Interior Secretary discusses Hawaiian recognition, homelands; overlooked gates add $27M to Honolulu rail project, Kauai Planning Commission chair allowed to work as private lobbyist; Hanabusa, Schatz split labor backing; GMO hot topic; HuffPost Hawaii draws fans, critics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian protest file photo (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said Wednesday the Obama administration is exploring possible administrative options for pursuing federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. But she stopped short of saying the president supports going that route if it's doable. Star-Advertiser.

On federal recognition, which has never made it through the U.S. Senate despite the decade-long effort of Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel Akaka, U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewel said the Obama administration was "looking at different options to move on a path forward." Though she did not elaborate, one of those options could be recognition of Hawaiians through the Interior Department, the path taken by many Native American tribes. Civil Beat.

It’s time to assess the Hawaiian homelands trust and think about where it should be when the centennial of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act arrives in eight years, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said Wednesday. It’s been 30 years since a federal task force addressed the topic in 1983, Jewell said while delivering the keynote address at the 12th annual Native Hawaiian Convention. Associated Press.

Three Chinese navy warships will pull into Pearl Harbor Friday on the first such visit in seven years, the U.S. Navy said. The visiting ships include the Qingdao, a Luhu-class destroyer; Linyi, a Jiangkai-class frigate; and Hongzehu, a Fuqing-class fleet oiler. Star-Advertiser.

One of the state's largest public worker unions, the United Public Workers, is backing U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. The 13,000-member union announced its endorsement at a news conference Wednesday, along with those of six smaller labor unions. Star-Advertiser.

Hoping to dent early labor support for her Democratic primary opponent, Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa received the endorsement of a half-dozen unions Wednesday (Sept. 4), including the United Public Workers AFSCME Local 646. Civil Beat.

From the weather and the beaches to the aloha culture of extended families looking out for one another, Hawaii is a pretty good place to be a kid. But when you consider the state’s record on educating its youngest, most vulnerable residents, it doesn’t look quite so much like paradise. HuffPost Hawaii.

HuffPost Hawaii only adds to the world’s distorted view of Paradise. Pacific Business News.

How Come So Many Teachers Bail on Hawaii's Public Schools? Civil Beat.

A federal program to speed up airport security screenings for certain travelers is expanding to airports on Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it will expand faster screening lanes to 100 airports by year end, up from 40 now. Associated Press.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program announced Wednesday that it provided $967,000 through NOAA's Restoration Center to support locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects. KITV.

Oahu

Today board members overseeing Honolulu’s rail project will consider approving an additional $27.1 million to add safety gates at the 21 stations along the route. Called platform screen gates, they would help prevent passengers from falling onto the tracks. However, the safety feature was not budgeted for Oahu’s planned elevated rail system. Star-Advertiser.

Most residential real estate brokers who are experts in Honolulu’s Kahala market hope that the rumors are true regarding the possible sale of some or all of the more than two dozen properties owned by Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto, but no one could confirm reports that the rundown homes in the luxury oceanfront neighborhood are being sold. Pacific Business News.

Ho‘opili, some of the best land for farming in the State, has been arbitrarily exempted from Important Agricultural Land protection and seems doomed to be paved over and turned into a housing development. Hawaii Independent.

The planned expansion of an industrial park next to Kawainui Marsh is drawing the ire of the Kailua Neighborhood Board and environmental groups worried about the project's impact. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the Hawaii Kai association that's dumping tons of sludge in a Waianae neighborhood says there nothing unsafe in the materials and lashed out at residents who oppose the dumping. Hawaii News Now.

West Oahu seniors and those with disabilities will no longer have to spend two hours on the road for help with their Social Security needs. KHON2.

Hawaii

The battle over the future of crop biotechnology on the island of Hawaii escalated with the opening of hearings this week on two measures designed to end crop biotechnology. Forbes.

The debate over genetically modified crops and food is a serious one. But it can be easy to lose sight of that, especially amid the feisty — some might say volatile — Hawaii County Council Public Safety and Mass Transit committee's debate Wednesday about a pair of bills to ban GMOs on the island. Civil Beat.

The crowds were smaller but no less determined Wednesday as the Hawaii County Council started over with testimony on legislation to ban or restrict genetically altered crops. The meeting was the first in a month on the controversial issue, and one of many since the ongoing discussion of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, started again last May. Tribune-Herald.

The County Council’s Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit today heard nearly five hours of testimony on proposed legislation that would limit the growing of genetically modified crops on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

The backers of the Thirty Meter Telescope are taking a small yet significant step as they began seeking contractors to start land clearing on the top of Mauna Kea. The approximately $6 million contract would allow for grading the 4.85-acre site, paving a 0.61-mile road and installation of drainage and utility conduits. Tribune-Herald.

