Kilauea ponds rising, Coast Guard getting two new ships, solar wing to soar above Lanai, newspaper charged $1M for public records, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Geologist studies water found at Kilauea volcano PC:USGS

Water ponds observed at the bottom of Kilauea's Halemaumau crater are now joined, as scientists keep a close watch on the activity. Observations on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 10) show that the water level at the bottom of Halemaumau continues to slowly rise, enlarging the area of the pond, scientists reported. Big Island Video News.

More Hawaii Students Are Leaving The State For College. The percentage of Hawaii kids choosing out-of-state schools is significantly higher than the national average. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcies reach highest level in 5 years. The 142 filings last month were 37.9% higher than 103 in the year-ago period, according to recent data from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Agency sets high price for inmate release records. Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety said it would cost more than $1 million for it to release data related to its long-standing problem with keeping inmates locked up beyond their scheduled release dates. Star-Advertiser.

State IT Team Receives National Achievement Award. The tech support office team at the Hawaii House of Representatives was recognized with a national award last week for outstanding performance on the job. Big Island Now.

Coast Guard ramps up in Hawaii with 2 new ships. The Coast Guard in Honolulu is getting a second new $670 million national security cutter, a third new fast-response cutter and is taking part in a new operating concept in American Samoa that the service’s commandant said is part of a “doubling down” of capability in Oceania between Hawaii and Australia. Star-Advertiser.

Oil is the reason for the biggest changes this year in the Top 250 Hawaii businesses. The annual ranking of Hawaii’s largest organizations is based on gross sales during the previous year. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Oahu

Car sharing expanding on Oahu. The city plans to start dedicating the first of 80 on-street and another 80 municipal parking lot spots next year for an infant “carshare” industry that’s gaining traction in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists Scramble As Oahu Vacation Rentals Disappear Under New Law. Amid mass Airbnb cancellations, one local bride said two of her bridesmaids can no longer attend her wedding. Civil Beat.

=====

Work would desecrate Waimanalo site, foes say. Activists opposed to the construction of a new playground and sports field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park are now tying their struggle to the protests against the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens rally to "Save Our Sherwoods". Members of Save Our Sherwoods rallied Sunday to remind the city they're upset about a plan to convert part of Sherwood Forest into a sports complex. KITV.

Protest at ‘Turtle Beach’ underscores tensions between residents, tour buses. A group of residents from Oahu’s North Shore held homemade signs along Kamehameha Highway at Laniakea Beach, saying that heavy traffic and unsafe conditions there must come to an end. Hawaii News Now.

Some North Shore residents hold protest at Laniakea, ask for safety and solutions. Lawmakers and residents say they want solutions for the traffic situation and are urging the state to make the area safe. KHON2.

North Shore residents rallied for more safety measures along Laniakea Beach. They want to stop cars from parking on Kamehameha Highway fronting the beach and have concrete barriers re-installed. KITV.

=====

‘Safe house’ to become affordable housing for abused. The keys to Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s controversial “safe house” in Makiki will soon be turned over to the city Department of Community Services, ending a rocky three-year existence for a facility that became a lightning rod of controversy from the time it opened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Gabbard pays visit to protest site, questions TMT plans. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard toured the protest camp on Mauna Kea on Sunday, embracing activists and visiting with kupuna, or elders, who have been camped in the roadway for four weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly five weeks after leaving Mauna Kea’s summit, telescope workers rejoiced this weekend after a long-awaited return to the mountain. This weekend, researchers say they were able to collect data for the first time since July 16 when they came down due to safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Opponents Refute Observatories After Announcement. During a news conference held on the Mauna Kea Access Road, Lanakila Mangauil responded to Friday's news that observatories would be returning to work at the summit. Big Island Video News.

Raises planned for off-duty police. Hawaii Island police officers who provide services for private companies or other government agencies on their off-time could see payment for their services go up by as much as 50% over the next two years, under a special duty pay schedule that’s the focus of upcoming public hearings. West Hawaii Today.

How Hawaii County Is Dealing With A Shortage Of Police Dispatchers. Police dispatch positions are hard to fill on the Big Island. Retaining them is a perpetual problem. Civil Beat.

Engineer: Restoration of water to lower Puna not feasible. The county Department of Water Supply has no current plans to restore water service to Kapoho and the area around Pohoiki as lower Puna continues to recover from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, but was not “shutting the door” on a possible restoration in the future. Tribune-Herald.

With new law in effect, albizia fight continues. A spokeswoman for the Big Island Invasive Species Council said the first explorers of a new law allowing landowners to remove potentially dangerous albizia trees from neighboring properties could be community associations in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New affordable rental community in Kihei will take applications. Kaiwahine Village holds 120 units, amenities. Maui News.

Two Maui Forest Birds Critically Endangered, Agencies Report. Populations of two native endangered species endemic to Maui have been reduced by over half spanning the past two to three decades, according to an interagency report. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

‘Namahana’ gathering support. On Saturday night before a capacity crowd at Anaina Hou’s Porter Pavilion in Kilauea, a North Shore community group announced the name of the public charter middle and high school it hopes to open in three to five years. Garden Island.

Energy storage earns more awards for KIUC. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative led the nation again in 2018 for interconnection of energy storage watts per customer, and ranked second in annual energy storage capacity, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Garden Island.

