Sex trafficking targeted in Hawaii Legislature, Japan prime minister may visit Pearl Harbor, Snowden plans live video at ACLU conference, GMO faces legislative stalemate, UH seeks $75M more, geothermal plant fined for hiding emissions, commission nixes Molokai affordable housing plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pearl Harbor © 2015 All Hawaii News

The government of Japan sought to tamp down a report by one of its major newspapers that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering visiting Pearl Harbor in the spring, 70 years after the war in the Pacific waged by Japan against Allied forces drew to a close. Star-Advertiser.

People who benefit from the illegal sex trade are expected to be the target of new laws this legislative session, including a measure that would get tough on those who solicit prostitutes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii: sex trafficking hub of the Pacific. Prostitution is a major industry in Hawaii, but with no sex trafficking laws on the books, the victims involved in the industry have no protection and no easy way out. Hawaii Independent.

Lawmakers blasted the University of Hawaii for lax oversight of the struggling Cancer Center, which officials have cautioned will run out of money in two years, in a wide-ranging budget hearing Thursday at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

For some universities, even some the size of University of Hawaii, licensing revenue generates anywhere from millions of dollars to more than $100 million a year. By comparison, nine University of Hawaii patents were issued last year, generating royalty revenue of about $145,000. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawai’i presented its two-year budget request, asking for a $75M hike, to a joint legislative finance committee today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health Department Flaunts Law Calling for Online Access to Care Home Reports. Hawaii's program remains far from implementation despite an 18-month lead time to meet the Jan. 1 deadline to make inspection reports available online. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Obamacare exchange, Hawaii Health Connector, has been under fire for being the most costly in the nation, and a new report from the Hawaii Commerce and Consumer Affairs Department shows the Connector won’t be fiscally sustainable until 2022. Hawaii Reporter.

The strong positions that Senate Agriculture Chairman Russell Ruderman and House Agriculture Chairman Clift Tsuji have taken on each side of GMO laws almost guarantee a stalemate on issues such as state preemption of county farming regulations, counties’ home-rule rights and just about anything dealing with GMO limits or labeling when the state Legislature convenes for its regular session Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers will soon be getting an update about how utilities are dealing with solar connectivity issues. The briefing will be held at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Bills in the Legislature would make it easier for tourist crime victims to testify. KHON2.

Officials representing the state’s four counties say they will come together to push for five separate bills when the state Legislature convenes next week. Garden Island.

Sam Slom, the Senate’s lone Republican, and minority staff have unveiled their priorities for the 2015 legislative session, which convenes Jan. 21. Civil Beat.

The U.S. government is considering extending to Native Hawaiians the same type of tribal recognition that many American Indian tribes have had for generations, potentially giving special status to more than 200 programs and securing lots of federal money, including nearly $14 million for health care, $32 million for education and $10 million for housing. The issue has reawakened distrust between moderates who generally support the idea and absolutists who want to see the kingdom rebuilt, even if it means chasing an all-but-unattainable goal — dissolving the state of Hawaii. Associated Press.

Edward Snowden, who publicized documents revealing U.S. government surveillance on a massive scale, will appear live via video link from Moscow at a forum in Honolulu on Feb. 14. Star-Advertiser.

Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower on the run, will be speaking at ACLU Hawaii’s First Amendment Conference live via a video link from Moscow, Russia next month. Civil Beat.

The nonprofit raising money for President Barack Obama’s future library has picked up the pace of its fundraising, with up to $4.4 million rolling in during the final months of 2014, records released Thursday show. Associated Press.

The flu season has hit Hawaii suddenly with hospitals reporting a surge in patients. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rental fees and other revenues collected at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park should go directly into a dedicated fund that would pay for improvements, the popular complex's advocates say. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Police Department hiring new dispatchers to take 911 calls. Star-Advertiser.

A study that was just released points out a list of problems with the Makaha's drainage system. One of those is the Makaha stream. When it's not kept clean, it gets clogged and the backed up water overflows into the community. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health on Thursday fined Puna Geothermal Venture $23,700 for violations related to the release of poisonous gas amid Tropical Storm Iselle in August. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health has fined the Puna Geothermal Venture in Pohoiki on the Big Island $23,700 for emission and notification violations related to the release of hydrogen sulfide during Tropical Storm Iselle in August. Star-Advertiser.

