Showing posts with label Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Wind farm protesters in court, Supreme Court sides with Ige in nomination dispute, Honolulu auditor slams monster houses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm protests PC: Choon James
Arrested wind farm protesters appear in court as more are detained. More than 30 people accused of disobeying a police officer in the Na Pua Makani wind farm protest made their initial appearance in court Monday on the same day 18 additional people were arrested for attempting to block yet another convoy of turbine parts. Star-Advertiser.

Energy Giant AES Has A Big — And Growing — Footprint In Hawaii. The Kahuku wind farm developer opposed a proposed ban on coal in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaiian Flags, Parking Tickets, Arrests Are Raising Free Speech Questions. There’s been a noticeable spike in Hawaiian flags seen on roads and highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court rules in favor of Ige in dispute over PUC appointment.  The 4-1 decision clarifies confusion over the governor’s authority to make appointments when the Legislature is not in session and brings some closure to a legal dispute that arose when the PUC rejected Florida- based NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries. Star-Advertiser.

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Stings net more than 2 dozen suspected child sex predators in Hawaii. Law enforcement officers pose as children online, using chat rooms and common social media apps. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General announces results of Operation Keiki Shield. The name of the operations are "Keiki Shield" and so far have involved 95 law enforcement officers and professional staff from over a dozen county, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies. KITV.

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Kauai’s Carvalho Backs Kahele For Congress. The Democratic state senator continues to rack up the endorsements. Civil Beat.

Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho endorses Kai Kahele for Congress. Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho has endorsed Kai Kahele in his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, adding to the list of well-known political figures who have thrown their support behind the state senator for Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii unemployment rate remains steady at 2.7%. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 2.7% in October for the third straight month while nonfarm payrolls were virtually flat in falling by just 100 jobs, according to data released Monday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Jobless rate holds steady. The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations on Monday announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 2.7 percent, for the third consecutive month. Garden Island.

Oahu

Auditor’s report slams city agency on ‘monster houses’. A just-completed audit of the city Department of Planning and Permitting’s handling of the explosion in the number of large, detached dwellings in recent years concluded the agency has been lax, inconsistent and ineffective in dealing with the “monster house” issue. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Monster Houses Still Running Amok Despite City Law. The city blamed turnover, reduced time for training and other factors for its failure to enforce the 2019 law. Civil Beat.

Audit: City failed to control ‘monster homes’ or take residents’ complaints seriously. Critic says city “took their eye off the ball”. Hawaii News Now.

New city audit finds DPP mismanaging monster home permits. Recommendations include better coordination and increasing fines for not having permits. KITV.




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Top Honolulu Rail Official Leaves HART As Project Reaching Critical Stage. Paula Youngling is the second high-level procurement officer to leave HART in recent months. Civil Beat.


Ridership on The Bus continues to decline. Since 2015 the City is seeing fewer people riding the bus. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls it a product of competition. KITV.

Public input sought on fix for Red Hill fuel tanks above aquifer. A letter mailed recently with every water bill was the Board of Water Supply’s way of drawing attention islandwide before a public meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Million-Dollar Oahu Homes Shrink In Size. The square footage is smaller than it was just five years ago. Civil Beat.

Restoring Kaiwainui Marsh After Years Of Neglect Is Not As Easy As It Could Be. Lots of different groups want to restore and protect the iconic Oahu wetland. Civil Beat.

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A community park on the outskirts of Downtown is getting new life. The city, the YMCA and a local school celebrated are celebrating a deal that will revitalize a troubled downtown park. Hawaii News Now.

YMCA partners with city for Kamamalu park makeover. The Young Men’s Christian Association of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.7 million for improvements at Kamamalu Neighborhood Park, the city facility next to the YMCA’s busy Nuuanu branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Managing Director Okabe resigns. Wil Okabe, Mayor Harry Kim’s managing director and right-hand man, is resigning effective Nov. 30. West Hawaii Today.

Climate crisis to be topic of presentation during council committee meeting. A Hawaii County Council committee will discuss strategies today for protecting the Big Island from rising sea levels brought about by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

In search of a solid waste solution. A resolution urging the departments of Environmental Management and Research and Development put their heads together to come up with a way to reduce waste and generate clean energy received unanimous backing at a committee hearing and is scheduled Wednesday for its final County Council vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Getting $10 Million From State For Mauna Kea Costs. The Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee will make a recommendation on accepting the funds during its meeting Tuesday in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Governor accepts final EIS for Pulehunui master plan. Water, wastewater, roads mapped out for state projects. Maui News.

Wailuku Community Divided Over Proposed Hotel. Landowners Jonathan Starr and Helen Nielsen are hoping a new hotel will revitalize the streets of Wailuku. Others, however, fear it could gentrify one the islandʻs last untouched towns. Maui Now.

Hawaii Among Recipients Of $29M In Fed Coastal Protection Grants. The University of Hawaii Office of Research Services is receiving $399,506 -- $199,506 in grants and $200,000 in matching funds -- to restore and enhance the Maui coastal dunes. Associated Press.

Home prices cool after record-breaking August. Median prices in September, October lower than houses selling at same time last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Finance Committee members tour affordable housing site, hemp farm. Members of the House Finance Committee toured two project sites on Monday that they hope will benefit from bills they intend to pass during next year’s legislative session. Garden Island.

Kauai’s jail is getting upgrades, but it won’t solve the overcrowding. The Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC) is different from the other Hawaii jails: It doesn’t have a guard tower, and it sits alongside a busy road, Kuhio Highway, with no fence separating it from the Highway, just a ditch. Hawaii News Now.

