Police kill man at state Capitol, Hawaii joins anti-wall lawsuit, plots in Zuckerberg's Kauai estate to be sold at public auction, homeless advocates want more one-way tickets out of Hawaii, Honolulu Humane Society under fire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

A man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting at the state Capitol on Monday night was “physically combative" with a sheriff’s deputy despite numerous warnings, Honolulu police say. Hawaii News Now.

A state deputy sheriff fatally shot a man in his 20s during a struggle at the state Capitol Monday night. A Department of Public Safety spokeswoman said that at 8:20 p.m., a deputy sheriff was conducting a routine patrol at the Capitol rotunda and encountered a man with a bottle of alcohol. Star-Advertiser.

Man dead after deputy-involved shooting at State Capitol. KHON2.


Honolulu Police and Hawaii Department of Public Safety officials are investigating a fatal shooting that happened at the Capitol Rotunda Monday night. KITV.

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16 states, including Hawaii, sue President Trump over border wall. Joining California in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature is again considering a bill that would prohibit the governor and county mayors from having other jobs outside of their elected positions. House Speaker Scott Saiki’s anti-moonlighting bill would apply to the governor as well as Hawaii’s mayors. Civil Beat.

Red light camera bill passes judiciary and transportation committee. KHON2.

A bill that would require the state to retrofit certain schools to serve as hurricane shelters passed its second reading in the state House. House Bill 457 intends to establish a pilot program to retrofit one Department of Education building in each county to be able to withstand a Category 3 hurricane and serve as disaster shelters. Tribune-Herald.

Legislation working its way through the state Senate aims to improve teacher retention and recruitment by creating a housing voucher program for full-time teachers employed by the state Department of Education or at public charter schools. Tribune-Herald.

Helping Hawaii's homeless with a one-way plane ticket. Hundreds of homeless people have been helped off our streets with "One Way" airline tickets out of Hawaii. The program has been in place for three years, but now some lawmakers want to turn it into a state service. KITV.

Hawaii residents are more likely to become victims of cyberattack than any other state in the union, according to a newly released study. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Why Would Anyone Fake Stealing A Mailbox? The Feds Make Their Case. The U.S. Justice Department wants to present evidence of the Kealohas’ alleged financial crimes to help establish motive for the broader conspiracy case. Civil Beat.

Former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha tried to deflect investigations into her behavior by “surreptitiously sending emails from other deputy prosecuting attorneys’ computers," federal authorities alleged in a recently-filed court document. Hawaii News Now.

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The height limit for new buildings in Kakaako appears to be safe from a dramatic increase proposed in the Legislature, after three committees deferred action on a pair of bills. Star-Advertiser.

After squatters were kicked out of an urban park, the really big problems began. Hawaii News Now.

3-strikes bill would ban Waikiki repeat offenders. The arrest of a juvenile suspect after a male tourist was robbed and assaulted by a mob on a Waikiki street could help bolster the argument for a Waikiki three-strikes law being proposed at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Animal rights activists want independent audit of Hawaiian Humane Society euthanization numbers. More than a dozen people lined up along the Humane Society with colorful signs, demanding justice for their furry friends. KITV.

Protesters say animals are being put down unnecessarily at the Hawaiian Humane Society. KHON2.

Thirty or so animal rights activists picketed in front of the Hawaiian Humane Society on Monday, alleging that the organization kills animals that are healthy or suffering from easily treatable conditions; violates standard safety procedures and labor practices; and has created a hostile work environment. Star-Advertiser.

Animal care group calls for investigation into humane society’s euthanasia practices. Dozens of animal care supporters waved signs and staged what they called a Rally for Truth outside the Hawaiian Humane Society Monday morning. Hawaii News Now.

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Ewa Beach community rallies for a new Campbell High School athletic complex. Hawaii News Now.

State officials are asking Oahu residents to be on the look-out for a new invasive species. Myoporum thrips are an invasive pest that can kill native naio trees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

One of the leaders in the Thirty Meter Telescope opposition movement, Pisciotta talks about her view of Mayor Harry Kim’s “Vision for Maunakea”. Big Island Video News.

The general manager of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association is suing one of the subdivision’s board members, alleging she “published untrue and defamatory statements” about him. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. is seeking the approval of the state Public Utilities Commission to pass on $155,000 in charges for 1.4 gigawatt hours of unused power last year from the two utility-scale solar arrays that went online last year. Maui News.

NOAA monitoring ‘life-threatening’ entanglement of a whale spotted off Maui. NOAA says the whale was spotted on Saturday with lines wrapped around its mouth and tail. In some places, the lines were seen cutting into the whale’s body. Hawaii News Now.

Sales and inventory took double-digit hits for Maui County’s single-family residential homes in January, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Several small land parcels located within the boundaries of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre estate on the North Shore will be sold at a public auction next month. Garden Island.

The water diversion debate. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative uses a system of century-old diversions in Kauai streams to supply water to two hydroelectric facilities in the Wailua watershed. Garden Island.

Picking Up The Pieces After Big Disasters. After last year’s big flood and hurricane damage, two local communities are finding their footing with disaster plans tailored for their areas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court overturns public records exemption, feral cat feeding at harbors banned, Honolulu rail meets federal deadline, Maui Styrofoam ban to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Feral cat feeding in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

 Gov. David Ige has approved new rules for the state’s small boat harbors that prohibit camping and the feeding of feral cats at the harbors. Star-Advertiser.

