Prison commission off to slow start, Oahu landfill expansion irks neighbors, record-setting $15M settlement in cop traffic fatality, UH regent chair wants university to take lead in Mauna Kea standoff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kulani prison ©2019 All Hawaii News

New Prison Oversight Commission Is Off To A Slow Start. The Hawaii legislature created a prisons oversight commission this year to help fix the broken corrections system and head toward a therapeutic model, but not much has happened since the governor gave his stamp of approval in July. Civil Beat.

New Trump Administration Proposal Threatens SNAP Benefits For Thousands of Hawaii Residents. The Trump Administration wants to change the eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps. Hawaii Public Radio.

State won’t pursue bank on $150M loan commitment to Hawaiian Home Lands. Amid mounting political pressure to force Bank of America to make good on a 2-decade-old commitment to provide $150 million in home mortgage loans to beneficiaries of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii’s Office of the Attorney General says there appears to be no legal basis for the state to actually pursue the matter. Star-Advertiser.

Wanted: 2,000 Workers to Fill Health Care Jobs In Hawaii. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s first workforce assessment found vacancies at health care facilities for a wide variety of jobs from medical assistants to phlebotomists. Civil Beat.

Isles have second-longest wait time for transplants, national study finds. Hawaii had the second- longest wait time for organ transplants in 2018 with 22.5%, or 250, of patients waiting five years or longer, according to a new study by HealthTestingCenters.com, an online company based in Florida that markets lab testing directly to consumers. Star-Advertiser.

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Regents Chair Wants UH To Take Lead In Solving Mauna Kea Conflict. The chairman of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents says he'll call for the university president to lead the effort to resolve the conflict on Mauna Kea and planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii regents chairman speaks up for TMT resolution. Benjamin Kudo, chairman of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, wants the university and its president to lead efforts to bring people together to resolve the impasse at Mauna Kea over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Torn By TMT Conflict, Chairman Of UH Regents Silent No Longer. The UH Regents chairman calls for a stop to "the attacks, mischaracterizations, [and] mistruths" and make the resolution of the ongoing conflict a top priority. Big Island Video News.

Classes take toll on Maunakea camp numbers during week. The demonstrators occupying Maunakea Access Road have thinned to a skeleton crew after the start of the school year, but students and teachers still find time to return to the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

12 Queen’s doctors fired in a shift to new contractor. A dozen local doctors at The Queen’s Medical Center are out of jobs today after the hospital hired a mainland firm that has come under fire for its controversial billing practices. Star-Advertiser.

A dozen doctors have lost their positions after a Honolulu hospital switched to a new employment contractor, officials said. Associated Press.

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False police report at center of new retaliation allegations against prosecutor’s office. A new claim of retaliation by the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has surfaced. The latest comes from an employee who says the administration made a false police report to get back at her. Hawaii News Now.

Plans for the expansion of a construction debris landfill riles some Nanakuli residents. A vigorous construction industry on Oahu has accelerated plans to expand a special landfill in Nanakuli where some residents regard the facility as a scourge in their community. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopter flights over USS Arizona Memorial criticized as being ‘disrespectful’. The USS Arizona Memorial attracted another big crowd on Labor Day. But in the air, traffic was also heavy. Hawaii News Now.

Bill To Expand City Lifeguard Coverage Headed For Public Hearing. A proposal to expand lifeguard hours at Oahu beaches remains alive despite concerns that arose at a City Council committee meeting Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County to pay $15.1M to settle police-involved crash. Hawaii County has agreed to pay a $15.1 million settlement to the family of a Michigan man hit and killed by a police patrol car, officials said. Associated Press.

Internet speeds up: Kona outpaces Hilo, but averages still lag most of the state. West Hawaii Today.

Council committee to learn about International Energy Conservation Code. A humorous homespun video about a serious topic is slated to be aired Tuesday at a County Council committee meeting as the legislative body takes its first stab toward making local modifications to the International Energy Conservation Code. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR looking at new boat ramp site within Pohoiki Bay. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Puna fishing community are continuing to discuss possible solutions to the landlocked Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

New CEO takes reins at Hawaii Island Humane Society. Charles Brown, a 49-year-old Pittsburgh native, has worked in animal shelters for more than two decades, “starting as a kennel cleaner and working my way up.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Running Out Of Time To Settle Clean Water Act Case. Next week the council will weigh whether it should stop a legal appeal from reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Water panel OKs permit to remove some EMI diversions. Move is latest step in ongoing work to restore stream flowThe state water commission has given East Maui Irrigation Co. the go-ahead to to take down the next series of stream diversions that it once used to transport water to the central valley to feed sugar cane crops. Maui News.

Mahi Pono LLC hopes former sugar plantation land will yield signature crops. Mahi Pono LLC, the partnership that bought 41,000 acres of mostly fallow Central Maui farmland last year after Alexander & Baldwin Inc. quit growing sugar cane there in 2016 after 146 years, is focusing on ordinary white, yellow and red potato varieties as part of its first new piece of an ambitious diversified agriculture development plan. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai rocket launches help protect equipment. Two launches last week from Barking Sands, Kauai, will help rocket scientists ensure that critical onboard components don’t fail under the force of liftoff, Sandia National Laboratories announced. Star-Advertiser.