With only days to go before the 2015 legislative session, three of West Hawaii’s state lawmakers discussed how they plan to champion West Hawaii priorities and those benefiting the island in general. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighters were battling two brush fires Thursday near Pahoa sparked by lava that had burned a combined 350 acres by the evening. The lava flow sparked both blazes, which were aided by strong winds and dry conditions. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Recognizing that its customers have been "enduring a high bill environment," Maui Electric Co. is forgoing the opportunity to seek an increase in base rates this year, meaning no change to those rates "at this time," according to a Dec. 30 filing with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai's scenic beauty as a popular backdrop among Hollywood producers is fueling a move to build a creative technology hub for filmmakers as well as the community. Star-Advertiser.

The County of Kauai is moving forward with plans to allow Kauai beekeepers to have their hives tested for the presence of pesticides and other threats, including the varroa mite and small hive beetle. Garden Island.


Molokai

The Molokai Planning Commission voted against a community plan amendment and zoning change Wednesday that would have allowed a 16-unit affordable housing project in Kaunakakai to move forward. Maui News.

APEC brings leaders, protests, traffic jams, Legislature eyes drug shortages, state to release Brazilian bug against invasive guava, Maui golf course for sale, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abel Lui claims Kawa Bay property (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County has finalized the purchase of a 550-acre Kawa Bay parcel occupied by a Native Hawaiian group that claims ownership to it. West Hawaii Today.

Drug shortages across the country are leaving people with cancer and other diseases without the medications they need, sometimes midtreatment, state Sen. Josh Green says. West Hawaii Today.

The U-S Food and Drug Administration cites a shortage of 200 drugs nationwide in 2011. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Agriculture gave itself permission this week to release a Brazilian insect as a biocontrol measure for strawberry guava. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s attorney general joined 45 other attorneys general across the nation to ask Village Voice Media to stop publishing classified advertisements that promote child trafficking and sex trafficking on BackPage.com back in August. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii had the nation's 20th-worst mortgage delinquency rate in the third quarter as 5 percent of the state's homeowners missed two or more payments during the period. Star-Advertiser.

APEC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returns to Hawaii with the message that with reductions in forces and commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. is at a "pivot point" at which it can and will refocus on Asia and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Yoshihiko Noda, the prime minister of Japan, has been expected to announce this week that Japan will join a round of trade talks called TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it's no longer absolutely certain. Hawaii News Now.

The meeting here of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum seems to have generated barely muffled yawns in capitals in Asia and the Americas. Civil Beat.

The Secret Service said Tuesday it will use Twitter to disseminate information to the public and media for the first time during this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Honolulu. Associated Press.

The US Secret Service on Tuesday showed off the capabilities of the Multi-Agency Communications Center, or MACC, which will play a crucial role in security operations at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

With so many high level government officials here, security is understandably tight and secretive. KHON2.

Sen. Daniel Inouye urged supporters to see APEC as “Hawaii’s time to shine,” in an email sent Tuesday night.Civil Beat.

A maddening morning commute, a peaceful protest and several midlevel meetings ushered in the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Tuesday, kicking off the largest international event Hawaii has ever hosted. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 70 people marched in Honolulu late Tuesday to honor an Oahu man who authorities say was fatally shot by a federal agent in town for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. Associated Press.

The $250,000 bail posted by the mainland federal agent accused of fatally shooting a Kailua man has raised questions about whether the agent received special treatment because of his position, allowing him to be released about 48 hours after his arrest. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of Oahu residents gathered this afternoon at Old Stadium Park for a protest march and vigil in the wake of the shooting death of 23-year-old Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant this past weekend. Hawaii Independent.

The federal agency that employs slaying suspect Christopher Deedy has been plagued with management problems, staffing shortages and a lack of training facilities, according to a recent federal audit. KITV4.

State transportation officials are closing Ala Moana Blvd. between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for two nights while crews install security barriers in Waikiki. KITV4.

Oahu

Nineteen people were charged with misdemeanor trespassing Tuesday after refusing to leave the grounds of a historical Honolulu palace that was once home to Hawaiian royalty, authorities said. Associated Press.

