Hot, hot, hot! Former IBEW employee admits to vote-rigging, unpermitted building erected near Thirty Meter Telescope protest camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News

A summer of record heat has some wondering: Is this the new normal? The heat records started stacking up in April. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. still has edge despite China’s advances, Pacific Air Forces’ head says. Despite a new study saying America has lost its “military primacy” in the Indo- Pacific due to a focus on the Middle East while China advanced its military capability, the head of Pacific Air Forces on Oahu said the United States still has the advantage. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Cultural Practitioners File Maunakea Petition. Another petition has been filed with the Land Use Commission regarding development on Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Mauna Kea activists build illegal structure on lava field. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is asking the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to investigate and “take necessary and appropriate action” in connection with an unpermitted wooden building being constructed in a lava field near the Mauna Kea protest camp. Star-Advertiser.

State, not protesters, could face fines for unpermitted structure at Mauna Kea. Mayor Harry Kim told Hawaii News Now the county doesn’t know who built it so the property owner, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, is responsible and could be fined more than $1,000 per day. Hawaii News Now.

DHHL Says It Will Remove Structure Near Puuhuluhulu When Resources Are Available. A building that has been erected on the lava field near Puuhuluhulu in the midst of the ongoing standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea has gotten the government's attention. Big Island Video News.

TMT protesters told ‘library’ under construction is unpermitted; protest leaders fear state plans to clear blockade in next 30 days. Tribune-Herald.

Protesters allege the state intends to send Hawaii National Guard troops to Mauna Kea. The activists blocking Mauna Kea Access Road announced Tuesday “there has been word” that the state will use Hawaii National Guard troops and out-of-state law enforcement officers in the next 30 days to clear the way for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope to begin. Star-Advertiser.

Costs keep rising; County has now spent more than $3.6 million on TMT-related expenses. The standoff at Maunakea Access Road has now cost the county more than $3.6 million. Tribune-Herald.

Liliuokalani's Peaceful Approach To Foreign Aggression Set Stage for Kapu Aloha. The words kapu aloha have emerged in the ongoing conflict over Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

State health officials confirmed Tuesday that there was one case of measles reported in a Hawaii resident who got sick while traveling in another state. Officials did not provide any other details such as where or when that resident contracted the highly-infectious disease. Hawaii News Now.

New law to ease Albizia anxiety. Albizia trees create beautiful canopies across Hawaii’s scenery — but the introduced species is responsible for millions and millions of dollars in damage. KHON2.

To offset Hawaii’s carbon emissions, group seeks to plant 1M trees a year (with your help). The group behind an ambitious plan to offset all of the state’s carbon emissions by planting one million trees a year in the islands is asking for your financial support. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii project aims to plant 11,000 trees to offset state’s carbon emissions. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is upping the ante for its Carbon Neutrality Challenge — an effort to offset the state’s carbon emissions — by planting a record number of trees next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines Stock Slumping Amid Fears Of Competition. Southwest is bringing lower fares to Hawaii and new restrictions on Airbnbs are also creating uncertainty about future traffic. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Rail spokesman pleads guilty to conspiracy charge linked to his time at union. Russell Yamanoha, a former sportcaster who now serves as spokesman for the rail authority, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to a misdemeanor conspiracy charge linked to his time at an embattled Hawaii union. Hawaii News Now.

Former television sports anchor and current HART spokesman Russell Yama­noha pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to conspiring to rig a union election when he was an IBEW Local 1260 official. Star-Advertiser.

Former Sportscaster and Lahainaluna Graduate Accepts Plea Bargain in Federal Conspiracy Case. Maui Now.

=====

Push to impeach Kaneshiro continues as he collects taxpayer-funded salary while on leave. Keith Kaneshiro is still being paid his taxpayer-funded salary: $177,000 a year while on leave. He even got a raise in July. Hawaii News Now.

Race to replace Kaneshiro as prosecutor takes shape. With the Honolulu prosecutor’s office in legal turmoil, the race to take over for Keith Kaneshiro is beginning to take shape. KHON2.

Attorney Megan Kau Announces Run For Honolulu Prosecutor. Former Prosecuting Attorney Peter Carlisle, who introduced Kau at her Tuesday press conference, said he is no longer considering running for his old office. Civil Beat.

Former Deputy Prosecutor Megan Kau says she is running for Honolulu city prosecutor in 2020. Kau is the first person to publicly announce an intention to run for Honolulu city prosecutor in the next election. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council seeks amendments to energy code. Concerns about the impact of a strict new energy code on the cost of housing had the County Council on Tuesday vowing to look at ways to minimize costs on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea’s Future Topic Of Town Meeting, Sept. 5. This week, Waimea will meet to talk about what the community wants it to be like in 10, 15, and 25 years, in an effort to help map the island's future. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Crime Stoppers Offering Up to $1,000 for Information Regarding Recent Fires. Maui Now.

Imua’s Kokua Outreach to help residents sign up for health insurance. Uninsured and the underinsured are program’s focus. Maui News.


Kauai

Visitors try to bribe their way into Haena State Park. A new system for entry to Kauai’s popular Ha‘ena State Park requires visitors to purchase tickets online in advance and limits visitation to 900 people a day, down from an estimated 3,000 daily before flooding closed the road leading to the park in April 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Abandoned vehicles costing taxpayers. Broken down, picked apart vehicles left on the side of the road and other inconspicuous places around the island are an epidemic. Garden Island.

Molokai

Why Molokai Is The Least Developed Hawaiian Island. Even centuries before Captain Cook’s arrival, its resources were exploited by outsiders. Civil Beat.