New Kapaa medical clinic blessed. The Kapaa clinic has been operating since July 30 after relocating from its former location in the Kapaa Shopping Center, but the public opening ceremonies and open house were already scheduled. Garden Island.

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Volunteers round up 300 invasive tilapia on Na Pali Coast. Fishermen from across Kauai teamed up with state employees over the Labor Day weekend to round up and remove hundreds of black-chin tilapia from Nualolo Bay on the Na Pali Coast. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR, fishermen tackle the black-chin tilapia invasion on Kauai’s North Shore. Fishermen partnered with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources this Labor Day weekend in an effort to catch invasive black-chin tilapia on Kaua’i’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR teams up with Kauai fishermen to tackle tilapia invasion. According to the department's Division of Aquatic Resources, thousands of Black Chin Tilapia are filling Nualolo Bay. KITV.

Tropical Storm Erick strengthens off Hawaii, Honolulu could lose $220M on Ala Wai project, telescope staff to be allowed on Mauna Kea, police and jail guard shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Canoes on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

State-city impasse could mean losing $220 million to shore up Ala Wai Canal. The Army Corps of Engineers must find a sponsor for its $345 million Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project by Wednesday, and there’s no guarantee the deadline will be extended by corps officials in Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Erick expected to reach hurricane strength ‘any time soon’. With its center located 1,310 miles east-southeast of Hilo at 5 a.m. today, Erick is packing winds of 70 mph and heading west at 17 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii’s Confucius Institute closes as FBI raises alarm. The University of Hawaii has shuttered its China­-influenced Confucius Institute following new federal restrictions and amid FBI warnings that universities are not doing enough to stem intellectual property theft and espionage. Star-Advertiser.

The Grim State Of Military Housing In Hawaii. Hundreds of families have complained about poor conditions and mistreatment by private landlords operating base housing. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Crimes go unsolved as Honolulu Police Department copes with officer shortage. The Honolulu Police Department has been short staffed for years, and in April 2018, soon after taking the reins, Chief Susan Ballard told the City Council the department had begun cutting services, including investigation of certain felony crimes by detectives. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha’s defense team faced ‘hopeless task,’ court filing says. Citing the “mountain of evidence” proving Katherine Kealoha’s guilt, federal prosecutors have asked the U.S. Circuit Court to defer considering her motion for a new trial until after she is sentenced in October. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rental ‘Shakedown’ Nets Hundreds of Innocent Owners. The city received 390 calls from property owners who said they got warning letters but don’t operate an illegal rental. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of homeowners surprised to receive letters from city accusing them of short term renting. KHON2.

City Council Proposes Use Of Prosecutor's Safe House For Homeless Victims. A Honolulu City Council committee is proposing new plans for the controversial Honolulu Prosecutor’s Safe House. Hawaii Public Radio.

State says new barrier at Dillingham Airfield is for safety; skydive company calls it payback. A long line of plastic barriers now cut through a parking lot at Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT opponents say they’ll grant access to staff of existing Mauna Kea telescopes. Word of the deal was announced Sunday by project opponents. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea Day 14 – UH President Lassner, Damian Marley Visit. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and UH President David Lassner each came to the base of Mauna Kea on Sunday, where a huge crowd continues to stand in defiance of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

Day 14: UH President David Lassner speaks on Mauna Kea. Lassner who declined to comment on our questions says he wanted to hear from the people. KHON2.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner visits Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

UH President David Lassner meets with Mauna Kea demonstrators on Sunday. University of Hawaii President David Lassner met with the demonstrators on Sunday. KITV.

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Ballot proposal would pay nonprofit boards with PONC money. Officers and board members of nonprofit organizations receiving stewardship grants from the county’s public land fund could be paid for their work with taxpayer money, under a change to a proposed charter amendment unanimously approved by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Electric bus demonstrates inertia. An electric bus loaned to the county as a demonstration project has been parked unused at the Mass Transit baseyard since early 2018, despite council members’ enthusiasm for zero-emission buses. West Hawaii Today.

Kill rate too high? Group seeks changes to animal shelter standards. A committee of five community members has submitted to the County Clerk a ballot initiative proposal seeking to establish an animal shelter standards law. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council rejects workforce housing projects in West Maui. Members continue to have concerns over Launiupoko housing with 96 affordable units. Maui News.

Deputy sheriffs assist with guard work at short-staffed Maui jail. Recruitment ongoing for more adult corrections officers. Maui News.

Sugimurra: Analysis Needed for Upcountry Cesspool Replacement Requirement. Upcountry Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura is calling for an analysis on the requirement for Upcountry cesspool replacement. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tourists on Kauai stranded by Kuhio Highway bridge repairs. Overnight closures for Kuhio Highway bridge work have left some tourists stranded; now North Shore Kauai residents and tourism officials are ramping up efforts to ensure visitors are aware of the state’s construction schedules. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai transitioning to voting by mail in 2020. In preparation for the transition to voting by mail, the Elections Division mailed a notification postcard to all properly registered voters on Friday. Garden Island.

Keeping Poor People Out Of Jail On Kauai. The Kauai County prosecutor is betting a new policy for some traffic violations will help ease his overcrowded jail. Civil Beat.