Thomas Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will address Hawaii’s business community regarding the urgency of expanding trade and travel to create jobs locally and nationally. Pacific Business News

Two possible bomb threats recently reported on Oahu have had very different outcomes. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The U.S. Army's plan to modernize Pohakuloa Training Area received a public reception Tuesday night that was every bit as cool as Hilo's recent weather. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Agriculture has selected a site on the Big Island for an initial release of the tiny insect Tectococcus ovatus to help control the growth of strawberry guava. Garden Island.

A lightning strike at a geothermal well in Pahoa today temporarily shut down operations and caused a miniscule release of hydrogen sulfide, Hawaii Island firefighters said. Star-Advertiser.

A second radiation leak has been discovered at the Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Lani Partners is offering its 172-acre golf course for sale, fee simple, to investors. Maui News.

Residents on Kameeui Place and those at Maui Honokowai Plantation Inn & Apartments will not have water service Wednesday night though Thursday morning as crews will be working on a water main in the area. Maui News.

Kauai
When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

The county Department of Public Works has scheduled two community meetings next month to gather input on design alternatives that would improve the Kapahi, Opaeka‘a and Pu‘uopae bridges. Garden Island.

Children's deaths lower Hawaii Kids Count status

The well-being of Hawaii's children declined in 2006 and 2007 due to a big jump in child and teen death rates, according to the new Kids Count study.

Hawai'i slipped five spots from last year — to 18th in the nation — in a state-by-state ranking based on key child well-being indicators, according to the annual Kids Count Data Book released yesterday

Hawaii children rank in the top 10 in the U.S. in some key indicators of health and well being, according to the latest "Kids Count" survey by The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Hawaii's child and teen death rate continues to worsen, even as national rates in those areas improve, according to a national survey released this week.

A new bill signed into law this month by Gov. Linda Lingle has some frequent Las Vegas visitors and local CPAs scratching their heads.

Japan arrivals plummet. Visitors in June from the state's core foreign market were at their lowest since May 2003

UH officials take pay cuts

The San Francisco-based developers of Maui's Downtown Kihei, a 320,000-square-foot, mixed-use project, want to build a new town center for South Maui, with wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, an open area for community events and outdoor seating for restaurants.

Exactly two years after declaring the Big Island macadamia nut industry faced "desperate times," one large grower is making a six-figure investment to aid farmers and create jobs.

For the second time in two meetings, the Kauai County Planning Commission consented to the issuance of non-conforming use certificates to previously denied transient vacation rental applications, giving what critics called a “blanket approval” to 17 properties without reviewing each individual appeal

Japan's emperor visits Big Island and other news

It was over almost before it began. But even after standing in a reception line for about an hour Thursday, most of the 130 or so who caught a glimpse of the emperor and empress of Japan said it was well worth the wait.

Japan's royal couple watched Hawai'i-style cattle roping yesterday before returning to their homeland after a two-week tour of Canada and Hawai'i.

With the imperial couple of Japan looking on, 10 paniolo on horseback set about to demonstrate calf roping yesterday on the dry, open pastureland of sprawling Parker Ranch.

With labor talks between the state and the public worker unions still stalled, Gov. Linda Lingle put some pressure on the unions yesterday by announcing that her Cabinet would be taking a pay cut equal to two furlough days a month through two years.

Gov. Linda Lingle, seeking leverage with public-sector labor unions, said yesterday that she and her Cabinet would take two furlough days a month starting in August to help with the state's budget deficit.

This year marked the second year of dramatic increases in the number of schools failing to meet the federal goals, known as "adequate yearly progress." Only 34 percent of schools — or 97 campuses — made AYP this year compared with 42 percent a year ago.

Public school students performed better on the Hawaii State Assessment again this year, moving up another few percentage points in reading and math, but it was not enough to meet the requirements of federal law.

The state Board of Education last night voted unanimously to defer a decision on the proposed closure of five Hawai'i libraries to allow State Librarian Richard Burns and his staff time to propose a budget-reduction plan that would not include library closures.

A judge Wednesday afternoon denied a motion for an injunction to prevent developers from conducting construction activities within 50 feet of historic Hapa Trail.