The backlog of repair and maintenance projects at Hawaii’s public schools is an estimated $868 million, roughly three times worse than what legislators were told in January. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time since statehood in 1959, Hawaii’s population declined for two consecutive years with fewer births, more deaths and a greater number of residents moving to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation for a reciprocal partial exemption of driver’s license exam requirements. Star-Advertiser.

Former President Barack Obama back in Hawaii. When Barack Obama was President of the United States, it was an annual tradition to spend the holidays in Hawaii. It looks like that tradition is continuing. KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court Overturns 30 Years Of Government Secrecy. The ruling says that the city of Honolulu — as well as many other government agencies — have withheld public records for decades using an excuse that doesn’t exist in state law. Civil Beat.

In win for transparency, state Supreme Court overturns restrictions on public records. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige is pushing forward on plans to relocate Oahu’s overcrowded jail in Kalihi to Halawa Valley, inserting $5 million into his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 for studying financing options for the facility, which is estimated to cost about $525 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Meets Federal Demands On Rail Project. City and rail officials satisfied federal requirements that they spend $44 million in local funds on the project, pursue a public-private partnership and update their financial recovery plan. Civil Beat.

The Federal Transit Administration said all requirements have been met in order for it to proceed with a review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s revised recovery plan on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Partners In Care — the group organizing January’s six-day census of Oahu’s homeless — needs hygiene products and volunteers in every community. Star-Advertiser.

Christmas Eve homeless sweep upsets civil liberties groups. The city gears up for a Christmas Eve homeless sweep in Waikiki. Before dawn, crews will enforce the Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance and the Stored Property Ordinance, and civil liberties groups are upset at the timing. KITV.

Coast Guard welcomes Cutter Kimball, the first of its kind to call Hawaii home. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii historian is looking to preserve an old Quonset hut on Oahu that was possibly part of a segregated encampment for black laborers and enlisted men during World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Aulani lauded for embracing Native Hawaiian language. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Big Squeeze: an analysis of tax and fee increases island residents are expected to pay. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze, Part 1: Five county taxes and fees are increasing. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 2, the state. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 3, utilities. West Hawaii Today.

Lava rock could lay foundation for basalt industry. The Big Island produced a lot of new lava rock this year, and some of it could be the raw material for a new local industry, according to a report commissioned by a state agency. Star-Advertiser.

The bikeshare program in Kailua Village is doubling from three to six bike stations, thanks to action Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plate lunches soon will need a new plate. New law bans foam takeout containers starting Dec. 31. Maui News.

Old post office for bus hub land exchange is approved. Final council meeting of term: Lease pact involves old Wailuku Post Office. Maui News.

Officer Involved Shooting in Wailuku Under Investigation. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has selected three candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 23, all of them incumbents: Calvin Murashige, Jan TenBruggencate and Peter Yukimura. Garden Island.

Kauai forestry experts have been operating at elevated levels on Kauai since a more virulent form of rapid ohia death was found on the island for the first time last week. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate confirms former Hawaii AG as appellate judge, Hawaii to become last state with police standards board, Ige vetoes 8 other bills, Kauai electric co-op generates checks, don't feed the monk seals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Quonset huts ©2018 All Hawaii News

The Army plans to demolish nearly 100 World War II-era Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island — a potential loss of iconic structures that historians are lamenting. Star-Advertiser.

The United States Senate has confirmed former Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit by a vote of 72-27. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii attorney general confirmed to US Court of Appeals. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Honolulu attorney Mark J. Bennett Tuesday in a 72-27 vote Tuesday. KHON2.

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Governor Reverses Himself: Hawaii Will Get A Police Standards Board. All four county police chiefs also switched positions on the bill, according to Honolulu Chief Susan Ballard. Civil Beat.

A bill requiring the creation of a statewide law enforcement standards and training board has become law after Gov. David Ige on Tuesday reversed course and decided not to veto it. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige vetoes 8 bills but reverses decision on giving Hawaii a police standards board. KITV.

Gov. Ige vetoes eight bills, allows two to become law without his signature. KHON2.

3 measures will become law without the governor's signature. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto legislation that would expand the state’s hotel tax. Associated Press.

Here are the 8 bills vetoed by the governor. Gov. David Ige vetoed eight bills on Tuesday that covered topics from medical marijuana use, enhanced consumer protections and environmental concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Read Gov. David Ige's full veto list here.

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Why Union Support Matters In The Hawaii Governor’s Race. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has gathered the majority of big labor endorsements, but incumbent Gov. David Ige has the support of teachers. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin was endorsed today by the country’s largest federal employee union in his bid for Congress. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC Drill Will Use Hospitals Across the State. Big Island Now.

A U.S. judge gave the green light to lawsuits alleging the weed killer Roundup caused cancer Tuesday, allowing expert testimony linking the herbicide to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Garden Island.

A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers revealed more information about where rat lungworm has spread — and where it might spread in the future as the climate changes. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Airlines carried a record 1.05 million passengers in June, a 2.9 percent increase over 1.02 million in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State and federal officials are reminding the public not to feed Hawaiian monk seals after several of the critically endangered species were recently spotted near a bay on the Leeward side looking for food. Star-Advertiser.

