ocean which is not. Hawaii News Now.

After getting a busy signal for two days from the Handi-Van's reservation line, Mary Wilkinson called the telephone company out of frustration Wednesday and had the phone company test Handi-Van's number to be sure it was actually working. Star-Advertiser.

The bench on Kalakaua Avenue across the street from the Waikiki Circle Hotel is in the heart of the city's tourist hub.  The popular place to take a break is also the center of a loophole in the city's sit-and-lie and park closure laws. KITV4.

Halau Lokahi Public Charter School is facing another financial shortfall after Kame­ha­meha Schools declined to provide $1,500 per pupil this academic year, or $238,500. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The tide has turned on early County Council opposition to an e-cigarette ban at beaches and parks. Riding a wave of apparent public support, the council Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee on Thursday voted 6-2 to forward Bill 302 — outlawing the use of e-cigarettes anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited — to the County Council with a positive recommendation. West Hawaii Today.

A lull in lava activity is giving officials more time to test methods for re-establishing access over Highway 130 should it be covered by the June 27 flow. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira told reporters today that the state Department of Transportation on Friday will begin applying aggregate over the portion of Apa‘a Street covered by lava. Tribune-Herald.

The agony of watching and waiting for what many consider inevitable -- even though there's still uncertainty -- is weighing on the residents of Pahoa. Perhaps there's no one who understands better what they're going through than Harry Kim, who served as Hawai'i County's Civil Defense Director for 16 years and another 8 years as Mayor. Hawaii News Now.

No joke. Augie T is the latest addition to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s staff. The award-winning comic is now an executive assistant to the mayor, one of five top aides charged with handling various projects and public relations for the chief county executive. West Hawaii Today.

The National Park Service on Thursday pressed its case that the agency does indeed have the science to back its petition to designate the Keauhou aquifer a state water management area. West Hawaii Today.

The CEO of an electrical power plant under construction in Pepeekeo said the project is “moving forward” despite mounting legal problems, including a foreclosure suit filed by the project’s former general contractor. Tribune-Herald.

Work to reduce wildfire threat on Hawaii Island continued this week as a community meeting was held to generate concerns and solutions. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A mobile measles treatment area has been set up outside of the Kaiser Maui Lani Clinic in Wailuku as a precautionary measure to prevent additional exposure, officials tell Maui Now.

With the hotly contested and historic genetically modified organism moratorium on Tuesday's ballot, Maui County posted the highest voter turnout rate in the state at 52.7 percent - a reversal from the August primary's lowest turnout of only 33.1 percent.  Maui News.

Kauai

For the past several months, some county officials admit that they have heard their share of complaints from residents who called upon them to cut costs and not raise taxes. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature opens with 55 years of statehood, poi pounding, talk of taxes, medical marijuana, GMOs and more. News reports from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Senate opening day courtesy photo

State House Speaker Joseph Souki on Wednesday called for bold shifts in tax policy, urging the state to give the counties a greater share of hotel room tax revenue, collect taxes on Internet commerce and impose a pension tax on wealthy seniors. Souki suggested raising the $93 million annual cap on hotel room tax revenue that goes to the counties to $141 million, perhaps over several years, a recognition that the counties cover police, lifeguard, parks and other services used by tourists. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature opened its 2014 session Wednesday with lei and speeches, and by recognizing former representatives and senators, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, former Gov. John Waihee and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, in honor of 55th anniversary of statehood. Pacific Business News.

The Legislature convened for its 27th session today, with both Houses honoring more than 80 former lawmakers who served since Statehood 55 years ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 28th session of the State Legislature opens with several proposals that may impact your pocket book. KITV4's Andrew Pereira has more on what topics made the most impact on the House's first day. KITV4.

Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki started the 2014 legislative session Wednesday by calling for lawmakers to remove a cap on how much counties can share in the state’s hotel room taxes, a move that would be welcomed by mayors on the islands. Associated Press.

If House Speaker Joseph Souki has his way, Hawaii could be the next state to allow marijuana dispensaries for residents using the drug for medicinal purposes, following a national trend to loosen laws restricting access to cannabis. More than 12,000 residents take advantage of the Hawaii law that allows people to use marijuana for medical reasons, but patients have to grow their own weed. Civil Beat.

