Showing posts with label James Duke Aiona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Duke Aiona. Show all posts

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Special election edition: It's Green, Aiona, Luke, Tokuda and a bunch of incumbents, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Josh Green thanks supporters for Democratic gubernatorial primary win PC:Hawaii News Now
Democrat Josh Green and Republican James ‘Duke’ Aiona will face off for Hawaii governor. Democratic Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Republican Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona are the Nov. 8 general election candidates to become Hawaii’s next governor after Saturday night’s overwhelming party primary election victories. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Democrat Sylvia Luke triumphs, Seaula Tupai grabs GOP spot in race for lieutenant governor. Sylvia Luke has won the six-way Democratic race to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, triumphing over other top contenders Ikaika Anderson and Keith Amemiya. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Jill Tokuda dominates Patrick Branco in runoff for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. In the contentious race to become the Democratic candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, Jill Tokuda dominated challenger Patrick Pihana Branco in Saturday’s primary election results, capturing a lead of more than twice as many votes and a berth in the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

House Speaker Scott Saiki not among losing incumbent lawmakers. A few incumbent Hawaii lawmakers are on a path to being ousted from the Legislature based on near-­complete voting results in Saturday’s primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Kalei Akaka wins Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Oahu seat; 6 others advance in at-large race. Kalei Akaka cruised to re-election to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees after capturing more than 50% of the vote for the Oahu seat. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Stream of last-minute Hawaii voters turn up in person. Statewide, the only long lines were reported at the voter service center in Wailuku, Maui, according to Nedielyn Bueno, spokesperson for the state Office of Elections. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All Honolulu City Council races advance to November run-off election. Honolulu City Council District 8 candidates Ron Menor and Val Okimoto are neck-in-neck in the crowded primary race for the open seat. Menor is leading Okimoto by just seven more votes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Inouye bests Acasio in Democrat primary; other state Senate matchups set. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, whose Paukaa residence was redistricted from Senate District 4 to Senate District 1, cruised to an easy victory Saturday night over District 1 incumbent Laura Acasio in the Democrat primary election. Tribune-Herald.

Evans, Galimba take council races: The District 9, District 6 County Council candidates appear not to face a runoff. With an estimated 90% of votes counted, Naalehu cattle rancher Michelle Galimba appears to have come out on top of a four-way County Council District 6 race, rounding up 54.27% of the votes, enough to win the race outright against contenders Colehour Bondera, Shane Palacat-Nelson and Henry “Bo” Cho III. West Hawaii Today.

Kagiwada, Kusch headed for runoff in Hilo. Two political first-timers, Jenn Kagiwada and Matthias Kusch, will face each other in a runoff election in November for the County Council District 2 seat representing Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

6 incumbents win outright for Hawaii County Council. In the race for Hawaii County’s nine Council seats, all of the six incumbents in the running were reelected Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

It’s Kahaloa, Kennealy in the general election: Former Kanuha aide sweeps Democratic primary. Kirstin Kahaloa swept through the Democratic competition and is headed for a general election matchup against Republican Jonathan Kennealy for the newly created House District 6, holding a commanding 63.3% of the vote, with about 90% of votes counted Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Kapela to face Goodwin, Last for House District 5. Republican Lohi Goodwin and Libertarian Michael Last will challenge Democratic incumbent state Rep. Jeanné Kapela to represent House District 5. West Hawaii Today.

Slow, steady and smooth: Voters wrap up the primary process. A steady stream of voters came to the West Hawaii Civic Center, where a few voting options were provided to people for Saturday’s primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Incumbent Maui Mayor Michael Victorino to face former judge Richard Bissen in general election. Retired state judge Richard Bissen looks to have a good shot at unseating Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino in a November runoff election after drawing the most votes in Saturday’s mayoral primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

DeCoite secures win over Ritte; McKelvey and Walker top Senate District 6 primaries. In the closely watched Democratic primary race for state Senate District 7, incumbent Sen. Lynn DeCoite beat challenger Walter Ritte by a much wider margin on Saturday night. Maui News.

Early Maui County Council results highlight Valley Isle natives, political newcomers. Late Saturday night, Maui native Nohe U’u-Hodgins was ahead in the race for the Maui County Council Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Mike Molina, who is running for mayor. Maui Now.

Turnout in Maui County lowest in the state at 25 percent. Lines started forming at the voter service center in Wailuku early on the morning of Election Day as residents hurried to place their votes before the close of voting on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

