Same-sex marriage advances in Hawaii, Ellison wants to build university on Lanai, ACLU settles Maui sign-waving lawsuit, Abercrombie withdraws environmental pick, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii United for Marriage courtesy photo

The state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee voted Monday night to advance a gay marriage bill after a daylong public hearing that explored themes of equality and religious liberty, first-class citizenship and the word of God. The 5-to-2 vote came after the debate over marriage equality engulfed the state Capitol during the first day of a special legislative session called by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly 12 hours of passionate, repetitive, sometimes heated and often ill-informed testimony, the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee passed a same-sex marriage bill late Monday. The vote on Senate Bill 1 was 5-2, with Democrat Mike Gabbard and Republican Sam Slom in the minority. Civil Beat.

Day 1 of the marriage equality bill hearings. Yes, the Senate committee passed SB1. Hawaii Independent.

A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaiʻi passed its first hurdle today, advancing out of committee in its unamended form.  It is now headed to the full Senate for a vote. Maui Now.

The Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee voted to pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. The vote came after nearly 12 hours of testimony from the public, as more than 400 people addressed lawmakers during Monday's public hearing before the Senate committee. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii Senate committee has advanced a bill legalizing gay marriage to the full Senate after a marathon session of testimony that ended nearly 12 hours after it began. KITV2.

A state Senate committee has approved a bill that could legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. The decision by the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee came after nearly 12 hours of public testimony Monday on SB1. KHON2.

Thousands of people gathered on the state Capitol grounds Monday evening to demand that lawmakers let the people decide how to define marriage, waving signs along Beretania Street that read "God Created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve," "1 Kane 1 Wahine" and "Honk for traditional marriage." Star-Advertiser.

Thousands rallied on both sides of the gay marriage debate Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat is hosting a live blog and chat for the special legislative session convened to address same-sex marriage.
Hawaii’s battle over gay marriage brought state lawmakers back to work Monday after the governor called a special session that could make the islands a wedding destination for more couples. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature opened the second special legislative session of 2013 on Monday and got right down business with hearings on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. Nearly 2,000 people on both sides of the issue were set to testify. Pacific Business News.

Salmonson

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has withdrawn Genevieve Salmonson's appointment as director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control after it appeared she would not be confirmed by the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Facing a tough Senate confirmation hearing, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has withdrawn Genevieve Salmonson's nomination as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. Civil Beat.

A spokesperson for Gov. Neil Abercrombie confirmed Monday evening that the governor's nominee for director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, Genevieve Salmonson, has withdrawn from the confirmation process just hours before her confirmation hearing. Hawaii Reporter.

GMO, geothermal, Hokulia and the Superferry are all being brought into the conversation about Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees to several important environmental and land-use boards and offices. Abercrombie so far is defending his appointees in the face of opponents who are lobbying the state Senate not to confirm them. The Senate has a list of 36 nominees to confirm or deny during the special legislative session that began Monday. West Hawaii Today.

As Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie asks lawmakers to confirm dozens of appointees to state boards and committees during the special session this week, he's facing resistance over a nomination to replace a member of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, which votes on land leases and new rules governing natural resources. Civil Beat.

UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest Medicare provider, is eliminating certain Medicare Advantage health plans next year for nearly 4,000 members in Hawaii. The majority of affected members live in Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties, and fewer than 100 are on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Friday, vehicle inspectors will use iPads, provided by a contractor hired by the state Department of Transportation, to relay safety inspection results immediately to the DOT instead of mailing in the filled-out forms on a monthly basis. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 29. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu rail officials report that the island's massive public transit project, which recently resumed construction, will receive a record influx of $63.8 million in general excise tax revenue for the quarter that ended Sept. 30. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 4 out of 5 of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply's roughly 166,000 customers received at least one bill between January and September that was based on estimated usage, meaning they were undercharged or overcharged for at least a month. Star-Advertiser.

Two more (de)Occupy Honolulu protesters are serving jail terms for interfering with city crews attempting to enforce the stored property ordinance at Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Late last week, Hawaii Department of Agriculture officials said that the coffee berry borer, an invasive pest that has plagued isle coffee growers since it was first identified in South Kona in August 2010, has now made its way to a farm in the Hilo area. Tribune-Herald.

Of all the challenges Hawaii’s organic farmers face, one kept coming up during a daylong growing organics workshop as a definitive barrier to entering the market: lack of land. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The American Civil Liberties Union and Maui County have reached a settlement in a lawsuit over rules against holding signs along public roadways. Associated Press.

The people of Maui need no longer fear arbitrary enforcement of harsh County rules against holding signs along public roadways. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has settled a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on behalf of the ACLU's members and Maui plaintiffs Chuck Carletta and Mele Stokesberry. Hawaii Reporter.