New signs are posted at the small bay near Kahe Power Plant asking people especially fishermen not to feed the Hawaiian monk seals. KITV.

Waimea Valley will soon close on a 3.75-acre land purchase that will allow the attraction to undertake its first real expansion since emerging from more than a decade of major financial struggles. Star-Advertiser.

Beachgoers at Magic Island warned of water main break, high bacteria levels. Hawaii News Now.

Crews to test water at Magic Island after finding high bacteria in ocean. KITV.

Toyota Motor Corp. launched a Honolulu car-sharing service today that allows customers to use smartphones to unlock and start cars for rent by the hour or day. Bloomberg.

Servco Pacific Inc. in cooperation with Toyota Connected North America launched car-share program Hui on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Because so much of Hawaii Island geography is designated as lava zones 1 and 2, it doesn’t make sense to bar construction there, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani Estates resident Geoffrey Last has been denied FEMA assistance, but his home is uninhabitable, according to a letter from county officials. Big Island Video News.

Lava imperils charter school and destroys endangered plants. Star-Advertiser.

District 7 hopefuls address issues at West Hawaii forum. The race for the Hawaii County Council District 7 seat is one of the 2018 election cycle’s most hotly contested on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island firefighter accused of lying to a federal grand jury about his relationship with a Honolulu deputy prosecutor in the fraud and corruption case against her and her husband, the former Honolulu police chief, was put on paid leave. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County firefighters battled an early morning fire inside a 36,000-square-foot recycling company warehouse in Keaau, and finally putting it out after 5 1/2 hours. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Property owners can now pay their real property taxes online with the County of Maui’s Treasury Division automatic payment program. Maui Now.

Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili is constructing two new campus facilities that will add over 1200 square feet to existing infrastructure and position the school for future growth. Maui Now.

Maui named top island in Hawaii by Travel and Leisure Magazine. For the seventh year in a row, the Valley Isle was voted the top island in Hawaii. KHON2.

The island of Maui has earned honors once again as the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of “Top Islands in Hawaii” in its 2018 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Maui Now.


Kauai

All seven candidates for the Kauai Office of the Mayor were on hand Tuesday night at the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Forum at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

With the passage of Bill 2687 the Kauai County Council seems poised to gift millions of dollars of increased property values to a relatively small number of owners located in Lihue along Rice Street with “no strings attached.” Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Housing Agency will be accepting applications for its Section 8 program waiting list. KHON2.

The effects of the April flooding continue to be felt on Kauai and will be for the foreseeable future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Molokai

Committee defers action on Molokai short-term rentals. Residents oppose bill that would allow 25 rentals and grandfather existing ones. Maui News.

Lanai

Four Seasons Lanai applies for $5M in building permits for spa, fitness facilities. The spa buildings are part of The Lodge’s long-planned expansion and upgrade that will reduce the hotel’s room count and rebrand it as a destination spa. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules clean environment is a property right in Maui case, Deedy heading back to trial, state sells $170M affordable rental portfolio, insurance snag could ground canoe clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo canoe race © 2017 All Hawaii News

Insurance snag could keep canoe clubs statewide on land. Next year's regatta season for local canoe clubs may be in jeopardy because the parent association is having trouble finding an insurance company to cover them. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat Poll: Lottery Has Big Support In Hawaii. Most survey respondents say a lottery can bring much-needed cash to state government, but critics warn they mostly tax the poor. Civil Beat.

UH economists pump up projections for isle growth. With global conditions improving and the tourism industry continuing to set records, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization said in its latest forecast due out today that the state’s economy will continue to grow even as the upward trajectory slows going out to 2020. Star-Advertiser.

State selling affordable rental portfolio for $170 million. The state today agreed to sell 1,221 affordable rental apartments at six properties mainly serving low-income residents to a Hawaii and California real estate development partnership for $170 million. Star-Advertiser.

State sells affordable rental portfolio for $170M to California-Hawaii joint venture. The Hawaii Housing and Finance Development Corp. board voted unanimously Thursday to sell 1,221 state-owned low-income rental housing units for $170 million in cash to a joint venture of Los Angeles-based Standard Communities and Honolulu-based Stanford Carr Development. Pacific Business News.

Dept. of Human Services Prepares for End of CHIP Funding. Congress has yet to renew funding for the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides healthcare to kids in low-income families. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Will Hawaii Fare Under Federal Tax Changes? Limits on deductions for mortgage interest and state and local tax payments could offset the benefits of temporary tax cuts for island residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers voice opposition to net neutrality repeal. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General’s Office says it is “reviewing its options” following the Federal Communications Commission’s vote Thursday to repeal ‘net neutrality’ rules. Tribune-Herald.

Lesbian child support fight goes to state Supreme Court.The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether a woman who divorced her spouse in a same-sex marriage is the legal parent of the child her former spouse gave birth to during the marriage and is therefore obligated to pay child support. Star-Advertiser.

Senator Chang: Need a Youth Commission. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State Department employee Christopher Deedy on Thursday appeared headed for a third trial in the shooting death of Kollin Elderts six years ago at a Waikiki McDonald’s, but it could take years of appeals before Deedy ends up in an Oahu courtroom facing manslaughter charges. Star-Advertiser.