Ige vetoes vacation rental and REIT taxes, asset forfeiture bill, 15 others. Foes file lawsuit against Thirty Meter Telescope bonds, NTSB releases skydiving crash report, plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige veto press conference screenshot

Ige vetoes REIT and vacation rental tax bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday vetoed bills that would have imposed the state’s corporate income tax on real estate investment trusts and required vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Expedia to collect taxes from operators of vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Vetoes Property Forfeiture Reform Bill, 17 Others. Big Island Video News.

Ige Vetoes Reform Of Hawaii’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Program. The governor also killed tax proposals approved by the Legislature for vacation rentals and real estate investment trusts. Civil Beat.

On deadline day, Gov. Ige announces list of vetoed bills from 2019 session. In a press conference at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Gov. David Ige revealed the list of 18 bills he has decided to veto this legislative session ― along with two he is allowing to become law without his signature. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige vetoes number of bills, including controversial vacation rental bill. KITV.

Ige vetoes asset forfeiture reform. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said Tuesday she’s “very disappointed” that Gov. David Ige vetoed a bill aimed at reforming the statute governing the seizure of an individual’s property by civil asset forfeiture. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Vetoes Reform Of Controversial Police Funding Program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor vetoes 18 bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday decided not to kill two bills on his veto list. Garden Island.

Marijuana To Be Decriminalized In Hawaii Come Jan. 1. The new law will make possession of 3 grams or less of pot punishable by a $130 fine. Civil Beat.

Marijuana decriminalized. Walking around with a small amount of weed won’t land you in jail anymore, as the state has decriminalized marijuana. KHON2.

Annual cap on tax credits for film, digital media industry to increase after Gov. Ige backs off on veto. Gov. David Ige allowed two bills that he initially intended to veto to become law today without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

Full list and rationale of bills vetoed by Gov. David Ige is found here.

=====

10 Million Visitors: Can Hawaii Survive Its Own Popularity? The impact of a growing army of tourists has government leaders and residents questioning how to better manage Hawaii’s largest industry. Civil Beat.

9 Charts That Show How Hawaii Tourism Is Changing. From soaring numbers of visitors to declining rounds of golf, a by-the-numbers look at how at the industry’s impacts have grown in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

‘We’re Not Scared’: Hawaii Confronts Next Wave Of Climate Change. Local emerging leaders and experts in their fields expound on the importance of bringing diverse minds to the table to develop solutions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Push to impeach Kaneshiro remains strong despite judge’s petition dismissal. A Honolulu judge has dismissed a petition to impeach prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Wants Increased Lifeguard Coverage. Kymberly Pine criticizes Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration for what she considers a lack of action to decrease drownings. Civil Beat.

=====

Preliminary Report: Skydiving Plane Twisted In The Air Before Crash. An NTSB report offers some early details about last month’s crash. Investigators could spend the next two years trying to determine what happened. Civil Beat.

Skydiving plane was upside down when it hit the ground, report finds. The skydiving plane that crashed June 21 at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard, seemed to be fine as it taxied down the runway to take off, but at about 150 to 200 feet in the air, it began turning, then hit the ground nose first and burst into flames. Star-Advertiser.

In NTSB preliminary report, witness describes seeing a fireball after skydiving plane crash. Hawaii News Now.

Witness describes final moments of skydive plane in NTSB preliminary report. KHON2.

Feds: 2 Skydivers Joined Doomed Hawaii Flight At Last Minute. The National Transportation Safety Board says two skydivers made a last-minute decision to board the Hawaii plane that crashed and killed 11 people last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former pilot of Oahu Parachute Center believes mechanical issues and inadequate training are likely reasons for skydiving tragedy. Hawaii News Now.

Federal authorizations, legal challenges may have complicated state’s enforcement of cease-and-desist against skydive company. KHON2.

=====

Lawsuit cites police in deadly pedestrian crash. Two survivors of a deadly Kakaako crash that killed three say the police officer who was pursuing the driver of a speeding pickup truck that plowed into a group of pedestrians contributed to the tragedy by not using his flashing lights or siren. Star-Advertiser.

City Sued In Crash That Killed Three Pedestrians After Police Pursuit. Two people who were among the injured say an officer violated HPD policy. They are also suing the alleged drunken driver. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County

TMT foes go to court again over bond issue. In the latest legal maneuver aimed at subverting the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes of the $1.4 billion project are accusing the state of failing to require a construction security bond. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope Opponents File New Lawsuit To Stop Project. This is the latest complaint against the planned observatory, which is on the cusp of breaking ground atop Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

New lawsuit against TMT. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to halt the project on the grounds that the developers failed to post a security bond in accordance with the state’s 1977 Maunakea Plan. Tribune-Herald.

New Legal Challenge To TMT Takes Aim At Security Bond. Big Island Video News.

=====

Landowner agrees to cancel plans for condominium near Banyans surf spot. The developer behind a proposal for a five-story condominium near the Banyans surf spot has agreed to take that plan off the table. West Hawaii Today.

Bank of America, state in dispute over $150M loan. The Hawaii County Council on Tuesday joined Maui and Kauai in backing Gov. David Ige’s request that Bank of America return to the table to discuss a decades-old dispute over $150 million in home loans for Native Hawaiians. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

MPO pushes back Puunene Avenue expansion in draft. Maui News.

Working families land brand new ocean-view condominiums. 40-unit Kalama Kai project blessed in Kihei. Maui News.

Makani Kai Air Announces Maui to Kona Flights. Makani Kai Air announced it will launch service between Kailua-Kona and Maui starting on Aug. 1, 2019. Maui Now.