Shops selling pakalolo. State House Speaker Joe Souki says it's the next step given Hawaii's medical marijuana law, and not to raise state revenue. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii told lawmakers Tuesday it needs $33.5 million to replenish tuition revenues that have been used to cover salary restorations and increases in a six-year faculty contract. In return, the university promises to dedicate about half of the money to debt service on revenue bonds to start tackling the university's massive repair backlog. Star-Advertiser.

It's difficult to picture Donna Mercado Kim as a little girl, riding a bicycle and drinking water from a garden hose. And yet, there was the Senate president waxing nostalgic at the Capitol today about Hawaii's past, a time before PlayStation and bottled water. She was inspired by the presence of 40 former state senators who were honored on opening day of the 2014 Legislature. Civil Beat.

Rising Waters, Stinging Ants and GMOs Top Legislative Environmental Priorities. Civil Beat.

Minimum Wage, GMOs and How to Spend $844 Million Surplus, Will Take Center Stage at Legislative Session. Hawaii Reporter.

(c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Today was opening day at the Hawaii State Legislature. Hundreds came to the Hawaii State Capitol to pound kalo into pa‘i ‘ai and poi. Hawaii Independent.

As Senate and House leaders proposed ways to propel the state toward a more prosperous future, a hui of community groups rang in the 2014 legislative session by gathering in the Capitol courtyard to honor the past by continuing one of Hawaii's most-revered ancient practices: pounding taro into poi. Until 2011, producing and consuming handmade poi was illegal because it violated Department of Health food safety laws, event coordinator David Anthony said. A law passed that year exempted hand-pounded poi, or paiai, from those laws. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s four mayors stood together before the House and Senate money committees Wednesday afternoon in the Capitol Auditorium and asked the Legislature to give the counties a broad new taxing authority. But the reaction from state lawmakers suggests their plea for the power to raise the General Excise Tax by as much as 1 percent will not pass this legislative session. Civil Beat.

Opening Day speeches:

Speaker Souki Calls on House to Create Opportunities for All.

Creating a Better Day for Hawaii - Senate Minority Opening Day Speech.

Opening Day Remarks by House Minority Leader Aaron Ling Johanson.

Oahu

Navy officials said Wednesday night they're investigating a possible fuel leak in a tank at an underground facility built in Hawaii in the 1940s. Associated Press.

Federal Authorities are taking the city to task for delays in spending $8 million in federal housing money. In a Dec. 13 report, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said the city may have to repay the money if it's unable to spend the money this year. Hawaii News Now.

Opposition is building to plans from Los Angeles-based PACREP LLC to construct a second tower in its Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach Residences complex — an addition the developer and proponents say could bring a much-needed boost to an aging and constrained tourist destination. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
House lawmakers are peeved over a public service announcement they say is aimed at pressuring the Legislature to fund the controversial pharmacy college building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposed budget includes $28 million in state-backed bonds for the Daniel K. Ino­uye College of Pharmacy building, and state Budget Director Kalbert Young has said the project is a top priority for the administration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has a laundry list of projects he wants the state Legislature to consider during the 2014 session that began Wednesday. But he emphasized at a hearing of the Senate Ways and Means and House Finance committees that the projects he’s outlined are the responsibility of the state, not the county. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Last legislative session, Maui's lawmakers were able to secure more than $300 million in funds for various initiatives on-island, including $130 million for a long-awaited Kihei high school, $20 million for the acquisition of Lipoa Point and millions more in airport and harbor improvements. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s largest agricultural companies have shared how much restricted use pesticides they applied in December. Garden Island.

A County Vehicles Audit Report says the county needs to improve how it monitors, reports and authorizes employee vehicle use. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature opens with leadership changes, protests, tax concerns, Honolulu mayor wants rail tax money, Hawaii County mayor wants state parks, plastic bag ban begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Senate opening day, courtesy Senate Majority Office

The Hawaii Legislature opened its 2013 session at the Capitol in Honolulu on Wednesday with speeches from new leadership and music and dance from local entertainers. Pacific Business News.