Lanai

Big solar wing made to expand cellphone coverage may soar above Lanai in November. A business venture aiming to launch a fleet of solar- powered flying wings into the stratosphere to one day deliver 5G cell connectivity has received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a test flight from Lanai, possibly as early as November, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese tourism drops, Kauai missile range preps for action, college credit for protesting, Thirty Meter Telescope readies Mauna Kea alternative, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists visit rocky Hawaii beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Chinese Tourism To Hawaii Is On The Decline, Is The Trade War To Blame? Recently released data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority shows that Chinese visitor arrivals dropped 25 percent in the first half of 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Aloha State holds the lowest rate of gun violence in the nation. Hawaii also has some of the strictest gun laws. KITV.

Civil Rights Groups Call Out Hawaii DOE. Two local civil rights organizations have called upon the Hawaii Department of Education to reform its suspension policies after alleging a suspension pattern unfavorable toward students with disabilities. Big Island Now.

Teacher shortage: About 600 classrooms staffed by long-term substitutes. DOE is working with the University of Hawaii to retain local graduated and teachers. KITV.

Wet and humid conditions expected as Flossie passes north of the state. Wet and humid conditions are anticipated across the state through midweek due to a combination of light winds and deep tropical moisture pooling northward from Post-Tropical Cyclone Flossie. KHON2.

=====

UH Will Allow Students To Earn Credit While Protesting TMT. Professors are still working out the details, such as whether students will be allowed to Skype into class discussions. Civil Beat.

List of UH professors offering courses at TMT protest camp on Mauna Kea grows. The list of University of Hawaii professors offering classes at a TMT protest camp on Mauna Kea started last week ― and is rapidly growing. Hawaii News Now.

TMT not giving up on Hawaii. Thirty Meter Telescope officials insisted Monday that news of their Canary Islands building permit application does not mean they’re giving up on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Giant Telescope Consortium To Seek Spain Building Permit. The director of a Spanish research center says an international consortium that planned to build a giant telescope on Hawaii's tallest peak has decided to seek a permit for an alternative site in the Canary Islands. Associated Press.

TMT moves forward with building permit request for ‘plan B’ site. The group behind the Thirty Meter Telescope plans to apply for a permit to build on the Canary Islands, its second choice for the project after Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Environmentalists in Canary Islands: We’ll seek legal action to stop TMT from coming here. Ben Magec - Ecologistas en Acción, an environmentalist group based in the Canary Islands, says it plans to seek legal action to stop the $1.4 billion telescope from being built on the island La Palma. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea Day 22 – Canary Islands TMT Option Stirs Debate. Big Island Video News.

2 state senators urge TMT to abandon Mauna Kea. State Sens. Kai Kahele and Kurt Fevella each made formal offerings to show their respect for the kupuna, or senior protesters, on Mauna Kea Monday, and both said the Thirty Meter Telescope should give up on the effort to build on the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Exploring the Native Hawaiian Belief in the Sacredness of Mauna Kea. Many native Hawaiians who oppose the construction of the planned Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea say the mountain is sacred. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City not issuing vacation rental violations. The city Department of Planning and Permitting has not issued any violation notices tied to the new vacation rental ordinance due to a pending lawsuit, a city official said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha corruption case exposes lack of available court-appointed attorneys. Katherine Kealoha has had a long list of attorneys since the FBI started investigating the former Honolulu deputy prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Who Is Earle Partington And What’s He Doing In The Kealoha Case? The longtime Honolulu attorney reveals his colorful — some say questionable — legal style and substance in an interview. Civil Beat.

Prices for Oahu homes, condos hit new records in July.  The single-family home price, an increase of 6% from July 2018, eclipsed the previous record of $813,000 set in September, according to the report by Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Pond of water is found in Kilauea crater for first time. For the first time in recorded history, a pond of water has been discovered inside the summit crater of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano, a development that could signal a shift to a more explosive phase of future eruptions. Associated Press.

The Office of Environmental Quality Control has received a draft analysis for the county’s planned emergency shelter and an affordable rental project in Kailua-Kona. The assessment covers both Kukuiola, the homeless emergency shelter formerly called Village 9, as well as an affordable rental community. West Hawaii Today.

500 new computers coming: Council to vote Wednesday on PC purchase plan. West Hawaii Today.

Draft general plan review to come out Friday. The county’s Planning Department said it will release a draft of the general plan, which is used to guide land use and development on the island, this Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Is Taking This Clean Water Legal Fight All The Way — Some Say Too Far. The Maui wastewater case has far-reaching ramifications for the nation’s rivers, lakes and oceans. And it’s headed to a Trump-packed Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Second Circuit Court Expands Self-Help Center Hours.  The center located at Hoapili Hale in Wailuku will be open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai might host missile tests. The Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai could play a key role in the testing of multiple versions of the missiles — possibly as early as November — as well as with hypersonic missiles also being developed, defense experts said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Commander visits Kauai. Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visited the sailors at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, for the first time, July 26. Garden Island.