Kauai’s Last Bookstore Standing. Bookstores used to be all over the islands, and all over the country. There are fewer now than there used to be, and on Kauai there is only one left – the Talk Story Bookstore. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lanai

Lanai families ‘exhilarated’ to receive 16 Home Lands lots Saturday. The feeling of watching Native Hawaiian families receive their own plots of land to build homes on Lanai was hard to describe for people attending the presentation Saturday. Garden Island.

16 Hawaiian Home Land Lots Awarded on Lanai. The 16 vacant lots are among 45 within the current subdivision. DHHL awarded the initial 29 lots in 2004. Maui Now.

Hawaii airports authority advances, PUC approves solar farms, paramedics administer expired medications, rental car companies can't charge tourists extra, residents take Puna Geothermal Venture to court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport  ©2019 All Hawaii News

A Hawaii airports corporation might finally be approaching takeoff as a bill that aims to improve the efficiency of the state’s airports passes through the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Approve $16B Budget For Fiscal 2020, 2021. State House and Senate legislators approved a two-year operating budget today calling for hundreds of millions of dollars for state employee retirement and health benefits and other monies to address major disasters, fight invasive species and maintain highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s film industry wants to eliminate tax credit cap to keep productions flourishing. Some say the state's newly imposed $35 million per year cap on the tax credits is causing producers to go elsewhere and is putting Hawaii's film industry in jeopardy. Hawaii News Now.

PUC approves 6 additional solar-plus-storage systems in Hawaii. Three projects on Oahu, including one that has generated controversy because part of it is planned on prime agricultural land, one on Maui, and two on Hawaii island, are expected to add 247 megawatts of solar energy with almost 1 gigawatt-hour of storage to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators approved the first phase of Hawaiian Electric Companies’ plan to manage its grids with the latest technology at a cost of $86.3 million, the utility announced Wednesday. For a typical residential customer, the estimated cost for the first phase would be an extra 24 cents a month on Oahu; 34 cents on Maui; 27 cents on Molokai and Lanai; and 55 cents a month on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

State Reversing Rental Car Fee After Legal Snafu. The State Tax Office has notified 300 rental car companies that a law implemented at the beginning of the year is flawed and that a $2 fee must apply to tourists and residents alike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ozawa, Waters dispute campaign mailer. The rematch in the race for Honolulu’s City Council District 4 seat has become even more contentious as the two candidates trade accusations and make counterclaims. Star-Advertiser.

Election officials ask the public to update voter registration. Honolulu's Election Administrator is responding to concerns by voters about ballots being sent to people who no longer live in the area or who've died. KHON2.

Feds Want Testimony From Katherine Kealoha’s Aging Grandmother Before It’s Too Late. Florence Puana, a key witness in both the mail box and financial fraud trials, is 99 years old and now seriously ill and hospitalized. Civil Beat.

State Ohana Zone Money Is Beginning To Produce Housing, Services. Catholic Charities is getting $7.5 million to develop a 78-unit facility to serve the homeless on the Leeward Coast. Civil Beat.

EMS paramedics allowed to use medications that have expired up to a year. EMS paramedics have expressed their frustration with staffing shortages and old ambulances breaking down. KHON2.

Homeless man who assaulted Hawaii sportscaster John Noland is sentenced to 5 years in prison. The homeless man who was found guilty of assault in connection with the death last June of Hawaii sports broadcaster John Noland apologized to Noland’s daughter in state court today. Star-Advertiser.

A man convicted of assault in the beating that led to former sportscaster John Noland’s death was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Committees move forward with plan to audit Hawaiian Humane Society. Resolution calls for audit of Hawaiian Humane Society's management and finances. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks 72 new employees. Despite concerns about the growing cost of county employees, Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed preliminary budget adds 72 new positions. West Hawaii Today.

Denied A Hearing, Residents Take Puna Geothermal, State To Court. A group of Puna residents and one environmental group are appealing the denial of their request for a contested case hearing over a Puna Geothermal Venture permit renewal. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui schools, roads, airport on track for state funds. Busy hammering out the final details of a two-year, $16 billion state general budget that is expected to be sent to Gov. David Ige this week, Maui County’s state lawmakers highlighted money set to be funneled Maui County’s way for schools, highways, the airport and environmental projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai mayor bemoans collapse of Coco Palms effort. Like many Kauai residents, Mayor Derek Kawakami is not surprised that the latest plan to rebuild the long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort fell through. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai

The original Longhi’s Italian and seafood restaurant with its open doors and signature black and white tiles along Lahaina’s Front Street closed Tuesday after 43 years. Maui News.

Longhi’s Lahaina closes its doors after more than 4 decades in business. After 43 years in business, a Lahaina restaurant has decided to close its doors. Hawaii News Now.

Senate mulls dairy decline, Coco Palms defaults, state budget advances, two ballots sent to Honolulu voter, hotel occupancy falls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery out of fresh milk on March 22 ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate Committee Votes To Examine Hawaii Dairy Decline. The State Senate is looking to counter the “demise of Hawaii’s dairies”. Big Island Video News.

