Mauna Loa volcano alert level raised, illegal firearm seizures soar, Ige signs prostitution protection bill, Kealoha lawyer quits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hiking Mauna Loa ©2019 All Hawaii News

Federal officials raised the alert level Tuesday for the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa on the Big Island, which last erupted in 1984. After Kilauea erupted last year, another Big Island volcano is experiencing 50 to 75 eruptions a week. Associated Press.

No cause for alarm despite Mauna Loa’s heightened alert level. Several months of small earthquakes and signs of magma movement underground at Mauna Loa prompted scientists Tuesday to raise the alert level by a notch for the massive volcano. Star-Advertiser.

HVO raises Mauna Loa alert level to “advisory”. Today’s increase in the Mauna Loa alert level — from “normal” to “advisory” — came just over one year after it was downgraded from advisory to normal in June 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Volcano Alert Level Raised To YELLOW ADVISORY. The United States Geological Survey has raised the alert level for Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. Big Island Video News.

Alert level increased to ‘advisory’ for Mauna Loa. Scientists have raised the alert level for Mauna Loa from normal to advisory. KHON2.

=====

Seizures of illegal firearms soar in Hawaii, feds say. U.S. law enforcement authorities Tuesday voiced concern about the dramatic increase in illegal firearms seized in Hawaii and the growing use of devices that can convert ordinary handguns into machine gun-like weapons. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities raise alarm about illegal use of gun conversion device in Hawaii. Federal officials are trying to crack down on criminals in Hawaii using a device that turns a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon. Hawaii News Now.

Local Police and federal agents work to stop the use of illegal guns in Hawaii. The Project Safe Neighborhood brings all levels of law enforcement together for one goal. KHON2.

=====

Hawaii becomes first state with protections for those convicted of prostitution. Hawaii’s laws against sex trafficking victims eased slightly with the signing of SB1039 Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Signs First-In-Nation Law On Clearing Prostitution Convictions. The bill removes a requirement that a person be a victim of sex trafficking to have a prostitution conviction erased. Associated Press.

=====

Hawaii lawmakers, others urge passage of asset forfeiture bill. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna said Tuesday civil asset forfeiture reform legislation she sponsored is in response to “innocent people whose property was seized because of legalized theft by the government.” Tribune-Herald.

Debates Over, But Gabbard’s Poll Numbers Still Dismal. Sens. Harris and Warren, meanwhile, see big gains while Biden’s popularity drops. Civil Beat.

HPD launches murder investigation into a deadly shooting of an OCCC inmate. The Honolulu Police Department is now conducting a murder investigation into the shooting death of an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate in March. It’s the second murder investigation involving a shooting by a Department of Public Safety officer. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealoha attorney withdraws, citing ‘irretrievable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship’. Katherine Kealoha’s court-appointed attorney today asked to be removed from defending Kealoha, citing “an irretrievable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, which cannot be reconciled.” Star-Advertiser.

Attorney Cites Ethical Concerns In Motion To Drop Katherine Kealoha As Client. Cynthia Kagiwada says she no longer wants to represent the former city prosecutor, who was convicted and incarcerated last week but faces additional charges. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney cites ethical issue in request to withdraw as counsel.  Citing an “irretrievable breakdown” in their relationship, and a state rule of professional conduct, court-appointed defense attorney Cynthia Kagiwada is seeking to withdraw as Katherine Kealoha’s counsel. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney has filed to withdraw as her counsel. KHON2.

Louis Kealoha likely to find it hard to visit wife in prison. Convicted former Police Chief Louis Kealoha likely will find it difficult to visit his wife in federal prison, where former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha is awaiting sentencing after the couple and two Honolulu Police Department officers were found guilty last week on corruption and obstruction charges. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s Safe House For Abuse Victims To Close As Questions Swirl. The City Council cut funding for the facility, a favored project of the Honolulu prosecutor, and now it faces allegations of civil rights abuses from residents. Civil Beat.

=====

Honolulu Watches As California Cities Challenge Utility, Push Renewable Electricity. Both Hawaii and California share a goal of generating 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, and the success of some California cities in meeting that goal ahead of schedule via CCA has generated some interest in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bulky item mountains line the streets, but city still calls appointment-based system a ‘success’. From a littered landscape in Liliha to piles of bulky trash in Kalihi, residents are crying foul over the city’s one-month-old appointment-based bulky pickup pilot from Foster Village to East Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Barriers added to protect King Kamehameha III’s Nuuanu summer palace. In Nuuanu, the state has made a few changes to protect King Kamehameha III summer palace after several acts of vandalism in recent years. KHON2.