Meeting to review definition of ‘guest house’. The County Council Planning Committee on Wednesday will review a draft bill updating the definition of a guest house to include a kitchen. Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 33% in July. The median price of a condo on Kauai in July was $630,000, which was 32.63% higher than the median price a year ago, which was $475,000. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Ige meets with TMT opponents, taps Kim to lead negotiations, court allows one kumu hula access to Mauna Kea, TRO rejected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea protest overview ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige meets TMT opponents on Mauna Kea and taps Harry Kim to lead negotiations. After a weeklong standoff, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday asked Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim to “coordinate” state and county efforts to resolve the impasse over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Asks Hawaii County Mayor To Take Over TMT Talks. The governor finally visits the mountain on Day 9 of massive protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday evening met with Thirty Meter Telescope opponents near the Maunakea Access Road shortly after announcing that Mayor Harry Kim would take over efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution with demonstrators who have blocked the road for nine days. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Governor Asks Mayor Kim To Lead Protester Talks. Hawaii Gov. David Ige acknowledged Tuesday that the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope planned on the state's highest mountain is also about addressing the treatment of Native Hawaiians going back more than a century. Associated Press.

Governor David Ige Visits Mauna Kea Encampment. On Day 9 of the standoff on Mauna Kea, Governor David Ige visited the opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project for the first time. Big Island Video News.

Governor embraced by protesters, kupuna during first visit to TMT protest at Mauna Kea. The governor received a remarkably warm welcome - with lei, chants and embraces - Tuesday in his first visit to the TMT protest at the base of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige meets with kiai and kupuna at Mauna Kea. Governor Ige arrived on Mauna Kea at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

Ige makes first visit with kupuna and leaders on Mauna Kea. Governor Ige, as well as Mayor Harry Kim from Hawaii County, arrived on the scene and were greeted with aloha. KITV.



=====

Court rulings mixed for Mauna Kea protesters. A state court Tuesday granted a Hawaii island kumu hula’s request to temporarily overturn Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation restricting public access to Mauna Kea. Meanwhile a Hawaii island judge denied a request by Neves and six other anti-Thirty Meter Telescope petitioners to temporarily halt construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.


Judge denies TRO to stop TMT construction. Opponents and supporters of the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope overflowed a Hilo courtroom Tuesday for a hearing on a petition for a temporary restraining order that would prohibit further construction activities on Maunakea unless TMT posts a performance bond of at least $1.4 billion, the project’s estimated price tag. Tribune-Herald.

Kumu hula granted temporary suspension of Ige's emergency proclamation. A state court granted only one person temporary suspension of the governor's emergency proclamation. KITV.

DLNR releases names of those arrested on Maunakea. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday released the names of 38 people it said were arrested July 17 for obstructing the Maunakea Access Road during protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Observatory Crew Denied Access By Activists To Mauna Kea. Technicians bound for the Gemini Observatory were stopped by activists from entering Mauna Kea Access Road Tuesday morning, according to Maunakea Observatories, which represents the telescopes currently on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Incident Raises Mauna Kea Observatory Access Concerns. The cooling system for the Gemini Observatory on Mauna Kea has become unstable, but specialized technicians were unable to make it to the summit on Tuesday to it shut down “in order to prevent damage to the instruments and the cooling circuit itself,” the Maunakea Observatories says. Big Island Video News.

Dozens Of Astronomy Projects Are On Hold At Empty Observatories. Authorities and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope can’t agree on who should be allowed up the Mauna Kea Access Road. Civil Beat.

Amid mass protests, TMT supporter says telescope is being done ‘the right way’. As hundreds of opponents gather at Mauna Kea, supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope are waiting for it to be built. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Homegrown Logistics Network Supports TMT Protests. A complex network of donations is keeping anti-TMT demonstrators well supplied with food, cold weather clothing, medical supplies, and even sanitation services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 9 – Court Cases And Common Ground. Governor David Ige is handing things off to Mayor Harry Kim, as decisions come down in two court cases. Big Island Video News.

Day 9: Gov. Ige Hands Operations Over to Mayor Kim. Gov. David Ige has taken himself off the front lines, naming Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim lead negotiator in the standoff with protesters over construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, which has now stretched into its ninth day. Big Island Now.




=====

Education Institute of Hawaii sues to get public schools’ budget data. The Education Institute of Hawaii is suing schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and the Department of Education for failing to hand over all the budget data it is seeking. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii’s Shrinking Schools Raise Questions About Student Transfer Program. DOE data shows the popularity of “geographic exceptions” that let students transfer out of their local schools is surging. Civil Beat.

Whale study may show possible link between Hawaii and Mexico. New robotic device used for humpback research, tracking. Maui News.

Oahu

Caldwell officials and Council again clash on Ala Moana park plans. Ala Moana Regional Park regulars and Honolulu City Council members Tuesday again clashed with officials from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration over plans for a major makeover at “the People’s Park.” Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Playground Opponents: ‘We’re Being Steamrolled’. Council members want the city to seek more public input on a project that is deeply unpopular among many residents. Civil Beat.

Waikiki councilman calls on city to suspend bulky item pilot in tourist district. Waikiki’s newly elected councilman says illegal dumping has spiked dramatically since the city changed the way it collects oversized opala. Hawaii News Now.

Pine Postpones Action On Studying Oahu Tourism Impact. A Honolulu City Council bill seeks policy solutions for growing visitor counts. Civil Beat.

Old Ward Warehouse location to include more green open space. Howard Hughes announced the re-design of the old Ward Warehouse location on Ala Moana Boulevard on Tuesday. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

FEMA sending specialists to Big Island to help resolve eruption relief issues. Victims of the 2018 Kilauea eruption who were told to return federal disaster relief funds will have a chance to meet with specialists next month in an effort to resolve the matter. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances changes to Kona CDP. Despite concerns from about a dozen testifiers that changes to Kona’s community development plan would make it harder to hold developers accountable for their promises, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a measure making a host of amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kihei doctor pleads guilty to fraud. Owner of South Maui Clinic arraigned on charges in federal court. Maui News.