Weak start for Hawaii hotels casts uncertainty for 2019. Statewide occupancy fell nearly 3 percentage points to 83.4 percent from February 2018, while the average daily room rate dipped just over 1 percent to $290 and revenue per available room declined more than 4 percent to $242. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels see drop in occupancy and revenue for February. Fewer people stayed in Hawaii hotels last month compared to February 2018, according to statistics released Monday by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers Move Swiftly On Spending Plan, But That’s Not The End Of The Debate. The Legislature is preparing to send a streamlined, two-year $16 billion general budget plan to Gov. David Ige within the next few days. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage bill tweaked. A bill that would increase the state’s minimum hourly wage has been modified to raise wages even more quickly. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers propose use of firework detection technology. Hawaii lawmakers are urging county police departments to look into new tracking technologies so officers can better enforce fireworks laws. KHON2.

Oahu

Special East Honolulu election further scrutinized after a voter is mailed 2 ballots. The race for Honolulu City Council between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters is heating up as voters in East Honolulu began receiving ballots in the mail. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu councilwoman seeks $21M to address homelessness. Honolulu Councilwoman Kymberly Pine has proposed that each of the nine Council members receive $2.3 million — or $21 million overall — to use in efforts to reduce homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Public Comment Period Not Extended Afterall For Ala Moana Beach Park Project. Plans to extend the period for public comment on a proposal to renovate Ala Moana Regional Park hit a roadblock tonight. Hawaii Public Radio.

Portlock homeowners told to trim encroaching beach vegetation. On Monday staff members with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands walked the beach fronting more than a dozen homes and identified properties where the vegetation was growing beyond the high- water mark. Star-Advertiser.

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Humane Society CEO out following protest. After 16 months on the job, Hawaiian Humane Society CEO and President Lisa Fowler has resigned “for personal reasons,” the organization announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Embattled Hawaiian Humane Society CEO Resigns. Lisa Fowler was at the center of an employee uprising calling for her ouster. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s SPCA under fire for euthanizing 2 dogs despite ‘no-kill’ policy. A longtime volunteer at the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is criticizing the animal shelter after it euthanized two dogs last Friday. Hawaii News Now.

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Local Artisans Are Thriving Amid Kakaako’s Condo Boom. If they make the right connections, artists, woodworkers and other creative types can benefit from the development of all those shiny skyscrapers. Civil Beat.

Koko Crater Stables riding high after city awards concession. Koko Crater Stables is now full of horses--and riders--again. The city awarded a five year concession to Horse Haven to manage the city property. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The convening of an International Moon Base Alliance Committee and a study of potential industries on the Big Island were two of the resolutions considered during a March 22 hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism. Big Island Video News.

A nonprofit group dedicated to recording whale songs wants to build a marine science center at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, and it’s secured support from a number of political, Native Hawaiian and marine backers. West Hawaii Today.

Following in the footsteps of the Hawaii Police Department, investigators at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney are ditching their old handguns for 9 mm Glocks. West Hawaii Today.

Glenwood Park closed indefinitely after theft of 3,000-gallon water tank. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Proposes $869.5M Budget For Next Fiscal Year. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino unveiled his first budget proposal yesterday, listing affordable housing, infrastructure and the environment as top priorities for the county in the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Hotels Still Lead State Despite Daily Rate Decline. Maui Now.

Maui Unemployment Rate Sees Slight Drop. The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for both the island of Maui and Maui County this past February was 2.8%, according to the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms Defaults. Efforts to redevelop the former Coco Palms resort have collapsed, with the two Oahu men behind the project facing foreclosure after defaulting on $11.2 million in financing they used to purchase the property five years ago. Garden Island.

Timeshare developer defaults on loan. The corporation that owns 21 acres adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott in Kapaa has defaulted on a loan it took out two years ago to finance the construction of a 330-unit timeshare development called the Coconut Beach Resort, according to loan foreclosure documents filed in Fifth Circuit Court earlier this month. Garden Island.

Anaina Hou looking for funding. This year will be the first full year the nonprofit has stood on its own, said Jill Lowry, who took the post of Anaina Hou executive director about six weeks ago. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai Adventure Center gets special-use permit OK. Project on old Koele resort golf course to include zip lines and challenge courses. Maui News.

Hawaii infrastructure gets low marks, Kaneshiro takes paid leave amid federal probe, House passes pot decriminalization, entangled whale freed off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Walking along Diamond Head Road ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s infrastructure gets D+ in yearly report from engineers society. Most of the Aloha State’s infrastructure systems are in poor to fair condition. The report card recommends the state Legislature increase the state gas tax and support “innovative funding mechanisms” to pay for a backlog of repairs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's infrastructure received its first report card today and more than half of grades were below passing. The 2019 Report Card covers 11 infrastructure categories.  And of those categories, 5 are in mediocre condition and six are in poor condition or already at risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Majority of Hawaii’s infrastructure operating ‘beyond its useful life’. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's infrastructure given D+ grade from civil engineers. Poor to fair, that's what the American Society of Civil Engineers Hawaii section ranked most of Hawaii's infrastructure on Thursday, giving an overall grade of “D+.” KHON2.

Most of Hawaii’s infrastructure systems, including those for roads, schools, drinking water and stormwater, are in such poor condition that the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers has given the state an overall grade of “D-plus” on an inaugural report card. Pacific Business News.

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House Votes To Decriminalize Possessing Small Amounts Of Pot. The measure that now goes to the Senate would apply to having 3 grams of marijuana or less, which still could result in a $200 fine. Civil Beat.