Kauai

Sludge spill. County officials on Tuesday morning discovered partially-treated sewage sludge that overflowed overnight from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant to the drainage channel next to the facility. Garden Island.

Arborist reports finding strange insects on Kauai. An arborist has discovered some strange-looking ants on Kauai and though there’s some question about exactly what species they are, they’re most likely invasive. Garden Island.

Lanai

Test of stratospheric flying wing planned for Lanai. A joint venture between Japan’s SoftBank and unmanned aircraft systems developer AeroVironment plans to test-fly a 260-foot-long solar-powered flying wing on Lanai that one day could be part of a network of drones loitering in the stratosphere providing 5G cellphone coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Councilwoman balks at paying HART legal fees, skydiving company had been ordered grounded before fatal crash, county police to enforce state action on Maunakea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli station construction PC:HART

HART should pay its own legal fees, councilwoman says. Honolulu Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi says the agency tasked with building the $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to- Ala Moana Center rail line shouldn’t use additional city taxpayer money to hire a lawyer to deal with three federal subpoenas that are looking into wrongdoing at the agency. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu councilmember wants answers from rail officials about what she says is the use of $50,000 in taxpayer money for an outside attorney. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resolution introduced urging HART to pay its own outside legal counsel. A move by the Honolulu rail authority to have city tax payers pay for its legal fees isn’t sitting well with one council member. KHON2.

Resolution introduced ensuring HART pays for its own outside legal council. Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi introduced a resolution Friday urging HART to use the $3.7 million it has allocated for legal expenses to pay for counsel related to three federal grand jury subpoenas. KITV.

=====

State Sends Residents New Survey As It Assesses Foodborne Illnesses. People chosen randomly are being asked about their diets and where they purchase or grow their food. Civil Beat.

Abandoned tax licenses set to be purged. The state Department of Taxation announced July 1 that it has published a notice to revoke tax licenses due to abandonment. Maui News.

Oahu

Company was told to stop skydiving before fatal crash; now ordered to vacate.The company in charge of the airplane that crashed in Mokuleia last month, killing 11 people, had been ordered to stop its skydiving operation well before the fatal crash. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Approves Funding For New Aloha Stadium. The new law allocates $20 million in general funds to improve the dstrict for public use. It also approves issuance of up to $180 million in revenue bonds and $150 million in general obligation bonds to build a new stadium. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige signs into law bill that kicks off the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium. Governor David Ige signed into law Monday a bill that kicks off the process of redeveloping the 44-year-old Aloha Stadium into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Petition for Kaneshiro’s impeachment dismissed. A setback Monday in state Circuit Court won’t discourage Oahu businessman Tracy Yoshimura from going back to the starting line in his quest to have Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro impeached, his attorney said Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses petition to impeach City Prosecutor Kaneshiro. Oahu Businessman Tracy Yoshimura collected more than 500 signatures through his online petition, but a judge ruled the online signatures could not be verified. KITV.

=====

Council resolution demands agencies say how they’ll prevent more Kealoha-esque incidents. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption verdicts, one leading Honolulu councilman says he has grave concerns about the ability of city agencies to police their own employees ― and he’s demanding they prove they are capable of preventing corruption in their departments. Hawaii News Now.

'The world knows the truth;' Man framed by Kealohas speaks out for first time since historic verdict. Gerard Puana was set up in the famous 'mailbox' incident by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to raise money for Hawaiian Home Lands turns ugly in Kapole. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to develop about 100 acres in Kalaeloa for a solar energy project. Hawaii News Now.

City’s bulky item pickup system has led to mounds of rubbish. As part of the pilot, which is slated to run through the end of January, the city has shifted single-family and multifamily residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai, including Waikiki, from monthly scheduled bulky item collection to an appointment-based program. Star-Advertiser.

Never-Ending Waikiki Sidewalk Project Hurts Businesses, Obstructs Tourists. Work that began a year ago is still disrupting the south end of the bustling district. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council committee hears concerns about police protecting TMT. Prayers, chants and tears — and an outburst or two — marked an afternoon of testimony Monday as more than 50 people shared their mana‘o about Maunakea and the impending construction of a massive telescope there. West Hawaii Today.

Council Questions County Involvement On Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Residents push to preserve 70-acre parcel but landowner still plans to develop off Lako Street. West Hawaii Today.

Desk Duty For National Park Ranger After Hawaii Shooting. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officer who shot the driver of stolen vehicle is on desk duty while local and federal agencies investigate. Associated Press.

Maui

Koieie Fishpond holds community workday. Efforts follow calls to restore historic pond. Maui News.

Ban on Commercial Permit Operators at Hanakaoo Becomes Law. Maui Now.

Kauai

State to explain water study results.The Department of Health is making a trip to Kauai to explain their recent findings regarding the water quality in the Maha‘ulepu and Waikomo watersheds. Garden Island.

Highway to close at Waipa Bridge. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a reminder Monday that the upcoming full weekend closure of Kuhio Highway at Waipa Bridge is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and continue through 5 a.m. Monday. Garden Island.

Lobbyist spending #fail at Legislature, Slom to seek old Senate seat, Kaneshiro loses bid to drop impeachment case, Big Island councilwoman violated ethics code, Maui mayor vetoes parts of budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Today is King Kamehameha Day, a state holiday. King Kamehameha statue lei draping, file photo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Spending Big On Lobbying Didn’t Guarantee Success At Legislature. Opponents of taxes on real estate trusts and vacation rentals couldn’t kill the bills last session, while a retirement savings program was rejected despite AARP support. Civil Beat.