Preapproved travelers will be able to skip some security measures at Kona International Airport by the end of this year. The Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday announced the Kona airport was one of 60 being added to the TSA’s PreCheck Program, which allows frequent fliers to submit some personal information, then be subjected to limited security inspections once at preapproved airports. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state's new Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit has issued 12 citations for fishing violations in waters off Maui since it launched operations in the spring. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday the violations including the use of prohibited lay nets, catching undersized opihi, kumu and hee and using a prohibited net in the Kahului Fisheries Management Area. Associated Press.

Thanks to a few operational changes, Maui Electric says it is now using 91 percent of the Valley Isle’s available wind energy. The nearly 20 percent improvement is expected to trim $22 annually off a typical Maui home’s electric bill, MECO said Wednesday. The company expects to push it up to 98 percent — another $7 to $10 in savings — with additional changes over the next several years. Civil Beat.

Kahului Airport will be added to a list of airports with TSA PreCheck service, enabling low-risk passengers to move more quickly through checkpoint screening, officials said. Maui Now.

While all Maui County Council members agreed that acquiring 186 acres at Launiupoko in West Maui would be a boon for the community, some members expressed concern with the proposed deal's $13 million price tag. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee approved on Tuesday a measure that would allow the Department of Water Supply to secure a $9 million appropriation of state revolving loan funds to develop the West Maui Mahinahina water well, instead of using its own generated revenue and county-issued general obligation bonds. Maui News.

Sea-level rise has been identified as a principal cause of coastal erosion in Hawaiʻi, according to a study released this week by the University of Hawaiʻi. The study notes that Maui beaches are eroding at 13cm per year, with 78% of beaches on the island’s beaches showing erosion over the past century. Maui Now.

Kauai

The county Board of Ethics voted Tuesday to allow a member of the county’s Boards and Commissions to testify on behalf of a private company before a government body. Garden Island.

Supporters of a bill that proposes to regulate genetically modified crops and pesticide use by large agricultural operations on Kauai will march this weekend to show solidarity before a County Council committee takes action Monday. Thousands are expected to participate in the Mana March at noon Sunday, a day before the Council’s Economic Development, Agriculture, Sustainability and Intergovernmental Relations Committee reconvenes to discuss Bill 2491. Star-Advertiser.

A Capitol mess, more liability for party hosts under new Hawaii Supreme Court rule, HuffPost-Civil Beat venture goes live today, HECO to shut Honolulu plant, Maui to tackle feral cats and chickens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

A $4.5 million repair job is causing more problems along with concerns over public safety at the state capitol. Hawaii News Now.

A party host can be held liable for serving alcoholic drinks to a minor who dies from alcohol poisoning, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in announcing a new rule of law for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Over the next year, Civil Beat will examine the reasons behind the high cost of living and how it affects Hawaii's submerged middle class. There are those who say don't worry. Be happy. Lucky you live Hawaii. But others note there are real impacts. Even for a middle-class that manages to scrape by, the cost of paradise often catches up to us late in life.

The federal government plans to have administrative rules in place by April to help clarify its oversight role of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, a top Obama administration official said Tuesday. If adopted, the rules would be the first established since the law creating the Hawaiian home lands trust was enacted by Congress and signed by President Warren G. Harding nearly a century ago. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has reached the point — passed it long ago, some would say — at which outside intervention is required to force a fix of its myriad problems. Star-Advertiser.

Organizers say for the first time in 12 years since the Native Hawaiian Convention began, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is not a partner and isn't present either. Hawaii News Now.

Perhaps underestimating the public's skepticism about diving into another potential quagmire in the Middle East, Sen. Brian Schatz in the course of a weekend embraced the idea of doing something about Syria, then downshifted to join the ranks of those calling for debate. Civil Beat.

After a heat wave led schools in the Midwest to shut down last week, teachers and students in Hawaii are renewing their call for air conditioning the state's public schools, gearing up for a rally on Sept. 26. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Systems Corp. General Counsel Alice Hall has been named acting president and CEO of the state’s public hospital system. Pacific Business News.

For University of Hawaii researcher Angel Yanagihara, a painful encounter with box jellyfish 16 years ago, during a swim off Oahu, ultimately led to a journey this week with Diana Nyad for the renowned distance swimmer's historic trek across the Florida Strait. Star-Advertiser.

Three months ago we announced Civil Beat’s partnership with the Huffington Post. Today, we are proud to introduce HuffPost Hawaii. (The site will go live at 6 a.m. Hawaii time.)

Our colleagues at HuffPost Hawaii are recruiting bloggers to write on a new website. The interest from AOL (owner of the Huffington Post) in the Hawaii market is recognition of the relevance of our local community, the importance of local voices, and the viability of local advertising. Our intellect and ideas, however, are valuable. Although it’s a $2.9 billion company, AOL’s policy is to not pay Huffington Post bloggers. Hawaii Independent.