Incumbent Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami easily advances to the Nov. 8 election. Incumbent Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami received a majority of the votes in the primary election for the county mayoral race and will advance to the Nov. 8 general election with first-time candidate Michael Roven Poai. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Carvalho, Evslin, Rapozo top council field.
The crowded field in the county council race was whittled down slightly after the primary election Saturday, with five of 19 candidates eliminated. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Aiona, Penn, lead GOP gubernatorial race, Kahele misses public financing deadline, Ige vetoes $244M in spending, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Aiona, Penn Lead Field In GOP Gov Contest. Duke Aiona, a former lieutenant governor who ran twice unsuccessfully for the top job, has a slight edge on BJ Penn, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship winner, 27% to 24%. Honolulu City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi trails the two leaders in the race at 9%, as does community activist Gary Cordery at 7%. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Dems Unsure Of Who To Vote For In Lt. Gov. Primary.
Luke polls best but Anderson is not far behind, while Amemiya and Menor-McNamara remain in the hunt. Rep. Sylvia Luke is now ahead of the pack at 20%. Former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson is not far behind at 14%. Keith Amemiya, a business executive, polls at 10% while Sherry Menor-McNamara, head of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, is at 7%. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kai Kahele Won’t Be Able To Get Public Funding For Governor’s Race. After failing to submit a required document when he filed for election, Kahele will miss out on over $200,000 of public funding this primary cycle. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige vetoes $244 million in state budget spending. Gov. David Ige informed the Legislature Wednesday that he has vetoed funding in the state budget for two dozen projects costing $244 million, partly because state lawmakers appropriated $100 million more federal pandemic recovery aid than the state received. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New law raises the age for kids to use a child passenger restraint in Hawaiʻi. A new law is now effect, that raises the age through which a child must use a child passenger restraint or booster seat to 10 years old. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Navy leaders emphasize climate change at RIMPAC. As sailors from around the world train in Hawaii at the biennial Rim of the Pacific training exercise, climate change is taking center stage for several planners. Star-Advertiser.

Government Workers Wrongly Seize A Child From Parents. Should They Be Made To Pay? The principle of qualified immunity protects workers in their official actions. The most recent decision involves Hannah David, a Big Island mother who filed a lawsuit alleging that her daughter’s father teamed up with an employee of the Kauai Police Department in 2019 to get a restraining order that allowed her daughter to be seized from her school and flown back to Kauai with the father. Three weeks later, a judge ordered the girl to be returned. Civil Beat.

Hawaii research group that tracked pandemic’s valleys and peaks ceases operations. The team that has kept a close eye on COVID infection rates throughout the state is shutting down operations. The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group issued its final report this week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases continue to decline but experts say new subvariants could bring another surge. The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday reported the seven-day average of new cases at 651 compared with 685 reported June 29, representing a decline for the fifth week in a row. The state’s average positivity rate also dropped to 15.1% from 16.5% reported the previous week. DOH also reported 20 more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 1,524. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

More monkeypox vaccine to be distributed in Hawaii. Dr. Nathan Tan, deputy state epidemiologist, said the first phase of the monkeypox vaccine rollout will be offered to close contacts of people known to have monkeypox and those who may have had high-risk exposures in areas where monkeypox is actively spreading. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Approves The Return Of Outdoor Dining In Public Spaces. The two-year pilot program could lead to city approval of permanent outdoor dining. Civil Beat.

City Council Members Question Liquor Commission On Lack Of Internal Affairs Office. The commission is under fire from bar owners and council members for inappropriate actions during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail receives $70 million in federal funding from American Recovery Plan Act. Honolulu’s rail project has received $70 million in federal funding, but it’s not part of the money being withheld from the project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Department received 48 applications to carry guns in public after high court ruling. In the aftermath of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a New York law requiring people to show proper cause for carrying a gun in public the Honolulu Police Department has received 48 applications as of today, Chief Arthur J. Logan told the Honolulu Police Commission this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Bodycam footage released by HPD captures officer’s alleged attack on suspect. The man had to go to the hospital for his injuries and the officer is now the target of an FBI criminal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council Race: Oahu’s North Shore Is Getting New Blood. Oahu’s largest council district is up for grabs by a crop of political newcomers. Civil Beat.

Candidates, older voters talk story in Kalihi. A larger than expected crowd of more than 300 likely senior citizen voters turned out Wednesday to mingle with more than 40 political candidates running in the Aug. 13 party primary elections. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council overrides Roth veto: Affordable housing bill adds new eligible programs. A County Council majority Wednesday overturned Mayor Mitch Roth’s veto of a bill governing the allowable uses of money from the affordable housing fund, after a debate between the council and administration about whether adding more uses to the list limits or broadens the program. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

HVO Helicopter Survey Of Kilauea Begins, Meeting Set.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a helicopter geophysical survey over unpopulated parts of Kīlauea volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi from July 5–25, 2022. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor announces Kali Arce and Weston Yap as leaders of new Maui Ag Department. Arce is a Hawaiian homesteader with more than three decades of experience in Hawaiʻi’s agriculture industry, according to the Mayor’s announcement. The Director designee must still be formally confirmed by the Maui County Council, according to county officials. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

33 acres of Hāna coastline now permanently protected at Mokae II. An additional 33 acres along the Hāna coast in East Maui is now permanently protected thanks to a multi-partner effort. Maui Now.

Molokai Community Health Center focusing on voter turnout, engagement. A Community Civic Engagement program’s Vot-ER grant is giving the center funding to provide residents with the tools to vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Bill hopes to ensure “fair play” from contractors on Kaua‘i. A bill presented to Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday intends to rein in unfair labor practices by requiring permit-holders to disclose information on contractors working on site. Garden Island.

Grove Farm seeks court ‘Clarification’ on drug treatment facility. The company feels the court action is necessary to prevent the improper transfer of the land to a third party that may not use the facility as intended. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Happy Hawaii, panel mulls legislative term limits, state tops national ranking for COVID response, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii hula dancer ©2022 All Hawaii News
Hawaii May Not Be The Richest State, But It Is One Of The Happiest. The bad news: Hawaii has a large percentage of people living close to the edge. The good news: they tend to be happier here than their peers elsewhere. Civil Beat.