Senators and representatives were sworn in and new leadership was chosen in both houses Wednesday as the 2013 Hawaii legislative session got under way. Associated Press.

State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim said Wednesday that despite anticipating a better economy, lawmakers should not impose new tax burdens on residents or reflexively expand state programs. House Speaker Joseph Souki said the state must generate new revenue if legislators want to restore the social safety net, improve public education and repair infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday, Calvin Say's 14 years as speaker ended, and the man he deposed — Joe Souki — was returned to power with the votes of 25 Democrats and all seven Republicans.Civil Beat.

on Wednesday, January 16, during the first day of the 60 working day session, both the Senate president and House speaker expressed their concern over Hawaii's high tax burden. Hawaii Reporter.

The 27th State Legislature opened Wednesday, and an expected change in the House of Representatives leadership has given more — or at least some — power to the Republican minority in Hawai‘i’s Democratic-dominated political arena. Garden Island.

Sen. Donna Mercado Kim takes helm as Senate president, Rep. Joe Souki installed as House Speaker. KITV4.

The State Legislature convened today with many focusing on the House of Representatives where a new leader was formally installed… resulting in a major shift in power for the first time in 14 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Joseph Souki officially took over as state House speaker, succeeding Calvin Say. But supporters of the outgoing leader voiced discontent at Say's seat assignment. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds marched on the state capitol on Wednesday hoping lawmakers will hear their call to action. KHON2.

With swooping, rhythmic motions, hundreds of men, women, teenagers and preschoolers pounded taro into roughly 1,000 pounds of poi Wednesday at the state Capitol as part of a protest that drew hundreds of residents hoping to have their voices heard on the opening day of the legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday, there was a cadence of movement, as hundreds gathered in a convocation of various groups coming together to push for labeling of genetically modified foods. Hawaii Independent.

[VIDEO] Legislature's Opening Day: Speeches, Songs, Chants and Cheers. Civil Beat.

This is a copy of Speaker Joseph M. Souki's prepared remarks to the opening session of the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. Maui News.

A Honolulu-based nonprofit law firm wants state lawmakers to establish a Hawaii earned income tax credit and eliminate the income tax on the poor to ease the burden on low-income individuals and families. West Hawaii Today.

Toxic chemicals released in Hawaii from facilities such as electric utilities and fuel refineries increased slightly in 2011, according to the latest Toxics Release Inventory data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is considering asking environmental regulators to extend deadlines for complying with new regulations that they say would cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk  Caldwell told lawmakers this week the city has been shortchanged when it comes to a special tax that's earmarked for rail and that an accounting error led to the loss of $10 million last year. Civil Beat.

The explosion at a Waikele storage facility that killed five people in 2011, along with a fireworks-related Fourth of July fatality in Kansas, shows a clear "regulatory gap" when it comes to the disposal of fireworks in the United States, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said in a report expected to be released this morning in Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Preliminary necropsy findings on a humpback whale calf that died off an East Honolulu beach indicate the mammal may have been battling some sort of respiratory infection, according to one of the scientists at Hawaii Pacific University involved in the examination. Star-Advertiser.

Chevron Corp. will likely follow Tesoro Corp.'s lead and close its Campbell Industrial Park refinery within a few years as the environment to do business in Hawaii becomes more difficult, an East-West Center energy expert said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

One of Mayor Billy Kenoi’s legislative priorities — a county takeover of Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea State Recreation Areas — is already encountering some resistance in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

If you want to save a few cents at area supermarkets and shopping malls, now is the time to start toting your shopping bags into the store with you. West Hawaii Today.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii island took top honors in four categories in the TripAdvisor 2013 Travelers' Choice Hotel awards: best overall in the U.S. and in the world and best luxury hotel in the U.S. and in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A lecture, a performance and a display are part of the events that will be held Thursday on the University of Hawaii Maui College lawn fronting Kaahumanu Avenue to commemorate and educate the public about the 120th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom that occurred on Jan. 17, 1893. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply will be providing combined water and wastewater bills on a monthly basis starting next week. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Water will bill its customers on a monthly basis instead of bi-monthy beginning Jan. 22, according to a county news release. DOW officials say the change was made to provide better customer service. Garden Island.