Mahi Pono’s Ag Park Applications Open for Community Farming. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced that applications are now available for Hawaii residents and small local businesses interested in applying for a two-, five- or 10-acre parcels at its agriculture park. Maui Now.

Kauai

A massive march to support protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea is planned for Sunday in Lihue. More than 1,000 people are expected. Garden Island.

Some Residents Are Waylaying Tourists On The North Shore. Ever since the most distant stretch of the Kuhio Highway reopened, a group has been detaining nonlocal vehicles and passing out inaccurate parking information. Civil Beat.

Black Pot is back. Black Pot Beach Park welcomed hundreds of visitors at its reopening on Monday. Garden Island.

Honolulu council cracks down on vacation rentals, prosecution rests in Kealoha case, some lava evacuees told to give FEMA money back, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high rises along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Council OKs vacation rental policy bill. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Monday to impose stiffer fines and harsher regulations on Oahu’s vacation rentals, tossing the entire short-term rental industry on the island on its head. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council Approves Crackdown On Vacation Rentals. Under the measure expected to be signed by the mayor, property owners who rent out entire houses outside of resort zones could face major fines. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Adopts Two Approaches To Short-Term Rental Regulations. The Honolulu City Council on Monday unanimously approved Bill 89 that would implement stiffer regulations for short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council approves pair of tough new regulations for vacation rental industry. After months of debate, the Honolulu City Council on Monday night passed a pair of bills that are considered some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in decades. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental bills approved by Council. After hours of testimony, the City Council approved two bills that would severely limit the number of rentals, while putting heavy restrictions on those that would be allowed. KHON2.

City Council passes both bills to restrict and regulate vacation rentals on Oahu. KITV.

Emotional day as vacation rental bills pass. KHON2.

=====

State chipping in for farms’ compost purchases. The state Department of Agriculture wants to help local farmers buy compost under a new pilot program established by Hawaii lawmakers and paid for by tax­payers. Star-Advertiser.

A Growing Number Of Hawaii’s Keiki Live In Economic Insecurity. Hawaii is in the middle of the pack for overall child wellbeing, with keiki falling behind in education and economic security markers but tracking ahead of most states in measures of health, family and community. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks #3 in the country as the most dangerous state for elderly pedestrians. Between 2018 and 2017 a new report by non-profit Smart Growth America shows 226 pedestrians were hit and killed in the state. KITV.

Oahu

Prosecutors rest case in Kealoha trial. Federal prosecutors Monday wrapped up their case in the public corruption and conspiracy trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha, and by day’s end two of the five defendants, including former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, already had completed their defenses. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Trial: ‘A Conspiracy Is A Living, Breathing Thing’. Prosecutors wrap up their case. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Gets Second Defense Lawyer Late In Trial. Earle Partington joins the former’s prosecutor’s defense team in her public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Rests His Defense In Corruption Case. A retired Honolulu police chief charged in a corruption case won't be testifying in his defense. Associated Press.

After 58 witnesses, prosecution rests its case in Kealoha ‘mailbox trial’. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 13: Prosecution rests, defense attorneys call first witnesses. KITV.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Time for Katherine Kealoha's attorney, her first witness is Gerard Puana. KHON2.

=====

As Sanctuary City Bill Dies, Question Arises: How Progressive Is Hawaii? States, counties and cities across the country have adopted sanctuary policies to protect unauthorized immigrants and limit the role of local law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement but similar efforts have not gained traction in the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents: Growing piles of garbage in Chinatown may be linked to city rule change. Residents and businesses in Chinatown say there are growing piles of garbage blocking sidewalks and creating health hazards. Hawaii News Now.

Residents: Pieces Of History Could Have Been Lost To Future Ball Fields. City and state officials may have allowed part of Sherwood Forest to be stripped bare without proper archaeological monitoring. Civil Beat.

Enchanted Lake residents fear planned development will destroy wetlands. Developer Lacus LLC plans to build a residential development in the heart of Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

FEMA wants some eruption evacuees to return disaster assistance funds. Dozens of eruption evacuees say a federal agency that gave them funds after last year’s Kilauea disaster is now asking for some of the money back. Hawaii News Now.

Committee to receive update on county’s disaster relief efforts. County administrators will present an update on their plans to continue to provide disaster aid to lava-affected communities during a meeting today of the County Council Finance Committee. Tribune-Herald.

As Emergency Funding Ends, Crisis Counseling Turns To Community Resources. Emergency proclamation funding is no longer available and officially ends June 20, 2019, the health department says, and those in need of crisis counseling services are being referred to local resources. Big Island Video News.

=====

Is towing the answer? Council unclear on window tinting bill. Should police be able to impound your car because its windows are too dark? West Hawaii Today.

County slates public meeting to discuss Hilo landfill closure. The county Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division will host a public informational meeting next week to discuss the upcoming closure of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Korean War Memorial to be dedicated Saturday in Hilo. A long-envisioned Korean War Memorial in Hilo will be dedicated Saturday, three days prior to the 69th anniversary of the beginning of the three-year-plus conflict known as “The Forgotten War.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In battle over iwi kupuna, Maui judge invalidates license for archeology firm. A Maui judge has invalidated the license for a company accused of desecrating ancient burials in Wailuku’s sand dunes. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Metropolitan Area Designated Most Dangerous in the State for Pedestrians. A new report lists Hawaii as being the third-most dangerous state in the nation for older pedestrians. Maui Now.

