UH research: North Pacific hottest on record, e-cigs curb smoking. Child abuse cases drop, statewide planning meetings set, Oahu plans for extreme tsunami, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise © 2014 All Hawaii News

Heat is the fuel of hurricanes, and the North Pacific last summer was the hottest on record, a University of Hawaii climate scientist has calculated. Star-Advertiser.

State regulation of pesticide use is hampered by a lack of money despite aggressive measures passed by neighbor island counties demanding more disclosure about spraying. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama made a brief stop at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam base Sunday morning after the G20 Summit in Australia. Associated Press.

Where many might see a deep divide and bitter partisanship that has led to congressional gridlock, U.S. Rep.-elect Mark Takai sees an opportunity. Star-Advertiser.

When Duke Aiona campaigned for governor against the state's high cost of living, he was speaking from personal experience.Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s health insurance exchange enrolled more than 40 people on the first day clients were able to sign up to be covered next year. Another 60 applied for financial assistance to pay for premiums as of mid-afternoon, Jeffrey Kissel, the CEO of Hawaii Health Connector, said Saturday. Associated Press.

Tapering off tobacco cigarettes can be a challenge, but research released by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found some smokers can get a kick-start to kicking the habit with e-cigarettes. KITV4.

The state Office of Planning is holding meetings across Hawaii to hear from interested stakeholders on the effectiveness of the state's land use system. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Office of Planning is holding a series of meetings to gather public input on the state’s land use regulations. The public meetings are part of the agency’s comprehensive analysis on how to make Hawaii’s land use process more effective and efficient. Civil Beat.

The number of confirmed child abuse cases in Hawaii has dropped by more than half since 2005. The steep decreases have been attributed in part to the state's switch in late 2005 to a new but controversial program for determining how child welfare authorities respond to reports of suspected abuse.Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
New research has prompted Honolulu to add an "extreme tsunami" evacuation zone to its maps and change its evacuation plans, including for high-rises in Waikiki. The maps represent "an unlikely worst-case scenario" and will not replace current, standard tsunami evacuation maps, Department of Emergency Management officials said. Star-Advertiser.

UH budget crisis hits Mānoa graduate students especially hard. Hawaii Independent.

Graduate students at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa are protesting possible cuts to their departments. They’re leading a protest today in hopes of some answers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some 24,000 Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to attend their international convention in Honolulu over two weekends, making it one of the largest conventions this year in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The breakouts above the front of the lava flow threatening Pahoa town remained active on Sunday morning, but “very sluggish,” according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

A newly released plan for the island’s highways drives home the fact there is significant growth ahead and not enough money to pay for the roads to support it. West Hawaii Today.

Crews worked to mop-up a fire that broke out early Saturday at the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu. The fire, located in the dump’s green waste area, was still smoldering Saturday evening, and firefighters said it was not clear what caused the blaze. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal judge said Friday that Maui County may not implement a new law banning the cultivation of genetically modified organisms until he considers arguments in a lawsuit against the measure. Associated Press.

Now that the state has completed its acquisition of Lipoa Point from Maui Land & Pineapple Co., the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is calling on the public to be diligent stewards of the land. Maui News.

Maui High School Band Director Kerry Wasano admits there's "a little bit of pressure" as the Maui High School Band & Color Guard prepare to perform in the Rose Parade. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawaii developer plans to build a private resort on Kauai’s North Shore that will have its own airport. Associated Press.

There aren’t even blueprints, let alone construction plans, but the idea of another South Shore resort already has neighbors and county officials concerned. They say they are wary of plans to designate a 13-acre section of Mahaulepu for future resort development over the next 20 years. Garden Island.

North Shore shuttle up and running. Garden Island.

Kauai's electric utility has won approval to pursue a new pumped water energy storage project on the island's west side. Associated Press.

Election Day to decide governor, other top political offices amid low voter turnout, Obama declares disaster in Puna lava flow, Maui GMO top ballot issue, Gabbard activated to National Guard, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Sen. Ruderman's band kicks off Democratic Party grand rally in Hilo Monday © 2014 All Hawaii News

After his stunning defeat of Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary, state Sen. David Ige is facing a tough fight to claim Hawaii’s top office. Outside money from mainland super political action committees has poured in to the island state to fuel ads that have blanketed the airwaves in a race that’s difficult to predict. Associated Press.

Voter turnout for the November elections is expected to be low, political analysts predict, a reflection of a lack of enthusiasm for the candidates and a disengagement from politics. Turnout in Hawaii might not reach the 55.8 percent who voted in 2010, the last gubernatorial election, and could mirror the record low of 52.7 percent in 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Ige with son and Dems chair Tarnas

It’s Election Day: Here’s What’s At Stake in Hawaii. Voters will pick a new governor and congressman and settle ballot questions on preschool funding and GMOs in Maui County. Civil Beat.

It's the year of the underdog in Hawaii, where a soft-spoken Democrat knocked out the sitting governor in the primary election, and a strong third-party candidate is making one race difficult to predict. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

Hawaii voters will decide Tuesday whether Democrat Brian Schatz will hold onto the U.S. Senate seat he was appointed to when Daniel Inouye died in 2012. Schatz faces Republican Cam Cavasso in the Senate race. Associated Press.

Hawaii residents will decide both of the state’s U.S. House races Tuesday, including whether Democrats keep control of the 1st Congressional District. West Hawaii Today.

The Congressional District One race is dead even according to the latest media polls.  The two leading candidates are last making a final push for votes. Hawaii Public Radio.

President Barack Obama is trying to help Hawaii hold on to a Democratic seat in Congress with a recorded message the day before the election that asks voters to support state Rep. Mark Takai in the state’s close House race. Associated Press.