Panel discusses proposals for legislative term limits. A panel created by the state House of Representatives to recommend reforms after two former lawmakers admitted taking bribes discussed proposals to establish term limits for legislators at a meeting Wednesday. Associated Press. KHON2.

Political Newcomer Sergio Alcubilla Is Seeking To Oust US Rep. Ed Case. Alcubilla admits his candidacy is a long shot, but he’s hoping his stance on social spending will propel him in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Duke Aiona announces gubernatorial run. James “Duke” Aiona, a former Circuit Court judge who served as lieutenant governor, announced Wednesday his latest run to become governor as a Republican. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii's main staple -- rice -- could eat up more of the family budget. The cost of rice is now at a 12-month high, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. That means the price of a 25 pound bag of rice here has jumped $2 over the past six months -- putting a big dent into the wallets of many local families. KITV4.

Marine ecologist warns deep-sea mining will hurt fishing. A marine ecology researcher told a panel sponsored by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council on Wednesday that deep-sea mining will have a negative impact on Pacific fisheries. Douglas McCauley, a professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara, said seabed mining claims have been staked by nations and private contractors in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii tops national ranking for COVID-19 response. Hawaii has ranked first in the nation for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic, faring much better than other states on metrics such as pandemic-related deaths, vaccination rates and strains on hospital resources, according to an assessment by the Commonwealth Fund, which focuses on improving the quality and efficiency of the country’s health care system and improving access to care. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 7,199 new infections, 9 coronavirus-related deaths.
The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, decreased to 18.9% from 19.2% reported last week. It is the first decrease in the positivity rate reported after two-and-a-half months of consecutive increases. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Another $1.1 billion sought to address Red Hill. The tab for the Navy’s Red Hill calamity could double to $2.2 billion, which includes estimated costs for repairing the fuel facility so that it can be safely drained, remediating the environment and reimbursing service members and their family members who were displaced last year when jet fuel contaminated their drinking water, among other costs. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii consumers are seeing higher costs, but there is some hope for relief as Honolulu sees a dip in inflation. Oahu’s rolling 12-month inflation rate ticked down in May to 7.0% from the prior 12-month measurement of 7.5% in March, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Star-Advertiser.

In effort to save lives, Honolulu firefighters to add opioid overdose reversal drug to their trucks. Honolulu firefighters will soon be joining the list of first responders who can administer Narcan, a a medicine that can instantly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Hawaii News Now.

2 LGBTQ businesses add new claims to their legal challenge against Liquor Commission. Two businesses that filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Honolulu Liquor Commission have added new claims to their legal challenge. Hawaii News Now.

Communities post ‘Free Stores’ around Oahu. Pick up or drop off free plants, books and canned goods at a ‘free store’ in a local neighborhood. The community is helping each other by setting up these free stores in 16 neighborhoods around the island. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Final death knell for tax relief this year. The public said it wanted it, the administration said the county could afford it, but there will be no property tax relief this year, after the County Council on Wednesday couldn’t agree on either of two competing proposals. West Hawaii Today.

Bill to ban most sunscreens passes. All but two kinds of sunscreen will be banned on the Big Island under a bill passed Wednesday by the County Council. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Council passes resolution supporting gun control. The Hawaii County administration on Wednesday collectively urged U.S. lawmakers to pass gun safety measures. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo receiving nearly $6M for college prep program. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded four grants to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hiloʻs Upward Bound program over the next five years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui residents may get to vote on creating an East Maui Community Water Authority. The Maui County Council is considering whether a question should be added to the ballot this November for voters to decide on creating a local water authority in East Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui police chief addresses union survey showing low morale. Chief John Pelletier pointed out that his team is working to address many of the issues outlined by the SHOPO survey. He quoted the Harvard Business Review’s assessment that organizational change takes five to seven years to properly complete. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Wedding business seeks approvals to use Makena property. A longtime Maui wedding business that operated at a Makena property for 25 years without permits secured one of several required approvals Tuesday to legally hold events and weddings at the private property. Maui News.

Kauai

Lawmakers mull charter amendment on affordable housing. Resolution No. 2022-22 introduced at council Wednesday proposes an amendment to the county charter that would allocate at least 2% of property-tax revenues each year to a housing-development fund, a step that proponents hope can put a dent in the ongoing affordable-housing crisis. Garden Island.

Corals left ‘baking in the sun’ at ‘Anini Beach. Hanalei Marine Biologist Terry Lilley said Wednesday that king tides were having a negative effect at ‘Anini Beach Park. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Last-minute candidates emerge at filing deadline, group sues Honolulu over vacation rental law, drought expected to worsen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn via Wikipedia
Duke Aiona PC:U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn via Wikipedia
Last-minute candidates emerge to reserve spots on Hawaii’s primary ballot. Former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona entered the race among Republicans running for governor, and Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte from Molokai is competing for a state Senate seat representing parts of Maui County. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Government reform panel shifts into new phase. The Commission to Increase Standards of Conduct held its first public meeting June 1 and so far has scheduled four more such meetings between June 15 and July 27 to explore specific topics including campaign finance reform and election law changes. Star-Advertiser.

