IUCN World Conservation Congress opens with native rituals, Obama tours Midway, Hurricane Lester veers northward, appeals court denies environmental assessment for aquarium fish collectors, Ige vows more farming and conservation, islands mop up after Madeline, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian rituals kick off World Conservation Congress, courtesy state Rep. Joy San Buenaventura

Amid the pomp and ritual of the Native Hawaiian culture, the World Conservation Congress came to life in Honolulu on Thursday with a rally cry to save the planet. Star-Advertiser.

The international community came together Thursday in Hawaii for 10 days of talks by leading academics, conservation groups and government officials to address the impacts of global warming, wildlife trafficking and environmental conservation. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige welcomed a major environmental conference to Hawaii on Thursday by committing to protect more of his state’s watersheds and nearshore ocean waters. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announced Thursday at the start of an international conservation conference in Honolulu a slew of sustainable pledges for the state, including one that commits Hawaii to double its food production by 2020. Pacific Business News.

President Barack Obama plunked down on a speck of coral reef in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on Thursday and gazed out at the turquoise waters of the marine monument he’s widened to become the largest in the world. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama spent Thursday morning touring Midway Atoll. KITV.

President Barack Obama is back in the islands from his day trip to Midway Atoll. He landed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at around 8:45 p.m. Thursday. KHON2.

© Joy San Buenaventura

Opening ceremonies for the first World Conservation Congress held in the U.S. were conducted today. conservation issues and Native Hawaiian culture shared center stage. Hawaii Public Radio.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, a 10-day event, began Thursday in Honolulu and continues until Sept. 10. Speakers include everyone from Jane Goodall to Prince Albert II of Monaco. Tribune-Herald.

Photos: Hawaii Welcomes World Conservation Congress. The traditions of a beach arrival and hula greet thousands of attendees as the signature environmental event makes its American debut. Civil Beat.

Aquarium fish collectors won’t have to go through an environmental assessment in order to get state-issued permits, under a ruling upheld Wednesday by a state appeals court panel. West Hawaii Today.

The National Weather Service dropped a hurricane watch for Hawaii County as Hurricane Lester continued on a west-northwest path toward Hawaii. At 5 a.m., Lester was 435 miles east of Hilo and 625 miles east of Honolulu. It’s sustained winds remained at 110 mph with hurricane-force winds extending 45 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds going out 140 miles from the center. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Lester is barreling toward the state as a Category 2 cyclone and could pass "very close" to the islands this weekend, bringing pounding surf, heavy rains and high winds. Hawaii News Now.

General closures and cancellations related to Hurricane Lester. KHON2.

Oahu

The largest public works project in state history has turned into a huge cash cow for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's campaign. A Hawaii News Now analysis found that Caldwell received more than $916,000 during the past two elections cycles from rail contractors, subcontractors and their executives.

Three Fundraisers For Caldwell. They were all within the last week, bringing the grand total to 41 fundraisers since he was elected in 2012. Civil Beat.

Three educators have been selected as finalists for the chancellor position at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu following a national search, the university announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Steve Alm Is Taking His Message Of ‘HOPE’ To DC. The innovative program to decrease prison time and increase probation is being adopted across the country. But Judge Alm wants to do even more. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A Brown Water Advisory has been issued for all of the Big Island due to heavy rains on Wednesday, the state Department of Health said. The public is asked to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Hawaii News Now.

In anticipation for Tropical Storm Madeline, solid waste facilities were closed across the island — which is standard practice when hurricane-like weather looms — but that didn’t stop some rogue residents from piling heaps of garbage in front of the closed locations, despite signs at the sites denoting the practice as illegal and punishable by fines. West Hawaii Today.

After a thorough drenching by Tropical Storm Madeline on Wednesday, the weather was partly cloudy and mild throughout much of East Hawaii on Thursday. Yet, thousands of public school students remained out of class. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The great Maui hospitals deal which only a week ago looked like “All systems GO,” seems suddenly on track to completely unravel and leave Maui facing major cuts in hospital beds and medical services. Maui Watch.

It seemed like a done deal when Gov. David Ige announced two weeks ago he had an agreement with the United Public Workers union that would clear the way for Kaiser Permanente to take over Maui Memorial Medical Center by Nov 6th. But those close to the negotiations said it apparently hinged on having a side deal with the United Public Workers over sick leave and severance signed by last weekend. KITV.

Kauai

While traffic on Kauai’s Westside can be bad at times, residents say it’s manageable. Garden Island.