Commentary: Who are Undecided Voters, and Will They Actually Vote. Pollsters think some top candidates' unfamiliarity increases undecided voters. But campaigns' best bet is to ensure solid supporters actually vote. Civil Beat.

An emotional Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed off on a new two-year labor contract for the University of Hawaii's more than 4,000 faculty members Monday, a day before Hawaii voters elect a new governor. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Monday a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that allows the state to reduce its health care coverage of noncitizens, which includes 13,700 Micronesian migrants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s business tax climate scores below average according to a report issued last week by the country’s leading independent tax policy research organization. Maui Now.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. plans to clear the way for thousands of rooftop solar energy systems on Oahu to connect to its grid by December 2015, according to a letter the utility sent to Hawaii regulators last Friday. Pacific Business News.

This afternoon, HECO announced plans to clear the backlog of thousands of customers waiting for approval to connect their PV systems to the grid. KHON2.

An aerial advertising company will need to make its case to fly over Oahu skies before a district judge after all. Star-Advertiser.

The state's second busiest unemployment office is getting downsized. State Labor Director Dwight Takamine said the state plans to close the Waipahu unemployment office, four months after the department shutdown its Kaneohe office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration Monday in response to the June 27 lava flow, a move that authorizes federal reimbursement of state and county relief efforts. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard volunteered for and is being called to state active duty by the Hawaii Army National Guard to support Hawaii County's response to the lava flow threatening Pahoa, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of her re-election bid, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii District 2, announced that she can been activated by the Hawaii Army National Guard. The congresswoman serves as a Military Police Captain in the Guard, and will be supporting response to the ongoing Kilauea lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's Chief Election Officer Scott Nago is telling voters that all polls on the Big Island will be open on Election Day. That's despite the lava that's been creeping into a district that had a hard time voting during the primary because of the tropical storm that knocked down trees and power lines. Associated Press.

Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said Monday that all polls, including the four in the Pahoa area, will be open on Election Day. Voters assigned to Pahoa Community Center will still have the option to vote at Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say the leading edge of the Puna lava flow remains stalled and hasn't advanced since last week Thursday, leaving it 480 feet from Pahoa Village. Hawaii News Now.

Threats, arrests and a potential challenge in court.  The battle over who can see the lava flow on the Big Island, and when, is putting a new law to the test. KITV4.

A $4 million appropriation from the state Legislature is providing a boost to Hawaii County’s efforts to have a regional park completed in Waimea by fall of 2016. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu and newly selected Deputy Chief Dean Rickard were officially sworn in to their respective posts today during a ceremony held at the Kīhei police station in South Maui. Maui Now.

The Sugar Cane Train in Lahaina may be back in service in several months, announced West Maui resident and local businessman Craig Hill, who is the new owner of the historic steam engine. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents have been sounding off via absentee ballots and early walk-in voting. Today, they’ll take to the polls to decide the island’s next mayor, seven-member Kauai County Council and three state representatives, as well as cast their vote for candidates running in several key state and federal races. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will address a proposal to repeal a new county law pertaining to pesticide use and genetically modified crops that a federal judge recently ruled invalid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii congressional seat could go to GOP, Schatz spends to prop up Dems, gubernatorial candidates make last-minute push, lava stalled as government cracks down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai for Congress campaign photo

In Hawaii, the home state of President Barack Obama, Democrats are in danger of losing a seat in the U.S. House. Republican Charles Djou has been working to convince voters it would be wise to send a Republican to Washington so the state has a voice in the majority party, and his message is striking a chord among some voters who are hungry for change. Associated Press.

It promises to be a down-to-the-wire race. Right now it's a battle for the undecided votes. Charles Djou and Mark Takai are using these last couple days to get up close and personal with the voters who will decide this election. KITV4.

Charles Djou for Congress campaign photo

In the past two months, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has given more campaign cash away to help fellow Democrats seeking office than former state Rep. Cam Cavasso — the Republican trying to unseat him Tuesday — has raised in the entire race. Civil Beat.

Money from outside Hawaii has poured into what's become a close fight between gubernatorial candidates David Ige and James Duke Aiona, making Hono­lulu the top spot for political action committee ads in the weeks before Election Day, according to spending tracker politicaladsleuth.com. Associated Press.

Aromas of fried chicken and fish sauce wafted through a high school library as state Sen. David Ige, laugh lines showing, shook hands with supporters and neighborhood residents on a quiet evening in Honolulu. The tone of Ige’s “stew-and-rice” event was a contrast to the attack ads outside super PACs have created, dominating Hawaii’s airwaves as Democrats and Republicans fight over which party will control the governor’s office. Associated Press.

It’s a novelty that’s caught the national eye. Hawaii’s gubernatorial contest is billed as a three-way race with nary an incumbent involved. Garden Island.

Commentary: An Interview With Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. As she prepares to leave office, the congresswoman reflects on her election loss, her career and her future in this exclusive interview. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the only state that prohibits government funding of private preschools, but that may change Tuesday. Hawaii’s voters will be asked whether the state constitution should be amended so taxpayers can subsidize private preschool education. Hawaii Reporter.

Opinion: Fear + manipulation = ease of privatization. How the campaign to convince Hawaiʻi voters to authorize the routing of public funds to private preschools threatens equity in our schools, and what we need to do to get back on track toward a successful public school system. Hawaii Independent.

Concern over the reliability and fairness of using a brand-new standardized test to evaluate teacher performance is prompting the state Department of Education to consider delaying the use of test scores for high-stakes personnel decisions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Department of Education is touting a new national study that says the state is in the top 10 for afterschool programs. Associated Press.

A glitch in state law allows candidates to attach absentee ballot applications but not voter registration forms to their campaign materials. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: Who Is Andrew Walden? The controversial, outspoken editor of Hawaii Free Press has now formed a PAC "to undermine the culture of political impunity." Civil Beat.