Experts Expect Drought And Wildfire Conditions To Worsen. As Hawaii enters its 12th driest wet season in the past 30 years, drought and wildfire concerns and conditions are both on the rise. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Lawsuit Seeks To Block Oahu Vacation Rental Law.
The complaint by legal short-term rental operators says the city is taking away their property rights. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City identifies millions of dollars in fees owed. From refuse disposal, rental assistance and liquor law violations, the City has identified 129 accounts that owe a hefty amount of money. Some of the outstanding fees dating back to 1990. KHON2.

Kalama Valley residents heated over proposed development . Kalama Village Center is one of the few places of business for miles for Kalama Valley residents. A proposed 360 unit kapuna living community on this land had some strong pushback from residents. KHON2.

Taiwanese F-16 crash puts spotlight on complex ties. A runway at Daniel K. Ino­uye International Airport that was blocked Monday afternoon when an F-16 belonging to the Taiwanese air force made an emergency crash landing did not sustain any serious damage and has resumed normal operations, according to the state Department of Transportation. The incident has put the complicated relationship between the United States and Taiwan in the spotlight amid tensions with China in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Biden signs bill on clinic to be named after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. Biden signs bill on clinic to be named after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed nine bills into law supporting veterans care initiatives, including one that would name a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic planned for West Oahu after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. Star-Advertiser.

Elderly Hawaii man sues city, HPD after being met at his door by officers with guns drawn. A Waikiki man is suing the city and four Honolulu police officers who woke him up from his apartment with their guns drawn while investigating a report of a minor crime. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Outlines Chinatown Revitalization Plan. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi Tuesday presented a list of action items to the community board, proposing to bring new improvements to Chinatown. KITV4.

Chinatown businesses feel ‘sense of normalcy’ after homeless meal operations relocate. Chinatown businesses said they see a difference in the homeless population after a non-profit relocated its daily homeless meal operations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s frenetic real estate cycle that saw the median single-family home price soar above $1 million is cooling. The rush was still on in May to buy and sell homes on Oahu ahead of rising interest rates and inflation, which can price buyers out of the market, creating a drop in demand that causes values to soften. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Group: Mayor illegally closed Waipi‘o road. The plaintiffs, through attorneys Steven Strauss and Christopher Bridges, argue the mayor’s authority under HRS §264-1.5 extends only to “allowing for the establishment of traffic emergency zones to provide access to an affected area, not close a county road.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island real estate market expected to cool. According to Multiple Listing Service data, if sales prices for single-family homes are decreasing, it is almost imperceptible. The median sales price for a home in May was $522,500, a decrease of only about $3,000 from April, but still more than $20,000 higher than it was in May 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Number of Veterans Test Positive for COVID at Hilo VA Home. This is the first time the virus has been detected among VA residents since the fatal outbreak during the Delta variant in the summer of 2020 where 27 veterans succumbed to COVID. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Race For Maui Mayor Just Got Even More Competitive. With four longtime county leaders among the eight candidates vying for Maui’s top position, this election is anything but certain. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Residents mixed over 100% affordable housing plan Hale Waipu’ilani in S. Maui. Saying they’re for affordable housing — just not in this area — at least a dozen opponents to proposed Hale Waipu’ilani 100% workforce project in Kīhei pointed to flooding and traffic concerns Monday during the Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee meeting. Maui Now. Maui News.

West Maui groups launch fundraising campaign to build Olowalu fire substation. Two West Maui groups have joined forces to launch a fundraising campaign in an effort to build a new fire substation in Olowalu, with plans to gift it to the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Extended Hana road closure stir concerns for residents, small businesses. It’s been nearly a week since a damaged bridge prompted Maui County to close the so-called “back road” to Hana. The bridge repairs could take two months to complete. Hawaii News Now.

Housing market may be cooling amid record-high prices. High home prices and mortgage rates may be putting the brakes on a hot housing market as the median sales price for a single-family home in Maui County continues to hover above $1.2 million. Maui News.

Kauai

Thirty Kauaians seek county, state office. Thirty Kauaians announced campaigns for county or state office when the candidate filing deadline passed Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island.

Biden Withdraws Ex-KPD Chief’s Nomination After Retaliation Accusations. Michael Contrades, a former deputy police chief from Kauai, will not be Hawaii’s next U.S. Marshal after the White House this week yanked his nomination after questions were raised about his involvement in a federal retaliation lawsuit that settled for nearly $2 million. Civil Beat.

11 affordable homes coming to Kilauea. Kauhale O Namahana, located across the street from the Kilauea post office, is the first new construction by Permanently Affordable Living Kaua‘i, which purchased the property in 2020.  Garden Island.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Hanabusa files for congressional seat, Ohana inter-island flights on hold, 60 lbs of honeycomb in emergency siren, H-1 zipper lane expands, new cancer center director approved, rail amendments may be on Honolulu ballot, Maui hospitals in chaos, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 
courtesy Hanabusa campaign
Hanabusa files nominations papers, courtesy Hanabusa campaign

Colleen Hanabusa formally launched her campaign Thursday to seek election to the U.S. House of Representatives representing urban Honolulu, a seat she held from 2011 to 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Colleen Hanabusa ended two weeks of speculation Thursday by officially filing to run for Congress. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she decided to run for her old seat in Congress after former colleagues, including outgoing U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, asked her to run. Associated Press.