Ige Extends Emergency Declaration on Homelessness. Governor David Ige issued a third supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Maui Now.

Sam Slom Wants To Be A State Senator Again. He is challenging incumbent Stanley Chang in 2020 for the Hawaii Legislature seat. Civil Beat.

A controversial Hawaiian scholar comes under fire amid calls for an investigation. The state Office of Consumer Protection has made a criminal referral for controversial Hawaiian scholar David Keanu Sai, saying he has committed a felony. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge denies request to drop petition to impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s request to have an impeachment petition against him thrown out on procedural grounds was denied Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Refuses To Dismiss Kaneshiro Impeachment Case. The Honolulu prosecutor, who is on paid leave after receiving a target letter in a federal criminal investigation, tried to get the case thrown out on procedural grounds. Civil Beat.

Judge Declines To Throw Out City Prosecutor Impeachment Petition. A state judge on Monday dismissed a motion that aimed to toss out an impeachment petition against Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

City Council Considers Measure To Make Honolulu A ‘Sanctuary City’. A proposal would prevent police from honoring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment and information requests in many cases. Civil Beat.

Tensions run high as Waimanalo residents spar over Sherwoods development. At a community meeting Monday night, there were tears, flaring tempers and police as the community argued over the development. The Waimanalo neighborhood board passed a resolution Monday night urging the city to stop the construction of a new athletic field immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli residents at wits’ end over volatile homeless camp on federal property. Illegal campers in Nanakuli have once again taken over a piece of land owned by the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Court for homeless defendants moves to Kaneohe. The idea is to help clear minor offenses from an overbooked court calendar and, perhaps more important, connect the “participants” to social service agencies that staff each court session helping the participants find jobs, get back their IDs and a whole array of services including housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz violated the county ethics code when she didn’t disclose a potential conflict of interest in a bill being considered by the County Council, the Board of Ethics ruled unanimously Monday. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Relocating Hawaii Island’s Pohoiki Boat Ramp cheaper than rebuilding, state says. Engineers have recommended that building a new boat ramp, rather than excavating a new channel through the black-sand beach, is a less costly alternative for Pohoiki Bay in Lower Puna, state officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR: New Boat Ramp For Puna Costly, ‘Challenging’. The Pohoiki Small Boat Ramp was closed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp for lower Puna. More than a year after Pohoiki boat ramp closed because of the Kilauea eruption in lower Puna, engineers have recommended that rather than reopen the existing ramp, a new boat ramp be built. Tribune-Herald.

New Boat Ramp For Puna Recommended At Malama Flats, Not Pohoiki. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says engineers have identified an alternative location for a boat ramp in Puna, following the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that blocked the Pohoiki boat ramp with a new black sand beach. Big Island Video News.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp vs. re-opening Pohoiki. Representatives from Sea Engineering Inc. are saying that installing a new boat ramp is a better option. KITV.

=====

Queen’s Health Systems, Kaiser agreement expires. The Queen’s Health Systems hospitals are no longer considered participating providers within Kaiser Permanente’s network after an agreement between Kaiser and The Queen’s Medical Center expired toward the end of last month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Uses Line-item Veto to Strike a Dozen Provisions. Mayor Michael Victorino line-item vetoed the Maui County Council’s fiscal 2020 budget on Monday, providing a measured reduction of what he called the “council’s record-high $823.47 million spending proposal.” Maui Now.

State recruiting guards from other islands to help Maui jail. Staffing levels at the Maui Community Correctional Center have grown so bad that the state is trying to fly in guards from other islands to help out with shifts, according to a June 4 internal memo from Nolan Espinda, director of the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Bottle by bottle, an upcycled zero-waste facility takes shape. Research station aims to help farmers move toward regenerative practices. Maui News.

Spitting Caterpillars From Asia Are The Latest Threat To Native Insects On Maui. People are urged to be on the lookout for the newcomer to Hawaii, which adds to the problems already hindering the rarely seen Kamehameha butterfly and host plants. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai heads for the ‘Hill’. The vibes are great for the sixth annual Hawaii on the Hill. Garden Island.

Connors confirmed as attorney general, raises for firefighters in new contract, Maui's first industrial hemp farm, Raybuck new Kauai police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors, courtesy photo

Clare Connors confirmed as Hawaii's 16th Attorney General. Clare Connors was confirmed as Hawaii's 16th attorney general by the state senate Monday. KITV.

Hawaii hotels report lackluster first quarter. State occupancy in March fell nearly 3 percentage points to 79.6%, while the average daily room rate fell 1.1% to $285, according to a report released by hotel analytic company STR. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters’ pay to increase with new contract. Hawaii firefighters have a new two-year contract giving them 2% pay increases in each of the next two years, one-time bonuses in each of those years and an increase in their regular raises based on years of service. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would ID police fired or suspended for misconduct. Lawmakers are again considering a bill to require that police departments disclose the names of officers suspended or fired for misconduct, a controversial subject that has prompted years of debate and litigation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The embattled head of Hawaii’s Public Safety Department on Monday promised his employees he won’t retaliate against them for criticizing him. Nolan Espinda is struggling to win Senate confirmation for a second term. Hawaii News Now.

Lavish salaries, perks focus of federal theft investigation into union boss. Federal prosecutors are wrapping up a three-year investigation into IBEW Local 1260′s former business manager Brian Ahakuelo. Hawaii News Now.

Legislature passes suicide prevention bills. Two measures aimed at suicide prevention and raising suicide awareness passed the Legislature on Monday. Garden Island.