Obama speaks of climate change at IUCN World Conservation Congress, exhibits open to the public, one hurricane down, one to go, hospital beds to be cut on Maui, rules could curb manta ray dives, construction worker shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama opens World Conservation Congress, pool photo by Cindy Ellen Russell

Climate change and cooperation emerged as key themes Wednesday when President Barack Obama addressed Pacific Island government leaders and others at the East-West Center in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

On the eve of the largest environmental conference in U.S. history, President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged island leaders to do more to preserve the planet and work together to fight climate change. Star-Advertiser.

The world's nations must start working together to address climate change and "save the one planet we've got," President Barack Obama told Pacific Island leaders at the East-West Center on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama announced the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in Honolulu Wednesday evening using an old Hawaiian proverb that loosely translates to “unite to move forward,” linking the effort to quadruple the amount of protected waters in Hawaii to climate change. Pacific Business News.

President Barack Obama focused on the impacts of climate change and the importance of conservation in Honolulu Wednesday evening. KHON2.

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama arrived in Hawaii to deliver remarks at the 2016 Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders. Big Island Video News.

Video: Pres. Barack Obama spoke at the University of Hawaii at Manoa at the 2016 Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders about the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and other topics. KITV.

The World Conservation Congress kicks off today with more than 9,100 registered attendees from nearly every country — enough to make it a record-setting event for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the largest environmental conference ever in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Be A ‘Guinea Pig’ In Gene Drive Technology? A panel at the World Conservation Congress will discuss whether editing genes at the DNA level holds more promise or peril for nature. Civil Beat.

The World Conservation Congress of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature or IUCN starts today at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and the Neal Blaisdell Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public can take in exhibits at conservation meeting. Star-Advertiser.

Olelo Community Media announced Tuesday that it will provide over 20 hours of “exclusive” live local coverage of the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Civil Beat.

The number of hepatitis A cases in Hawaii has increased nearly 6 percent to 241 with 13 new cases over the past week, according to state health officials. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reports that third-quarter data shows Hawaii’s economy “continues to expand,” according to a press release. Civil Beat.

The U.S. is suffering from a shortage of construction labor, and in some important categories in Hawaii, it’s even worse. Those are the findings of a survey released Wednesday by the Associated General Contractors of America, which for the fourth year asked its members how hard it was to find workers in various categories. Civil Beat.

Jeff Ono served his final day as state consumer advocate on Wednesday. Dean Nishina, Ono’s predecessor, will take over as acting consumer advocate today. Star-Advertiser.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Big Island and Maui County as Lester continues to move on a westward path toward the islands. Hawaii News Now.

At 5 a.m., forecasters with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a Hurricane Watch for Lester, which was last classified as a Category 2 Hurricane (96-110 mph winds) with the current forecast track taking the system over or near the island chain over the Labor Day weekend. Maui Now.

Oahu

Both remaining candidates for Honolulu mayor are now on the same page, saying the city must build an elevated rail line all the way to Ala Moana Center. Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, who is challenging Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election bid, said Wednesday that the message federal transit officials gave to the city this week requires him to back off his position to seek alternatives to heavy rail to get from Middle Street to Ala Moana. Star-Advertiser.

Djou: No Tax Increase For Honolulu Rail — Yet. The mayoral challenger says he wants to explore other options before considering whether to extend the tax that goes to pay for rail. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu City Council member is proposing a permanent extension to the general excise tax, and it’s an idea Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell thinks should be considered. KHON2.

President Barack Obama is now in Honolulu, after causing a major shift in rush hour traffic Wednesday evening. Now, we’re learning more traffic changes may be in store Thursday morning, when he departs for Midway Atoll. KHON2.

The Massachusetts-based parent company of the largest industrial landowner in Hawaii is looking to bolster its substantial portfolio in the state, the company’s top executive in Hawaii said Wednesday at an industry event. RMR Group, owner of Select Income REIT, owns 17 million square feet of industrial space in Hawaii primarily in the Honolulu neighborhood of Mapunapuna and the First Insurance Center office building in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island’s dance with Mother Nature will continue through the weekend as Hurricane Lester arrives on the heels of Tropical Storm Madeline. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents can begin to get back to normal today after spending Wednesday hunkered down monitoring Tropical Storm Madeline, but they still face a threat in the weekend ahead from Hurricane Lester. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Mayor Kenoi Gives Tropical Storm Madeline Update. Big Island Video News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking at new rules that could limit the number of manta ray viewing tours that can operate at two popular tour sites. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Maui hospitals’ regional board announced Wednesday it would begin the process of reducing the number of hospital beds and services since Kaiser Permanente has delayed until July 1 the privatization of three state hospitals in Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital services and about 10 percent of beds in Maui County's three public hospitals could be shut down this year, following Kaiser Permanente's Maui Health System announcement to delay the takeover of the hospitals until next summer, officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

Penny Cistaro announced Wednesday her plans to retire as the head of Kauai Humane Society. Garden Island.