Commentary: Hanabusa ready to resume her climb up ladder in D.C. Star-Advertiser.

The race for Mark Takai's Congressional seat is shaping up. For the Democrats, the only recognizable names who've held office before and have filed the proper paperwork are Lei Ahu Isa and Colleen Hanabusa. KITV4.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is looking to once again represent Hawaii’s First Congressional District, a seat she held from 2011-2014. KHON2.

With just days to go before the June 7 filing deadline, Duke Aiona is apparently considering three very different contests. Civil Beat.

=======================

Hawaiian Holdings’ plan to expand interisland air cargo service under its Ohana by Hawaiian brand to Maui, Kauai and the Big Island has been delayed until later this year as the parent of Hawaiian Airlines waits for the Federal Aviation Administration to certify three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft purchased for the service. Pacific Business News.

The federal office of Housing and Urban Development is giving Hawaii an additional $1.3 million in rental assistance for veterans. Associated Press.

The state Office of Planning, in partnership with the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services, has made upgrades to the state’s geographic information system that take advantage of current advances in server-based GIS and cloud services, and improve data sharing, accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Big Island Now.

Oahu

The expected hiring of renowned colon cancer expert Dr. Randall Holcombe to lead the University of Hawaii Cancer Center could result in a substantial donation from local philanthropists that would infuse the cash-strapped research center with much-needed capital. Star-Advertiser.

The UH Board of Regents on Thursday approved Dr. Randall Holcombe as the new director. Holcombe currently serves as chief medical officer for cancer for the Mount Sinai Heath System in New York City. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu voters haven’t had a real say regarding the rail project since the mayoral election of 2012, but that could change this fall. The Honolulu Charter Commission is moving forward with ballot measures that could give the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board more power for now and ensure that one city agency — the Department of Transportation Services — handles the operations and maintenance of all public transit services when rail construction is finished. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council passed the budget bills for the next fiscal year beginning July 1st. Hawaii Public Radio.

There is a proposal to close the Ala Wai Canal from the Ala Moana Boulevard Bridge to the Kalakaua Avenue Bridge during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, Sept. 1-10. The security matter will be considered at a meeting of the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources June 9. Civil Beat.

H-1 Zipper Lane users will soon have two lanes to get into town instead of one — a move that state transportation officials hope will help to slightly ease the traffic congestion endured by thousands of West and Central Oahu commuters on weekday mornings. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has issued a notice ordering the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant on Oahu’s North Shore to cease operations, saying its wastewater is spilling onto a neighboring property with a fish pond that children use for educational purposes. Pacific Business News.

The state ordered the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant to close after confirming that sewage was spilling from its wastewater system into a neighboring property near a fishpond frequently visited by children. Star-Advertiser.

The state has ordered Haleiwa Beach House to shut down because the eatery's septic system is spilling sewage on a property frequently used by children. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A charter amendment giving the County Council more control over department heads is moving forward. Department heads would have to come before the County Council for confirmation every two years, under a ballot amendment forwarded Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission has approved a Hawaii County Civil Defense request to release funds for an updated air quality model for the area surrounding Puna Geothermal Venture. The project will study the dispersion of hydrogen sulfide and other gases from the Pohoiki power plant. Big Island Video News.

They sat empty for about three years, but initial registration numbers indicate the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust’s two reopened Keahuolu Camping Program sites should be busy for a while. Tribune-Herald.

A group will be out near Queen Kaahumanu Highway on Saturday morning, likely holding signs that show their displeasure with a precedent-setting ban on fishing at Kaupulehu Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly $100,000 for more spay-neuter coupons, and the deletion of contract language that appears to encourage the killing of animals are among changes to the Hawaii Island Humane Society contract with the county. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County hospital executives said many of their 1,100 employees are using vacation and sick days in anticipation of ending employment under the public hospital operator, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. As many as 50 hospital workers are taking leave daily, leaving executives scrambling to hire temporary workers to fill the gaps. Star-Advertiser.

70,000 Bees, 60 Pounds of Honey Removed from Hive in Maui Siren. Maui Now.

The state Office of Elections is reminding candidates that the deadline to file nomination papers is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to defer a bill that would allow residents in the Lihue Planning District to construct rental units as part of their homes. Garden Island.

It’s the time of year when Kauai’s nocturnal seabirds start to lay their eggs. That means Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project is once again out with its radar truck collecting data on the birds. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Six miles from the scenic beaches of south Maui sits a small, deserted island with a rich history and a big problem. The U.S. Navy used the barren island as a bombing range for decades starting in World War II. It later joined with the state and spent millions on cleanup, but they didn’t finish the job. Associated Press.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Confidential patient records in Health Exchange limbo, construction booming, crystal meth still plagues state, three counties pass budgets, Oahu windmills killing endangered bats, Duke Aiona mulls 3 races, coral graveyard found in Pacific, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Construction crane looms over Honolulu © 2016 All Hawaii News
Honolulu was the nation’s third-fastest-growing construction job market during the past 12 months as employment in the local industry hit an April high, according to new analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. Star-Advertiser.