Helping Small Food Companies Cope With High Costs. A new business development program on Kauai aims to provide small operators with tools and resources to grow. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

All the latest news on Tropical Storm Olivia, what's open, what's closed, Carvalho ponders future, boosted posts boost candidates' fines, plus more top stories from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA
Tropical Storm Olivia at 4:30 a.m. HST Wednesday, NOAA
Tropical Storm Olivia is closing in on the state and is on a track that is expected to take it directly over Maui sometime Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Olivia continues to bear down on the islands of Maui and Molokai this morning. Located about 55 miles east-northeast of Kahului and 140 miles east of Honolulu, Olivia clocked in with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was headed west at 12 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Olivia. Hawaii News Now.

A Tropical Storm Warning has just been dropped for the Big Island. Overnight, Kauai was dropped from the warning.  As of right now, Oahu and Maui County remained under Tropical Storm Warnings, with the threat of tropical-storm force winds remaining for those communities. That means winds in excess of 39 mph are expected. Maui Now.

Olivia on way. Hawaii Gov. David Ige asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday to declare an emergency for the state as Tropical Storm Olivia approaches. Garden Island.

Are You Covered By Hurricane or Flood Insurance? Tropical Storm Olivia is weakening but Hawaii homeowners should be aware of what their insurance policies cover. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bankruptcies rise locally despite strong state economy. Hawaii bankruptcies rose in August for the sixth time in eight months this year even as the state economy continues to remain strong. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Farmers Are Actually Embracing Government Regulation. Some small ag operations are finding federal food safety regulations can help them expand to new markets. Civil Beat.

Federal Money Is Running Out For Charter Schools’ Pre-K Programs. The Legislature will be asked to replace money from an expiring federal grant that helped establish 18 pre-K charter classrooms. Civil Beat.

Proposed changes to administrative rules on student misconduct are temporarily on hold pending further revisions by the state Department of Education. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

With Hurricane Olivia expected to continue to weaken, most city services on Oahu will be operating on a regular weekday schedule Wednesday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: City is taking precautions, but 'we don't want to overreact'. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency officials are worried about the storm's impact on a new erosion hot spot on Oahu's North Shore. Most of Ehukai Beach has already disappeared with recent currents, and officials are afraid Olivia could be even more rough on the shoreline. Hawaii News Now.

Solar permits issued on Oahu declined in August for the third straight month and are now just slightly ahead of where they were at this time a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fourteen Big Island candidates are among dozens throughout the state settling with the Campaign Spending Commission after they failed to disclose how much they spent on advertising leading up to the primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Ethics Board Considers Changes. The chair of the newly appointed Charter Commission talked with board members about possible charter amendments they would like to propose. Big Island Video News.

As Tropical Storm Olivia made its way to the islands Tuesday, the focus turned mostly away from the Big Island and more toward Maui as it appeared the worst effects of the cyclone would be felt well to the north of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A flash flood warning is in effect for Molokai as Tropical Storm Olivia bears down on Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Kahului Harbor experiencing extremely rainy conditions. KITV.

Dozens of Maui residents seek shelter ahead of the storm. Seven emergency evacuation shelters were activated Tuesday evening across Maui County. KHON2.

Maui County is bracing for strong impacts from Tropical Storm Olivia. The county's Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and the county issued an emergency proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

Hana Elementary and High School are closed today and county officials asked visitors not to go to Hana as Tropical Storm Olivia continued to approach from the east. Maui News.

Maui post offices to close Wednesday, all others remain open. KHON2.

Maui County prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Olivia late today or early Wednesday by closing Haleakala National Park and some state parks and halting some residential refuse collections. Maui News.

Maui condo market surges but home sales flat. The median price for condos jumped 27.5 percent to $509,988 from $400,000 in the year-earlier period while condo sales surged 32.7 percent to 146 from 110. Star-Advertiser.

Condo prices jump on Maui as single-family prices stay flat. The median price of a condominium on Maui jumped 27.5 percent last month, compared to August 2017, while the median price of a single-family home on the Valley Isle was unchanged, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Ponders A Future Outside Of Politics. The bigger-than-life leader needs time to figure out what’s next, because he never expected to lose in the Democratic primary for LG. Civil Beat.

Residents were invited to take part in a West Kauai Community Plan meeting Monday night at Kaumakani Neighborhood Center — but not many did. Garden Island.

In August, the median price for a residential home increased 15 percent from last year at this time. Garden Island.


Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Hurricane Hector to pass south of Hawaii today, $550M price tag for volcano recovery, super PAC criticisms intensify as election nears, fish return after tourists fled Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA Aug 8
Hurricane Hector Wednesday morning, NOAA
Hurricane Hector, a major storm in the Central Pacific, has maintained its strength as it continues churning closer to the islands. At 5 a.m. Wednesday, the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour, with occasional higher gusts. Hawaii News Now.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 125 mph this morning, the still-powerful Category 3 Hurricane Hector is well south of the islands and expected to stay on a westward track away from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Northern fringes of Hector expected to ‘brush the Big Island’. A state of emergency was declared late Tuesday by Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe due to the threat of Hurricane Hector. Tribune-Herald.

Fringes of Hector to Brush Big Island, 73 mph Winds. Maui Now.

Hector may have weakened to a Category Three hurricane, but with maximum sustained near 125 mph, it is still a powerful storm. Big Island Video News.