The state Public Utilities Commission is making far-reaching decisions that will shape Hawaii's energy future with a workforce that is nearly 40 percent understaffed. Star-Advertiser.

A team of 17 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration divers sailing aboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette has returned from a 33-day mission to remove marine debris from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a World Heritage Site and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. West Hawaii Today.

Tourism officials are looking at ways to get visitors to look beyond the beach by promoting Hawaii’s history and culture. The Historic Hawaii Foundation and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are promoting the islands’ history and culture to get travelers to return and also bring in first-timers who aren’t interested in the beach. Associated Press.

Oahu

A tiered system of property rates for homeowners in the controversial new Residential A tax classification as well as owners of commercial property are among the more wide-ranging proposals that the city Real Property Tax Advisory Commission is poised to make when it meets for a final time next week. Star-Advertiser.

The design of a pair of luxury apartment buildings planned for one of the last large sites approved for residential development in Hawaii Kai is rankling members of the area neighborhood board, though it appears the 10-story towers have all necessary approvals to rise. Star-Advertiser.

One of the state’s major homeless shelters is working to get the message out that Hawaii is not a hospitable place if you are homeless, particularly in Waikiki, the state’s major tourist hub. The Institute for Human Services plans to embark on a public relations campaign to discourage homeless people from the mainland from moving to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

New site for injured soldiers. Schofield's Warrior Transition Battalion offers military members a refuge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

After stalling for more than three days at its front, the June 27 lava flow continued to burn vegetation and consume a macadamia nut orchard along its edges Sunday while keeping its distance from nearby homes. The front remained about 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road Road where it has been cooling and hardening since Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Overnight rain has reduced the smoke that's coming from a lava flow that remains stalled after slowly creeping toward a small town on Hawaii's Big Island, a responder said Sunday. Associated Press.

Just seven days before a lava flow erupted that’s now threatening a wide swath of lower Puna, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill giving the state and counties broad new powers in emergencies and disasters. The new law, known as Act 111, is hitting close to home for Puna residents, visitors, businesses and the media striving to report on a slowly unfolding natural disaster the likes of which is not often seen in the United States. West Hawaii Today.

While the lava continued to stall over the weekend, USGS geologists stressed the flow is far from over, leaving residents and business owners in Pāhoa preparing for the possibility they may be cut off. Hawaii Public Radio.

And to think, he came out of retirement for this job. In just three months, Darryl Oli­veira has dealt with three natural disasters and is now the high-profile face and voice of the Kilauea lava flow response as the head of Hawaii County Civil Defense. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Registration will not hear a challenge to the residency status of District 9 County Council hopeful Ron Gonzales, saying the paperwork arrived too late. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

GMOs or no GMOs? 2014 Election: That is the voter initiative question. Maui News.

Maui County has finalized a deal with A&B Properties to relocate the Maui County Service Center from the Maui Mall to the A&B Business Park II in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

Voters will have a variety of decisions to make when they cast their ballots in the general election. On Tuesday, all of the island’s 16 polling places will open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Discovery Land Co., which has ties to several high-end resort developments in Hawaii, has been chosen to manage 1,103 acres of the Princeville Resort in Hanalei on Kauai's North Shore, as well as the Prince Golf Course, starting Jan. 1. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lava flow beautiful but unpredictable, outside money pours into negative campaign ads, Hawaiians evicted from homelands, outreach to Waikiki homeless, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lava Wednesday Oct. 29 afternoon, courtesy Hawaii County

The unpredictable lava that's invading Pahoa came within 100 feet of a two-story home Wednesday and then suddenly stalled, underscoring the difficulty of predicting what the flow will do next. Star-Advertiser.

After consuming a shed and a pile of tires the day before, the June 27 lava flow moved within 100 feet of a home Wednesday and continued to threaten a cluster of residences on Pahoa Village Road. The stream of 2,000-degree molten rock continued its descent at an average rate of 10 yards an hour as it advanced within 280 yards of Pahoa’s main road. Tribune-Herald.

On Wednesday evening, people were already waiting by the post office to witness the lava crossing Pahoa Village Road. They came from all over the island, brought their lawn chairs, and camped out next to the police road block, hoping to have a good view of the flow’s arrival. Nearby smoke could be seen above the trees. Big Island Video News.

Lava ignited small fires behind Pahoa Village Road on Wednesday night while a resident stood with her Pahoa neighbors and watched in awe. Star-Advertiser.

Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, moves gradually and persistently as she deposits lava across the Big Island of Hawaii. People in the small town lying in its path say the lava will reshape the community yard by yard as it slides toward the ocean. Associated Press.

Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say the Puna lava flow is now approximately 200 yards from Pahoa Village Road. They say the flow front is moving through a private residential property in a northeast direction at a rate of approximately 5 to 10 yards per hour. Hawaii News Now.

The molten river of lava flowing from Kilauea volcano continued its slow advance toward Big Island homes in the community of Pahoa on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The flow continues to remain active and has advanced approximately 55 yards since 6:30 this morning and is currently approximately 202 yards from Pahoa Village Road. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard surveys lava

Lava that has entered a rural Hawaii town has been described as a disaster in slow motion. After months of creeping through uninhabited areas of the Big Island, it reached Pahoa this week, crossing a residential street, burning down a garden shed and inching toward homes and a main road that goes through downtown. Associated Press.

Lower Puna residents who receive government housing assistance, already stressing over the threat of lava consuming their homes, are facing a new fear. They may have to leave their beloved community. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents are feeling the throat-scraping effects of the approaching lava flow, just one more aspect of this creeping disaster. KITV4.

As the Puna lava flow advances closer and closer to the homes here along Pahoa Village Road, most residents can do nothing more than watch and wait - wondering what direction it will take and when it will pass through. Hawaii News Now.