The state House of Representatives passed a bill today that would decriminalize the adult use of marijuana, which is currently illegal under federal law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis passed the state House of Representatives and will now go before the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

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Unanimous vote in State Senate clarifies rules on how to use crosswalk signals. There was a unanimous vote in the State Senate Thursday clarifying rules on how to use crosswalk signals with countdown timers. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines said Thursday it would award $31 million in profit- sharing and performance bonuses to employees following what was an “exceptional” 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Local Dairies Could Solve Future Milk Shortages, But It's An Expensive Venture. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said Thursday he would take a voluntary paid leave effective immediately. He was notified last year that he was a target of a federal investigation into government corruption, and has faced pressure from Attorney General Clare Connors and Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard to step down. Star-Advertiser.

Embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Takes Immediate Leave Of Absence. Keith Kaneshiro is a target in a wide-ranging corruption investigation. His removal was sought by the state attorney general. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro announced Thursday he is taking a leave of absence from his office. His action follows reports that he is a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation and subsequent calls for him to step down. Hawaii Public Radio.

After refusing to step aside for months, embattled city prosecutor takes leave amid federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's prosecutor is taking a leave of absence from his office, a month after confirming he received a target letter in connection with a federal investigation. KHON2.

Kaneshiro takes a leave of absence amid federal investigation. Dwight Nadamoto will serve as Acting Prosecuting Attorney. KITV.

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City Poised To Pay $550,000 To Cop Who Claimed HPD Doctored Test Scores. A lawsuit alleges Police Chief Susan Ballard, while commander of the police academy in 2008, took part in making it easier for recruits to pass. Civil Beat.

Pali Highway fix expected to be done in August. It’s going to be a long road ahead — another five months at least — before Pali Highway is fixed and reopened following last month’s rockslide. Star-Advertiser.

$15 milion price tag to repair the Pali Highway. Heavy rains last month triggered multiple landslides along the Pali Highway. KITV.

Kakaako intersection may turn into roundabout to accommodate Rail. "HART" is planning to put a rail column in the middle of the road on Queen and Waimanu streets, along with a roundabout. This is the area next to South Shore Market and TJ Maxx. KHON2.

A year in, mobile hygiene center demonstrates the incredible power of a shower. The mobile hygiene center travels to different communities across Oahu up to five days a week. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless man accused of West Oahu wildfires had been arrested 30 times before. Hawaii News Now.

Council Member Wants Audit of Hawaiian Humane Society. Ann Kobayashi said she was stunned by how many key employees had left the Humane Society under its current CEO. Civil Beat.

The abrupt shutdown scheduled today for Argosy University- Hawaii will leave about 800 graduate and under­graduate students in the lurch, midway through the semester. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission approves new rules to slow down raise-setting process. Slow and steady is the name of the game for the county Salary Commission, which on Thursday revised its rules and received updates on collective bargaining agreements, private sector pay scales and county finances, but took no action on salaries for top management. West Hawaii Today.

Proposal for water-bottling plant killed. A proposal for a new water-bottling plant near Wailoa State Recreation Area was resurrected briefly before being definitively killed again at Thursday’s meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

A permit to allow the construction of a water bottling facility in Hilo was denied by the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Kona pool down 6 to 7 months. After almost being shut down for a full week, Hawaii County officials expect Kona Community Aquatics Center to remain closed for six to seven months until a new filter system can be installed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two tourism reports for January indicate a softening of the Maui market with visitor spending down nearly 14 percent from last January and hotel revenue and average daily rates off across the board. Maui News.

A new study from financial technology company, SmartAsset, ranks the Waihee-Waiehu area of Maui as the most affordable place to live in Hawaii. Maui Now.

70 Waikapu affordable housing units offered. Waiale Elua applications due by March 29. Maui News.

Team cuts 500 feet of fishing gear from emaciated juvenile whale off Maui.  NOAA says five entangled whales have been spotted in Hawaii in the past week. Four of them were off Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Entangled Humpback Whale Freed of Gear Off Maui. An estimated 500 feet of heavy gauge line was removed from an entangled humpback whale off Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Nearly a year after April floods triggered a sinkhole and washed out a portion of Kahiliholo Road, residents are celebrating its reopening. But they’re also wondering what took so long. Garden Island.

Esaki’s Produce doesn’t usually fly their shipments to Kauai, normally relying on Matson to transport them via boat in deliveries that are made twice a week — Tuesdays and Fridays. But, for the past two weeks, Esaki’s has been shipping its wares in through Hawaiian Airlines to combat about a month of delayed shipping at sea. Garden Island.

Police kill man at state Capitol, Hawaii joins anti-wall lawsuit, plots in Zuckerberg's Kauai estate to be sold at public auction, homeless advocates want more one-way tickets out of Hawaii, Honolulu Humane Society under fire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

A man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting at the state Capitol on Monday night was “physically combative" with a sheriff’s deputy despite numerous warnings, Honolulu police say. Hawaii News Now.

A state deputy sheriff fatally shot a man in his 20s during a struggle at the state Capitol Monday night. A Department of Public Safety spokeswoman said that at 8:20 p.m., a deputy sheriff was conducting a routine patrol at the Capitol rotunda and encountered a man with a bottle of alcohol. Star-Advertiser.

Man dead after deputy-involved shooting at State Capitol. KHON2.


Honolulu Police and Hawaii Department of Public Safety officials are investigating a fatal shooting that happened at the Capitol Rotunda Monday night. KITV.