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Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Avoids Public Debate/Forum in Primary Election Race. Hawaii’s Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has made it through two election cycles without facing any of her challengers in a public debate or forum. Hawaii Public Radio.

Four days before the primary election, some candidates are pushing back against a slew of ads paid for by Super PACs. Hawaii News Now.

Super PAC donations draw criticism. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho raised concerns about the influx of super PAC money in the race to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor during remarks in the rotunda of the state Capitol on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

It may be a few days before Hawaii’s primary election, but for Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., that doesn’t mean he’s slowing his campaign for the lieutenant governor’s seat. Garden Island.

How Martin Hamburger Became A Staple Of Hawaii Politics. A Washington advertising consultant made headway in the islands by helping big-name clients who were willing to poke fun at themselves. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC glitches adjusted on the fly. There’s an old military adage that no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy — and the need to adapt on the fly applies to military exercises such as Rim of the Pacific as well. Star-Advertiser.

After several disasters, Hawaii Foodbank sees its stockpile dwindle. Every day, the Hawaii Foodbank distributes up to 50,000 pounds of food to member agencies who get it to the hungry. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Foodbank in 'urgent need' of supplies following recent natural disasters. The Hawaii Foodbank said it is in “urgent need” of emergency food and monetary donations, following a decrease in summer donations. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Lawsuit over Kakaako condo tower ‘defects’ dismissed. A federal judge in Honolulu has dismissed a lawsuit in which a developer sought more than $75 million in damages from a contractor for alleged construction defects in the ultraluxury Waiea condominium tower in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks set to begin in civil rights suit over huge gambling case that failed twice. City attorneys are heading to the bargaining table to try and settle a civil lawsuit over a gambling case that failed twice in court and resulted in state judges scolding deputy prosecutors. Hawaii News Now.

Forensic lab in Hawaii begins long process to identify Korean War remains. Inside a government forensic lab on Oahu are the remains of what are believed to be American soldiers killed in the Korean war. KITV.

The U.S. Army has agreed to restore access to a valley considered sacred on Oahu in a settlement with a Native Hawaiian cultural group. Associated Press.

As thousands of students return to school this month, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced it will suspend one week of morning road closures as part of its “Beat the School Jam” initiative. Star-Advertiser.

After more than 40 years of creating some of Hawaii's favorite desserts, today is the last day for Saint-Germain and Dee Lite Bakery. KHON2.

Solar permits issued on Oahu fell in July for the second month in a row but are still ahead of the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim plans to ask the state Legislature for $550 million for disaster recovery following three months of destructive lava flows and earthquakes in the wake of the May 3 eruption of Kilauea volcano. West Hawaii Today.

County spending for lava response tops $5 million. Hawaii County has spent $5.1 million responding to the Kilauea eruption in the past three months. Tribune-Herald.

The County of Hawaii Clerk's Office will close absentee walk-in voting sites at the Pahoa Community Center and the Pahala Community Center on Wednesday, August 8, due to the threat posed by Hurricane Hector. KHON2.

Respected cultural practitioners spoke during Tuesday council committee meeting in support of an appropriate process to name the volcanic Fissure 8 on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone. Big Island Video News.

News of a slowdown in the 3-month-old Kilauea volcanic eruption has brought a glimmer of relief to the Big Island’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Lava flow’s impacts hit Kona and Kohala Coast. While Hawaii island tourism is still up year over year, it experienced a 5 percent drop in visitor arrivals in June. Hotel occupancy also dropped in June by its largest amount in almost five years. Star-Advertiser.

A district on Hawaii’s Big Island is among the top 10 markets where homebuyers look to buy vacation rental properties, according to a report from Vacasa. North Kona, which includes Kailua-Kona, was ranked No. 9 on Vacasa’s list of the top 25 markets for buying a vacation rental. Pacific Business News.

Array of tests zero in on disease afflicting wild horses in Waipio Valley. Around a dozen wild horses in Waipio Valley have died inexplicably and in similar fashion over the last two months. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui re-launching Junk Vehicles Disposal Assistance Program. Under this program, residents will be able to dispose of one vehicle per year at no charge. KHON2.

Along with seat belt, cellphone and speeding violations, police are watching for adults smoking in vehicles occupied by children, as students go back to school this week. Maui News.

Maui’s largest private landowner, Alexander & Baldwin, is selling 313 acres adjacent to Kahului Airport to the state for $8.6 million and the Lahaina Square Shopping Center and adjacent parcels to an unnamed buyer for $11.3 million, the company said in announcing its second-quarter results last week. Maui News.

Kealii Reichel hopes to break ground on his halau’s permanent home in Piiholo next year, the kumu hula said Monday.  Maui News.

Kumu hula plans construction of permanent halau home on Maui next year. Associated Press.

Kauai

Holy Mackerel, With No Tourists In Sight The Fish Are Returning To Kauai’s North Shore. Local fishermen say the impact of the April storm on tourism has been a boon to the fish population. Civil Beat.

Ishihara opens under new ownership. The common concern among shoppers was the poke, and bento lunches, Tuesday when Ishihara Market reopened under the ownership of the Kalama Beach Corporation. Garden Island.

The median price of a single-family home on Kauai rose 11 percent last month, compared to a year ago, while the median price of a condominium in July jumped by more than 30 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.