Did state Sen. David Ige really want to tax pensions? Was former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona actually behind teacher furloughs? The answer to both questions is "no." But that is not the impression left by a flurry of negative advertisements sponsored by mainland political action committees, also known as super PACs, trying to influence voters before the November election for governor. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat David Ige leads in the polls in the race for Hawaii governor, and he’s raised more money than Republican Duke Aiona. In another category often overlooked, Ige has also held nearly twice as many campaign fundraisers as Aiona since the Aug. 9 primary. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Venture Capital Association will hold a gubernatorial forum on Thursday. All four candidates for governor are expected to attend the event at the Plaza Club in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Hawaii super PACs eclipsed a record this year for spending on local races, according to the latest Campaign Spending Commission data. So far this election cycle independent expenditure committees — better known as super PACs — spent $5.9 million supporting or opposing various candidates for office. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has been largely out of the public eye ever since his historic loss in the August primary, but his appearance at an advocacy event for affordable housing earlier this week showed the lame duck governor hasn’t lost his passion. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has nominated the former head of the now-defunct Public Land Development Corporation to serve on the Agribusiness Development Corporation, a state board tasked with diversifying Hawaii’s farming industry. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers today convened a second Department of Health update on preparations for the Ebola Virus, should it strike Hawai’i.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Governors of New Jersey, New York and Illinois have imposed mandatory quarantines for health care workers who treated Ebola patients in West Africa. But Hawaii Department of Health officials said Tuesday no such plan will be implemented in the islands. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

State deputy sheriffs have evicted six families from a Hawaiian homestead property in Waimanalo that has also been used as a farm for abandoned animals. Star-Advertiser.

Developers, unions, prominent attorneys and Realtors have thrown tens of thousands of dollars into the Honolulu City Council races this year, in which Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga is challenged by Sam Aiona for the District 6 seat and Tommy Waters and Trevor Ozawa are competing in District 4. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has chosen a design team to develop a plan for the 30 acres in Kakaako Makai the state agency acquired two years ago from the state of Hawaii in a deal meant to resolve a dispute that dates back to when it formed in 1978. Pacific Business News.

The Institute for Human Services, with support from the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, is starting a full-time homeless outreach program in Waikiki in the hopes that it will bring stability to the district's homeless population and end the litany of complaints that threatens the health of the state's key visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

The Institute for Human Services is launching a full-time homeless outreach program aimed at reducing homelessness in Waikiki. Associated Press.

Tripler Army Medical Center held its first large-scale Ebola response exercise Wednesday, simulating a patient showing up there and at the Schofield Barracks Health Clinic with symptoms of the disease. Star-Advertiser.

The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina will be renamed Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and is scheduled to be reopened under the Four Seasons flag in December 2015. Pacific Business News.

Half a century of time wasn't kind to a cluster of low-rise apartment buildings on the edge of the University of Hawaii's Manoa campus. But today the small neighborhood along Kolo Place between the H-1 Freeway and UH's athletic complex has a fresh look following a $6.6 million renovation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The new Hawaii Community College - Palamanui is on course to be completed in May, according to the project’s superintendent. West Hawaii Today.

National Park Service officials are seeking feedback on a plan to quadruple the entry fee to the popular Puuhonua o Honaunau site in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management announced Wednesday that required "in-stream flows" have been returned to required levels to Iao and Waikapu streams, but members of Hui O Na Wai Eha remained unconvinced. Maui News.

Maui's spike in visitor spending for the first three quarters of 2014 - the only island to log double-digit increases compared to 2013 - reflects growing consumer confidence and the abundance of opportunities for visitors to shop, eat and play on the island, according to the Maui Visitors Bureau executive director. Maui News.

More bad news for print media. The Maui Weekly was closed by its publisher, Joe Bradley, on Monday. The weekly went to press this week with its last edition and its web site is no longer available. Civil Beat.

The Maui Weekly newspaper published its last issue on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, and its online version is no longer accessible via the internet. Maui Now.

Kauai

Voters on Kauai and Niihau will have three opportunities in the general election to amend sections within the Kauai County Charter, the county’s governing document. Garden Island.

A blessing held Tuesday in Kapahi marked the start of the construction phase of the county’s islandwide bus shelter project. Garden Island.

An appeal regarding an arbitration grievance over a police promotions process dating back to 2007 was sent back to 5th Circuit Court with a partial union victory.  The state Intermediate Court of Appeals on Oct. 16 affirmed in part and vacated in part a 5th Circuit order to confirm an arbitrator’s award, and denied in part the county’s motion to vacate the award. Garden Island.

Lava buries cemetery, Ige tops in latest poll, Maui GMO a big ballot issue, constitutional amendments galore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava buries Puna cemetery courtesy Hawaii County Civil Defense

Hawaii County Civil Defense closed Pahoa Village Road as a fast-moving finger of lava moved to within 600 yards of the main street of Pahoa town. Residents in the immediate downslope path of the lava were also urged to prepare to evacuate Sunday night and the Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Sure Foundation Church in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

Evacuations have not been ordered, but Red Cross Hawai'i opened an emergency shelter Sunday night at the Sure Foundation Puna in preparation for residents who may be displaced by the Puna lava flow. Hawaii News Now.

A small, primarily Buddhist cemetery in Pahoa fell victim to advancing lava on Sunday, marking yet another sobering milestone in the ongoing June 27 flow. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat Poll: Ige Up by 6 Over Aiona. The Democratic nominee for Hawaii governor leads Republican Duke Aiona 40 percent to 34 percent. Hawaii Independent Party candidate Mufi Hannemann is at 11 percent. Libertarian Jeff Davis is at 6 percent while 8 percent of voters are undecided.