Law meant to help those with severe mental illness is trapping them on the streets. It’s estimated there are up to 600 homeless people who suffer from severe mental illness statewide. Hawaii News Now.

’Kal’s Law’ would help disabled people with jobs to keep key health benefits. People with disabilities who want to have jobs are often faced with an unfortunate decision: If they make too much money, they risk losing their Medicaid benefits. Hawaii News Now.

Climate Activists: Hawaii Legislature ‘Wasted An Entire Year’. Measures big and small died this session with little fanfare as time runs out to combat the disastrous effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

About 20 representatives from about a dozen organizations gathered at the state Capitol on Monday to commemorate Earth Day and mourn the death of bills they said would have helped Hawaii tackle climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Small Independent Doctors May Be Struggling Under New Payment System. Some doctors are struggling with the latest changes in the way they are paid by the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health care insurer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charter Schools Have By Far The Highest Rates Of Unvaccinated Kids. The statewide percentage of students exempted by their parents from being immunized is 8.1% at charter schools, 2.7% at private schools and 1.4% at traditional public schools. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kamehameha Schools land being readied for housing. The $12 billion charitable trust has plans to produce 8,000 to 10,000 new homes in Honolulu’s urban core over the coming years. Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood Board Elections Begin Friday. Oahu residents will choose among more than 500 candidates to sit on 36 boards representing the island’s neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

Public meeting coming up on Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. The City is looking for public input on areas throughout Oahu that may need to be focused on for changes to pedestrian areas like sidewalks and crosswalks. KHON2.

Petition to impeach city prosecutor prompts legal debate: Are e-signatures legal? Those pushing to impeach embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro have hit another roadblock. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for ‘fair’ treatment of Leeward Oahu parks. Now, she wants an audit of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Hawaii News Now.

‘End Is Near’ For Company’s Hold On Kakaako Streets After $250K Fine. A business that has long profited from parking fees it charges on roads that it doesn’t maintain faces several legal challenges. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Councilwoman’s former side job raises questions. Community members who filed an ethics complaint against Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz told the Board of Ethics on Monday they want to pursue the complaint against her, even though she has since publicly disclosed a possible conflict of interest and resigned her position at a public relations company that represents officers of the landowner in a zoning application before the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Micro-Distillery Gets Planning Commission Approval. On April 18, the Kona Distilling Company went before the commission, seeking a Special Permit to allow the establishment of the micro-distillery, visitor’s center (including a tasting component) and related facilities on an approximately 7.5-acre portion of 70-acres of land in the State Land Use Agricultural District. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County’s unemployment rate edged up slightly in March, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reports. Some 3.7% of the island’s 87,850 person workforce was without work during March, up slightly from February when the rate was 3.6%. In March 2018, the rate was 2.6%. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s first industrial hemp farm set to begin production. The commercial farming operation will initially produce full-spectrum industrial hemp extract. Maui News.

Maui’s First State-Licensed Industrial Hemp Farm Blessed on Earth Day. Maui Now.

Kauai

Todd Raybuck has officially taken over as chief of the Kauai Police Department. Garden Island.

Police seek to spend $500K for guns, truck. The Kauai Police Department is looking to buy new trucks and guns and get federal funding to crack down on illegal drugs. Garden Island.

Thirty parking spots will be dedicated daily to Hawaii residents at Haena State Park and according to officials, reservations for Aloha State residents won’t be required. Garden Island.

Climate change bills falter, Carlisle wants to be Honolulu prosecutor again, Hawaii County suing Big Pharma, Maui commissioners resign over vacation rental, Gabbard makes presidential debates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sunrise over Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Lawmakers Have Largely Dropped The Ball On Slowing Climate Change. Efforts to address the effects of a warming planet on a vulnerable island state have mostly fallen short this session. Civil Beat.

Ranked voting, a new way to elect candidates for political office, could be coming to Hawaii if a bill making its way through the state Legislature becomes law. Star-Advertiser.

Inside The Legislature’s Backroom Brawl Over A Water Rights Bill. As opponents of House Bill 1326 were making a lot of noise in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday and chanting things like, “The people have spoken, the public trust is broken,” the state Senate was behind closed doors in its chamber-level quarters trying to save legislation extending the right of Alexander & Baldwin and others to divert water from Hawaii streams. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are considering a controversial proposal that would require midwives to be licensed by the state before July 1, 2020. Midwives were regulated in Hawaii from the 1930's, but haven’t been since the late 90's when nurse-midwives were placed under the Board of Nursing. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers still considering leasehold condos on state land. A bold idea this year to address Hawaii’s chronically short supply of affordable housing by developing and selling leasehold condominiums on state land is still in play at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Presses For A Bigger Share Of Money From Hawaii’s Trust Lands. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs hasn’t received an increase in revenues from the ceded trust lands in more than a decade. Civil Beat.

AG Breezes Through Committee Vote. Attorney General Clare Connors had no worries heading into a vote from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Civil Beat.

Gabbard qualifies for Democratic debate stage. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced Wednesday that 65,000 people have donated to her presidential campaign, a milestone that makes her eligible to join the televised Democratic debates in June. Star-Advertiser.

Coming To A Democratic Debate Stage Near You -- Tulsi Gabbard. The Hawaii congresswoman needed 65,000 donors per DNC rules to qualify for the 2020 debates. On Wednesday her campaign announced she hit the mark. Civil Beat.

=====

Black hole named Powehi. With the world’s first image of a black hole made with the help of two Hawaii telescopes, astronomers say it was only right to give it a Hawaiian name. Star-Advertiser.