No trespassing at Kamehameha summer palace. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is adding barriers around Kaniakapupu Ruins, also known as King Kamehameha's Summer Palace. The 175-years-old ruins have been trespassed and vandalized multiple times in recent years. KITV.

Safety upgrades planned for Manoa Falls Trail. For nearly two decades the Honolulu Fire Department has identified the upper portion of the Manoa Falls Trail as a hotbed for hiker injury. Star-Advertiser.

Group rallies to reopen well-known Haiku Stairs. It’s now or never, according to Friends of Haiku Stairs, a nonprofit that has been advocating for years to save the Stairway to Heaven. Star-Advertiser.

City seeks public comment regarding fate of Haiku Stairs. A decision over what to do with one of Hawaii's most well-known trails is just a few steps away. KITV.

Hawaii Island

UH-Hilo welcomes new chancellor. With drums, dance, laughs and lei, dozens gathered Tuesday morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo for kipaepae ceremonies to celebrate the arrival of new Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and bid farewell to Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai. Tribune-Herald.

Ceremony Honors Incoming, Outgoing UH-Hilo Chancellors. A traditional Native Hawaiian appointment ceremony was held for Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin, whose first day on the job was July 1, 2019. Big Island Video News.

Sayres donate firetruck – gifting ceremony Saturday in Waimea. Over the years, the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation has donated ATVs, lifeguard PA systems, jaws of life, Billy Pugh nets and all kinds of other life-saving equipment. Now it’s donating a firetruck. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Budget director: Maui County is able to pay bills. Crew worked over weekend; council budget reports still under review. Maui News.

Rapid Ohia Death Confirmed in Single Tree on Maui. Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive strain of the fungal disease called Rapid Ohia Death was recently detected in a single tree on private property in East Maui, according to new information released today by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Fungus responsible for killing ohia trees spreads to Maui in first confirmed case. Rapid Ohia Death fungus is spreading — and according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, it’s now on the Valley Isle. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

King tides bring new sand. The King tides are supposed to peak July 2 and 3, but the effects were already being felt days prior at the Salt Pond Beach Park. Garden Island.

State seeks Airbnb records, nation's mayors visit Honolulu homeless, health department visiting Kauai homes, Molokai battles over water rights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides UH sea college grant program July 2017

It’s that time of year again. Another round of king tides will return to Hawaii shores this week. Scientists said the king tides will arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday — and they’re expected to peak between 3 to 5 p.m. both days. Hawaii News Now.

State again seeks to subpoena Airbnb records. The state Department of Taxation is again asking a judge for permission to force vacation rental giant Airbnb Inc. to turn over the booking records of operators in Hawaii who advertise with them. Star-Advertiser.

Bipartisan policy at 87th Conference of Mayors. Honolulu's Democratic Mayor Kirk Caldwell drew inspiration from Miami's Republican Mayor Francis Suarez's strategy for dealing with rising sea levels. KITV.

Mayors from across the nation take a peek at how the city is working to solve homelessness. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was joined by other mayors from across the country Monday in examining a solution to homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Experts warn of worsening fire conditions in Hawaii. Because of climate change, Hawaii’s wildfire season, previously confined to the summer months, is now year-round — which means the islands likely will see more wildfires. Tribune-Herald.

What Will It Take To Make Hawaii A Player In eSports? Cities around the world are holding eSports tournaments, hoping to attract younger visitors and become major destinations for the industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Deputy Investigated For Murder In Capitol Shooting. Delmar Espejo, 28, died of a gunshot wound to the back, an autopsy report said. Associated Press.

Oahu

Taxpayers Shouldn’t Expect Louis Kealoha To Pay Them Back Anytime Soon. The Honolulu Police Commission gave the former chief a retirement payment of $250,000 after he was named as the target of a federal criminal investigation. Civil Beat.

After guilty verdict, state moves to prevent Katherine Kealoha from practicing law.  Katherine Kealoha is behind bars after being found guilty in one of the state’s biggest public corruption cases. But technically, she could still practice law. Hawaii News Now.

Disciplinary counsel files to block Kealoha’s law license. KHON2.

Attorney says Katherine Kealoha needs surgery. Attorney Earle Partington visited Katherine Kealoha the day after she was placed in custody. KHON2.

=====

A place with 'so much local charm’ is razed to make way for a luxury tower in Waikiki. What was once a gathering place for many local families will now become a 32-story luxury tower. Those familiar with the area are used to seeing an iconic shopping center called King’s Village. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Pali repair work is extended 3 months. Emergency repair work on Pali Highway following February’s rockslides will continue three months longer than originally anticipated, until the end of November, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

DOT Gives Update On Pali Highway Repairs With Completion Pushed To November. Civil Beat.