Thursday, May 31, 2018

Prepping for RimPac, lava forces more evacuations, election signup deadline nears, $220M Honolulu airport addition planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Air Times Network http://www.airtimes.my/2018/05/25/kapal-tldm-mulakan-pelayaran-ke-hawaii-untuk-rimpac-2018/
Leaving Rumut, Malaysia, for RimPac. The Air Times Network
The Navy said Wednesday that 26 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in this summer’s big Rim of the Pacific exercises June 27 to Aug. 2, mainly in in Hawaii but also in Southern California. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Pacific Command, the oldest and largest of the military’s major commands, officially received a name change Wednesday, reflecting evolving priorities, including a “great power” competition with China. Star-Advertiser.

Pentagon Salutes US-India Ties With Pacific Command Name Change. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announces the change at Pearl Harbor as he welcomes a new commander. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced on Wednesday that he officially submitted his nomination for the Lt. Governor seat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Is Short On Poll Workers As The Primary Approaches. The state is trying to fill almost 3,000 one-day positions for the Aug. 11 primary, and it’s only about halfway there. Star-Advertiser.

The deadline to file nomination papers to appear on the 2018 Election ballot is Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Hawaii tour company to pay $570k to settle sexual harassment suit. KHON2.

State takes first step toward lucrative hemp industry with new research program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Winner Of Governor’s Race Will Have Stronger Hand In Rail Project. Colleen Hanabusa and David Ige have played varying roles in moving the project forward, while Clayton Hee wants to curtail construction. Civil Beat.

Ex-police chief, wife plead not guilty to financial, obstruction charges. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday to financial and obstruction charges. Hawaii News Now.

New Indictment Against Kealohas Focuses on Bank Fraud, Identify Theft. Defense attorneys had wrongly hoped federal prosecutors were dropping conspiracy charges involving an alleged mailbox theft. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Transportation broke ground Wednesday on a $220 million, two-level Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to begin the next phase of Hawaii’s airport modernization plan. Star-Advertiser


$220M Airport Modernization Project Launched. The next phase of the long-awaited airport modernization project was launched on Oahu today. Star-Advertiser.

First look at new Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu.  KHON

State officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mauka Concourse on Wednesday morning, marking a new step in a series of renovations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

The new operator of the Kuhio Beach concession stands that provide surf lessons, board rentals, umbrellas, chairs and canoe rides has encountered resistance from opponents since opening Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo said it is looking to hire up to 200 workers for its new store at Ala Moana Center, slated to open this fall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said she believes Gov. David Ige can make it easier for Lower Puna residents displaced by the Kilauea eruption to find emergency housing by issuing two executive orders and allowing “ohana zones.” Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Harry Kim signed a second supplementary emergency proclamation on Thursday due to to the ongoing Kilauea eruption. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Announces Change in Emergency Procedure. Big Island Now.

A shortage of rental housing in East Hawaii has become part of the ongoing crisis caused by the lava from Kilauea volcano, which has destroyed homes and forced hundreds of lower Puna residents to evacuate. Tribune-Herald.

Police launched a dramatic house-to-house evacuation of the Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots subdivisions in Puna early Wednesday morning as fast-moving lava threatened the last route out for residents of those communities, but the flow slowed later in the day without blocking the coastal highway. Star-Advertiser

Nearly four weeks after eruptions started in lower Puna, lava has wiped out at least 75 homes, active flows continue to cover major thoroughfares and threaten properties, and the volcanic activity still shows no signs of stopping. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

Lava Speeds Up And Forces More Evacuations As Despair Grows. More refugees are likely headed for the Pahoa Community Center, where hundreds already reside. Some have been there for weeks. Civil Beat.

Kapoho area under evacuation, lava approaching Beach Road. KHON2.

Bulldozers began digging their way through lava rock on Chain of Craters Road on Wednesday as molten rock continued to threaten the “Four Corners” area in Kapoho. Tribune-Herald.

Goodfellow Bros. Inc. began work on Wednesday to clear nearly a mile of solidified lava to prepare an evacuation route through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the event the only highway leading from the coast is cut off by the latest eruption of Kilauea volcano. Pacific Business News.

The Pride of America canceled its Wednesday visit to Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Despite vog, half-Ironman race on Kohala Coast will go ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Explosive eruptions at Halemaumau Crater have overwhelmed Ka'u neighborhoods on the Big Island for weeks, and residents in the area say more needs to be done to inform them about how the emissions are affecting them. Hawaii News Now.

Lava scientists’ drone guides lost resident through jungle. Star-Advertiser.

Stranded Leilani Estates Man Instructed to “Follow the Drone to Safety”. Maui Now.

An eleventh-hour escape from a lava-doomed home was more sedate than might be expected, recounted a Leilani Estates resident who was rescued by emergency responders Sunday night. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council gives final approval to fiscal 2019 county budget. The Maui County Council approved a $758.3 million county budget for fiscal 2019 on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui Professor Selected for 2018 Omidyar Fellows Program. Maui Now.

Kauai

North Shore seeks balance between locals, tourists. Residents on Kauai’s North Shore don’t want life to go back to the way it was before the April floods. Garden Island.

Kauai County rolls out updates on transportation, garbage collection for residents affected by severe flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Tiny homes tucked into backyards of existing houses could be the answer to Hawaii’s housing crisis. Garden Island.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Honolulu rail funding disagreement, vendors to be ousted from lava viewing area, congressional candidate exaggerates education, Maui ex-policeman pleads guilty to theft, jobless rate remains low, Carvalho surveys Kauai's damaged North Shore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Rail through Waipahu PC: HART
Auditor disagrees with HART on rail reimbursements. As work gets underway on a far-reaching audit of the multibillion-dollar rail project, state Auditor Les Kondo warned officials that his office has already identified potential red flags. Star-Advertiser.