Introducing Powehi, The World-Famous Black Hole. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maunakea telescopes help create the first image of a black hole. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii telescopes instrumental in capturing first image of black hole. KHON2.

Oahu

Ex-Mayor Peter Carlisle Wants To Be Honolulu Prosecutor Again. His longtime political rival, Keith Kaneshiro, has taken a leave of absence because he’s a target in a federal investigation. Associated Press.

Despite warnings, Kaneshiro continues to visit building that houses prosecutor’s office. After Keith Kaneshiro placed himself on administrative leave pending the outcome of a federal criminal investigation, he was told to stay away from the city prosecutor’s office until the investigation was over. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Still Aren’t Releasing $744 Million For Honolulu Rail. Rail officials had hoped to finally get their long-stalled recovery plan approved by this month. Now, they hope to get “provisional’ approval in late May or early June. Civil Beat.

Judge upholds land board decision to allow a new North Shore wind farm. The board previously said the Na Pua Makani project in Kahuku could proceed, despite expectations that it would kill a number of native bats every year. Hawaii News Now.

Talk of a new racetrack in Ewa fuels a debate, the neighborhood board wants more community input. Racers are eager to get behind the wheel again. After 12 years without a racetrack on Oahu, many said it's about time. KHON2.

State to open Pali Highway on Sunday as repairs close Likelike Highway. Likelike Highway will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday as Hawaiian Electric crews conduct emergency work involving the removal of a damaged, leaning utility pole and other equipment. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department dealing with dispatcher shortage. Last year the Public Safety Answering Point located at the Honolulu Police Department headquarters received over 1 million 9-1-1 calls. KITV.

Airport post office open late for taxes. The Honolulu main post office at 3600 Aolele St. near the airport will be the only post office in Hawaii offering late collection of mail Monday to accommodate last-minute tax filers. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu main is the only post office in the state offering late collection on tax day. The Honolulu Main Post Office at 3600 Aolele Street will be the only post office in Hawaii offering late collection of mail on federal Tax Day, Monday, Apr. 15, to accommodate last-minute filers of tax returns. KITV.

Hawaii Island

County to sue opioid manufacturers, distributors. Hawaii County has jumped into a multi-state class action lawsuit against Big Pharma manufacturers and distributors, seeking compensation for opioid addiction and overdoses on the island. West Hawaii Today.

New life for South Kohala development. Aina Lea Inc. expects to emerge from bankruptcy next month following a judge’s tentative approval of a plan that will make viable the continued development of The Villages of Aina Lea. West Hawaii Today.

Officials Give Highway 132 Lava Recovery Update. The County Council voted today to approve a bill to allocate $50 million to restore 3.2 miles of road in Puna. Big Island Video News.

School inundated by lava looks toward the future as classes continue. Nearly nine months after lava inundated Kua O Ka La New Century Public Charter School’s Puna campus, classes continue elsewhere and school officials are looking toward the future. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Two Maui Planning commissioners resign over Paia Inn vacation rental expansion permit. Judge’s order forces planning commission to authorize permit. Maui News.

Mayor Michael Victorino lauded for revealing he was sex assault victim. Experts say his story may help others. Maui News.

Wong resigns; Lutey is named corporation counsel. Even with charges dropped, mayor accepts resignation. Maui County’s top civil lawyer, Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong, resigned Tuesday following a contentious County Council confirmation process and a domestic incident last month. Maui News.

Homelessness down slightly in Maui County in 2019. Point-in-Time Count shows 862 people living on streets or in shelters. Maui News.

New effort afoot to save an endangered Native Hawaiian bird on Maui. It’s estimated that there are less than 300 Kiwikiu, or Maui Parrotbill, left in the wild. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

'Everything is on the table'. On the second reading of resolution 2019-1 — proposing salary increases for employees of the county and officials--the council found itself deadlocked again. Garden Island.

Wary of highway reopening. Kuhio Highway west of Hanalei --closed and accessible only to residents since last year’s disastrous storms -- is tentatively set to reopen on or about May 1, but continuing restrictions will make actually using the highway challenging for both residents and visitors. Garden Island.

Disasters, breakdowns bring national park visitors down, 10 tiny home homeless villages proposed, plastic ban advances, money in Honolulu City Council race, Maui jail riot highlights overcrowding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After the eruption, visitors at Kilauea volcano ©2019 All Hawaii News

Parks losing traction with visitors. The latest visitation statistics released by the National Park Service show that 2018 was a particularly challenging year for some of the state’s busiest tourist attractions, with associated park economies taking a hit. Star-Advertiser.

Bottles, utensils and bags: Lawmakers are coming for your single-use plastics. An ambitious measure that would institute a broad ban on single-use plastics in Hawaii -- including plastic bottles, utensils and straws -- is gaining traction at the state Legislature despite widespread concern among businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Bill To Create An Airport Corporation Advances — With A Very Big Catch. Backers of an independent corporation to run Hawaii’s airports say it needs freedom from the state’s time-consuming procurement process. Key lawmakers disagree. Civil Beat.

Desperate to ease the homeless crisis, state leaders want to set up permanent villages made up of clusters of tiny homes. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says he wants to see up to 10 villages statewide with six on Oahu, two on the Big Island and one each of Maui and Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

State pushes for comprehensive review of EMS statewide. The state Department of Health wants a review of EMS systems across the state, following reports of  ambulances breaking down while on an emergency call. KHON2.

Some state lawmakers push for statewide EMS system review. The last review was in 1991. KITV.