A former Hawaii Health Connector contractor claims to be holding on to Hawaii state residents' personal health information in what appears to be a favor to the state government, which has failed for months to give the company direction on what to do with the sensitive data. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to financial health, Hawaii ranks 45th. Civil Beat.

Crystal Meth in Hawaii: Demand, Supply and Local Culture. Hawaii Public Radio.

On July 9, the Hawaii Education Summit will be held to discuss the benefits of the new Every Student Succeeds Act, according to a statement released by Gov. David Ige’s office. Civil Beat.

More than 300 people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, primarily on Oahu, received assistance from a portion of the $900,000 in state funds that Aloha United Way distributed to 18 social service agencies in April in an effort to reduce the highest per capita homeless rate in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Under the state’s policy, the Hawaii Department of Public Safety cannot decide where to place transgender inmates based only on their anatomy; it must make an individualized assessment that takes into account each inmate’s gender identity and personal concerns about safety. Civil Beat.

Former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona Jr. pulled papers Wednesday for three different seats. KHON2.

Lei Ahu Isa is running to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. A former state legislator and current trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Isa said she filed her papers Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The NFL said Wednesday its decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Florida, for the next three seasons is unrelated to funding, Aloha Stadium or Hawaii's ability to host the game. Associated Press.

Federal scientists reported what they’ve dubbed a “coral graveyard” off the coast of Jarvis Island in the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument on Wednesday, saying an emergency undersea expedition found 95 percent of the coral dead. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.33 billion operating budget and $940 million capital improvements package for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a $2.3 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2017 Wednesday that includes millions of dollars for nonprofits and homelessness initiatives, and a separate rail budget that caps spending at a figure $1.3 billion short of what the federal government estimates the project may cost. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved operating and capital improvements budgets for the city’s troubled rail project, but in doing so slashed funding for the project’s staff and office space, and tightened the screws on construction money. Star-Advertiser.

Rail and disputed Kakaako roads on collision course. KITV4.

The number of endangered Hawaiian hoary bats killed by spinning wind turbines on an Oahu wind farm is on pace to far exceed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service projections. Star-Advertiser.

A group of Kailua neighbors is up in arms after volunteers from two canoe clubs hacked away vegetation from a vacant lot on state land Monday, clearing the way for a canoe launch site along the Kawainui Canal, or Oneawa Channel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. paid about $2.3 million for the historic Honolulu Advertiser building on Kapiolani Boulevard, which it plans to renovate and use as its headquarters. Pacific Business News.

Water problems at Lahainaluna High School have not been ignored. The Department of Education told KHON2 Wednesday that it wasn’t aware of them.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is adding 14 new positions to the county's $462.9 budget. But even that wasn’t enough for most County Council members, who on Wednesday added one more. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council voted on Wednesday to approve a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Big Island Video News.

Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez in a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Contaminated soil has halted redevelopment of a Hilo public housing complex. The housing site has been empty for over 10 years. Associated Press.

The County Council’s Finance Committee will get a chance to weigh in on the future of Hakalau Point today as it considers a resolution authorizing the purchase of the nearly 9-acre property, a former home to the Hakalau Plantation Co. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could soon have its first tenant at the Kapulena Agricultural Park since seeking farming leases in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Eighteen months later, there is still no answer from the state Office of Information Practices on whether the Commission on Water Resource Management violated the Sunshine Law during Kona site visits in 2014. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposal that would restrict certain county employees' participation in political campaigns. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association today announced the receipt of a $50,000 contract from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to expand their Sustainable Tour Certification Program. Maui Now.

A coalition of social service agencies, Maui County, the Governor's Office and the Realtors Association of Maui is launching a program to encourage property owners and managers to make more housing available to those most in need of shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously finalized the $189 million fiscal year 2016-2017 operating budget Wednesday. Garden Island.

A 20-year-old boardwalk at Kauai’s Kokee State Park is getting replaced with recycled plastic as state officials aim to protect the area’s rare species and improve safety for the thousands of people who visit each year. Associated Press.

A flight plan for a Cessna 182H that crashed and burned last week, killing five people, was never filed, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Garden Island.

Leona Perez, Kauai Independent Food Bank’s programs manager, said school hasn’t been out for a week and they’ve already seen an increase in the number of families coming in for emergency food. Garden Island.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Marines still hold hope for survivors following collision of helicopters carrying 12; Hillary Clinton, Duke Aiona, Thirty Meter Telescope, Honolulu rail tops in polls; Maui mulls private electric utility; Kauai recycling challenged, Banyan Drive redevelopment plans; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Window washers at Hawaii Convention Center © 2016 All Hawaii News
Over the past two decades taxpayers have paid about $450 million toward the cost of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, but lawmakers were told last week the Hawaii Tourism Authority still owes almost as much for the center as when the state first started paying for it in 1995. Star-Advertiser.

The search continues for 12 missing marines after two military helicopters crashed late Thursday off O‘ahu’s north shore. Coast Guard Captain Jim Jenkins said there are no plans to call off the mission and still believes there’s hope for survivors. Hawaii Public Radio.