Approval of a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would allow the state to spend public funds on private preschool programs is uncertain as support for the initiative continues to wane and opposition has mounted in recent months, according to new Hawaii Poll results. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s constitution allows for age discrimination against judges, say proponents of a constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 80. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has brought back an attempt to allow private landowners to access special purpose revenue bonds to finance the preservation of reservoirs and dams. A similar measure failed on the 2012 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Before stepping into the voting booth or casting a mail-in ballot, voters may want to familiarize themselves with the following five proposed statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot. Star-Advertiser.

Which Hawaii Candidate Spent the Most Money Per Vote? The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission has crunched the numbers and it's an interesting look at how the 2014 election is playing out. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle spoke to Cornell University students and faculty on Thursday in a presentation that recounted her vision for a sustainable energy future and her role in implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Civil Beat.

A battle continues to brew between the Building Industry Association of Hawaii and historic preservation officials in the state over a law that subjects homes built more than 50 years ago to a historic preservation review whenever a homeowner applies for a building permit for a rebuild or remodel. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

New Hope’s Evangelism Has a Distinctly Political Flavor. The megachurch is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Hawaii civic affairs. It recruits candidates, registers new voters and organizes political events. Civil Beat.

Lifeguard beaned by falling coconut. Haunama Bay was closed for several hours Sunday morning for emergency tree trimming. A county lifeguard claims the work should have been done weeks ago and he was injured because of the delay. KITV4.

There’s a new twist in criminal case against Matson Navigation Company for the Sept. 2013, 220,000 gallon molasses spill into Honolulu Harbor that killed 26,000 fish and caused substantial damage to the area reefs and ocean.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi did not accept all of the terms of its plea agreement Friday, saying he isn’t certain whether the donations are legal. Puglisi will look into the matter further, he said. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal judge accepted a guilty plea by Matson Inc. to criminal charges stemming from the spill last year of more than 230,000 gallons of molasses in Honolulu Harbor, but expressed concerns that the company agreed to make a $600,000 community service payment but didn't agree to any probation. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The timeframe to resume the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project is back in federal hands. State Department of Transportation officials confirmed this week they submitted the Section 106 memorandum of agreement to the Federal Highways Administration Sept. 22. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

There's a rising chorus of Hawaii opposition to the biotechnology seed companies that have moved into the state's former sugar cane lands and have quietly become the state's top agricultural industry. A Nov. 4 ballot measure proposes a moratorium that would make it illegal to cultivate, grow or test genetically modified crops in Maui County until environmental and public health studies show their practices are safe. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of Maui mothers are going door-to-door to urge voters to back a ban on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops because they think they are unsafe. A group backed by companies growing the crops counters with ads playing heavily on the airwaves that urge rejection of what they are calling the “farming ban.” Associated Press.

It’s a controversial issue Maui County voters will see on the Nov. 4 ballot. They’re being asked whether to approve an initiative that would make it against the law to grow, reproduce, or test genetically modified crops until an environmental public health study is completed. KHON2.

In the hotly contested race for the Maui County Council's Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, challenger Mike Molina is attempting to turn the tables on incumbent Mike White on the charge of being a "rubber stamp." Maui News.

The decline in fall enrollment at University of Hawaii Maui College from its Great Recession peak of 4,527 students in 2011 continued this year, with student numbers dipping below 4,000 for the first time since 2008. Maui News.

Kauai
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday unanimously approved Hawaii’s first community based fisheries subsistence area rule package for Haena on the island of Kauai. Associated Press.

As a longtime County of Kauai department manager and the current mayor, Bernard Carvalho Jr. said he is not afraid to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding the public that the deadline to submit applications for the waiting list lottery for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is Wednesday. The waiting list will be utilized to fill vacancies in the federally funded program. Garden Island.

Ige widens lead in new poll, federal judge to hear Big Island GMO complaint today, Hawaii not ready for Ebola, commission undecided on PAC spending complaints, Senate panel advances judge nominees, Steven Tyler Maui nightclub plan falters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige © 2014 All Hawaii News

State Sen. David Ige has the advantage in the campaign for governor, a new Hawaii Poll shows, scoring well with Japanese-Americans, seniors and union families who are among the most likely to vote in November. Ige, the Democrat, leads former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the Republican, 47 percent to 35 percent. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the independent, is at 12 percent, while Jeff Davis, the Libertarian, is at 1 percent. Six percent remain undecided. Star-Advertiser.

Early voting has begun and the general election is just under two weeks away. Who will win the big races in Hawaii — for governor, the U.S. Senate, the 1st Congressional District and the 2nd Congressional District, according to the national experts? In short, Democrat David Ige has the edge over Republican Duke Aiona for governor, as does Democrat Mark Takai over Republican Charles Djou in the CD1 contest. Democrats Brian Schatz and Tulsi Gabbard, meanwhile, need not fear Republicans Cam Cavasso and Kawika Crowley in their Senate and CD2 races, respectively. Civil Beat.

Aiona © 2014 All Hawaii News

Fresh poll numbers for Hawaii’s top political races (sans the federal offices) are expected any day now, but by another metric there is already a clear frontrunner: David Ige, the Democratic Party nominee for governor, has held 15 campaign fundraisers since the Aug. 9 primary. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial candidates James "Duke" Aiona and David Ige were treated like celebrities — cheered on by scores of screaming fans decked out in red, white and blue, toting hand-painted posters — at a student pep rally Wednesday at Maryknoll School. Star-Advertiser.

The state Campaign Spending Commission decided Wednesday to defer until November a complaint that former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano filed against the super PAC that crushed his bid for mayor in 2012. Pacific Resource Partnership, a political action committee funded by contractors and unionized carpenters, spent over $3 million on a coordinated attack to keep Cayetano out of office after he pledged to end Honolulu’s $5.2 billion rail project if elected. Civil Beat.