Kauai is home to more than 5,000 species of native insects and many of those are pollinators, with an integral part to play in the balance of some of Hawaii’s oldest ecosystems. Garden Island.

Schools, businesses close as Hurricane Madeline nears Hawaii, Ige signs emergency proclamation, Obama set to arrive today, World Conservation Congress continues as planned, Syngenta to leave Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

5 a.m. Wednesday Hurricane Madeline track, National Weather Service

At 500 AM HST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Madeline was located 140 miles ESE of Hilo. Madeline is moving toward the west near 14 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Madeline will pass dangerously close to the Big Island later today. NOAA.

At 5 a.m. Wednesday, Madeline’s maximum sustained winds decreased to 80 miles per hour, which still means the cyclone is a Category 1 hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige signed a pre-landfall emergency proclamation on Tuesday, as the state prepares for possible impacts from hurricanes Madeline and Lester. The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies for quick and efficient relief of disaster-related damages, losses and suffering resulting from the storms. Maui Now.

Hurricane Lester maintained its Category 4 strength early Wednesday as it churned toward the Central Pacific. Big Island under Hurricane Warning as Madeline nears state. At 5 a.m. Wednesday, the eye of Lester was about 1,085 miles east of Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

To hear some describe it, the World Conservation Congress is the Olympic Games, World Cup and Super Bowl of the world’s conservation community. Let the games begin Thursday as more than 8,500 delegates from 194 countries convene in Honolulu for the premier conference of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Star-Advertiser.

Olelo Community Media announced Tuesday that it will provide over 20 hours of “exclusive” live local coverage of the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Civil Beat.

President Obama is coming to the world conservation congress in Honolulu to herald the creation of the world's largest ecologically protected area, Papahanaumokuakea. Hawaii Public Radio.

In 2008, as economies around the world were reeling from the collapse of the U.S. financial market, a taro farmer on Maui had an idea to bring the world’s largest conservation conference to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

One of Hawaii’s biggest seed companies caught up in lawsuits and protests over genetically modified crop farming and pesticide use has decided to sell its local operations. Syngenta, a Swiss agribusiness behemoth, announced a decision Tuesday to seek a buyer for its Hawaii operations, which include nearly 6,000 acres of land it leases or owns on Oahu and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Enrollment at Hawaii public schools dipped slightly this school year to 179,902 students, the Department of Education said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Enrollment in Hawaii’s public and charter schools is slightly down for the new school year, according to a report by the state Department of Education. Pacific Business News.

A class action lawsuit recently filed in federal court accuses two prominent law firms, and more than 70 condominium associations they represent, of “the wrongful and unlawful sale” of condominium units through an improper foreclosure process. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The President of the United States will arrive in Honolulu Wednesday evening, and city officials are warning the public of major road closures during rush hour. KHON2.

Honolulu’s tardy, over-budget rail project could lose $1.55 billion in federal funds if it is not built as first planned all the way to Ala Moana Center, the Federal Transit Administration told city officials in a meeting in San Francisco this week. Civil Beat.

Crews on Tuesday began installing three modular housing units in Waianae for working homeless individuals and homeless families with children. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has executed a 35-year lease with the Secretary of the Army for a planned power plant in Central Oahu that has the state’s largest utility paying the Army $308,515 annually for a total of $10.8 million during the entire lease term, Pacific Business News has learned.

U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright has ruled that redactions the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made to a University of Hawaii biolab inspection report were — for the most part — proper. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The following are closed or postponed due to the approaching hurricanes. Big Island Now.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education plans to close public schools on Hawaiʻi Island on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 as Hurricane Madeline continues its path towards Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Ride it out. That was the survival plan for two residents of a Hilo homeless encampment Tuesday as Hurricane Madeline — followed by Hurricane Lester — marched toward Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

The National Weather Service still was expecting the center of Hurricane Madeline to pass just shy of South Point today in a forecast issued Tuesday evening. But the cyclone could deliver more than a glancing blow. Tribune-Herald.

Members of People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, government officials and biking enthusiasts took shelter from the sun under a makeshift canopy at Hale Halawai Tuesday to celebrate the kickoff of Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island and an accompanying Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Campaign. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente's Maui Health System is now set to take over Maui County's three hospitals on July 1, a year later than the original transfer date, leaving hospital officials with "some hard decisions" on how to deliver health care in the interim. Maui News.

Six green sea turtles get a new home. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Water will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 7, regarding the proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Water Supply, Part 5 Facilities Reserve Charge (FRC) Section III – Applicability. Garden Island.

Kauai saw an increase in visitors, and their spending, in July. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported that 120,166 guests came to the island last month, up 3.2 percent from June. Garden Island.