The city prosecutor’s office plans to try State Department federal agent Christopher Deedy a third time in the shooting death of Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s following a Hawaii Supreme Court decision today that denied an appeal by Deedy. Star-Advertiser.

The city prosecutor says he'll seek a third trial against the State Department special agent who fatally shot a man inside a Waikiki McDonald's in 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Supreme Court rules third Deedy trial can move forward. KHON2.

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As rail heads downtown, land deals get tougher. With construction of the city’s rail project working its way from West Oahu into urban Honolulu, rail officials say they may need to condemn portions of more than two dozen private properties from Iwilei through Kakaako to make way for the elevated transit system. Star-Advertiser.

The two Kakaako Gateway Parks, which have seen a resurgence in daytime homeless activity, will close from Sunday until Jan. 8 for maintenance, the Hawaii Community Development Authority announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Rising tides are eating away at private property along North Shore.  Hawaii News Now.

Department of Transportation reports high impact traffic projects island-wide are nearly finished. Department of Transportation reports a number of traffic projects that could have a significant impact on drive-times on O'ahu are nearly finished. KITV.

Developer buys Kalaeloa water, wastewater systems. A private developer that acquired 540 acres of former military base land in Kalaeloa from the Navy in 2009 now owns the water and wastewater systems for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Shannon Alivado, director of government relations for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, has been nominated to the Honolulu Police Commission by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Lost WWII sub discovered off Oahu. A wreck-hunting organization announced that its search team has located the sunken World War II submarine USS S-28 in 8,700 feet of water off Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agents raid home of death row exoneree on Schofield Barracks. A Schofield Barracks soldier and her husband, a death row exoneree, say they are being unfairly targeted because of his past. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ready to respond: Haihai Fire Station completed, dedicated. After four years of preparation, the Haihai Fire Station construction project in Hilo concluded Thursday with a blessing ceremony as the building opened for business. Tribune-Herald.

The Hilo community joined Hawaii County officials and fire fighters for the official blessing of the new Haihai Fire Station. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim is once again bringing his former executive director back into the fold to present county priorities before the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen provided an update on Dec. 14, on high-visibility, current and upcoming highways projects. Big Island Now.

Maui

Court: Hawaii residents can sue to defend their right to 'clean, healthful' environment. By a 3-to-2 vote, the court found that the Sierra Club should have been allowed a contested case hearing when the Public Utilities Commission reauthorized use of the Puunene sugar mills power plant. Hawaii News Now.

Arakawa hit with amended campaign spending complaint. Commission alleges mayor spent too much of campaign funds on charitable donations. Maui News.

The Maui Ocean Center hopes to have 20 percent of all its marine life on display acquired from aquaculture facilities — rather than the wild — by 2020, the center’s curator said last week. Maui News.

Lahaina Bypass From Olowalu to Keawe St Slated for March Completion. The project was highlighted during an update of DOT projects currently underway and on tap across the state. Maui Now.

Kauai

DowDuPont to expand research activities, increase staffing. The agriculture division of DowDuPont has announced major changes in its Kauai operations under which it will expand its Hawaii research activities here, increasing staffing on island by as much as 50 percent. Garden Island.

KIUC election has five candidates. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has selected five candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 10. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Recap of Trump's Hawaii visit, Navy to hold sonar scoping meetings this week, lieutenant governor race gets more crowded, Honolulu police to test body cams, sewage causing Maui reef ills, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump wears lei in Hawaii PC: Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat

Trump’s Hawaii Visit Inspires Supporters, But More Opponents. A lonely contingent of Honolulu Tea Party members were in a welcoming mood that wasn’t shared by people at a Capitol rally. Civil Beat.

Trump departs Hawaii for Japan after a short but busy visit. While in Hawaii, Trump did spend time talking to Hawaii’s government leaders and top military brass. On Friday, he met with the governors of Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific U.S. territories. Trump and his advisers also attended a Friday briefing at Camp Smith with the commanders of Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, Marine Forces Pacific and other brass. He also got a private briefing later in the day. Star-Advertiser.


President Donald Trump visited one of his Trump-branded properties in Hawaii on Saturday shortly before he was scheduled to depart for Japan amid his 13-day trip to Asia. Politico.

President Donald Trump paid a solemn visit Friday to Pearl Harbor and its memorial to the USS Arizona, a hallowed place he said he had read about, discussed and studied but had never visited until just before opening his first official visit to Asia. Associated Press.

President Donald Trump is naming two of his local campaign supporters, Allen Frenzel and Gigi N. Jones, to oversee much of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s operations in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is quietly putting his political weight behind the re-election campaign of Gov. David Ige in an alliance that appears to have already shifted some key Caldwell campaign staffers into the Ige camp. Star-Advertiser.

Former BOE member running for lieutenant governor. Former Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto announced Sunday she is running for lieutenant governor to bring “courageous, compassionate leadership” to the office and “to set a tone of accountability that we are listening to the people.” Star-Advertiser.

Kim Coco Iwamoto announces bid for Lieutenant Governor. KITV.

The federal government wants to designate critical habitat for the endangered main Hawaiian Islands population of false killer whales. Garden Island.