Paul Simon to play at MACC Aug. 13-14. Concert benefits two biodiversity groups including Maui Auwahi Forest Restoration. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s Kuhio Highway off to slightly bumpy start. It wasn’t all smooth riding when a 2-mile stretch of Kauai’s Kuhio Highway opened Monday, restoring access to some of the Garden Isle’s most popular tourist attractions under new tourism management guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

It was the moment that many had been waiting for — or dreading — the reopening of Kuhio Highway and reintroducing Wainiha and Haena to the rest of the island. Garden Island.

Haena State Park reopens to little fanfare. Garden Island.

The Hanalei Initiative launched the Kauai North Shore Shuttle upon Monday’s re-­opening of the Waipa–Haena portion of Kuhio Highway to the general public. Garden Island.

Taxes on rich pull Hawaii economy up, state sues Big Pharma, nursing homes investigated, missile testing ramps up on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Downtown Honolulu commercial center ©2019 All Hawaii News

Economists: Higher Revenue Estimates Do Not Signal Economic Growth In Hawaii. Experts attribute unexpected 4.7% revenue boost to increased income tax rate for higher-income earners. Civil Beat.

WalletHub: Hawaii Has 4th Worst State Economy. Washington state leads the nation while Alaska is dead last, says a new report. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii joins 40-plus states suing OxyContin maker over opioid epidemic. Hawaii filed suit today against Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Star-Advertiser.

Opioid Makers, Distributors Sued By Hawaii AG. The legal action comes as a “necessary part” of the state’s response to a rise in opioid overdoses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Among Latest States Suing Opioid Maker Purdue Pharma. Associated Press.

Hawaii Attorney General files suit against opioid manufacturers. State Attorney General Clare Connors joined other states in filing suit against numerous opioid manufacturing companies. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii's worst performing nursing homes revealed. A half dozen Hawaii care centers have made the list of worst performing nursing homes in the state. KITV.

Hawaii Nursing Homes On List of Troubled Operations Released By Senators. The federal government for years has kept under wraps the names of hundreds of nursing homes around the country found by inspectors to have serious ongoing health, safety or sanitary problems. Associated Press.

=====

Years-long investigation into allegations of corruption at Boating Division drags on. New emails shed light on a years-long investigation into allegations of corruption and retaliation at the state’s Boating Division. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees record number of public schools serving free summer meals. Seventy-one schools across the state are serving meals through its summer food service program called Seamless Summer Option. Star-Advertiser.

Pancreatic cancer risks are greater for Hawaiians, Japanese Americans. Native Hawaiians and Japanese Americans face greater risks of pancreatic cancer, according to a recent study by the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii and others. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Prosecution’s line of questioning leaves judge in Kealoha corruption trial peeved. There were fireworks from the bench Monday in the public corruption trial against the Kealohas as a line of questioning from the prosecution upset the judge. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Prosecutors plan to show video testimony of Katherine Kealoha's grandma Tuesday. Prosecutors plan to show the video testimony of Florence Puana, the mother of Gerard Puana during Tuesday's proceedings. KHON2.

Kealoha Trial: ‘I Thought It Was Uncle Gerry Right Off The Bat’. Prosecutors try to use police officers’ prior grand jury testimony against them in the criminal trial over an alleged frame job. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha tied to fictional notary. Federal prosecutors Monday linked Katherine Kealoha to an imaginary notary public who wrote a letter of support to state officials for Kealoha to successfully become director of the state Office of Environmental Quality in 2008. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Eyes Unconventional Recruits To Fill Officer Shortage. The Honolulu Police Department is currently short 260 officers, or about 10 percent of its total force. Hawaii Public Radio.

City offers appointments 6 months out for driver’s license renewals. You can now make an appointment to renew your driver’s license on Oahu up to six months in advance. Hawaii News Now.

A homeless camp tucked away in Kalihi is cleared. Squatters who built a village in the middle of a Kalihi Valley neighborhood are now gone, but signs of their presence remain. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Beer money. A proposed settlement agreement in the lawsuit against the owner of Kona Brewing Co. could mean partial refunds for anybody who’s purchased packs of its bottled or canned beers in the last few years. West Hawaii Today.

‘Styrofoam’ ban advances. Polystyrene foam food containers will remain banned under a bill advanced Monday by a County Council panel, but locally nonrecyclable alternatives will be allowed when the law goes into effect July 1. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Proposed rules for Mauna Kea management isn’t sitting well with some. Dozens of people filled the Manoa Elementary School cafeteria to share their thoughts on the University of Hawaii’s proposed rules for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT opponents upset over rules UH is proposing for Mauna Kea. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope were outraged that rules the University of Hawaii is proposing for Mauna Kea governing public and commercial activity would exempt the university and hurt Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Emotional testimony at a public hearing on proposed new rules atop Mauna Kea. KITV.

=====

USGS plans volcano mapping flyovers. A low-flying helicopter will be documenting changes to Puna’s landscape from last year’s eruption of Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Lidar Survey Set For June 13 through June 30. Big Island Video News.