The state Campaign Spending Commission on Nov. 19 will vote again on whether two complaints against the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee should be reviewed by state attorneys for criminal prosecution. The commission voted 2-1 Wednesday, failing to muster three votes to make a decision on whether to refer for review the two complaints — one by former Gov. Ben Cayetano and the other by commission Executive Director Kristin Izumi-Nitao. Star-Advertiser.

Officials said Wednesday Hawaii health care workers need more training to be sufficiently prepared to handle an Ebola virus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

A Senate investigative committee is calling for major reforms to the Hawaii State Hospital in an effort to curb violence and restore trust in a mental health system that has been mismanaged for many years. On Wednesday, the committee, which is co-chaired by Hawaii Sens. Clayton Hee and Josh Green, issued its final report after holding nearly a dozen hearings in which top officials from the hospital and state Department of Health were subpoenaed to testify under oath. The report’s recommendations are wide-ranging and include everything from building a new state hospital — something that would cost hundreds of millions of dollars — to sending the most troublesome, violent patients to an out-of-state facility to receive treatment. Civil Beat.

A special State Senate committee convened to investigate problems at the Hawaii State Hospital Wednesday released a lengthy report about its findings and recommendations to improve the troubled facility. The 88-page report calls the state's only mental hospital outdated and overcrowded. It also said the facility suffers from bad management, a lack of training and chronic overtime and sick leave abuse, leading to assaults by mental patients against the staff. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists have found evidence of a massive tsunami that slammed into Hawaii nearly 500 years ago. That’s according to a new study released this week, that’s prompting state officials to re-examine their tsunami evacuation plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The contractor hired to dispose of seized commercial-grade fireworks in Honolulu says it will find another site for the job after residents of Nanakuli objected to blowing them up in their community. Michael De Sousa of URS Federal Services Inc. says the company will honor the state Department of Health's request to find another site. Associated Press.

A government contractor will find another site to dispose of 39 pallets of commercial-grade fireworks from a Waikele storage bunker after Nanakuli residents voiced strong opposition to setting them off on a property in their rural neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

The city has been stockpiling hundreds of pounds of trash collected by street sweepers right in Kapiolani Park. The debris piles, located near the Waikiki Shell next to a city no dumping sign, includes asphalt, oil, gravel and plain old trash that's exposed to the elements. Hawaii News Now.

An accident that left an Ewa Beach man dead has now become even more tragic for the loved ones left behind because of a mistake by the Honolulu City Prosecutor’s office. KHON2.

Matson Terminals Inc., the company responsible for spilling 220,000 gallons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor in September 2013, has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor violations of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, court records show. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

A federal magistrate judge will be hearing arguments a lawsuit seeking to invalidate Hawaii County’s law restricting the use of genetically modified crops. Big Island agriculture groups and farmers filed a lawsuit in federal court in June seeking to overturn the law, which went into effect in December. Thursday’s hearing will be on the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, which argues that the law is invalid on the grounds that it’s pre-empted by federal and state law. Associated Press.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee gave its unanimous approval Wednesday to the confirmation of Margaret Masunaga as a district judge in Kona, despite a negative rating by the Hawaii State Bar Association. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is in Pahoa offering low-interest loans to victims of Tropical Storm Iselle. Loans are available to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses in Hawaii County that received damage related to the storm from Aug. 7-9. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island hunters will have more opportunities to bag feral pigs, goats and sheep under a package of changes to hunting rules set to go before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Some Ocean View residents aren’t waiting around for a new county garbage disposal facility. Instead, large quantities of trash are being dumped along the access road to the future site of the transfer station. West Hawaii Today.

A narrow finger of lava  along the southern edge of the main flow has now become the leading edge of the flow and advanced about 100 yards since Tuesday, Hawaii County Civil Defense officials said after an overflight Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday dismissed two complaints filed by a Paia political activist, one against a nonprofit industry trust fund and the other against a related super Political Action Committee, which have poured thousands of dollars in at least the Maui County Council West Maui residency race. Maui News.

State and county officials Wednesday closed down beaches from the Old Suda Store to Kalama Park in South Maui after a shark encounter — the third since Saturday on the Valley Isle. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to develop a new restaurant and nightclub in Hawaii involving Aerosmith frontman and part-time Maui resident Steven Tyler has likely been shelved, one of the operating partners told Pacific Business News.

The non-profit Lokahi Pacific community development corporation broke ground on a new affordable housing complex in Happy Valley on Maui. Maui News.

Veteran candidates vie for East Maui council seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Councilman Tim Bynum says Kapaa New Town Park is a place that has not necessarily lived up to its name. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council plans to rename the Kapaa New Town Park Facility the Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex. Associated Press.

Benches built to accommodate visitors to Kauai Veterans Cemetery were stolen just weeks after they were installed. Garden Island.

A former Department of Land and Natural Resources official pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Kauai Circuit Court to 30 counts of sex assault — a majority of which are alleged to have occurred when the female victim was a minor. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

A single initiative on the November election ballot has the Molokai community in such a heated debate that “vote yes” and “vote no” only refer to one thing: whether or not the cultivation of all genetically engineered crops in Maui County should stop while studies are done examining effects on human health and the environment. Molokai Dispatch.

Tropical Storm watch begins in Hawaii, final gubernatorial debate talks taxes, Takai fundraising leader, state studies GMO pesticides on Kauai, Pflueger gets prison in dam breach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Ana 5:30 a.m. Oct. 16, courtesy NOAA

At 5:30 a.m. Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Ana was located about 500 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Ana is moving toward the west near 10 mph.  Ana is expected to turn toward the west-northwest on Thursday, then turn toward the northwest on Friday with little change in forward speed.  On the forecast track, the center of Ana will pass near the Big Island Friday night and Saturday. KITV4.