Pali Highway repairs to continue until November. Repairs to the Pali Highway will continue through November. Crews will continue repairs along the busy highway 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. KITV.

=====

Proposed Housing Development Gets A Rough Reception In Kaneohe. Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, who represents the area, was harshly criticized for initially supporting the eight-home project. Civil Beat.

Board of Water Supply to increase the price of water based on meter size. Over the next five years customers will see gradual changes reflected on their bills. KITV.

Officials discourage floating, drinking on July 4. What has become the notorious July Fourth “Floatilla” off Waikiki has prompted early warnings from local officials hoping to discourage a large turnout and drinking in the water as a way to celebrate. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu radio acquisition creates statewide network for Pacific Media Group. Chuck Bergson, president, CEO and majority owner of Pacific Media Group, said the acquisitions cap what has been a 20-year vision for the company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Safer days at Kua Bay: Lifeguards begin manning popular North Kona beach. Lifeguards are now patrolling the water at the popular, yet perilous Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani Estates Community Association exploring ways to curb tourist access to subdivision. Almost a year after the end of liquid lava in lower Puna, Leilani Estates continues to wrestle with packs of tourists attracted to the vestiges of last year’s Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Council resolution seeks Bank of America cooperation on DHHL loans. A decades-old dispute over $150 million in home loans for Native Hawaiians has captured the attention of two Hawaii County councilwomen, who have sponsored a nonbinding resolution supporting Gov. David Ige’s attempts to bring Bank of America back to the bargaining table. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sugimura Proposes Investigative Review of Water Resources for Upcountry Maui. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura is requesting an exploration of options relating to East Maui water resources to ensure reliable water delivery for some 37,000 Upcountry water users. Maui Now.


State seeks input on plan for disadvantaged business enterprises. Maui meeting set for July 10. Maui News.


Kauai

DOH taking survey of residents readiness. The Kauai District Health Office of the Hawaii Department of Health will be conducting a door-to-door survey of Kauai residents from July 11 to 13 to assess their readiness for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods and other disasters. Garden Island.

Prosecutors try to seize $140,000. The Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is asking for court approval to seize roughly $140,000 in cash that police allegedly confiscated during a drug raid in Koloa two years ago. Garden Island.

King tides are here. King tides have returned, triggering flooding at Nawiliwili on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Molokai

Activists demand water diverted for Molokai Ranch be restored. Molokai Ranch has been diverting water for nearly 100 years from central Molokai to its land on the west side of the island. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha power couple found guilty in conspiracy trial, new law blocks firearms for emotionally unstable, tourism up but spending down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha, from Facebook

Kealohas are found guilty on all counts of conspiracy and obstruction. Honolulu’s former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, once trusted leaders of the city’s law enforcement system, were found guilty Thursday of using their positions and power to frame a family member and enrich themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas, 2 Honolulu officers found guilty of conspiracy in massive public corruption trial. After deliberating for less than nine hours, a jury of seven men and five women found former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha guilty Thursday of conspiracy and other counts in one of Hawaii’s most closely-watched public corruption trials. Hawaii News Now.

Jury Convicts Kealohas And 2 HPD Officers Of Conspiracy. Honolulu’s former police chief and his prosecutor wife, along with two police officers, were found guilty Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

Verdict In: Louis and Katherine Kealoha Guilty In Corruption Case. A jury has found a former Honolulu prosecutor and her now-retired police chief husband guilty in a plot to frame a relative to silence him from revealing fraud that financed their lavish lifestyle, a case that shook the top levels of law enforcement. Associated Press.

Jury finds Kealohas guilty of conspiracy in Kealoha Trial, KHON2.

Jury finds Katherine and Louis Kealoha guilty of conspiracy. A verdict has been reached in the Kealoha corruption trial. KITV.

Here’s why prosecutors want Katherine Kealoha behind bars as she awaits sentencing. In a strongly-worded brief Thursday, the government argued newly-convicted felon Katherine Kealoha should be placed in custody immediately as she awaits sentencing this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Reaction pours in after Kealoha guilty verdicts. Star-Advertiser.

Verdicts help restore faith in the system, many say. The quick guilty verdicts in one of the state’s largest public corruption trials brought a wide range of reaction Thursday, with some saying the case underscored the inability of local officials to police themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Legal troubles not over for Kealohas. Thursday’s verdict is not the end of the legal troubles for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. The couple faces two more trials. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Gov. David Ige has approved a new law that enables family members, co-workers or police to obtain court orders blocking access to firearms for people who show signs they could pose a danger to themselves or others. Star-Advertiser.

=====

State Auditor Dings DLNR’s Special Land Fund. Absence of long-range planning leaves staff without “expertise, resources, and options” to effectively manage portfolio. Civil Beat.