Testifier Alleging Police Brutality Storms Out Of Council Meeting. Monday’s council committee meeting was called into recess when things took an emotional turn during a discussion on a proposed whistle blower program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County moves to relocate bus hub. Lease for island’s busiest transit hub at mall expires in January. Maui News.

The County of Maui, Department of Public Works will lead a Shoreline Cleanup Event in celebration of World Ocean’s Day from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Pa'ia Bay. Maui Now.

Visitors to Maui in April logged more days on-island as compared to a year ago, but they were spending less money per day and overall, according to data released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Plays A Growing Role Testing Technology For Tomorrow’s Nuclear Weapons. With little fanfare, experimental missiles are being launched at the Kauai Test Facility to test technologies being considered for future weapons programs. Civil Beat.

Change would allow for property liens. The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Historic County Building, followed by a meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Garden Island.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Ige's top aide Fuchigami resigns, schoolteachers average $57,866, Kilauea anniversary marked, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House members sing 'Hawaii Aloha' at session end PC:Hawaii House Majority

Hawaii legislative session ends on a divisive note. The state Legislature on Thursday adjourned for the year without its traditional display of unity, when House and Senate members clasp hands and sing “Hawaii Aloha.” Star-Advertiser.

Senate Closes The 2019 Session With Some Sharp Divisions. The state House adjourned while highlighting its successes. The Senate, meanwhile, is left reflecting on its compromises and splits. Civil Beat.

Legislature Adjourns, Attention Shifts To Governor's Intent On Key Bills. Hawaii lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday with an olive branch extended to Gov. David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fate of bills now in governor’s hands as legislative session comes to a close. The 2019 legislature came to a close Thursday, and proposals that made it through the House and Senate now have one more hurdle before becoming law: Gov. David Ige. Hawaii News Now.

The 2019 Legislative session has officially ended. "Today I'm just going to be honest, this has been incredibly difficult," Senate President Ron Kouchi said.  A difficult session that ignited results, all the way to the very end. KITV.

Lawmakers wrap up 2019 legislative session. State lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday after several months of work at the state Capitol debating and passing bills, including measures reducing penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and establishing all-mail elections. Associated Press.

Despite Legislative Setbacks, Ige Sees ‘Progress’ For His Agenda. In the 2019 session many administration bills died, programs got less funding than sought and nominees faced tough grilling. Civil Beat.

=====

Ford Fuchigami leaving post as Gov. David Ige’s administrative director. It’s not clear why Fuchigami is stepping down. Star-Advertiser.

Ford Fuchigami To Leave Ige Administration. The top aide to the Hawaii governor will step down at the end of May. Civil Beat.

Vacation Rental Bill: Where Lawmakers Live Determined How They Voted. Legislators from beachfront communities largely opposed the vacation rental bill, while support came from lawmakers who haven’t seen a proliferation of the properties. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s average public school teacher salary in 2017-18 was $57,866, a 2% increase from the year before that ranks its pay 18th highest among the states, but falls below the U.S. average, according to a new analysis released by the National Education Association. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with Landed, a down payment assistance and homebuyer education program aimed at helping teachers and school employees afford to buy homes, to bring new homeownership options to K-12 educators across the state. Maui Now.

State Lawmakers Asking FAA To Take Action On Tour Helicopter Operations In State. State lawmakers are asking federal officials to either ground all tour helicopters in the islands or ban flights over residential neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Army manager got antique car, other bribes in exchange for contracting info. A former Schofield Barracks range operations manager pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to accept bribes in exchange for disclosing sensitive Army procurement details. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs high-rise fire safety bill. A measure making it easier for owners of older high-rise condominiums to meet stricter fire safety regulations was signed into law Thursday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs Bill 96 relating to fire safety into law. Bill 96 gives condominium associations the power to decide whether or not to retrofit high-rises with sprinklers or complete a life safety evaluation. KITV.

Final State Audit On Rail Finds Overpayments To Contractors, Billing Issues. The audit relied on a small sample of invoices so it’s not clear whether those billing problems within HART extend to other rail contracts, the state auditor said. Civil Beat.

Union announces layoffs imminent at The Modern Honolulu hotel. Diamond Resorts has notified 78 workers at The Modern Honolulu that their positions are to be eliminated in the next 30 days, according to Unite Here Local 5, the labor union representing the workers. Star-Advertiser.

There have been 21 dog attacks at this Kakaako park in the last 3 years. State taxpayers could end up paying big after another dog attack near a Kakaako homeless camp. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea, One Year Later: Volcanic Hazards Remain A Threat. This Friday makes a year since Kilauea erupted, sending lava into residential communities on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

USGS

KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Displaced farmers face 'a long road ahead'. Tribune-Herald.

ONE YEAR AGO: Volcano Watch Details Eruption Start. Hawaii Public Radio.

One year anniversary - Kilauea: Reshaping the Aina. KHON2.

KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Midwife, husband vow to return to Leilani despite losing homes in two eruptions. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County residents continue to file for building permits in riskiest zones. Since the eruption subsided in August, county officials say, 127 people have pulled permits to build or rebuild in Lava Zone 1, which includes areas experiencing recent flows. Star-Advertiser.

Man who fell into Kilauea caldera in stable condition. A 32-year-old man airlifted to Hilo Medical Center on Wednesday evening after falling into the Kilauea caldera is a solider stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District have reopened after issues with the stream monitoring system caused a closure three weeks ago. Maui News.