Nonprofits Get 3 Nerve-Wracking Minutes To Make Pitch To Legislators. Nearly 300 Hawaii organizations seek grant-in-aid funding from the state. Most will probably fail. Civil Beat.

The governor, department heads and state legislators are set to get modest to sizable pay raises under a salary schedule approved by the Commission on Salaries this week. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Maui Riot Just The Latest Sign Of Trouble In State’s Overcrowded Jails. Pretrial detainees make up a big part of the inmate population. Meanwhile, most proposed reforms appear dead in Legislature. Civil Beat.

Man accepts 5-years in prison to get away from jail. Conditions in MCCC ‘out of control,’ he says. Maui News.

21 Maui Inmates Transferred to Halawa After Riot. The pretrial detainees were upset about jail overcrowding, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Civil Beat.

MCCC Inmates Identified In Riot Transferred to Halawa. State corrections officials transported 21 pre-trial detainees to Halawa Correctional Facility today who were identified as participants in Monday's riot at a Maui jail. Hawaii Public Radio.

A total of 21 inmates were transferred from the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku to the Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu this morning. Maui Now.

Maui inmates involved in disturbance transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility. KHON2.

Department of Public Safety moves 21 inmates from MCCC to Halawa Correctional Facility. KITV.

Oahu

State won’t pay rail invoices subject to subpoena by feds. The state has warned the Honolulu rail authority that it will not release funding for invoices that are being scrutinized by the federal government as part of the ongoing federal investigation of the city rail project, according to state Comptroller Curt Otaguro. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneshiro not in charge, acting prosecutor says. Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto insisted Thursday that he is in charge of day-to-day operations at the city prosecutor’s office despite several visits in the past week by Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro, who is on paid leave. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council questions new acting prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto. KHON2.

Spending soars in special election race for City Council seat. A Hawaii News Now analysis of campaign spending records shows that Tommy Waters is outspending Trevor Ozawa nearly three-to-one for the race for the east Honolulu City Council seat. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council heard budget proposals from emergency personnel departments on Thursday. There weren't major increases from Honolulu Police and Honolulu Fire Departments, both asking for an additional 1.5% increase from last year's budget. KHON2.

Ala Wai project will affect 37 private properties. A $345 million project to lessen flood risks at the Ala Wai Canal is moving quickly through the state Legislature despite concerns from property owners, including 37 who would be directly affected. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker wants solution to keep large trucks from hitting overpass. Representative John Mizuno, whose district is next to the overpass, says he's very concerned that this keeps happening and wants the Transportation Department to survey the overpass for any improvements. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs lawsuit against the University of Hawaii and the State over the management of Mauna Kea will continue in Honolulu Circuit Court, both sides report, although one of two motions to dismiss was granted. Big Island Video News.

Times of the signs: Holiday Inn still waiting, 5 years later, for sign approval. An application for downsized signs for the Holiday Inn in Kailua-Kona is making its way to the Kailua Village Design Commission, five years after developers first sought permission to erect the trademark franchise signs. West Hawaii Today.

Three bills seeking to encourage redevelopment of Hilo’s Banyan Drive hotel area remain alive in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

County offers to pick up vehicle disposal fees in short-term. Starting today and ending on April 30, the Department of Environmental Management Derelict/Abandoned Vehicle Section is accepting applications into a short-term program to pick up the disposal fees for any resident wanting to rid themselves of their rides. West Hawaii Today.

Ige releases funds for North Hawaii Community Hospital emergency department. Gov. David Ige released on Thursday $500,000 for construction of North Hawaii Community Hospital’s expanded emergency department. West Hawaii Today.

Geologists offer new insights into frequency of devastating waves. A paper from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests tsunamis like the one that devastated Hilo in 1946 might be predictable — and more frequent than previously thought. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Liquor Control Department is proposing new rules that include allowing dispensers and restaurants to sell liquor for off-premises consumption. Maui News.

A study of 22,000 coral colonies at 51 sites along Maui’s south and west shores found formally protected reefs near managed areas were among the most likely to show resilience to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Resilient Reefs on Maui, Threats Identified. Maui Now.

Maui's most resilient reefs found in State marine managed areas. KHON2.

‘Renaissance man’ Reeser, former national park superintendent, dies. Supporter of groups and environment initiated fencing to keep out goats. Maui News.

Kauai

In a 35-minute talk before about 150 people, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami outlined his first 100 days in office, his proposed budget and his goals for the road ahead as this island’s highest-elected leader. Garden Island.

Kunoa announces expansion to operations, executive team. Local livestock processor Kunoa Cattle Company announced the growth of its Kauai ranch operations Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Big raises for state officials, cost of living a concern in poll, Big Island hikes general excise tax, many months before lava victims get to go home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Big Pay Raises Coming For Lawmakers And Top State Execs. The commission proposed that the governor’s salary would increase from $158,700 to $189,480 by 2024. Top agency executives, such as the attorney general, would see their wages increase from $154,812 to $188,400 during the same time period. The salaries of  state representatives and senators would rise from $62,604 to $83,052. Civil Beat.

Advocates urge larger minimum wage hike. The Senate Committee on Labor will hold a public hearing today regarding a bill that would increase minimum wage rates throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

Homelessness, cost of living cited as major concerns in Hawaii. Some 45 percent of Hawaii voters live in homes where someone is considering moving away — or has already left the islands — typically because of the cost of living, according to a new poll of voters conducted for Pacific Resource Partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Poll: Hawaii residents say they’re buckling under strain of state’s high cost of living. The biggest takeaway from the survey is simple: While the overall economy in the islands might be doing well, the personal economies of Hawaii’s residents appear to be faltering. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Projects Could be Defunded to Pay for Border Wall. More than $300 million in funding for military construction projects in Hawaii could potentially be diverted to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Deputy Sheriffs Still Aren’t Accredited — 8 Years After the Law Required It. All four county departments already have the accreditation, which sets standards regarding use of force, weapons, training and officer conduct. Civil Beat.