How Will Honolulu Pay To Run Rail Once It’s Built? The City Still Doesn’t Know. Many other rail transit systems rely on special sales taxes to pay what passenger fares don’t cover. Civil Beat.

Congressional candidate didn't finish master's degree his LinkedIn page said he had. For years, congressional candidate Kaniela Ing's LinkedIn page said he received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Isle jobless rate steady at 2.1% for sixth month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, the lowest in the nation, held firm in March at 2.1 percent for the sixth month in a row as employers added 200 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers could ban sunscreens with toxic chemicals that are damaging reefs. KHON2.

Scientists Warn Plastic Could Soon Out-Weigh Fish in the Ocean. Maui Now.

Businesses are tightening policies on emotional support dogs. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. on Thursday released its 11th annual Sustainability Report for 2017-2018 describing the utility's efforts to address climate change and contribute to community sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to close loopholes in some of the city’s ordinances. And, they’re targeting sidewalk vendors and golfers. Hawaii Public Radio.

E-bus struggles to make the grade. The city is restating its characterization of how an electric bus on loan performed in February tests around Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tension High Over Airport Rideshare Pilot Program. Long simmering tensions between the local taxi companies and transportation network companies, Uber and Lyft, erupted again. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion taking toll at Haleiwa Beach Park. Severe erosion is forcing the closure of makai entrances to the bathrooms and removal of outdoor showers at Haleiwa Beach Park, safety precautions announced Thursday by city park officials. Star-Advertiser.

Gaping sinkhole growing with each wave makes for dangerous situation in Haleiwa. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli Village Center: Big Plans But Few Results So Far. After more than a decade of planning, construction could begin this month on a commercial center — or it might not. Civil Beat.

State seeks to cancel lease with Olomana Golf Club. Fears of vandalism and homeless squatters are among the new concerns for former staff at a Kailua golf course. KITV.

Elite Pacific Properties has acquired a vacation rental management company that manages 29 Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Power restored to entire UH-Manoa campus after large transformer fire. Hawaii News Now.

Transformer fire at UH Manoa causes widespread power outage. Honolulu Fire Department personnel battled a large fire at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s lower campus this evening. Star-Advertiser.

A Florida man was sentenced today to two months in jail and four months home confinement for his role in scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for Stevie Wonder concert that never happened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vendors face relocation: County responding to safety concerns near lava viewing area in Kalapana. Hawaii County is clamping down on vendors near its designated lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130 in Kalapana. Tribune-Herald.

County Explains Kalapana Vendor Crack-Down. Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno told the council Thursday that the county will "strictly enforce" the law beginning July 1st. Big Island Video News.

The Kohala Swimming Pool and a room in the North Kohala Senior Center are closed following a set of recent mishaps. Big Island Video News.

A second lieutenant will soon join the ranks of the Kona unit of the Department of Public Safety’s Sheriff Division, pending the governor’s approval of the state’s budget. West Hawaii Today.

Logistics of cesspool conversion bring financial burden. Last year, legislators passed a law requiring Hawaii homeowners do away with the state’s estimated 88,000 cesspools by 2050. West Hawaii Today.

Peter Kema Sr. must serve a minimum of 18 years in prison for the killing of his son, Peter Kema Jr., aka “Peter Boy,” the Hawaii Paroling Authority announced today. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Department of Health recently identified several cases of ciguatera fish poisoning from ingestion of the giant trevally (ulua) recreationally caught off the northwest coast of Hawaii Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft, Witness Tampering. Former Maui police officer Anthony Maldonado, of Kahului, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. Maui Now.

Former Maui police officer pleads guilty to traffic-stop theft. He also is charged with bribery, faces up to 21 years in prison, $350,000 in fines. Maui News.

Maui vegetable farmers fighting Mother Nature. Recent heavy rains, flooding ruin crops, breed pests. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. completed a site visit Thursday to communities in Lumahai, Wainiha and Haena. Garden Island.

Lifeline To Kauai’s North Shore Must Be Rebuilt Now, Relocated Later. Officials don’t know when the Kuhio Highway, smothered by mud and debris, will be completely reopened. Meanwhile, the state will speed up a $33 million plan to rebuild a series of old bridges. Civil Beat.

More and more respond to need for help on North Shore. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources conducted a helicopter survey of its lands, and found most of the vast acreage of lands it manages to have relatively less damage than originally thought due to last weekend’s historical flooding. Star-Advertiser.

In flood-devastated Hanalei, a beloved cemetery is covered under a mountain of mud. Hawaii News Now.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are donating $1 million to assist flood-relief efforts on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean Safety personnel on Kauai have closed Keoneloa Bay to swimming after a 29-year-old male visitor was apparently bitten by a shark while body boarding at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Maui Now.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Hawaii Supreme Court mulls Thirty Meter Telescope, cops dip into cocaine stash, neighbor islands could get more transient accommodations tax, bogus rail numbers, Hawaiian heiress abuse investigation, Carvalho's final state of the county, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard oral arguments in a case that has the potential to play a huge role on whether the Thirty Meter Telescope is built in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in one of two cases affecting the Thirty Meter Telescope on Thursday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Back In Court As TMT's April Deadline Looms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest potential road-block for TMT construction on Mauna Kea is one native Hawaiian practitioner. KITV.

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House Committee Boosts Neighbor Island Share Of Hotel Tax. Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties would get bigger pieces of the revenue pie, but not Honolulu. Associated Press.