The search for 12 Marines who were on board two helicopters that collided off Oahu's North Shore has entered its fourth day on Monday, with rescuers scouring a widening search area in hopes of finding survivors.  Hawaii News Now.

The ongoing search for 12 Marines who are missing after two helicopters crashed off Hawaii entered the third day with no plans Sunday to call off or suspend the massive effort, the Coast Guard said. Associated Press.

Federal, state, and county officials are searching for a third day today for 12 Marines who are missing after the two helicopters they were in crashed off Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Far beyond Hawaii's shores, family and friends of the Marines refuse to give up hope. KITV4.

======================

Creating more affordable housing, helping the homeless and seeking greater fiscal accountability top the Legislature’s 2016 agenda.  On Friday, House and Senate leaders provided more details of their agenda this session. Civil Beat.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is clearly the most popular candidate for president among Hawaii voters early in the 2016 election season, with 35 percent of those surveyed saying they would cast their ballot for her if the election were held today, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A substantial majority of Hawaii residents supports the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, while a plurality opposes a convention that aims to form a Native Hawaiian government. But it’s a different story for Native Hawaiians, most of whom oppose the telescope while a narrow majority supports the Na‘i Aupuni convention, or aha. Star-Advertiser.

A state legislator is taking issue with comments made at a legislative hearing Wednesday by a top state land department official that implied the agency’s law enforcement officers need semi-automatic weapons to guard against fishermen from the Philippines and Indonesia working in local waters who may be Muslim. Civil Beat.

Opposition to NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries is growing among Hawaii residents, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

More people are working in Hawaii than ever before, and the additional income being generated is keeping card machines whirling. Star-Advertiser.

The final quarter of 2015 was the 24th consecutive quarter of growth in credit and debit sale transactions in Hawaii, meaning sales in the state were up 7 percent for the year, according to First Hawaiian Bank’s Business Activity Report. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Bishop Museum is selling off land. HC&S is ending sugar operations. The University of Hawaii is shelving plans for a building in Sen. Dan Inouye’s honor. More stark reminders of what Hawaii is like without Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Hawaii Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona insists he has not made up his mind about running for Honolulu mayor, but the latest Hawaii Poll may give him encouragement. Aiona, who on Friday acknowledged that he is considering a run, came out on top in a three-way poll question asking registered voters whom they’d select as mayor if the election were to occur today, beating out incumbent Kirk Caldwell and the second-most powerful person at Honolulu Hale, City Council Chairman Ernie Martin. Star-Advertiser.

With nearly 300 concrete columns planted firmly in the ground from East Kapolei through Central Oahu and nearly six miles of guideway built on top of them, most Oahu residents now say they think rail construction should proceed, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to leave tonight to attend the United States Conference of Mayors annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C. and to meet with federal officials on homelessness and the Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu voters might have the chance to enact meaningful police reform when they cast their ballots this November. On Friday, the Honolulu Charter Commission was supposed to make decisions on several measures that would toughen up police oversight in the city. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Candidates can start pulling papers for this year’s election in just two weeks, but who plans to run for the county’s most important seat is still a big question mark. West Hawaii Today.

A few thousand dollars here, a few thousand there. Pretty soon it starts to add up. In the case of a special County Council fund for contingencies, it adds up to $900,000. Each council member at the beginning of the fiscal year received $100,000. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Planning Director Duane Kanuha announced the state and local governments have entered into a cooperative agreement that will enact a Banyan Drive redevelopment agency, similar to the Hawaii Redevelopment Agency that helped Hilo recover following the 1960 tsunami. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is looking to take the wheel on revitalizing Hilo’s beleaguered Banyan Drive with a new planning agency that could largely take over the state’s role in overseeing leases and development on the Waiakea Peninsula. Tribune-Herald.

Access to Waipio Valley could remain restricted for 8-12 weeks even after no new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in the area, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense officials. Tribune-Herald.

A state-funded project to upgrade the Big Island’s largest port facility has reached its final phase. On Friday morning, state Department of Transportation officials and lawmakers broke ground on the interisland cargo terminal of Hilo Harbor’s Pier 4 project. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii state Office of Aerospace Development is anticipating that environmental assessment for Kona International Airport will be completed in the coming weeks. Pacific Business News.

Torrential summer rains knocked out construction work for several weeks, and the discovery of shabby fill material on Highway 11 sent a 500-foot retaining wall back to the drawing board to the tune of $900,000. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Homelessness, energy, public school infrastructure needs - such as cooling hot classrooms - the economy, health care issues, penal reform and perhaps even a statewide lottery are among top issues expected to confront Maui County's state lawmakers in this year's lawmaking session that kicks off Wednesday. Maui News.

An independent operator should run Maui County’s power utility — not Hawaiian Electric, according to a study of utility ownership models released on January 15. Civil Beat.

A consultant hired by the administration of Mayor Alan Arakawa recommended that Maui County seek a new private entity to oversee Maui's electric grid while leaving power generation and transmission in the hands of Maui Electric Co. Maui News.

The owner of a plantation on Maui who is looking to turn the property into a development with small businesses and more than 1,400 homes expects for the project's environmental impact statement to be submitted for review this week. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of Waikapu Country Town, a development of more than 1,000 homes and acres of farmland surrounding the Maui Tropical Plantation, expects to submit the project's draft environmental impact statement to the state Land Use Commission this week. Maui News.