Should Hawaii get rid of safety checks? According to one state lawmaker, they're a waste of time. KITV.

The state Department of Education said it uses about 1 million pounds of beef in student meals annually throughout its 256 schools, and most of it is from animals raised locally. Only Oahu and Hawaii Island schools serve a portion of their beef not from local sources. Star-Advertiser.

737 Max grounding strands 2 jets in Hawaii; an expert sees little long-term impact on isles. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope protests were held in Hawaii and on the mainland Wednesday as part of Mauna Kea Awareness Day organized by those who oppose the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu homeless debris equal to 184 school buses. City officials hope to fill four more positions to enforce the city’s stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances — or what Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls “some of the dirtiest work in the City and County of Honolulu” cleaning up homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Facility Maintenance has collected more than 4.6 million pounds of material from city streets and parks. KITV.

Names, Ranks And Salaries Of Honolulu Cops Are Still Secret. Legal challenges from Hawaii’s police union have prevented the public release of the identities of almost 2,000 sworn officers. Civil Beat.

HPD officers working overtime as officer vacancies look to be filled. The Honolulu Police Department recently released their operating budget, and as of February, they have about 253 officer vacancies to fill. KHON2.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has placed himself on paid leave amid a federal criminal investigation, but sources say he has returned to the office at least twice in the last five days. State Attorney General Clare Connors says she's concerned about reports that city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is showing up at the office while on paid leave. Hawaii News Now.

One judge approves sale of Kealohas’ home; another reschedules their fraud trial. A federal judge on Wednesday approved the sale of the Mariners Cove home belonging to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former city deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Less than an hour later, another federal judge set an Oct. 21 trial date for the Kealohas on bank fraud charges. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Approves $1.3 Million Sale of Kealohas’ Hawaii Kai Home. Meanwhile, the second scheduled trial on bank fraud charges against the couple was pushed back to October. The first trial in the corruption scandal was earlier pushed back to May. Associated Press.

As Deadline Looms, HART May Not Fully Comply With Federal Subpoena. The Honolulu rail agency’s board hasn’t yet consulted with its attorneys on whether to give investigators its closed-door meeting records. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards work in deteriorating towers as brand new ones sit unused. City lifeguards are raising alarms over towers they say are in disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial site getting name change again. The new official name for the National Park Service unit, which became law on Tuesday, is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

The number of undergraduate applications to the University of Hawaii at Manoa this year shattered the previous record set last year. The UH Manoa Office of Admissions reports it received nearly 19,000 undergraduate applications, a 33-percent jump over last year’s record number. KHON2.

Oahu luxury home sales decline in February. Sales of luxury homes on Oahu that sold for $1.5 million or more declined slightly in February, compared to a year ago, while the median price of those homes fell 20 percent to $1.9 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County residents and visitors will have to dig a few more pennies out of their pockets for goods and services starting Jan. 1, after the County Council on Wednesday passed a half-cent general excise tax surcharge, replacing the one-quarter percent approved last year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County anticipates completing a temporary road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 by September or October. The estimated schedule was posted on the county’s eruption recovery website Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Temp Road For Lava-Covered Highway 132 By “September-October 2019” Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members pressed county administrators Wednesday for details on how they will spend $60 million in disaster aid following last year’s Kilauea eruption. Council members, during a lengthy discussion with Mayor Harry Kim and other county officials, repeatedly noted the county’s credibility is on the line with the Legislature, as well as their constituents, regarding how it uses those recovery funds, in addition to the $22 million already granted by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

As the Hawaii County Council moves to accept millions in state eruption recovery funds ahead of final legislative approval, resident continue to push for road recovery. Big Island Video News.

Two airlines confirmed to have used Boeing 737 Max aircraft to fly to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole said they’re making arrangements to minimize disruptions following federal regulators’ decision to ground the planes nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino voiced his support for a state House water bill, an underpass to Kihei high school and the Wailuku Civic Complex in his inaugural State of the County address on Tuesday night. Maui News.

The chair of the Maui County Council is hoping for more collaboration between Mayor Mike Victorino's office and the council. Hawaii Public Radio.

The majority of the 14 testifiers at a Maui County Council committee meeting Tuesday expressed support for Mayor Michael Victorino’s appointment of former Council Member Don Guzman as Maui County Prosecuting Attorney. Maui News.

Kahana Bay condos aim to fight erosion with beach nourishment plan. A new beach nourishment proposal could help restore a shrinking shoreline along the coast of West Maui — and end a fierce fight over a seawall that’s currently under construction. Hawaii News Now.

Inmates Still Agitated, Overcrowding Likely Source of Monday’s Riot at MCCC. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council entertained a loaded agenda Wednesday that included a look at the schedule of islandwide road resurfacing and repairs. Garden Island.

State of the County address by Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami on Thursday morning. KHON2.

A Kauai company is suing the Board of Land and Natural Resources over a million dollars worth of sand. A lawsuit filed in Fifth Circuit Court last month alleges the BLNR did not hold up its end of a contract with O. Thronas Inc., a Lawai concrete company, that claims it overpaid the board by more than $1 million in a contract to remove sand from BLNR-owned land in Waimea. Garden Island.