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16 states, including Hawaii, sue President Trump over border wall. Joining California in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature is again considering a bill that would prohibit the governor and county mayors from having other jobs outside of their elected positions. House Speaker Scott Saiki’s anti-moonlighting bill would apply to the governor as well as Hawaii’s mayors. Civil Beat.

Red light camera bill passes judiciary and transportation committee. KHON2.

A bill that would require the state to retrofit certain schools to serve as hurricane shelters passed its second reading in the state House. House Bill 457 intends to establish a pilot program to retrofit one Department of Education building in each county to be able to withstand a Category 3 hurricane and serve as disaster shelters. Tribune-Herald.

Legislation working its way through the state Senate aims to improve teacher retention and recruitment by creating a housing voucher program for full-time teachers employed by the state Department of Education or at public charter schools. Tribune-Herald.

Helping Hawaii's homeless with a one-way plane ticket. Hundreds of homeless people have been helped off our streets with "One Way" airline tickets out of Hawaii. The program has been in place for three years, but now some lawmakers want to turn it into a state service. KITV.

Hawaii residents are more likely to become victims of cyberattack than any other state in the union, according to a newly released study. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Why Would Anyone Fake Stealing A Mailbox? The Feds Make Their Case. The U.S. Justice Department wants to present evidence of the Kealohas’ alleged financial crimes to help establish motive for the broader conspiracy case. Civil Beat.

Former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha tried to deflect investigations into her behavior by “surreptitiously sending emails from other deputy prosecuting attorneys’ computers," federal authorities alleged in a recently-filed court document. Hawaii News Now.

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The height limit for new buildings in Kakaako appears to be safe from a dramatic increase proposed in the Legislature, after three committees deferred action on a pair of bills. Star-Advertiser.

After squatters were kicked out of an urban park, the really big problems began. Hawaii News Now.

3-strikes bill would ban Waikiki repeat offenders. The arrest of a juvenile suspect after a male tourist was robbed and assaulted by a mob on a Waikiki street could help bolster the argument for a Waikiki three-strikes law being proposed at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Animal rights activists want independent audit of Hawaiian Humane Society euthanization numbers. More than a dozen people lined up along the Humane Society with colorful signs, demanding justice for their furry friends. KITV.

Protesters say animals are being put down unnecessarily at the Hawaiian Humane Society. KHON2.

Thirty or so animal rights activists picketed in front of the Hawaiian Humane Society on Monday, alleging that the organization kills animals that are healthy or suffering from easily treatable conditions; violates standard safety procedures and labor practices; and has created a hostile work environment. Star-Advertiser.

Animal care group calls for investigation into humane society’s euthanasia practices. Dozens of animal care supporters waved signs and staged what they called a Rally for Truth outside the Hawaiian Humane Society Monday morning. Hawaii News Now.

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Ewa Beach community rallies for a new Campbell High School athletic complex. Hawaii News Now.

State officials are asking Oahu residents to be on the look-out for a new invasive species. Myoporum thrips are an invasive pest that can kill native naio trees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

One of the leaders in the Thirty Meter Telescope opposition movement, Pisciotta talks about her view of Mayor Harry Kim’s “Vision for Maunakea”. Big Island Video News.

The general manager of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association is suing one of the subdivision’s board members, alleging she “published untrue and defamatory statements” about him. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. is seeking the approval of the state Public Utilities Commission to pass on $155,000 in charges for 1.4 gigawatt hours of unused power last year from the two utility-scale solar arrays that went online last year. Maui News.

NOAA monitoring ‘life-threatening’ entanglement of a whale spotted off Maui. NOAA says the whale was spotted on Saturday with lines wrapped around its mouth and tail. In some places, the lines were seen cutting into the whale’s body. Hawaii News Now.

Sales and inventory took double-digit hits for Maui County’s single-family residential homes in January, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Several small land parcels located within the boundaries of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre estate on the North Shore will be sold at a public auction next month. Garden Island.

The water diversion debate. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative uses a system of century-old diversions in Kauai streams to supply water to two hydroelectric facilities in the Wailua watershed. Garden Island.

Picking Up The Pieces After Big Disasters. After last year’s big flood and hurricane damage, two local communities are finding their footing with disaster plans tailored for their areas. Civil Beat.

Poll shows voters prefer term limits, oppose legal marijuana; state prepares for medically assisted death; Honolulu seeks poll workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii's Big Island ©2018 All Hawaii News

On Tuesday, U.S. News &World Report named Hawaii’s southernmost island the 2018-19 Best Winter Vacation spot in the world, beating out 19 other locales on the list of the top 20 global destinations. Travelers and U.S. News &World Report editors alike ranked the Big Island No. 1 winter vacation destination for its “warm weather and excellent surfing conditions.” West Hawaii Today.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Want Term Limits For State Legislators. They also support an initiative process, all-mail voting and a lottery. But forget about legalizing pot. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Like The Idea Of A ConCon, They’re Just Not Going To Vote For It. There is significant support for the idea once it’s explained, but that support has decreased from previous polls. Civil Beat.