A shipping company is temporarily halting all shipments of molasses to the mainland after a minor leak into a Maui harbor. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Maui residents attended a prayer gathering Sunday afternoon in Kahului that included calls against same-sex marriages and the special legislative session that begins today and is expected to make gay nuptials legal in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will likely wait until the eleventh hour to make a decision about whether to sign or veto Bill 2491, limiting GMO and pesticides. Garden Island.

Kauai residents Terry Lilley and Michael Sheehan took advantage of Sunday’s weakened surf to collect 10 sediment samples from North Shore streams and reefs. On Monday, the collected samples were sent to Test America in Sacramento, Calif., where — for $2,900 apiece — they will be tested for a variety of toxic chemicals, including dioxins, pesticides, heavy metals and more. Garden Island.

The 135-foot rail launcher to be used in Hawaii’s first space launch, known as ORS-4, was unveiled Monday at the National Technical Systems facility in Albuquerque, N.M. The launcher was built by NTS and Western Fabrication. It will now be disassembled and moved to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, where it will be reassembled for the 2014 launch. Garden Island.

Kauai County will hold public meetings over the next few months to gather input on a proposal to elect the county’s seven councilmembers by district rather than at-large. Garden Island.

Lanai

A research university campus on 524 acres — nearly twice the size of the University of Hawaii’s flagship Manoa campus in Honolulu — is being planned for Larry Ellison’s island of Lanai. Pacific Business News.

Navy names destroyer for Inouye, Obama senior prom photos on Time, Ellison's ultra-luxury Lanai hotel approved, neighbor island economies catching up, Hawaiian Home Lands critics skeptical, vog spikes doctor visits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer at Pearl Harbor, courtesy U.S. Navy

The Navy destroyer USS Daniel Inouye will be sailing by mid-2018, carrying with it the name of a Japanese-American from Hawaii and evoking the heroism of a Medal of Honor recipient and the statesmanship of a 50-year U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy plans to name one of its ships after the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Associated Press.

The Department of Defense today announced that the Navy will name an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after the late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Maui Now.

The Navy announced Thursday it will name one of its next two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Garden Island.

The U.S. Navy names a destroyer for the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and the delegation begins to make its own mark, scoring some legislative successes in Congress this week. Civil Beat.

Despite the director's pledges to make tangible progress within six months on proposed changes, critics remained skeptical that recommendations contained in a recent audit of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will lead to any meaningful reform in an agency long plagued with management and oversight problems.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is on track to join 27 other states that place annual inspections of all long-term care facilities on their respective websites, state long-term care ombudsman John McDermott said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii doctors are seeing more residents suffering from allergies and asthma because thick vog is aggravating their ailments. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz announced Thursday that he's introducing legislation to fulfill a goal of the late-Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and retired Sen. Daniel Akaka. The bill would create a national memorial honoring Native American, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native veterans. Civil Beat.

The neighbor island economies are continuing to gain on Oahu, setting the stage for the statewide economic expansion to continue through at least 2015, according to a forecast released today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island and the other neighbor islands are catching up steadily to the economic recovery first experienced on Oahu, according to a 42-page report released today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. West Hawaii Today.

Are neighbor islands finally ready to catch the wave of recovery? A new University of Hawaii forecast says it's already happening, and gives a timetable for prosperity. Hawaii News Now.

Obama’s senior prom photos hit Time magazine. Kelli Allman (nee McCormack), a 1981 Punahou School graduate, saved her yearbooks, and they came in handy when Time magazine called to obtain “exclusively” Barack Obama’s 1979 senior prom photos, which appear in this week’s edition. The magazine identifies them as “previously unpublished photos.” Star-Advertiser.

State 5/24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The public got its first look at massive development proposal for Kakaako on Thursday. KITV4.

Imagine Kakaako being more like Denver or Portland. That’s what the Hawaii Community Development Authority envisions. They are sharing that vision with the public who are not completely sold on the ideas. KHON2.

One of the biggest gripes the Honolulu City Council has about Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s operating budget was that it didn’t do enough to restore bus service. Civil Beat.

While canoe paddlers usually spend the final weeks of May fine-tuning their technique, form and timing, a pesky wastewater problem in one of the sport's most heavily used venues has canoe clubs and organizations focusing on flushing out an answer. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu knows who secretly carted in cement and steel and illegally built a skateboard bowl on city park property on the North Shore, and how much it will cost to tear it down. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Problems might delay opening of new dorm. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County will have to go back into arbitration over a Waikoloa workforce housing project contract, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ cargo volume between Honolulu and six neighbor island ports dropped nearly 4 percent during the first quarter of this year, a report issued Thursday said. West Hawaii Today.

Lehman Brothers was the top bidder earlier this week in the auction of 5,800 acres of land in Ka‘u that went into foreclosure. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Real property tax rates will increase beginning July 1 after the Maui County Council on Wednesday morning approved a resolution setting the higher rates for fiscal 2014. Maui News.

While developers of the 670-acre Honua'ula golf community have made efforts to meet a number of the 30 conditions set by the Maui County Council when the project's zoning was approved in 2008, some community groups said on Tuesday that many critical conditions have still not been met. Maui News.