Audit: DLNR mismanaged state land. A division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources responsible for millions of acres of state-owned property is being run without coherent policies or guidelines by a staff that is incompetent to the point that it misunderstands its own funding, according to a report released Thursday by the Hawaii State Auditor. Garden Island.

Audit conducted of DLNR's Special Land Development Fund. The Hawaii State Auditor says, "absence of long-range planning has left the Land Division staff without the expertise, resources, and options to actively and effectively manage its land portfolio." KITV.

=====

More tourists visit Hawaii but they spend less. May marked the seventh month in a row that more visitors came to Hawaii than in the previous year while creating less economic benefit. Star-Advertiser.

Disappointing declines in visitor spending continue in May. The takeaway from May’s tourism numbers was a familiar one: Visitors came in droves but spent less on average. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii visitor statistics released for May 2019. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.39 billion in May 2019, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the same month last year, according HTA. KITV.

=====

Mayors at summit in Honolulu commit to electric vehicles. Dozens of mayors gathered in front of an electric bus at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus Thursday to announce a collaborative commitment to purchasing electric vehicles for their city fleets. Star-Advertiser.

Filling A ‘Massive’ Need To Provide Glasses For Hawaii’s Kids. The state law requiring regular hearing and vision screening has been ignored for nearly 25 years, leaving nonprofits to cover at least part of the gap. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kym Pine: ‘Strongly Considering’ Running For Mayor. The Honolulu City Councilwoman is reaching out for support and donations. Civil Beat.

Following a recent trip to Singapore, State Senator Stanley Chang remains committed to adapting the island nation’s public housing model for Hawaii. The idea, which would use state land along the planned Honolulu rail transit line, aims to build low-cost, high density, residential developments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ward Village developer Howard Hughes Corp. considers shake-up and sale. The Ward Village community in Kakaako could see a new master developer under a possible shake-up of Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

State to charge for street parking next to Kalihi school. People have been parking on a side street in Kalihi for a number of years. Now the state will be charging them for it. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission weighs pay hikes, other incentives to keep top officials. The county Salary Commission is considering bonuses as one way to attract quality candidates to head county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Will This Year’s Confrontation At Mauna Kea Become Hawaii’s Standing Rock? Protestors say they’ll remain nonviolent, but fear the state and county’s response to their planned activism. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Land Set Aside Draws DU, Land Title Concerns. A public hearing was held on a proposal to withdraw lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and set aside to the County of Hawaii and the DOT. Big Island Video News.

AC installation for dorm moves forward. The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s newest dormitory, Hale Alahonua, is closer to being cooler with the upcoming installation of an air conditioning system. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui traffic livestreamed. Real-time traffic cameras installed at 10 intersections. Maui drivers won’t have to guess about travel times on some state highways with new real-time traffic monitoring cameras going up at 10 state roadway intersections. Maui News.

Mayor prepares to release housing plan. Mayor Michael Victorino declared Wednesday that there’s a dire need for housing units in Maui County and that all options are open as his administration is poised to present its Strategic Housing Plan to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Shoreline access pact reached with Napili condos. Lawsuits claim trails not being maintained per permits. Community groups who sued three condominium complexes over beach access have reached a settlement with the final two condos that will restore a public access trail to the Napili shoreline. Maui News.

Settlement Reached to Restore Beach Access at Honokowai. Maui Now.

Kauai

A new deal. There is a new collective bargaining agreement for Kauai firefighters through 2021 as the Kauai County Council passed a bill that will usher in a new area for first responders with a 5-2 vote Wednesday during the council meeting at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Chaos at HNL after shooter scare, protesters block newly reopened Kuhio Highway, Hawaii loses NOAA research ship, Katherine Kealoha may testify, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

False reports of shooter at Honolulu airport lead to chaos, evacuation and delayed flights. The main terminal at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was shut down Tuesday after a malfunctioning laptop at a security checkpoint led to false reports of an active shooter, an evacuation of thousands of passengers, and the delay and cancellation of flights. Star-Advertiser.

Active Shooter Scare At Honolulu Airport Delays Flights. Flights were being delayed and hundreds of people were waiting to go through security screening at Honolulu's airport on Tuesday after an active shooter scare. Associated Press.

Chaos erupted at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu after a laptop in a carry-on overheated, causing smoke and popping sounds. KHON2.

No active shooter situation at HNL despite false reports, DOT confirms. Thousands of people are lined up at Terminal 2 and all flights have been delayed because everybody in the entire terminal needed to be re-screened. KITV.