State prepares for new medically assisted death law to take effect. The state Department of Health is urging health care organizations to prepare for the new law that permits terminally ill adult residents with six months or less to live to obtain a prescription for medication to end their lives.  Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii  Department of Health is telling healthcare organizations statewide to prepare for the Jan. 1, 2019, effective date of the Our Care, Our Choice Act, which allows adult residents with a medically confirmed terminal disease and less than six months to live the choice to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige lent his political weight Monday night to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to tax investment properties to support public education, while also promising to veto any resulting bill that might raise property taxes for owner- occupied homes or increase rents on affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional District One: Republican Cam Cavasso. The Republican Candidate for the Congressional District One seat, representing urban Honolulu, is a veteran politician.  Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH employee questions medical marijuana quality, policies for checking it. Is the weed you need in Hawaii clean and safe? An employee of Hawaii's Department of Health, who wishes to remain anonymous, says no. KITV.

How OHA Trustees Spent Their Allowances. Thousands of dollars went to support athletic competitions, charitable galas and beauty pageants. Civil Beat.

A United Nations scientific panel on Climate Change released a report earlier this month that warned of a worsening crisis by 2040. Here in Hawaii scientists have been raising the red flag about global warming and sea level rise and the need to deal with protecting our natural resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nine members of a Southern California drug trafficking ring accused of disguising methamphetamine as decorative Aztec calendars and statues to ship the drug to Hawaii are behind bars, federal authorities said today. Tribune News Service.

The hotel strike on Oahu and Maui could put a damper on two high-profile group events coming to Hawaii this week, including Waikiki’s largest convention of the year. Star-Advertiser.

No negotiations planned as Marriott hotel worker strike continues. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Record number absentee ballots mailed on Oahu. The Honolulu County Clerk's office mailed 164,000 absentee ballots Tuesday. KHON2.

Office of Elections looking to fill over 300 volunteer positions for General Election. Twenty-days until the General Election, over 300 volunteers needed. KITV.

Major portions of Ala Wai Community Park and next-door Ala Wai Neighborhood Park will be closed for maintenance through Dec. 26. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has been ranked as one of the 10 greenest cities in the United States, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki’s last lei stand could be revived if an ‘experiment’ goes well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Humane Society opens community clinic for spay, neuter services. A ‘high-quality, high-volume’ sterilization clinic for pets on Oahu has been opened by the Hawaiian Humane Society. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Brenda Carreira is set to become the latest in a line of administrators to try to repair Hawaii County’s beleaguered Mass Transit Agency since Mayor Harry Kim assumed office in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

A bill regulating vacation rentals took a big step forward Tuesday, clearing a council panel on its way to two final votes. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara introduced a resolution Tuesday recognizing animals as “sentient beings” but quickly withdrew it because of lack of support from other council members. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A striking employee was put in handcuffs and banned from hotel grounds for one year after passing out leaflets to guests informing them of the strike at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, according to the union that represents the workers. Maui News.

UNITE HERE Local 5 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Sheraton Maui, alleging violations of federal labor law against three Sheraton Maui employees. Maui Now.

Malamalama Maui launched its final campaign, “36,000 Acres. 36,000 Hearts.” to engage 36,000 people—approximately one for every acre of the previous sugarcane lands—in sharing a message, vision and/or solution from their heart for the future of the Central Valley. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Elections Shaping Up As A Free-For-All. The winners must deal with several looming issues, including combating climate change, worries over the relentless growth of tourism and maintaining the island’s rural lifestyle. Civil Beat.

While those caught using tobacco products at two county parks can now face fines, the tobacco-free status is more about changing society’s views than issuing citations. Garden Island.

Four Newell’s shearwater birds were released at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park Tuesday in the annual Releasing of the 'A'o. Garden Island.

Trump to touch down this afternoon, scientists alarmed by coral loss, Portlock beach access condemnation begins, Kauai Humane Society in turmoil, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral bleaching with yellow tang, file photo, © 2017 All Hawaii News

Scientists deliver alarming message about future of Hawaii's coral reefs. Hawaii's coral reefs and nearshore fisheries are facing unprecedented threats that put their future in question. Hawaii News Now.

A group of Hawaii scientists say nearly half of the state's coral reefs were bleached during heat waves in 2014 and 2015 and nearshore fisheries are declining. Associated Press.

New data released by local scientists show Hawaii's coral and reef fish are in serious decline. The Nature Conservancy presented a briefing at the State Capitol for lawmakers Thursday on how to better protect ocean resources. KITV.

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Trump packs a heavy schedule during short trip to isles. President Donald Trump’s overnight stay in Honolulu today is brief, but his planned meeting with the governors of Hawaii, Alaska and Pacific U.S. territories fits into the theme of his first official visit to Asia — bolstering U.S. defenses and prosperity — which takes place amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

They track air threats to Hawaii 24/7 and they're on high alert for Trump's arrival. At a secure, classified location on Oahu, 230 Hawaii Air National Guard member keep a constant watch over the state. Hawaii News Now.

Road closures begin as Waikiki prepares for president's visit. President Donald Trump and the first lady are scheduled to land Friday afternoon, staying the night before embarking on a 12-day tour of Asia on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Some flights canceled ahead of Pres. Trump's arrival. Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions due to Pres. Donald Trump's stopover in Hawaii on Friday has forced some companies to cancel flights. KITV.

‘Wish you weren’t here’: Hawaii prepares to welcome Trump. Associated Press.