U.S. Navy Holding Statewide Meetings. Navy officials will be presenting a draft environmental impact statement reevaluating potential impacts associated with ongoing military activities. Including: active sonar use and explosives while employing mitigation measures to protect marine life. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state’s largest health insurer says it has an estimated $20 million a year in “excessive and unnecessary” costs due to nonprofits paying health insurance premiums for patients, some of whom are on dialysis and could be covered by government health plans. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional Crackdown On The Shark Fin Trade. Harvesting shark fins has long been prohibited but loopholes in their sale has allowed an underground trade to continue. Civil Beat.

Upgraded Website Provides Updates on Beach Water Quality. Big Island Now.

New advocacy group aims to put kids first in educational policy. Star-Advertiser.

Quarrel at PUC meeting sparks discussion on conduct. An an unusual use of taxpayer money, the state Public Utilities Commission met Thursday to discuss an argument that broke out between a state worker and an attorney at an informal industry meeting Oct. 11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ruth’s Chris restaurants changing ownership. Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. said Friday it is acquiring the six Hawaii Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations from franchise partner Desert Island Restaurants for about $35 million. Star-Advertiser.

Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. said Friday that it is acquiring six Hawaii Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants from franchisee Desert Island Restaurants for approximately $35 million in cash. Pacific Business News.

Real estate firm Coldwell Pacific buys rival. The firm announced Friday that it acquired the Oahu operations of Century 21 All Islands Fine Homes & Estates, which includes four offices and about 150 agents. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Navy is holding a public meeting today as it re-evaluates the environmental impacts of training, research and testing — particularly from sonar and explosive sound effects on marine animals — over a wide swath of ocean between Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands. Star-Advertiser.

HPD to start bodycam pilot program. Honolulu Police Department's body camera pilot program is set to begin Monday following an initial delay. Hawaii News Now.

Explosive Motion Calls For Ouster Of Kealoha Attorneys. The Justice Department claims conflicts of interest should disqualify defense attorneys Myles Breiner and Kevin Sumida. Civil Beat.

Officer Charged In Corruption Case Challenges Police Commission. Minh-Hung “Bobby” Nguyen says the city should be paying for his legal defense against a related lawsuit. Civil Beat.

Missing School Has Become A Huge Problem in Hawaii. A Waianae school, where 40 percent of students are chronically absent, is trying home visits and a partnership with family court to keep kids in class. Civil Beat.

Public comments sought for Blaisdell Center face-lift. City officials are inviting the public to a third and final workshop next week for commenting on a plan to improve Blaisdell Center by renovating some parts and redeveloping other parts of the 53-year-old complex. Star-Advertiser.

Flashing lights, raised curbs among added pedestrian safety improvements in Waimanalo. Hawaii News Now.

'Dear Mayor': Students write letters asking for new lights at North Shore park. KITV.

A large fishing boat that ran aground off Waikiki three weeks ago is again raising concerns about safety. KHON2.

No Water For The Homeless At The Waianae Boat Harbor Camp. A repaving project at the boat harbor has been long planned but no one told homeless campers next door their water was being shut off. Civil Beat.


Home sales on Oahu saw a “healthy uptick” in the number of sales in October, compared to the same month last year, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium nudged up slightly, according to a report by Honolulu-based real estate firm Locations LLC. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Vacation house rules in works: Regulating ‘unhosted’ rentals seen as way to preserve housing for residents. Tribune-Herald.

Kawa revisited: Community groups, county grants in play five years after Lui eviction. West Hawaii Today.

Online auction and sales giant eBay has removed numerous listings advertising the sale of sand purported to be from Hawaii beaches, including iconic Papakolea Beach — also known as Green Sands Beach — after the Tribune-Herald inquired about the sand sales. Tribune-Herald.

State evaluates West Hawaii roads, says 4 miles classify as ‘poor’. On a given day, more than 16,000 cars come along this road, bringing travelers along the Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor as it winds its way along the slopes of Hualalai through towns like Kainaliu, passing by historic buildings through Kona’s coffeelands. West Hawaii Today.

Nonemergencies put strain on hospital ER. Nearly one of every three Hilo emergency room patients isn’t actually experiencing a medical emergency. Tribune-Herald.

A Kona coffee farmer organization is complaining to state regulators that a California company is misleading consumers over the quantity of premium-priced Kona beans in a line of cold-brew coffee drinks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s only exotic animal sanctuary receives full re-accreditation. Hawaii News Now.

A year-long, $4.2 million, capital improvement construction project is underway at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Study links treated sewage to reef degradation. A new study by federal scientists has found that discharge from a sewage treatment facility in West Maui for years has been drastically undermining the coral reefs off Kahekili Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Housing Bill Introduced on Maui. A new bill has been introduced to the Maui County Council, proposing that housing be kept affordable for an extended period through deed restrictions. Maui Now.

Property tax bills move forward. The Maui County Council gave first reading approval Friday to two bills that would affect property tax classifications for short-term rentals, which some fear could lead to higher taxes. Maui News.

Rep. Kaniela Ing to Announce Run for Higher Office. State Representative Kaniela Saito Ing of Maui will hold a press conference on Monday to officially announce his 2018 candidacy for higher office. Maui Now.