State officials say they are preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ana which is expected to crawl up the island chain beginning Friday.Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of Ana's arrival. Hawaii News Now.

All of the main islands are under threat of Tropical Storm Ana's flash flooding, strong and damaging winds, and coastal inundation and waves Friday through Monday, Central Pacific Hurricane Center meteorologists said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The final televised gubernatorial debate before November's general election produced no major gaffes but did have a fairly clear winner and loser Wednesday, according to a political analyst. Hawaii News Now.

Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona on Wednesday night challenged his opponents for governor on taxes, claiming that former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and state Sen. David Ige would be more inclined to raise taxes because they both supported a general-excise tax surcharge for the Honolulu rail project. Hannemann had urged the state Legislature to approve the surcharge and Ige voted in 2005 to give the city the authority to levy the tax. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Mark Takai has raised and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more than Republican Charles Djou in their tight race to represent urban Oahu in Congress for the next two years. But Djou had more than twice as much cash on hand in his campaign account — $626,191 to be exact — at the end of the most recent reporting period with the Federal Elections Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii real estate mogul Jay Shidler is the richest person in Hawaii with an estimated net worth of $700 million, according to a new report by Wealth-X. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu residents weren't in a rush Wednesday to increase their stockpiles of goods before the storm, with many leisurely buying just a few cases of water and typical supplies for the week. That's a stark contrast to the scene just over two months ago when anxious consumers amassed large amounts of water and dry goods days ahead of Tropical Storm Iselle, which turned out to be mostly uneventful on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Construction equipment is starting up Thursday to begin building the Collection, the latest condominium tower to rise in Kakaako. The project's developer, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday on the site once occupied by a CompUSA store to thank everyone helping the roughly $200 million tower get off the ground, including government officials, contractors and especially homebuyers. Star-Advertiser.

A day after a binder containing sensitive court documents for a prison gang trial was found at a downtown restaurant, the attorney who owns the binder said someone stole it from him at the federal courthouse. Star-Advertiser.

Palama Settlement announced Wednesday its request for proposals for the redevelopment of its Kalihi-Palama campus. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Police Secrecy: What We Don’t Know Is More Disturbing Than What We Do Honolulu police need to make public an investigation into a cop accused of domestic violence. Otherwise, we'll never know if the sergeant received special treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Big Island ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Ana. The forecast track for Tropical Storm Ana shifted just south of the Big Island late Wednesday afternoon and wind speeds dropped slightly, but the system still has the potential to hit the southeast flank of the island with torrential rain and hurricane force winds early Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

An Oahu judge will hear arguments on the lawsuit filed against the state regarding Pohakuloa Training Area today. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. filed the complaint in April on behalf of Hawaiians Clarence Ching and Mary Maxine Kahaulelio, who claim the military’s presence is impacting their cultural rights. West Hawaii Today.

A Honolulu judge will take up a suit that claims the state failed to protect former kingdom lands that are important to Native Hawaiians. Circuit Judge Gary Chang will hear arguments in the case Thursday at 3 p.m. Associated Press.

After hearing from dozens of testifiers mostly supporting the measure, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the state Legislature to tighten labeling requirements for coffee. West Hawaii Today.

After hearing assurances that borrowing an additional $20 million won’t break the bank, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution paving the way for emergency roadwork on alternative routes to Puna in the event lava crosses Highway 130. West Hawaii Today.

The Mamalahoa Highway bypass extension has hit a snag. Construction that the Hawaii County Department of Public Works had hoped to start back in August has been delayed likely until next month while the department waits for an archaeological study to be reviewed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County officials are urging Maui County residents to prepare now for possible storm impacts from Ana. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm force winds from Tropical Storm Ana are expected to impact Maui County in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 18. At this time, the Maui Civil Defense Agency and Mayor Alan Arakawa would like to remind the community that they should prepare now, before the storm hits, while there is still plenty of time. Maui Weekly.

Parents to DOE: Why Aren’t We Being Told Sooner About Possible Child Abductions? A recent incident on Maui has many parents concerned that the Department of Education is days late in letting families know there might be someone bothering children near their schools. Civil Beat.

Kauai

A retired car dealer was sentenced to seven months in prison and five years of probation for a dam breach in Hawaii that swept seven people to their deaths in 2006. James Pflueger, 88, was sentenced in Hawaii’s Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai Wednesday. He had been convicted of reckless endangerment. Associated Press.

It was not a sentence that anyone was prepared for on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. A January 2013 plea agreement reached with James Pflueger did not include recommended jail time from the State Attorney General. But the 88-year-old retired Honolulu auto dealer will serve seven months in jail along with felony probation for his part in causing the Ka Loko dam failure on March 14, 2006 that killed seven people. Garden Island.

A state judge sent retired car dealer James Pflueger to jail for seven months Wednesday for his role in the deaths of seven people swept away in 2006 by floodwaters that had breached Ka Loko Dam. Circuit Judge Randal G.B. Valenciano sentenced Pflueger, 88, to five years of probation for felony reckless endangering and included the seven-month jail term as a condition of the probation. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Economic Development and the state Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that they will jointly fund a process to examine possible health and environmental impacts associated with the use of pesticides applied to genetically modified agricultural products. Garden Island.

To prepare for the implementation of the new Pay as You Throw Ordinance, which will take effect in July 2015, the Department of Public Works is conducting a PAYT Cart Survey. The purpose is to determine how many 64- and 96-gallon refuse carts should be ordered for the new program. Garden Island.

This time of year, Kauai’s threatened and endangered native Hawaiian seabirds become disoriented by artificial lights during their maiden flights from the mountains to the sea. Garden Island.