Disgruntled travelers say HNL wasn’t prepared for a security scare. False reports of an active shooter at Honolulu’s airport triggered “pandemonium” Tuesday and then major delays after thousands of outbound passengers were evacuated out of Terminal 2 so they could be re-screened through security. Hawaii News Now.

Passengers caught up in airport delay say they want to see changes. KHON2.

=====

Loss Of NOAA’s Primary Honolulu Ship A Setback For Research. Stationed on Oahu since 2004, the Hiialakai played a key role in monitoring deep-sea wildlife and cleaning up fishing debris. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Kai Kahele uses profanity when describing congressional race with Tulsi Gabbard. State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is seeking Tulsi Gabbard’s congressional seat, told VICE News that Gabbard has a “f——— tiger on her tail, and she’s gonna be in trouble.” Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit puts blame on the state for high inmate suicide rate. A class action lawsuit alleges that the state isn’t doing enough to prevent prison suicides because of a lack of mental health services for inmates. Hawaii News Now.

UH Gets $8.4 Million Boost To Study Cancer In The Pacific. The National Cancer Institute raised its funding support of the UH Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No decision yet on whether Katherine Kealoha will testify. The question of whether Katherine Kealoha — the central figure in the ongoing public corruption and conspiracy trial — will testify on her own behalf was left unanswered after her lawyers called seven witnesses Tuesday to present her defense. Star-Advertiser.

As Katherine Kealoha’s Defense Unfolds, She Still Considers Testifying. Her attorneys called several witnesses Tuesday in an attempt to punch holes in the prosecution’s criminal conspiracy charges, but they faced tough cross-examination. Civil Beat.

Ex-Prosecutor Undecided About Testifying In Corruption Trial. Ex-Honolulu prosecutor, Katherine Kealoha, hasn't decided whether she will testify in her defense at a trial over allegations she and her police chief husband framed her uncle to keep him from revealing fraud that funded their lavish lifestyle. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Katherine Kealoha may testify in her defense. KHON2.

Fireworks in court when controversial figure in Kealoha mailbox trial takes the stand. Courtroom drama on day 14 of the Kealoha mailbox trial. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Rail authority must replace 15 canopy arms. The city will redesign and replace portions of 15 metal “canopy arms” that were erected at three rail stations after flaws were discovered in similar arms that were fabricated for the rail line, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HART Loses Its Last Original Board Member. Damien Kim, who helped oversee the project since HART was formed, asked not to be reappointed. Civil Beat.

Worry over the city council’s vacation rental rules spreads to other businesses. Owners of illegal vacation rentals were too afraid to speak out after the city council passed two bills that toughen regulations, but predict dire consequences to the economy. Hawaii News Now.

Palolo Valley Basin Might Be Cut From Ala Wai Flood Project. U.S. Army Corps officials say the move might avoid condemning four private parcels for the flood-control measures. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council excited about hydrogen. Three hydrogen buses will soon be part of the county Hele-On fleet, as the infrastructure comes together to create the fuel for a Mass Transit pilot program on both sides of the island. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust Puueo Development Vote Postponed By Council. The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on two bills that would pave the way for a development in Puueo, located between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary. Big Island Video News.

More than 100 come out for second community meeting on crime, chronic homelessness. A grassroots effort to put a spotlight on crime and chronic homelessness in Kailua Village is continuing to pick up steam, with a meeting on Monday drawing a crowd of an estimated 130-150 people to the Paina Room at Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill. West Hawaii Today.

2018 eruption dampens use of Pahoa Senior Center. Closed for about three months during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano in lower Puna, the Pahoa Senior Center has since reopened and continues to offer classes for kupuna in the community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge reverses permit approval for archaeological firm. A hui that advocates for the protection of ancient burials is set to get a contested case hearing before the state Historic Preservation Division after a judge reversed SHPD’s granting of a permit to a local archaeological firm. Maui News.

New Ruling In Maui Water Case Still Doesn’t Resolve Old Dispute. The state appellate court has asked a lower court to answer key questions. Civil Beat.

Historic Plaintiff Discusses Pesticide Impacts With Maui Policy Makers. A man noted as being the first plaintiff to win a lawsuit brought against Monsanto/Bayer, met with government land management agencies and policy-makers on Maui. Maui Now.

Kaiser: Queen’s referrals largely unaffected by contract dispute. Hawaii’s two large health care companies haggling over billing. Maui News.

Kauai

Protesters briefly block Kuhio Highway. Protesters blocked Kuhio Highway at Waipa early Tuesday morning before police arrived and reopened the road. Garden Island.