Three counties will get a big increase in their share of revenue from the Transient Accommodations Tax, or TAT, under a bill that was advanced by the State House Finance Committee on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

The House Finance Committee passed a bill Thursday that would increase the Transient Accommodations Tax revenues for neighboring islands. Garden Island.

The House Finance Committee today passed Senate Bill 648 SD1 HD1, which increases the amount of the Transient Accommodations Tax or “TAT” revenues for the neighbor islands. Maui Now.

Neighbor Island counties would get more transient accommodations tax revenue under a bill advanced Thursday by the state House Finance Committee. Maui News.

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim was taken aback after he received a call Tuesday night from House Speaker Scott Saiki asking him to testify on a measure to increase Hawaii County’s share of the Transient Accommodations Tax by more than $12 million annually for at least the next dozen years. West Hawaii Today.

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Anti-gay bias allegations roil Hawaii U.S. House race. A well-known Democratic candidate for Congress who gained notoriety opposing President Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting mostly Muslim countries is being forced to explain a decades-old rant perceived as intolerant of gay people. Associated Press.

Hanabusa corrects Secretary of the Interior's Japanese at hearing. President Trump has proposed to cut the grant program that most recently has helped pay for work the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is doing to create a database of the Japanese detained in Hawaii during World War II. KHON2.

Bill Would Set 6-Year Term For Office Of Information Practices Chief. The measure would increase the job security of the director charged with ensuring adherence to Hawaii’s open government laws. Civil Beat.

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Judge: Hawaiian Heiress Abuse Investigation Must Continue. Abigail Kawananakoa’s former lawyer claims she was abused by her wife. It’s all part of a battle over control of her $215 million trust. Associated Press.

The legal battle over Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa's fortune is heating up as a state judge ruled that allegations of physical abuse must be investigated. Hawaii News Now.

Judge tells combatants over heiress’s trust to cool it. The state probate judge tasked with deciding who will manage the $200 million trust of Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told the parties fighting for control that all of the allegations they have so far made against each other in court filings are not helpful. Star-Advertiser.

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The Department of Health says tobacco prevention programs have saved the state about $1 billion over the past 20 years. KITV.

State officials estimate Hawaii has saved more than $1 billion in total heath care costs due to the reduction in smoking since 2000. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health: Tobacco Use Reduction Saves $1B in Health Care Costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Maui Rep. Yamashita Introduces Resolutions on Cesspool Problem. Maui Now.

After hearing criticism from the Native Hawaiian community, a mainland liquor company has changed its branding. The alcoholic drink was called King Kameha and featured with an image that looks like the King Kamehameha statue. KHON2.

Oahu

Original Rail Budget Included Bogus Numbers For Station Designs. HART officials say their predecessors made “placeholder” estimates without studying their legitimacy. Civil Beat.

More bike lanes proposed for Ward and Pensacola. Approximately 40 on-street parking stalls on Ward Avenue and 30 on Pensacola Street — both metered and nonmetered — would be removed for the bike lane projects. Star-Advertiser.

Community input wanted on bike lanes. KHON2.

Mayor signs into law incentives for property owners who install fire sprinklers. One bill, Bill 101 CD1, provides tax relief while Bill 102 CD1, FD1, reduces permitting fees. Hawaii News Now.

HPD helped cover up officer's abuse, suit filed by ex-wife say. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is accusing her ex-husband, a Honolulu police officer, of years of abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Community Vents Frustration Over State’s Mixed Signals On Waianae Camp. At a special neighborhood board meeting Thursday, supporters of a homeless encampment asked for a long-term plan. Civil Beat.

Governor's Chief of Staff apologized to the residents of Puuhonua O Waianae. It was a packed neighborhood board meeting in Waianae Thursday night, as community members demanded answers about what could happen to the Puuhonua O Waianae homeless camp in Pokai Bay. KITV.

Hawaiian Group Clashes with State Over Waimanalo Land. A group of Native Hawaiians claiming to be descendants of King Kamehameha I is headed for a clash with the state -- the second time in two years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Radio conglomerate iHeartMedia – owner of 8 Honolulu stations including KSSK – files for bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health certified Aeos Labs, Inc. to begin testing medical cannabis flowers from the state’s licensed dispensaries, patients and caregivers, making it the third lab in the state to gain the certification. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Police are investigating how a “small quantity” of cocaine evidence, now used for training purposes, went missing from the department sometime after October 2017. Big Island Video News.

Cocaine missing from Hawaii island police evidence room. A criminal and administrative investigation was done in October and the department has identified a sworn employee as a person of interest. KHON2.

The Hawaii Police Department said it has placed an employee on administrative leave without pay after discovering that cocaine recovered as evidence was lighter than reported during its initial recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Officer suspected of stealing drug evidence. Hawaii County police released information about an investigation into missing drug evidence and identified a former police officer as a person of interest, but have no further comment.  West Hawaii Today.

In October 2017, both criminal and administrative investigations were initiated after it was discovered that cocaine recovered as evidence in 2014 was found to be lighter in weight than reported during its initial recovery. Big Island Now.

Maui

Severe housing problems and a high rate of alcohol-impaired driving deaths are some of the areas that Maui County’s community should explore to improve residents’ health, according to a national report released Wednesday. Maui News.

Hunt for green transport targets electric cars, bikes. The Police Department wants to improve its response time while cutting down on the emissions produced by the department’s 320 vehicles. Maui News.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui will get a multimillion-dollar renovation next year after the PGA’s Sentry Tournament of Champions kicks off the 2019 season, according to Arizona-based Troon, which manages Kapalua Golf & Tennis. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Carvalho proposes $214 million operating budget. The mayor, who has served since 2008, proposed an operating budget of $214.8 million and a capital improvement projects budget of $40.7 million. Garden Island.