Messages for the president. President Donald Trump will be arriving on Oahu on his way to meet with military authorities in Hawaii, as well as government officials across Asia. Garden Island.

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Bill Introduced Allowing Hawaii’s Foreign Fishermen Onshore. The crew members are currently confined to their vessels even when they are in port. Associated Press.

Will Inconsistencies in Survivors' Story Lead to a Criminal Investigation? What was first seen as a harrowing tale of survival for two Hawaii women is now coming into question. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shelter shortage, supply-stocking outlook among Hawaii’s hurricane concerns. New guidelines may already be too short for how long you should be prepared to be self-sufficient after an emergency like a hurricane. KHON2.

Hawaii has 132 dams. The vast majority are 'high hazard'. More than 90 percent of Hawaii's dams are considered "high hazard" dams, which means if they fail it could result in the loss of life. Hawaii News Now.

Highway statistics available at DOT website. Highway data — including pavement conditions, average annual daily traffic volume for state roads and locations of fatal traffic crashes for the years 2012 to 2016 — are now available on the state Department of Transportation website. Star-Advertiser.

Accountant is now accused of stealing $7M from Hawaii nonprofit. The new charges bring the total that Lola Jean Amorin is alleged to have stolen from the Arc in Hawaii to nearly $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

HEI’s earnings fall 52.8% due to 2016 merger breakup fee. A $90 million merger break-up fee swelled Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s third-quarter earnings a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries reports Q3 profit of $60M. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. reported net income of $60.1 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter, compared to net income of $127.1 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year, which included a termination fee related to NextEra Energy’s failed bid to buy Hawaii’s largest utility. Pacific Business News.

Casting underway for 'Moana' release dubbed in Hawaiian. Disney hit "Moana" is going to be dubbed in Hawaiian, and star Aulii Cravalho has announced she'll be reprising her role in the special release. Hawaii News Now.

Casting Call for Hawaiian Language Version of Moana. Maui Now.

Oahu

Lane to Portlock beach to be opened. The Honolulu City Council gave the OK for the city to initiate condemnation proceedings for an easement over a small lane off Portlock Road allowing surfers, fishers, beachgoers and other ocean enthusiasts public access to a section of beach at Maunalua Bay known as “Seconds.” Star-Advertiser.

Koa Ridge finally reaches building stage. Perseverance. That word was used several times during a ceremony Thursday in Central Oahu where it has taken developer Castle &Cooke Hawaii nearly 20 years to move from planning to building a residential community called Koa Ridge. Star-Advertiser.

Castle & Cooke broke ground Thursday on its 3,500-home Koa Ridge master-planned community in Central Oahu nearly 20 years after it was first proposed, with billionaire Chairman David Murdock vowing to use his own funds to finance the $2 billion mixed-use development on 576 acres between Mililani and Waipio. Pacific Business News.

David Murdock made a rare public appearance in Hawaii Thursday to kick off construction of the $2 billion Koa Ridge master-planned community that is being developed by a company he owns, Castle & Cooke, and financed by himself. Pacific Business News.

What’s At The Center Of The Case Against The Kealohas? Bank Fraud. The former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife are accused of using various methods, from forged documents to bogus rental leases, to defraud banks. Civil Beat.

Judge Dismisses Suit Challenging Secret Meetings About Police Chief. A lawsuit that could have nullified a $250,000 cash payout to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha was dismissed Wednesday by Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Virginia Crandall. Civil Beat.

The 19-year-old accused of spray painting the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole statue in Waikiki on Halloween pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for time served and four hours of community service. Associated Press.

Bishop Museum hires new leader from New York. The museum is expected to announce today that Melanie Y. Ide, a principal at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the world’s largest museum exhibition design firm, will take the leadership role following a unanimous vote of the board of directors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor’s vision for peace monument on Mauna Kea includes end to division over TMT. Mayor Harry Kim made a plea for reconciliation Wednesday during his first public remarks about Mauna Kea since Gov. David Ige gave him the green light to pursue his vision for the mountain as a monument to peace. Tribune-Herald.

Lab’s Rat Lungworm Research Finally Gave This Man A Diagnosis. Promising work at the University of Hawaii Hilo is drastically underfunded while $1 million is spent on public education about the disease. Civil Beat.

A central sewer system for the Lono Kona neighborhood took a big step forward Thursday when the County Council agreed on maps and a funding plan. West Hawaii Today.

Hula Hulas, a new restaurant concept recently launched on the Big Island by San Diego-based Grand Restaurant Group, is the first location of five planned for Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Uber and Lyft have seemingly taken off since launching on Hawaii Island earlier this year, though some taxi drivers say the ride-hailing companies have hampered local cab business. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Navy schedules hearing to cover training impact. The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public hearing from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School for its draft environmental impact statements for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and Southern California. Maui News.

Kauai

More options in animal control. Kauai Humane Society’s animal services contract with County of Kauai could be on the chopping block if the council’s 2018 legislative proposal package is accepted. Garden Island.

Humane society director resigns. A year after taking the helm as head of Kauai Humane Society, Executive Director Scott Pisani has handed in his resignation, and he’s keeping the reason under wraps. Garden Island.

 Lanai

Lanai readies the welcome mat for cruise ship guests. With 458 passengers, the Seabourn Sojourn is the largest cruise liner to call on island. Maui News.