Kauai protesters block visitors from entering Kuhio Highway into Haena State Park. The fragile peace over the reopening of Kuhio Highway and better management of tourism was quickly shattered Tuesday by protesters who formed a human chain to temporarily block the gateway to Haena State Park and other popular community natural resources and popular attractions on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai protestors take matters into their own hands blocking visitor traffic through Kuhio Highway. Dozens of protestors prevented visitor traffic from accessing the re-opened stretch of Kuhio Highway accessing popular sites on Kauai's north shore. KITV.

Westside facing drought. The weather will continue to be hot and dry, perpetuating the current drought on the leeward side of Kauai, according to the National Weather Service. Garden Island.

Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

=====

After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

=====

Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

=====

City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

State, EPA agree on pesticide use, court approves Zuckerberg land sale, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother testifies, tourism industry opposes Honolulu tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai taro fields ©2019 All Hawaii News

HDOA, EPA reach resolution about impact of chemicals. Tuesday, Earthjustice announced an informal resolution agreement between the two agencies, one that forces the state Department of Agriculture to start implementing restricted-use pesticide reporting, annual public disclosure of the reports, maps that indicate buffer zones around schools and public notice of the prohibition of chlorpyrifos use. Garden Island.

State, EPA reach agreement on how to implement law aimed at regulating pesticide use. The Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with the state Department of Agriculture on how to implement Act 45, which was signed by the governor last year. Hawaii News Now.

=====

To help solve Hawaii’s housing crisis, some leaders are looking to Singapore. An affordable housing delegation from Hawaii -- made up of lawmakers, state and city housing officials, developers, architects, entrepreneurs, and community advocates -- traveled to Singapore last month to learn how the island nation overcame a major housing crisis and now touts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy. Wespac has for years resisted releasing information, fighting public records requests, lawsuits and even congressional inquiries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother gives tearful testimony. Florence M. Puana, a 99-year-old great-great-great-grandmother with an eighth-grade education, testified in a videotaped deposition aired Tuesday that she trusted her attorney/granddaughter, Katherine Kea­loha, to manage a reverse mortgage on Puana’s home only to discover that $23,976.69 of the money went to a lavish breakfast for then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha at the Sheraton Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

She Says She Was Betrayed By Her Granddaughter, Katherine Kealoha. Jurors watch the video testimony of Florence Puana, 99, in the public corruption trial of the Kealohas and three police officers. Civil Beat.

She said to trust her’: Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandma tells her story to jury. In an emotional, hours-long video deposition played for jurors Tuesday, Katherine Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandmother talked about how she trusted her granddaughter -- and how devastated she was to learn “she wasn’t the person I thought I knew.” Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Jurors watched video testimony of Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha's grandmother says that she 'didn't know' about a joint checking account. Florence Puana did not have a card, nor a checkbook for the bank account. KITV.

=====

Hawaii Tourism Industry Opposes Proposed Property Tax Increase, Say It's Paying For Rail. Members of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, opposing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to raise real property taxes for hotels and resorts, say they're being made to bear the burden of the $9 billion rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last ditch effort afoot to quash proposed property tax hike for hotels. Leaders from the hotel industry gathered on the lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Tuesday in a last ditch bid to block an increase in their property taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Leaks detected in deck of Honolulu rail line. The concrete deck of the elevated Honolulu rail line has cracks in a “handful” of areas that have been allowing rain to leak into the hollow interior of the structure, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's homeless: Dying on the streets. For many homeless residents, death is just part of life on the streets. KITV.

Project To Help Homeless Imperiled By Major Donor’s Bankruptcy. A local philanthropic organization formed to reduce homelessness may never get on its feet following a recent bankruptcy case involving its first major donor, a one-time violent criminal turned entrepreneur. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Raises for firefighters. With more than 30 black-shirted firefighters crowding into council chambers and watching them closely, three County Council members switched their votes Tuesday to give unanimous support to their raises. West Hawaii Today.

State wants case involving cop closed off. Prosecutors are looking to have a felony drug case thrown out at the request of the police chief because a key witness is a sworn police officer under internal investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Disaster bill packed with aid for Big Island, including funds for HVNP, HVO, farmers and more. The long-delayed $19.1 billion disaster relief bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday contains some “sorely needed” funds for Hawaii Island and other parts of the state struggling to recover from natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Carlos, Alexa PenaVega caught up in Maui’s vacation rental housing debate. Acting couple seeking short-term rental permit for Kihei home. Maui News.

A popular Maui beach is the subject of a turf war between paddlers, businesses. A county council committee considered a measure that would ban commercial activities at Lahaina’s Hanakao’o Beach Park, otherwise known as Canoe Beach. Hawaii News Now.

New invasive caterpillar threatens rare native plants on Maui. State officials are warning of a new, invasive insect destructive to mamaki plants – the Ramie caterpillar — which has been detected on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Construction down on Maui since rental car facility finished. Most still employed but no more large jobs in pipeline. Maui News.