Mayor touts 10 years of accomplishments. In his State of the County Address Thursday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. highlighted several accomplishment during his administration. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho delivered his 10th and final State of the County address. KITV.

Improvements to roads, parks among priorities in Kauai mayor's State of the County address. KHON2.

Education, $$ needed for cesspools. While the House of Representatives is debating the creation of regional task forces to help counties replace cesspools, Kauai residents in the issue say it’s cash, and an education campaign, that’s going to do the trick. Garden Island.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Sunshine Week: Ige administration keeps false missile alert records close to vest, House passes budget, Honolulu council's leadership drama, endangered species at Coco Palms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

missile alarm corrections made
Gov. Ige, R, and officials hold press conference on false missile alert fixes, file photo
Hawaii Refuses To Release Internal Records On Missile Alert. The governor’s office has declined to provide phone logs, text messages, instant messages and calendars related to the Jan. 13 false alarm. Associated Press

Hawaii Senate Wants To Restrict State Government’s Hiring Power. Department heads have lined up in opposition to a bill that would end their ability to fill hundreds of temporary positions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii households will see a total reduction of more than $710 million in federal individual income tax for tax year 2018, according to a report released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers in the state House have given their okay on the budget for the next fiscal year. The $28 billion package would fund everything from schools to healthcare to airport improvements. KHON2.

The House of Representatives unanimously approved the State budget yesterday, which appropriates funds for operating government and capital improvement projects for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Garden Island.

Plan aims to guide battle against destructive albizia tree. To minimize the risk, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, which was created by the state Legislature in 2003, has a strategic plan that addresses the problem for the first time on a statewide scale. Star-Advertiser.

Three bills introduced earlier this year to improve road safety have quietly died without discussion after failing to pass committee. Tribune-Herald.

John Radcliffe’s Last Fight Is For His Own Right To Die. The longtime lobbyist for tobacco, liquor and gambling interests and prescription drug companies says this time he’s “on the side of angels.” Civil Beat.

Unpermitted vacation rentals have been blamed for everything from sky-high housing prices to overcrowded hiking trails. But what is really going on with Hawaii’s short-term rental market? How many properties are permitted for vacation rentals? And how many are actually being used that way? Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill Advances to Require Showings of Open Captioned/Audio Encoded Movies for Deaf and Blind. There are more than 12-hundred bills still alive at the State Legislature, half-way through the session. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa racked up another union endorsement Monday, winning the backing of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council in her bid to become governor. Star-Advertiser.

Decades-old sexual misconduct allegations against Inouye have resurfaced. What now? Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health is repealing a law that's been limiting restaurants and some farmers for 30 years. The department says it's getting rid of the rule that bans restaurants from buying produce from aquaponics farms. Hawaii News Now.

Students Find Their Voice In Preparing For Wednesday Walkouts. Hawaii youths will join others around the country to honor the Florida shooting victims and demand changes in gun laws. Civil Beat.

The first two Hawaiian monk seal pups of 2018 have arrived — one on Lanai and the second on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor dreads Council leadership shuffle. Mayor Kirk Caldwell warned Monday that a new Honolulu City Council leadership team needs to be careful how it handles his plan to use bonds to help fund the city’s troubled, $9 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Council postpones budget briefing amid leadership drama. Hawaii News Now.

City council briefing canceled with leadership change expected next week. There were no talks on the mayor's proposed city budget Monday. KHON2.

City plan would force some of the 'hardest to house' to get help. The city may soon do more to force chronically homeless people with severe mental illnesses to get treatment. Hawaii News Now.

The army 25th infantry division announced a change to one of its training exercises in response to an incident last week, when an air-drop bundle missed its mark and landed in Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School. KITV.

Navy’s Red Hill Analysis Concerns Environmental Regulators. The Navy is working on a 20-year-plan to reduce the risk of leaks and fuel contamination from giant fuel tanks on Oahu. Associated Press.

A landmark property will soon feature Downtown Honolulu's largest solar installation. Hawaii Pacific University is expanding the photovoltaic system that crews are installing on the rooftops of the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s third dispensary is preparing to enter the fledgling medical marijuana market, following a blessing today of its Kapahulu location. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu taxpayers shelling out big bucks for every hiker rescue. KITV.

Pearl City is the fourth-happiest city in the U.S., according to a WalletHub study released Monday in honor of the upcoming International Day of Happiness on March 20. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim says no plans to raid money going to open space preservation. The county budget might be tight in other areas, but there’s still plenty of money to buy and maintain land for open space preservation. West Hawaii Today

The commission charged with prioritizing public land purchases is asking questions about the mayor's plans for the future. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Can’t Seem To Stop Raising Taxes. It’s a pattern with Harry Kim: He speaks out against tax increases, then turns around and tries to impose them. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee Monday advanced a grass-roots bill that would appropriate about $2.5 million to establish a pilot program to add staff to the state’s beleaguered East Hawaii child welfare system and limit the number of children assigned to each social worker there. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is seeking a long-term water lease for its two small hydro power plants on the Wailuku River. Tribune-Herald.

A Waimea woman’s appeal of a small subdivision uphill from her property has been denied by the Board of Appeals. West Hawaii Today.

State takes action after manta ray found gouged off Hawaii island. KHON2.

Maui

The Kusunoki family on Maui became the 35th family to be placed in an affordable home by Na Hale O Maui community land trust. Maui Now.