Community looks to crack down on illegal fireworks; meeting held Wednesday. Lack of evidence, authority make it tough to prosecute, search cargo. Maui News.

Maui staying vigilant in fight against rapid ohia death disease. Regular aerial surveys, sampling aim to keep island free of fungus deadly to tree. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Fruitful’ session, says Nakamura. State Rep. Nadine Nakamura said she thought it was an especially fruitful session for Kauai. Garden Island.


Robust reefs, fewer floods. Kauai’s coral reefs protect the island from about $11 million worth of damages every year, according to a new study released by the U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy and the University of California Santa Cruz. Garden Island.

For the seventh time in history, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared glyphosate unlikely to cause cancer in humans. On Kauai, glyphosate has been found in roughly one third of tested beehives, according to a 2018 study, with concentrations as high as 179 parts per billion. Garden Island.

Mail-in voting awaits Ige's signature, Oahu monster house bill becomes law, man falls into Kilauea crater, Honolulu-Princeville flights commence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How people fall into Kilauea crater ©2019 All Hawaii News

 Man Rescued After Fall Into Kilauea Caldera. A man fell in from a location by Steaming Bluffs Wednesday evening, and was later rescued and airlifted from the park. Big Island Video News.

Man who fell into Kilauea Caldera rescued after hours-long mission. Multiple rescue parties from the park and county worked together in the rescue operations. Nightfall and windy conditions reportedly made the rescue challenging. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii Lawmakers Pass All-mail Elections, Automatic Recounts. Hawaii lawmakers have passed bills instituting all-mail voting and automatic recounts for races with narrow victory margins, measures lawmakers hope will boost voter turnout and confidence in elections. The bills now go to the governor, who hasn't indicated whether he'll sign them. Associated Press.

Mail-in voting bill OK’d. A bill that would require all statewide elections to be conducted by mail beginning with the 2020 primary is headed to Gov. David Ige for consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is on the verge of a major increase in parking fines along state highways. The new surcharge is meant to keep sightseers from pulling over in dangerous areas. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday posted an interactive map online to help visitors and residents learn of air quality conditions throughout the state. Civil Beat.

CBD products seem to be everywhere, and that’s got the state worried. The Health Department is warning businesses in the islands that sell cannabis-derived products that they risk “regulatory actions and penalties.” Hawaii News Now.

CBD in food and beauty products aren't FDA approved and could post health risks. KHON2.

Oahu

‘Monster house’ bill becomes law without mayor’s signature. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday allowed a bill designed to be a comprehensive policy on large-scale houses to become law without his signature, warning that it may go too far and have unintended consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Asks City Council To Amend ‘Monster Homes’ Bill. The Honolulu mayor approves Bill 79 but points to Department of Planning and Permitting concerns. Civil Beat.

New limits on the construction of so-called "monster homes" will take effect immediately after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed a regulatory measure to become law without his signature. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

19 Army helicopters circle Oahu in rare flyover. An Army AH-64 Apache unit at Wheeler Army Airfield made some history Wednesday — and gained a lot of attention from the shore — by flying 19 of the wasp-like attack helicopters in formation around Oahu to celebrate an anniversary and demonstrate the squadron’s capability. Star-Advertiser.

A&B buys another Kapolei industrial property. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. continued its buying spree of industrial real estate on Oahu with the purchase of 36 acres used by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to mold concrete. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming conference to generate millions in visitor spending. The Hawaii Convention Center will host nearly 2,500 participants from 32 countries for an annual scientific and educational conference for radiology professionals May 5-10, generating an estimated $9.4 million in visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

2nd round of hearings set for revised Maunakea rules. Members of the public will have a second chance to weigh in the University of Hawaii’s proposed Maunakea administrative rules during a series of hearings next month. Tribune-Herald.

Farming slow to regrow after Kilauea eruption. Almost 14 square miles of Lower Puna was covered by lava, wiping out producers of papaya, ornamental flowers, nursery plants, macadamia nuts, avocados, coffee, noni, cacao, breadfruit, ginger, turmeric and more. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Nurses Association — which represents more than 70 nurses at North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea — is preparing for an informational picket on Saturday. The union says Queen's nurses at the Punchbowl and West Oahu hospitals earn $59.63 per hour while North Hawaii nurses get $47.45 which is about 20% less. Hawaii News Now.

County to replace Old Terminal Building with new comfort station. The Old Terminal Building at the Old Kona Airport Park will soon be a sight of the past. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Anaergia plan for waste-processing, energy-producing plant hits setback. Judge rules project at Kahului wastewater plant needs new EIS. Maui News.

Rampant Fireworks Use Sparks Concern, Discussion on Maui. An estimated 60 people attended a meeting on Tuesday night at Pomaikai School, focused on illegal fireworks and the rampant use in residential neighborhoods. Maui Now.

This Native Hawaiian Taro Farmer Has Been Fighting A&B For Decades. The result has been bittersweet. Stream water was restored to his East Maui land three years ago, but so many others gave up traditional taro farming during the long battle. Civil Beat.

Haleakala National Park’s stream monitoring system in Kipahulu has been repaired and the area known as the Pools of Oheo is now open. Maui Now.

Kauai

Makani Kai Air begins flights. The landing marks the first time in over 22 years Princeville will have constant direct flights to Honolulu. Makani Kai Air is offering two daily flights between Kauai and Honolulu. Garden Island.