Kauai

Land auction involving Facebook CEO gets court’s OK. A retired University of Hawaii professor Tuesday bid nearly $2.2 million to wrest 2 acres of land on Kauai from a few hundred family members in a forced court auction initiated partly by Facebook’s billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Star-Advertiser.

Andrade buys all four kuleana. Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor and partial heir to several small land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, outbid a group of his distant relatives during a court hearing on Tuesday, purchasing all four of the contested lots for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

Former Las Vegas Captain Adapts To New World As Kauai Police Chief. Todd Raybuck commanded one of nine patrol divisions packed into a single city. Civil Beat.

Active hurricane season predicted, Ige seeks to hire top officials, Kealoha trial begins, firefighter killed in crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iniki NOAA

Hawaii braces for another busy hurricane season. With El Nino conditions expected to persist into the fall, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the upcoming hurricane season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and the Central Pacific could experience more storms than normal during this year's hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted Wednesday there will be five to eight named tropical cyclones in the region from June 1 through Nov. 30. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forecasters warn of above-average 2019 hurricane season in Central Pacific. In a news conference Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said they are predicting five to eight tropical cyclones. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA forecast active hurricane season, 5-8 tropical cyclones. This number includes tropical depressions, named storms and hurricanes. A near-normal season has four to five tropical cyclones, and an above-normal season has six or more tropical cyclones. KITV.

Officials: Start preparing now for above-normal hurricane season. Forecasters and government officials on Wednesday urged Hawaii residents to prepare now to weather the effects of a tropical cyclone during hurricane season — which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Tribune-Herald.

El Nino Will Foster Above-Normal 2019 Hurricane Season, NOAA Predicts. Big Island Video News.

Predictions are for five to eight tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific for the 2019 hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Garden Island.

NOAA predicts an 'above normal' hurricane season. KHON2.

=====

State announces job openings with Ige administration. The Governor is seeking forward-thinking team players with a wide range of experiences and expertise. KITV.

UH Lab Gets $77M Contract For Defense Research. Core subjet areas for the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii Manoa include ocean science, astronomy, sensor development and renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kealohas On Trial: Conspiracy Or Just A ‘Conspiracy Theory’? Opening statements kicked off one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii history Wednesday, the first of what could be three trials facing the former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

In an hour-long opening statement Wednesday, a federal prosecutor sought to lay the foundation for the public corruption case against former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha, saying “this story neither begins or ends with a mailbox.” Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha trial begins. The first Honolulu trial in decades involving accusations of corruption by high-ranking public officials began Wednesday with retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha hoping to convince the jury they did not fake the theft of their mailbox as part of a family fight over money. Star-Advertiser.

The Kealoha trial starts today, get the latest updates here. KHON2.

Opening statements made in Kealoha corruption case, next comes the defense. KITV.

=====

HPU prepares for a big move, which could change the dynamic of Downtown. The state’s largest private university is creating a centralized campus, closer to its dorms at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

New lawsuit filed over deadly Marco Polo fire. Another lawsuit has been filed over the worst high-rise fire in Hawaii’s history. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe residents fighting a plan to develop homes near a flood-prone preservation area. The area of Kaneohe behind their homes has a large stream that neighbors say is prone to flooding. KITV.

Airport parking may reach capacity this summer. The Department of Transportation is urging those traveling during the summer to be dropped off at the airport rather than park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter Dies In Highway 190 Vehicle Crash. 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was killed following a three- vehicle collision on Wednesday on Highway 190. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police have identified the man killed in a crash on Highway 190 Wednesday morning. Police said 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was riding his motorcycle on Highway 190 when he was hit by an S.U.V. just after 6:30 a.m. south of the 14-mile marker. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Council adds golf course vouchers, whistle-blower hot-line, more to annual budget. The first round of County Council budget amendments brought treats for West Hawaii, more money for council members to spread around their districts, a whistle-blower program and a discussion about whether the county should spend every cent it collects. West Hawaii Today.

Whistle Blower Program Added To County Budget. During its budget discussion on Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council voted to dip into the fund balance from the previous year to pay for the independent program. Big Island Video News.

=====

DOH shuts down Genki Sushi in Kona due to roach infestation. Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant. West Hawaii Today.

Roach infestation results in temporary closure of Kona sushi restaurant. One customer reported a roach in their bento box. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s second-largest retail property owner, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., wrapped up a recent real estate buying binge with the resort shopping complex Queens’ MarketPlace. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lotteries were held for applicants of the Waiale Elua workforce housing subdivision. The 70 unit development is located on land north of the Waikapu Gardens subdivision in Central Maui and features three or four bedroom options. Maui Now.