Resurfacing of Hololani Street and Lower Kula Road will start today and could cause delays for motorists Upcountry. Maui News.

A section of the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park will be closed today and Tuesday to allow staff to remove hazardous invasive trees along the trail, park officials announced. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms and endangered species. Koloa ducks and moorhens have waddled into the spotlight in the saga surrounding the development of Coco Palms, the historic hotel destroyed in the 1992 Hurricane Iniki. Garden Island.

Term limit amendment to be voted on. A resolution charter amendment, if passed, would give Kauai voters the opportunity to vote on ending term limits for County Council members, who are currently limited to four, two-year terms. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend the State of the County address by Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. on Thursday. Garden Island.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Assisted suicide bill to be heard Tuesday, state tries to recoup $1.4M in salary over-payments, Hawaiian Airlines cuts two summer flights, homeless bills moving through Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii state Capitol ©2018 All Hawaii News
Proposed legislation that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with a lethal dose of prescription medication will get a public hearing Tuesday before the House Health and Human Services and Judiciary committees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House lawmakers are set to hear a medical aid in dying bill at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Capitol auditorium, giving hope to advocates who have sought the law for years. Civil Beat.

A key Senate committee has approved an increase in the state conveyance tax on sales of high-end homes to raise an additional $56 million a year for development of affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

State House rolls out bills on homeless crisis. Out of nine homeless-­related House bills introduced this session, only three remain active. Star-Advertiser.

The state as of Dec. 31 was still trying to reclaim balances on nearly $1.4 million in salary overpayments mistakenly made to public employees over the years — some stretching back as far as the 1990s. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require counties to get abandoned vehicles off public roads will be considered by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means this Wednesday before the proposal can go before the full state Senate for a vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has appointed Ken Kitamura as deputy director of the state Department of Budget and Finance. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Red Cross is sending a volunteer to provide comfort to those affected by the deadly mass shooting at a school in Florida: state Rep. Ryan Yamane. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has removed two seasonal summer flights between the Bay Area and Hawaii due to an unexpected delay in the delivery of the airline’s new Airbus A321neo fleet. Pacific Business News.

Alexander & Baldwin Acquires Three Hawaii Retail Centers. Maui Now.

Maui restaurant The Banyan Tree was added to the The American Automobile Association Four Diamond list while two Oahu restaurants once again earned the Five Diamond Award. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Conceptual plans showing how Honolulu’s rail project could extend beyond Ala Moana Center to the University of Hawaii in Manoa suggest that any future extension could tremendously alter the shopping center and other properties in the Kapiolani district. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses hurt by rail construction will be able to apply for grants or loans from the city’s transit mitigation fund if the Honolulu City Council passes a measure introduced by Councilman Joey Manahan. Civil Beat.

Amid increasing concerns from state officials, the nearly 200 residents of one of Oahu’s largest homeless encampments welcomed hundreds of curious people inside Sunday with the message that the encampment on state-owned land is a better alternative than another law enforcement sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Dodging Oncoming Cars Is A Way Of Life In Crowded Kaimuki. In many of Honolulu’s older neighborhoods, narrow two-way streets really function as one-lane roads. But there’s little impetus to fix them. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools Chief: Threats Against Schools ‘Aren’t Taken Lightly’. Honolulu police say there have been more than a dozen social media posts since January threatening violence at Oahu schools. Civil Beat.

The isle building boom’s downside is a trio of disputes over workmanship. Honolulu's  construction industry received three big black eyes in the last year from high-profile project defect disputes: a state airport maintenance facility, a city traffic management center and a luxury condominium tower. Star-Advertiser.

Poor aircraft maintenance, including lack of grease in a vital drive shaft, was pegged as the probable cause of a helicopter crash near the USS Arizona Memorial that killed a 16-year-old boy in 2016, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

A wallaby that sought refuge at the Halawa Correctional Facility on Friday after it was hit by a car in the area is OK, according to city officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Thirty Meter Telescope manufacturing continues despite legal setbacks. The TMT International Observatory board of directors, representing the five partner countries, is expected to decide in April whether to stay in Hawaii or move to Spain’s Canary Islands. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Tourism Director Crunches Visitor Numbers. Big Island Video News.

Measures seek to extend ag theft and vandalism pilot program on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Plan for Kona coffee megafarm raises concerns. Kona Hills LLC, recently sought state permission to import 1.5 million coffee seed embryos from Costa Rica as part of an effort to establish what would be the largest Kona coffee farm in history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County has tossed out the bids for a sewer project in Lono Kona and plans to rebid the project next week. West Hawaii Today.

A project to widen 2.8 miles of Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea is back on the road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran made her candidacy for mayor official Friday, filing her nomination papers and becoming the third current or former council member to jump into the race to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa, who can’t seek re-election because of term limits. Maui News.

Age discrimination complaint advances in federal court. Ex-county employee claims termination was retaliation. Maui News.

In light of constant traffic, frequent rescues and the occasional tragedy, East Maui residents have been working to increase safety and awareness along the road to Hana. Maui News.

Officials survey aftermath of Waihee River flood. Maui News.

Kauai

Improvements to a $670,000 Poipu Beach Park project are complete, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Garden Island.

Both lanes of Kuhio Highway in Wainiha were opened just after 3 p.m. Sunday. Landslides caused by heavy rains completely blocked the highway Friday morning. Garden Island.

The 14th Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon will be the last one for Bernard Carvalho Jr. as the mayor of Kauai. Garden Island.