Aloha! I'm here for the launch of our newest edition, HuffPost Hawaii. We are delighted to be partnering with Honolulu Civil Beat, a beacon of journalism in Hawaii focusing on public affairs and investigative reporting, with deep roots in the local culture.

State roundup for September 4. Associated Press.

Oahu
Hawaiian Electric Co. will deactivate its 59-year-old Honolulu Power Plant in January as part of its strategy to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported fossil fuel, company officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Tuesday that it plans to shut down its Honolulu power plant on Jan. 31 as part of its strategy to ramp up the use of renewable energy and decrease the state’s dependency on imported fossil fuel. Pacific Business News.

Kapiolani Community College Chancellor Leon Richards, whose campus has faced a number of recent management problems, spent nearly four and a half months traveling out of state on official business in the last year and a half, a Hawaii News Now investigation has found.

There was no permit to dispose of the dredging material spilled on a key section of the westbound side of the H-1 freeway in Aiea on Saturday afternoon, causing a four-hour traffic jam, city officials said Tuesday. Honolulu City officials are investigating SER Silva Equipment Rental for the spill. Star-Advertiser.

The trucking company that spilled its load on the H1 Freeway on Saturday is being cited by the city -- but not for the crash. Hawaii News Now.

A group of University of Hawaii students is weeks away from launching their own satellite. KITV.

Hawaii

Tourism and agriculture. Two of the island’s economic engines that work well together. That’s according to proponents of a measure that would create a “minor” agritourism classification to make it easier for small farmers to engage in a practice already enjoyed by large agricultural operations — giving tours to visitors, usually for a fee, and selling related agricultural and nonagricultural products at a gift shop. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Island educator is set to hitch a ride aboard the world’s largest flying telescope. Randi Brennon, a teacher at Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences in Pahoa, will participate in a weeklong program that will allow her to observe research aboard NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), which is essentially a modified Boeing 747 jet carrying a 17-ton, 2.7-meter telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Hokulia developers resumed some construction work at the project earlier this year without hiring an archaeological monitor and in violation of several agreements and preservation plans, according to a July letter from the state Historic Preservation Division. Development officials are back on track to resolving the issues, though, Hawaii Island Archaeological Branch Chief Theresa Donham said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is a step closer to replacing large-capacity cesspools in the Lono Kona subdivision along Kalani Street, thanks to a $4 million grant and a $2.4 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

A protest was held outside the DLNR building on Kilauea and Kawili in Hilo on Wednesday. About 20 to 30 hunters and other recreation users of Mauna Kea demonstrated against the state’s policy of eradicating sheep on the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is in Taiwan promoting business, agricultural, educational and cultural ties. Big Island Now.

Maui

A public forum focusing on issues surrounding feral cats and chickens on Maui, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Company hosts the first of two community meetings tonight to provide information and updates on the Māʻalaea to Kamaliʻi 69kV Transmission Line Project, company officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai residents will take to the streets of Lihue Sunday to march in support of county Bill 2491. If passed, the controversial bill — co-introduced in June by Kauai County Council Members Gary Hooser and Tim Bynum — would allow the county to govern the use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms on the island. Garden Island.

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha, a Hawaiian language charter school on Kauai’s Westside, will soon be powered by the sun. The school’s nonprofit organization, Aha Punana Leo, recently received a $180,060 capital improvement grant to plan, design and construct a new 30-kilowatt photovoltaic system at the school. Garden Island.

Only about 1 percent of Kauai is above the ocean surface, states Dr. Chuck Blay, who co-authors an updated edition of “Kauai’s Geologic History.” Garden Island.

Lanai

The company managing billionaire Larry Ellison's investments on Lanai is matching Maui County grants in support of small businesses on the island. The Mayor's Office of Economic Development said Tuesday Pulama Lanai's chief operating officer offered to match the office's small business revitalization grants to Lanai businesses. Associated Press.

Hawaii seniors healthy; Defense secretary rallies troops, Caldwell, council spar over $2B Honolulu budget; improvements coming to Kona International Airport; new cop cars for Kauai; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii kupuna hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Elderly people in Hawaii are among the nation's healthiest, with low rates of obesity, hip fractures and preventable hospitalization, according to a ranking of states released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is in the midst of his first visit to Hawaii since taking office in February, defense officials say, as part of a round-the-globe trip that includes stops in Singapore and Brussels. Star-Advertiser.

United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will address 200 service members from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Thursday, according to the Department of Defense. Hawaii News Now.

A public university on Chicago's South Side is vying to become the home of President Barack Obama's presidential library after he leaves office, a prize also sought by the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

About $570,000 in federal funding is heading to Hawaii to help veterans who are struggling with homelessness. Associated Press.