With approval for the site plan in hand and many procedural hurdles already cleared, the physical work on West Maui's long-awaited hospital is soon to begin. Maui News.

Kauai

Citing rising costs and inadequate funding, Reynolds Recycling is making cuts around the island. Garden Island.

The seawall fronting the Pono Kai Resort in Kapaa has been dedicated — below budget and ahead of schedule. Garden Island.

Incoming ninth-graders and their parents got a surprise recently when they learned advanced classes will not be offered at Kapaa High School next year. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Gov. Ige pushes projects in proposed $13.7B budget, state borrows $150M but doesn't fund solar, Aiona could run for Honolulu mayor, Maui charter amendment would erode mayor's power, Obama relaxes on golf course, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

screen shot from news conference
Finance Director Wesley Machida, left, and Gov. David Ige
Gov. David Ige on Monday unveiled his proposed $13.7 billion state budget for next year along with a construction budget that would push $1.8 billion in new building projects out into the already busy Hawaii economy. Star-Advertiser.

Christmas came early for many — but not for all — when Gov. David Ige announced his $13 billion supplemental budget Monday. It includes $160 million to rebuild the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, $179 million for improvements to airports in Kona and Honolulu and $161 million for affordable housing. Civil Beat.

Hawaii must rebuild programs that were truncated during the Great Recession, Governor Ige said in his executive supplemental budget, which proposes a 230 percent increase in the capital improvements budget for fiscal year 2017. The governor proposed $1.8 million in additional funding for capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2017 in the supplemental budget presented on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has proposed a state budget that would increase spending over the next two years. Ige wants the state to spend $30.7 billion through 2017, according to the plan he submitted to the Legislature Monday. Associated Press.

Calling education one of his highest priorities, Gov. David Ige has included an extra $250 million for operations and capital projects at Hawaii public schools and the University of Hawaii in his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Governor David Ige is targeting the Hawaii State Hospital and affordable housing in his supplemental budget through 2017. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige is looking to inject about $140 million into programs that assist the homeless, clear growing homeless encampments from state lands, upgrade dilapidated public housing and step up construction of affordable housing in light of the state’s ongoing homeless and housing crises. Star-Advertiser.

A new state program borrowed $150 million last year to loan to low-income people and organizations for solar power upgrades, but has yet to loan any of that money out, nearly three years after state lawmakers approved the program. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 100 delegates have committed to attending the Native Hawaiian self-determination convention planned for February, the nonprofit sponsoring the event said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama returned to his favorite vacation pastime Monday, spending the day on the golf course. Obama played at Mid Pacific Country Club after his routine morning workout and a short break at the house in Kailua where he and his family are staying. Star-Advertiser.

Why You Can’t Understand Obama Until You Understand Hawaii. HuffPost Hawaii.

Oahu

There’s speculation that Duke Aiona will run for mayor of Honolulu next year, and the Republican candidate for governor in the last two elections said Monday he would neither “confirm nor deny” the possibility. Civil Beat.

The city’s 65 temporary, full-time groundskeeper and supervisor job openings netted nearly 300 applicants at a special job fair held Monday — and more are expected today on the second day of the event at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s maintenance crew is going back to Kakaako on Tuesday to enforce the stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances. Civil Beat.

The city is holding a public hearing next month on a proposal to serve alcoholic beverages at Queen’s Beach, which is considered part of Kapiolani Park proper. KHON2.

Some Oahu residents say a new law meant to tax offshore real estate investors at a higher rate is hurting local homeowners and developers. Hawaii News Now.

A five-year extension of the 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge on Oahu is supposed to cover the growing shortfall for Honolulu’s $6.6 billion (and counting) rail project. Officials from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation say that the extension should raise from $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion for the project; they’re using $1.5 billion as the mid-range estimate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Gov. David Ige wants to see international commercial flights landing at Kona International Airport sooner rather than later, and he’s put $50 million into his supplemental budget to make it happen. West Hawaii Today.

After mulling running for seats closer to home, state Sen. Russell Ruderman says he will ask 2nd District residents for another four years as their representative at the state Capitol. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Medical Center continues to win new fans in its ongoing efforts to rebrand itself as a facility offering top-quality health care, despite continuing to lag behind state and national benchmarks on key metrics. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. But it’s not only the streets or the beaches that are getting crowded, it’s also the jail. Hawaii Public Radio.

Commentary: On Friday, Dec. 18, the Maui County Council referred a little-advertised charter amendment to committee for discussion. Transmitted by Councilmember Riki Hokama, the amendment–submitted as a special committee continues to examine a possible county manager form of government that would strip the mayor’s office of most, if not all of its powers–would “require Council approval of the Mayor’s appointment of department directors.” MauiTime.

Officials are working to get a $6 million project to expand Maui's only cemetery for veterans back on track before burial space runs out. Associated Press.

A Maui Bus passes a spot on South Kihei Road where beach erosion is close to undermining the roadway earlier this month. Maui News.

Kauai

It’s not shoplift with a cop. An armed Kekaha man who tried to leave Kmart without paying for items during the Shop with a Cop program was promptly arrested. Garden Island.