Census says: Maui population growing, aging, working longer. Maui County’s population increased 17 percent from 2006 to 2016 with Hispanic and Latino people representing the fastest growing race, according to 2016 U.S. Census Bureau surveys released recently. Maui News.

Kauai

Navy meeting is on environmental impacts of testing, training. The Navy is taking another look at how training exercises are affecting the Pacific environment, and a meeting is set for Wednesday in Lihue to talk about it. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s renewable energy project is taking another step forward, as KIUC has issued a request for qualifications for services and equipment supplies for the Pu‘u Opae Energy Project. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has issued a request for qualifications — called an RFQ — from companies that can provide services and equipment for the Pu‘u ‘Opae Energy Project. The RFQ is intended to draw responses from as many interested parties as possible for engineering, equipment supply and construction services. Star-Advertiser.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will receive a loan of more than $60 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build and upgrade more than 70 miles of powerlines and support smart grid and other projects. Garden Island.

The sterilization clinic at Kauai Humane Society is opening its doors back up to the public on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor sub heading to Korea, state Legislature has full plate, new egg laws sought, protecting coral reefs, property taxes and vacation rentals irk Oahu, state won't fund Puna roads, Maui to mull flood plan, Kauai utility elects board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Columbus PC: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cynthia Clark, courtesy news.navy.mil.

A Pearl Harbor-based nuclear submarine is part of a task force set to conduct maritime maneuvers around the Korean Peninsula as tensions with North Korea remain heightened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are planning to tackle proposals aimed at protecting coral reefs, boosting recycling and taking care of the state's growing elderly population. Associated Press.

Research shows connection between watersheds, reefs. Garden Island.

Reefs struggling: Foundation of life in Hawaiian custom. Garden Island.

Ag Department seeks relief from egg inspection mandate. Star-Advertiser.

Full disclosure: Ige, some legal experts raise flags about constitutionality of measures forcing presidential candidates to release tax returns. Associated Press.

A federal judge on Sunday rejected the U.S. government’s request to clarify his temporary order blocking President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. KHON2.

Immigration issue is personal to Chin. Associated Press.

While the number of Hawaii public school students enrolling in college after high school continued to hover near three-fifths of last year’s graduating class, education officials say they’re encouraged that new data show students are better prepared for the rigor of college coursework. Star-Advertiser.

Veterans Choice, which was created in 2014 to address a national controversy over long wait times for VA appointments, still is marred by a convoluted bureaucracy — so much so that the department’s new secretary said a top priority is to simplify the system. Star-Advertiser.

Local animal rights activists are rallying behind legislation which they say is their last shot this year to bolster Hawaii’s dog tethering regulations. Tribune-Herald.

Commentary: Federal gov’s proposed belt-tightening will put huge squeeze on Hawaii’s budget. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Owners of properties classified as Residential A that are assessed at just over $1 million would benefit under a bill up for a final vote of the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The spread of vacation rentals into neighborhoods is frustrating government officials and lawmakers who have spent decades trying to ensure zoning laws are upheld and taxes are collected. Star-Advertiser.

Sewage Spill That Closed Waikiki Beach. Honolulu says it will upgrade its procedures for handling storm water discharges two years after massive sewage overflows made national headlines. Civil Beat.

The Roots Project, part of the nonprofit organization Kokua Kalihi Valley, is spearheading an effort to make locally grown produce more affordable and accessible to Kalihi’s low-income communities. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $30 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract to Honolulu-based Design Partners Inc. for designing and engineering services for housing and other lodging type projects at various locations for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific’s area of responsibility. Pacific Business News.

Emotional Support Chickens Are Ruffling Feathers. A rise in questionable emotional support animals is concerning to condo associations and businesses that must accommodate them. Civil Beat.

Sculpture Brings Peace to Kaka‘ako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The mayor’s office has asked the Hawaii Police Department to once again look at ways to possibly trim its budget, according to a financial report delivered to the Police Commission on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

An overlap of state and county jurisdiction is contributing to a continuing controversy between Kahauloa Road residents and kayak rental operators who use the boat ramp into Kealakekua Bay at the end of the road. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation’s response to Hawaii County’s request for release of $15 million appropriated for Puna roads could be summed up in two words — nice try. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools remains in a holding pattern as it awaits approval of permits that will allow the organization to move forward with the removal of the Keauhou Beach Hotel, making way for a project-based educational complex dubbed Kahaluu Makai. West Hawaii Today.

Will Tiny Homes Help Big Island Farmers? Providing housing for farm workers is one way to attract employees. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Police Commission voted unanimously to approve a request for legal counsel for a former Hawaii County police officer charged with fatally striking a bicyclist. West Hawaii Today.

For the last six years there have been some nearly finished two-story town-home buildings overlooking distant ocean views at the Villages of Aina Lea, but completing and selling them has been an ordeal that recently became more challenging. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A draft plan to ease flooding along South Kihei Road has taken almost 10 years to complete, but is close to fruition and scheduled to be presented to the public in the next several months. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting Thursday on sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation. Maui News.

Pukalani residents universally opposed sewer rate increases proposed by Hawaii Water Service Co., calling them “outrageous” and “unfair” during a Hawaii Public Utilities Commission hearing Thursday night at Pukalani Elementary School. Maui News.

Maui Waena Intermediate School’s new classroom building — more than a decade in the making — is finally open. Maui News.