More than half of Hawaii schools don't have reliable Internet access, and the Hawaii Department of Education can't afford to give every student a digital device. Civil Beat.

August 5 is normally a payday for educational assistants in Hawaii's public schools. However, some 200 of them in Leeward Oahu schools won't be getting a paycheck this coming August 5. And according to the state, it's because they got that paycheck nearly a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers say a new Hawaii law could help the state develop commercial harbors faster and more efficiently. Associated Press.

The American Center for Law and Justice filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in Washington, D.C., on behalf of The Honolulu Tea Party, Hawaii Tea Party and nearly two-dozen conservative groups across the country. Hawaii Reporter.

Federal regulators are pressing ahead with their decision to slash government subsidies used by Sandwich Isles Communications to provide telephone and high-speed Internet service to customers living on Hawaiian Home Lands, saying the Honolulu-based company was not able to justify “significant and wasteful expenses totaling many millions of dollars.” Star-Advertiser.

When Hawaii residents purchase groceries and other goods in the islands, they typically encounter prices 30 percent above what U.S. mainland shoppers will pay in their stores. Hawaii Reporter.

The Huffington Post and subscription-based news website Honolulu Civil Beat announced Wednesday that they plan to partner in a new site dedicated to Hawaii news. Associated Press.

Huffington Post Partnership Takes Hawaii Global. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s political leaders are praising the latest state revenue forecast which shows growing revenue over the next two years and say Hawaii residents and businesses should be optimistic about the improving economy. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Airlines Inc. said Wednesday that it has closed on $444.5 million in Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates to finance the acquisition of six new Airbus A330-200 aircraft over the next 18 months. Pacific Business News.

The electric utilities on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are seeking public comment on five-year energy plans. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 29. Associated Press.

State 5/29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council's proposed $2 billion city operating budget, which includes $14 million for nonprofit groups, is "fiscally irresponsible" and is balanced through a combination of debt and money grabs that could risk the city's high bond rating, Mayor Kirk Caldwell charged Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has put some of Oahu’s nonprofits on notice. Don’t expect a handout from the city. Civil Beat.

It’s a fight to the finish as Honolulu’s mayor and City Council battle over the budget. KHON2.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. paid $25.9 million to purchase the 80,000-square-foot former Macy’s department store and parking garage in Downtown Honolulu, according to City and County of Honolulu property tax records. Pacific Business News.

The Coast Guard is proposing voluntary tsunami evacuation zones on either side of Honolulu Harbor. KITV4.

With well wishes from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and others, the double-hulled sailing canoe Hokule‘a on Wednesday began a nearly yearlong shakedown cruise through the Hawaiian Islands before embarking next May on a deep-sea global journey, "Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage." Star-Advertiser.

This time of year brings a rainbow of events to Honolulu highlighting Hawai’i’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.  The Gay Pride parade runs through Waikiki this Saturday, and the Rainbow Film Festival begins at the Doris Duke tomorrow. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Property tax scofflaws got a reprieve Wednesday, when a County Council committee declined to shorten the time the county has to wait before foreclosing on property. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members will have another month to digest a bill that would restrict the use of genetically modified crops on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

DOT breaks ground for new fire station, dedicates air tower at Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center alone will account for nearly $2 million of the state hospital system’s $7.2 million shortfall forecast for the coming fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Kealakekua Bay is now open to the public — as long as the public applies for a special use permit and promises not to land at Kaawaloa. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has two new field representatives, George “Robby” Robertson and Michael Zola. They will join Marlena Castro Dixon as regional liaisons for Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

The USDA announced last week that nearly a dozen small watersheds on Hawaii Island will benefit from an influx of a little more than $433,000 to make assistance available this year to farmers, ranchers and forest owners to keep water sources on their property free of foreign matter, like sediment or bacteria. The funding comes through the agency’s National Water Quality Initiative. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Maui County Council gave initial approval of a $559 million county budget Tuesday, with the spending plan including water and property tax rate increases along with more funding for most nonprofit organizations and a new reduced monthly bus pass rate for people with disabilities. Maui News.

A controversial lottery for admission into the Hawaiian Immersion kindergarten at Pāʻia Elementary School was officially canceled during a stakeholders meeting at the campus on Tuesday morning.Maui Now.

The state Department of Agriculture's Animal Industry Division has ordered all beef and dairy bulls to be tested for bovine trichomoniasis prior to entry into and before movement between herds within the state, the department said. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai Police Department expects to spend nearly $2 million to replace an aging fleet over two years. Garden Island.

Changing out windows at the Lihue Public Library is one of the milestones of the renovation project. Garden Island.

Chinese fast food giant Panda Express, Inc. has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed last year by three former employees who worked at the restaurant chain’s Kapaa franchise. Garden Island.