General manager of Mahi Pono resigns. Larry Nixon came aboard in January; Darren Strand to serve as interim GM. Maui News.


Kauai

Taxable property value rises. In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, the Kauai County Council — missing members KipuKai Kuali’i, Arthur Brun and Felicia Cowden, who were excused — held a hearing Wednesday on proposed amendments to Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Garden Island.

As Crowds Grow, Tourists Will Start Paying to Visit The Most Popular Parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources also hopes to cut in half the number of daily visitors to Haena State Park and its famed beaches and trails. Civil Beat.

While recovery from April 2018 floods continues on the North Shore, the Westside is looking at severe drought conditions through September. Garden Island.

Molokai

The beautiful island of Molokai is in dire need of one thing: Medical professionals. For a place most would consider just a sleepy little town, Molokai General Hospital sees a lot of action. Hawaii News Now.

Marijuana decriminalization, banking sought; Honolulu tax hikes to pay for rail; senator is anti-vaxxer; Kealoha trial starts today; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Marijuana PC: Pixabay Commons

People caught with roughly three to five joints won’t be considered criminals under a bill awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature, but it is unclear how many would actually benefit from the change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to grant the marijuana industry access to the federal banking system. Maui Now.

=====

Condo Associations May Be On Verge Of Gaining More Foreclosure Power. A bill on the governor’s desk seeks to bail the associations out of legal jeopardy and clarify they can take away property even if their bylaws don’t say so. Civil Beat.

HEI CEO tops isles’ salaries at $5.7M. Seven CEOs received total compensation last year of at least $3 million and two of them topped $5 million, according to recent company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Report card coming up for Hawaii public schools’ top official. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is aiming to sharpen the focus to individual campuses with distinct approaches to education. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Hawaii expands Title IX lawsuit against DOE to a class action lawsuit. A local civil rights group is still pushing to put boys and girls on equal playing fields. KITV.

Commentary: All talk, no political spine in controlling illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Three tax increases proposed to cover rail costs. The three tax increases Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed in his budget package earlier this year are designed in part to prepare the city to cover the cost of operations and maintenance of rail, a looming expense that rail critics have long warned would eventually force the city to raise taxes. Star-Advertiser.

=====

The Kealoha Trial Begins. The theft of a mailbox, which federal prosecutors say was staged, opened the door to the largest public corruption scandal in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

Jury selection to begin Monday in high-profile Kealoha case. The city is warning drivers that traffic will be heavy around the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Monday, as an estimated 430 people are expected on the first day of jury selection for the so-called ‘mailbox’ trial. Hawaii News Now.

The trial of Honolulu's former police chief and his wife, a former deputy prosecutor, is set to begin with jury selection Monday. It's one of the state's most high-profile cases, so how does that affect jury selection? KHON2.

=====

Chinatown grapples with surge in homeless. Morning, noon and night in Chinatown they yell at the sky, mutter obscenities, and sleep in doorways where they sometimes reek of urine — or worse. Star-Advertiser.

 Abandoned boat spills oil into the Ala Wai Harbor. An unknown amount of oil leaked from an abandoned vessel at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ruderman expresses vaccine concerns. As measles cases grow nationwide and state health leaders monitor mainland outbreaks, one Big Island state senator has expressed more concern about the vaccine than the disease itself. Tribune-Herald.

Commissions and boards could go nonpartisan. A ballot initiative making county boards nonpartisan was advanced Friday by the Charter Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Island charter school gets $12M in funds for new campus atop Kilauea. State leaders set aside $12 million in Capital Improvement Project funds for the construction of a new Keakealani Campus in Volcano Village at the summit of Kilauea. Hawaii News Now.

Students Build Machine To Clear Plastic Bits On Big Island Beach, Among World's Dirtiest. Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is involved in a new project to clear microplastics from the state’s beaches, helped by a machine built by Canadian university students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Council OKs higher property tax rates for most. Hotels, short-term rentals see greatest increase over 2018. The Maui County Council on Friday approved property tax rates for the next fiscal year, which includes near across-the-board increases for property owners with hotels and resorts seeing the highest increase. Maui News.

Official: Upcountry water users a priority. Death of controversial water rights bill leaves EMI ditch in question. Maui News.

Kauai

North Shore high school proposed. The high school is designed as a two-story, 46,888-square-foot structure that would host 600 students, grades 9-12. Garden Island.

No cause of death yet for Kekaha beached whale. Scientists say the whale calf that washed up on the shores of Kekaha Beach in January appears to be a failure to thrive case, with predators involved. Garden Island.