State officers have blocked off a section of shoreline on South Maui after someone found an aging piece of unexploded ordnance among rocks near the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Backing Maui Grown Coffee Advances. Maui Now.

Kauai

Two Kauai County Councilmembers have concerns about the proposed budget for fiscal year 2017-18. Garden Island.

Some county employees may be getting an increase in salaries in the upcoming months. Garden Island.

Incumbent directors Dee Crowell and Allan Smith have been re-elected and join newly elected former board member Jim Mayfield to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s (KIUC) Board of Directors. Garden Island.

Voters re-elected two members of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board of directors, and a former board member, according to results released Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say Kauai’s honeybee population is strong and healthy. Associated Press.

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences, the $800 million master-planned development on the unfinished Kauai Lagoons master-planned community, has begun sales for its mix of oceanfront and golf course homes, condominiums and townhomes. Pacific Business News.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have contributed $50,000 dollars to the Aloha Angels endowed fund, which supports Kauai’s teachers and students. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii tourism spending up 10%, tax hike for teachers trimmed, raw milk rules sought, Oahu daycare deaths prompt legislation, Big Island bond rating improves, Kealoha's last day, Kauai fights mangroves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers © 2017 All Hawaii News

A turnaround in the Japan tourism market and strong business from the U.S. mainland helped Hawaii’s visitor industry start the year with robust arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Spending by visitors to Hawaii jumped 10 percent last month compared to the same time a year earlier. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will spread $3.3 million of its product enrichment funding across 128 programs statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation to tax investors and visitors to fund education advanced in the Senate today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Only investment homes valued at $2 million or more would be subject to a property tax surcharge earmarked for public schools under revisions legislators made Tuesday to a controversial tax proposal drafted by the teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to authorize Airbnb to collect state taxes from both legal and illegal vacation rentals when accepting bookings in Hawaii won tentative approval from the House Finance Committee on Tuesday after Gov. David Ige’s staff intervened to ask lawmakers to keep the measure alive. Star-Advertiser.

One day after the state health department ordered Meadow Gold Dairies to discontinue its distribution of 2% milk due to high levels of the bacteria, Hawaii locavores are pushing for more options, including the sale of raw milk. Hawaii News Now.

Legislation that would allow terminally ill Hawaii adults to receive medication to end their own lives is heading to the floor of the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's Congressional Delegation Reacts to President's First Address. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he asked President Donald Trump to explain a ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority nations. Associated Press.

Almost four years after Hawaii lawmakers approved a bill to assure safe sleep practices at day cares, the Department of Human Services has adopted regulations requiring infants to be placed on their backs while napping and prohibiting soft bedding and bumpers thought to pose a hazard for sudden infant death syndrome. Civil Beat.

An online system for parents to keep track of their child’s school lunch account is finally being rolled out. KHON2.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. sold 451 condominiums and 611 acres of vacant land last year, but the cost to shut down Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation pulled company earnings into negative territory for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Alexander & Baldwin reported net income of $300,000, or 1 cent per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $14 million, or 29 cents per diluted share, from 2015’s comparable period. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A threatening phone call that led to the closing and evacuation of the preschool at Hawaii’s largest synagogue Monday has been added to a larger probe involving threats against 20 Jewish schools and community centers across the mainland the same day and some 100 hate crimes against Jewish institutions since the beginning of 2017, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Parents of children at an Ewa Beach day care where a toddler nearly died in an apparent assault were not informed about the incident, contrary to a recommendation from a panel of child abuse experts that reviewed the case. Civil Beat.

Three grieving mothers are pushing state lawmakers for changes to help prevent day care deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Parents: Baby sitter’s police ties stalled son’s abuse case. Associated Press.

Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp. has completed the first phase of its senior affordable rental housing development in Mililani Mauka, and has begun the second phase of the project. Pacific Business News.

Monsignor John Mbinda issued a double blessing Tuesday for a kupuna housing project’s first phase opening and second phase starting construction in Mililani Mauka where rent for residents is as low as $565 a month. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday was Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s last official day on the job. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha did not return to his office on Tuesday, his final day as the leader of the city's police force. Hawaii News Now.

Two Oahu residents have been charged in separate cases alleging theft of state accounts totaling more than $750,000. Star-Advertiser.

A Japanese wholesale food company that makes the Spam musubi sold at 7-Eleven stores in Hawaii has purchased Japan-based Fujifilm Corp.’s Hawaii regional office in Central Oahu, effectively ending the photography and imaging giant’s longtime run in the state, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Hawaii County’s credit rating rose two notches Friday, when Fitch Ratings upgraded the county from AA- to AA+. West Hawaii Today.

Kahaluu Beach Park has been closed until further notice following the discharge of less than 100 gallons of wastewater onto the beach and beach waters, according to the state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch. West Hawaii Today.

An upper-level disturbance is bringing some unsettled weather to the Hawaiian islands, including the potential for heavy snow and ice at Big Island summits. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines will begin daily summer service between Denver, Colorado, and Kona starting in June. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Visitor arrivals on Maui increased 1.5 percent in January 2017 year-over-year, but a shorter length of stay resulted in no growth in visitor days. Maui Now.

Malassada Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Volunteers wage fight against mangrove, threat to Hawaii’s economy, environment. Garden Island.