Molokai

The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on a plan to remove unexploded ordnance from a World War II bombing range on Molokai’s Kalaupapa peninsula. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing a proposed munitions cleanup plan for the 937-acre site, which the military used for aerial bombing, rockets and gunnery practice from 1942-45. Associated Press.

For 50 years beginning during World War II, the island of Kaho`olawe was rocked by bombs, dropped by the U.S. military for naval training. Hawaii residents recall hearing the explosions and feeling the ground shake as missiles left gouges in the earth. Now, after decades of protest efforts, cultural reconnection and environmental restoration, a process of healing is continuing as a strategic plan is being developed to guide Kaho`olawe’s future. Molokai Dispatch.

Fee hikes for Hawaii's national parks, $2M to shelter 115 Honolulu homeless, Hawaii council unsure on beach e-cig ban, UH study downplays jellyfish threat, state girds for Tropical Storm Ana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors at Kilauea volcano crater © 2014 All Hawaii News

The National Park Service wants to raise entrance fees for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakala National Park on Maui. The per-person rate at both parks would increase from $5 to $8 next year, $10 the year after and $12 in 2017. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is considering a plan to increase its entrance fees incrementally during the next few years. Under the proposal, an annual pass would increase from $25 to $50 in 2017 and vehicle fees would increase from $10 to $15 in 2015, to $20 in 2016 and to $25 in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Haleakalā National Park on Maui is proposing an entrance fee hike that is scheduled to begin in 2015 and continue with incremental increases through 2017.  The increase will more than double the admission for individuals, motorcycles and vehicle passes over the next few years. Maui Now.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is seeking public feedback on possible entrance fee increases starting in 2015. Entrance fees for recreational use have not increased since 1997. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Candidates Offer Ideas to Bring Down Energy Costs. The topics include what to do with the Public Utilities Commission and getting Hawaiian Electric to allow more solar energy onto an antiquated grid. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates met to share their positions on Hawaii's future in clean energy Tuesday evening. KITV4.

Hawaii News Now continues its groundbreaking and innovative political coverage Wednesday evening, October 15, with the state's only "Town Hall" debate between the three leading candidates for governor, Republican Duke Aiona, Independent Mufi Hannemann and Democrat David Ige.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie — yes, he’s still our governor, until Dec. 1 — is expected to return today from a six-day trip to Taiwan. Civil Beat.

Tropical Storm Ana was just below hurricane strength on a path toward Oahu and Kauai. The National Weather Service said hurricane watches may be issued for the Hawaiian islands sometime Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Ana is moving southeast of Hawaii as it continues on a track that takes it toward the islands this weekend. At 5 a.m. Wednesday, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said the center of Ana was located 680 miles southeast of Hilo, or 890 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hawaii News Now.

A strengthening Tropical Storm Ana remained on track to reach the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane this weekend, forecasters said Tuesday evening. The storm is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane this morning and bring sustained winds of up to 75 to 80 mph Saturday as it skirts the south end of the island. Tribune-Herald.

Officials worry about storm fatigue as Tropical Storm Ana nears Hawaii. KITV4.

New evidence shows deep-sea animals enjoy dining on jellyfish more than scientists previously suspected, upending concerns that jellyfish blooms may be harmful to the ocean's ecosystem, according to a study published Wednesday by a University of Hawaii researcher. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city hopes to offer permanent shelter to 115 people under the initial $2 million Housing First contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new tower or two, an oceanfront pool and a wedding chapel by a famed Japanese architect are among several additions in the works for the JW Marriott Ihilani hotel at Ko Olina Resort & Marina as part of a plan to re-brand the property as a Four Seasons hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The long-planned $31 million Waikiki Landing project at Hawaii's Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, which lost its funding several months ago, has received a new funding commitment from another investor, the project developer’s attorney told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is ready to ban the use of electronic cigarettes inside county buildings. But a council committee, after extensive debate Tuesday, said it wasn’t ready to extend that ban to beaches and outdoor parks. West Hawaii Today.

Landlords on Hawaii Island may be ditching their regular tenants in order to make bigger profits from residents seeking safe harbor from the path of the June 27 lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, an affiliate of the global nonprofit housing organization, has abruptly backed out of a planned fundraising event after questions were raised about whether its advertising was improperly promoting the gubernatorial campaign of Republican Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

Maui

Monday's release of 10 million gallons per day of water back into Iao Stream marked a historic occasion, but activists who've fought decades for the return of water to Na Wai Eha, the four great streams of Central Maui, said that the fight is not over yet. Maui News.

An online news and information website, mauicounty.us, has been launched to keep the public informed about news and events of the Maui County Council, Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa announced. Maui News.

Interval Leisure Group has completed its $220 million purchase of Hyatt Residential Group from Hyatt Hotels Corp., which includes Hyatt's interest in a joint venture developing the Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach, Interval Leisure announced earlier this month. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayoral incumbent Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his challenger, Dustin Barca, remained sharply divided on the county’s law regulating pesticides and genetically modified organisms during one of their last political forums together on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Just hours before Jimmy Pflueger is sentenced on a “Reckless Endangering” felony charge brought against him by the state after his Ka Loko Dam breached on March 14, 2006, killing 7 people, Hawaii Reporter has obtained an inflammatory letter Pflueger wrote last month to one of the victims. Hawaii Reporter.

A new shuttle service on Kauai’s North Shore is expected to reduce traffic and alleviate parking congestion. Now in operation, it will move residents and visitors between North Shore resorts and popular visitor destinations in Princeville, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena and Kee. Garden Island.

After closing up shop and referring its clients to competitors, Kauai Springs, Inc. is back in business — at least temporarily — said owner Jim Satterfield. On Sept. 30, the County of Kauai Planning Department sent a letter to the Koloa-based water bottling and distribution company ordering it to immediately cease and desist all activities Garden Island.