Makani Kai Air today launched its new Honolulu to Princeville service today, making it the first carrier in 22 years to provide regulary scheduled service between the two destinations. Hawaii News Now.

TSA is hiring at Lihue Airport. The Transportation Security Administration is hosting a two-day recruitment event to hire Transportation Security Officers to work at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Ige urges resurrection of water rights bill, vacation rental bills sent to Honolulu mayor, eruption communication criticized, gas prices up 5 cents, homeless rousting continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige urges Hawaii Legislature to resurrect water rights bill opposed by environmentalists. Gov. David Ige is prodding state lawmakers to resurrect a controversial bill that would give public water users, including Alexander & Baldwin, the electrical utilities, farmers and others, more time to meet stringent requirements for obtaining long-term leases, a move that has angered opponents of House Bill 1326. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Calls For Reconsideration Of Water Bill. The governor says passage of the stalled measure is in the public interest but critics called it an abuse of Ige’s position. Civil Beat.

Governor Asks Lawmakers to Revive Water Rights Bill. Gov. David Ige has asked state lawmakers to revive a bill that would extend water permits held by private users, a measure that a Senate committee shelved earlier this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Urges Lawmakers to Take Action on Controversial Water Bill. Maui Now.

Ige accused of trying to bring back ‘zombie bill’ on contentious water rights issue. Gov. David Ige has taken the unusual step of asking lawmakers to revive a hotly debated measure that many thought was dead for the session. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Aloha State sees increase in gas prices. The average price of gas in the state increased a nickel or more in the past week and 24 cents higher in than a month ago, said GasPrices.AAA.com. KHON2.

Hawaii jobless rate climbs to 2.8%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, reflecting slowing growth in the state economy, resumed its upward trend in March and climbed to a 28-month high of 2.8%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Battle lines take shape as 2 vacation rental bills advance. When it comes to the thorny issue of vacation rental homes on Oahu, it seems the clearer the issue gets, the more complex the answers appear to be. Star-Advertiser.

Short-Term Rental Regulation Advances at Honolulu Hale. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council held a public hearing on the latest proposals to rein in Oahu’s vacation accommodations, like those rented on Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO. Hawaii Public Radio.

After several years of debate, a measure to regulate monster homes on Oahu is awaiting Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s signature. The bill passed the City Council Wednesday, but the head of the department that will enforce the proposed rules says some details need to be hammered out. Associated Press.

A bill regulating so-called monster homes on Oahu is now in the hands of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. KITV.

=====

Police investigating reported kidnapping of attorney tied to Kealoha corruption probe. Chris Woo once represented Jesse Ebersole, a Big Island firefighter who told the court he had a long-term affair with Katherine Kealoha and said he lied to the federal grand jury to protect her and hide their romantic relationship. Hawaii News Now.

City plans second interim rail opening. In a significant change to the much-anticipated rollout of the Honolulu rail line, the city is now planning to open new segments of rail in 2020 and in 2023 before finally opening the entire 20-mile line in 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Assures Caldwell Of Ala Wai Flood Control Financing Plan. The latest letter in the saga over canal flood control informs city leaders that at least some dollars have been committed to the project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilmember-elect Tommy Waters is eager to hit the ground running. Waters says there's a 20-day waiting period where the City Office of Elections can audit the results from Saturday's District Four Special Election. KITV.

Inspection leads to boat blaze at Honolulu Harbor. U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel Thursday were inspecting a fishing boat at Pier 16 when a neglected stove apparently caught fire, leading to a spectacular blaze. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard: Blaze on fishing vessel started during Customs inspection. Hawaii News Now.

Can A Sustainable Industry Be Built From An Invasive Species? A landmark project on the UH Manoa campus shows the albizia tree’s potential as a building material — and the challenges of developing manufacturing in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Civil Defense on the hot seat. Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno found himself in the hot seat Thursday, as County Council members grilled him about communication lapses during two recent disasters. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano Watch Examines Cause Of 2018 Kilauea Eruption. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is reiterating its position that geothermal drilling did not cause the lower East Rift Zone eruption. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Transfer Station Shutdown After Discovery of Explosive Ordnance. The explosive device was found to be a non-functioning grenade, with no detonation ability. Big Island Now.

Unexploded ordnance scare forces brief closure of Hilo transfer station. Hawaii News Now.

County cleans out more homeless camps. Hawaii County Highways Divisions crews, Hawaii Police officers and HOPE Services Hawaii employees worked to clear more homeless camps Thursday in the village and downtown Kailua-Kona areas. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Blessing Held for $21.7 M Iao Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Michael Victorino took part Thursday in the blessing of the new $21.7 million Iao Water Treatment Plant. Maui Now.

Airport tram making practice runs. The tram connects the airport’s arrivals and departures gates with the $340 million, 1.3 million-square-foot consolidated rental car building scheduled to open May 15. Maui News.

Makawao Public Library celebrates 50 years. Maui News.

Kauai

Costs still rising. According to the County of Kauai, it has received $25 million from the state of Hawaii to help recover from the April 2018 flooding disaster. Garden Island.

No place to go. Homeless to be evicted from camp near homeless shelter. Garden Island.

Settlement reached, payment delayed. Patricia and Michael Kocher Sr. still haven’t been paid the $1 million promised to them by the County of Kauai to settle a lawsuit they filed over the death of their son, who was killed four years ago by a speeding police cruiser. Garden Island.