Learn how to benefit from state and federal landowner-assistance programs that support private forest-restoration efforts in a landowners’ forestry workshop on Saturday, March 11, hosted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Garden Island.

Jim Mayfield wants to switch Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s focus to pursuing an expansion of utility services, namely telecommunications and Wi-Fi. Garden Island.

Humpback whales show island preference, Senate leaders rebuke Honolulu over rail costs, lawmakers mull county share of hotel tax, bill requires gray water reuse, Meadow Gold milk recalled because of bacteria, Mauna Kea's future subject of closed-door meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale breach, courtesy Kohala Sail & Sea, PC: Michael Faughn

Few humpback whales showed up to be counted Saturday at the Kauai sites of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. Contrary to the other sites on Oahu and Hawaii island, Kauai counts were low. Garden Island.

A total of 984 humpback whale sightings were reported during the 2017 Great Whale Count on Maui over the weekend, including 544 pods (or groups of whales) and 88 calves. Maui Now.

Hawaii lawmakers might create a group to develop a way to collect data on how vacation rentals affect Hawaii’s tax revenue, housing supply and brand as a visitor destination. Associated Press.

The state Senate will vote on a bill boosting the counties’ share of the transient accommodations tax to $108 million a year. Currently, the counties share $103 million, an amount scheduled to decrease to $93 million next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

The House Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning on House Bill 1586, which would phase out the counties’ share of transient accommodations over a three-year period and implement new income tax brackets and rates. Maui News.

Developers who want to construct buildings in Hawaii would have to install systems to reuse gray water under a bill in the Legislature. Associated Press.

The state is doubling down on its efforts to crack down on welfare cheats, or people who get more than their fair share of the benefits meant to help those in need. KHON2.

The state Department of Health ordered Meadow Gold Dairies to stop selling its 2 percent reduced-fat milk because of signs of potential contamination. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a cease and desist order to Meadow Gold Dairies on Monday to halt its distribution and sale of 2-percent reduced fat milk after lab results from routine milk samples exceeded standard limits for coliform bacteria. Pacific Business News.

Just one-fifth of the classrooms Gov. David Ige pledged to air condition by the start of 2017 have been completed. Civil Beat.

The number of permitted solar systems on the neighbor islands continues to slide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines says it has become the first U.S. airline to join an international research project on climate change and air quality. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s David Ige joined a bipartisan group of governors Monday at a press conference to discuss the needs of their states. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Senate leaders delivered Honolulu’s mayor and those overseeing the city’s troubled rail project a harsh rebuke Monday when they advanced a measure that aims to help finish building the transit system without another tax extension. Star-Advertiser.

Wielding a scalpel the size of an axe, the Hawaii Senate’s budget committee on Monday sliced off scores of pages from a bill intended to help Honolulu fund its troubled rail project. Civil Beat.

An 11th hour call to bring rail down to street level has lawmakers wanting to know if it’s possible. KITV.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha today officially closes out a 33-year career, his seven years at the top now overshadowed by a federal investigation into conspiracy and corruption. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department says it doesn't have the money for key programs, but is letting $12M sit idle in the bank. Hawaii News Now.

Two Oahu residents were charged last Friday in separate incidents of alleged theft from State of Hawaii accounts. West Hawaii Today.

Embattled owners of 'no-kill' animal shelter in Makaha deny abusing animals. Hawaii News Now.

The Pacific Beach Hotel has hired six new employees for leadership positions within the hotel as part of its $115 million renovation and rebranding as the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, to be completed by this fall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A process to form a vision for the future of Mauna Kea is starting to take shape. A 10-member committee, known as the Hui Ho‘olohe, will begin receiving feedback from Hawaii Island residents next month, said Friends of the Future executive team leader Susan Maddox, who is managing the process. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim convened a meeting last week with Hawaii County Civil Defense and officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to discuss how to better protect visitors to Kilauea’s 61g lava flow, currently the most popular tourist attraction in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Persistent records requests from three Kailua-Kona residents have put state and county agencies on the defensive, leading to attempts to clamp down on those they think ask for too much information. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii island boat owner faces a state fine of $10,000 as the Coast Guard has stepped up enforcement in response to an apparent increase in illegal charters drawn to the Kilauea Volcano lava gushing into the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

A young pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) was euthanized after being flown to the Big Island last week. The decision was made by wildlife biologists from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and was made to prevent the bird’s continuing suffering. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

As wind farms statewide are killing more Hawaiian hoary bats than expected, a Maui wind farm is asking the state to increase the amount of endangered bats and nene it’s allowed to incidentally kill. Maui News.

Kauai

The United States Navy wants to take advantage of the sun on Kauai’s Westside by installing a 44-megawatt solar array and a battery storage facility on 180 acres at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

The Navy wants to power up what could be one of the largest solar farms in the state at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, where ongoing missile testing requires unwavering power for flight tests that process huge amounts of data. Star-Advertiser.

If elected to serve on the board of directors of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hermina Morita promises to use her experience in policy making to ensure the co-op thrives. Garden Island.

If elected to serve on the board of directors for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Norma Doctor Sparks wants to focus on how the co-op helps residents recover from natural disasters. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials say an invasive parakeet is causing health and environmental problems on Kauai. Associated Press.