Maui Dry Dock & Boat Storage, a consortium of five commercial boat operators, is seeking a 55-year lease on about 1.2 acres of state land adjacent to the Kahului Boat Ramp to develop a vessel haul out, trailer storage and other facilities. Maui News.

A 65-year-old Pearl City woman is accusing the Salvation Army of transferring a sexual predator from Oahu to Maui more than 50 years ago after he sexually assaulted her as a child. Maui News.

"It's different when your name is on the door," said freshman Hawai'i State Rep. Mark Kaniela Ing, recalling his first term on the job. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Early education and transportation infrastructure improvements were some of the main achievements of Kauai’s delegation at this year’s Legislature, according to state lawmakers. Garden Island.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary and in an effort to give back to the communities it serves, AdvoCare International, a health and wellness company based in Plano, Texas, recently contributed $20,000 to Kauai Independent Food Bank. Garden Island.

Lanai

The Lanai Community Plan Advisory Committee has approved plans for a new ultra-luxury hotel and to set aside 200 acres for industrial development, committee member Alberta de Jetley told PBN.

Abercrombie job approval slips, tsunami siren failures scrutinized, 1,300 travelers stranded in Hawaii, Big Island weighs in on biofuel electric rate hikes, Bio-Logical Capital also wanted to buy Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Gov. Abercrombie and Hawaii teacher of the year Karen Kutsunai, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating has slipped as his administration struggles to find footing after nearly two years in power. Forty-one percent of voters in a new Hawaii Poll approve of Abercrombie's job performance, down from 43 percent in July. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono: Defense cuts would hit every state, including Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Lingle says Hawaii needs bi-partisan representative. KITV4.

U.S. Senate Candidate Hirono Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Early voting for the November general election is on pace to nearly double the number in the primary. KHON2.

The Hawai‘i State Environmental Council, with the assistance of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC), has issued a draft of revised rules for the state's environmental review process (Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes). The public is encouraged to view the draft rules and provide input via the comment form at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx. Hawaii Reporter.

More than 1,300 travelers bound for the East Coast remain stranded in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists made it through Saturday's tsunami but got stranded in Hawaii on Monday as flight disruptions from Superstorm Sandy affected travelers. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii officials' standing with the public isn't faring well in the aftermath of the Stevie Wonder concert debacle this summer, the latest Hawaii Poll indicates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public high schools with large percentages of military dependents that participated in a new, federally funded program aimed at improving students’ Advanced Placement (AP) scores reported record results in its first year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell has continued his steady surge in the Honolulu mayor's race, closing to within striking distance of Ben Cayetano just two weeks before Election Day, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell reported raising $603,000 in the 10 weeks since the primary election, bringing his total for the campaign at about $1.5 million, according to his campaign. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, Caldwell’s mayoral rival, reported raising $339,000 in the same period, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell outraised and outspent opponent Ben Cayetano by a 2-1 margin since the primary election and a two pro-Caldwell PACs funded by the Carpenters Union poured more than $2  million into the campaign during the same period, according to state figures. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayoral candidates discuss how they would handle energy policy if they're elected. Civil Beat.

Incumbent Keith Kaneshiro is hauling in more cash and doling it out faster than his opponent in the race to be Honolulu city prosecutor for the next four years, according to campaign spending reports filed Monday. Civil Beat.

Human error. That's the most plausible explanation being given by emergency planners as to why some Oahu neighborhoods never heard a siren blast announcing Saturday's tsunami warning. KITV4.

Siren malfunctions due to push of wrong button. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Civil Air Patrol tsunami warning aircraft paid special attention to Kaa­awa and Kahana Bay late Saturday night because Civil Defense officials had told them the sirens in those areas were malfunctioning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
A computer glitch is being blamed for several tsunami warning sirens initially failing to activate Saturday as residents were ordered to evacuate the coast. Tribune-Herald.

Aina Koa Pono’s biodiesel proposal isn’t a good deal for Hawaii County residents, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Monday, hours before the Public Utilities Commission was set to begin its first Big Island hearing on the subject. West Hawaii Today.

No more increases. That seemed to be the main message relayed to members of the state Public Utilities Commission on Monday night by more than 100 Big Isle residents who showed up at a public hearing at the Hilo High cafeteria to weigh in on two separate electricity rate hikes proposed by Hawaii Electric Light Co. Inc. Tribune-Herald.

A year after county officials discovered that more than $100,000 worth of fuel had been illegally siphoned from the Waimea baseyard pumps, allegedly by Department of Environmental Management employees, the suspects remain free and taxpayers have not been reimbursed for the loss. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission is set to vote on approving a senior center in Ocean View, within a State Land Use Agricultural District. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Despite Kahului Harbor seeing the largest of Saturday night's tsunami waves to hit Hawaii, Maui County appears to have sustained no major damage to coastal areas. Maui News.

Three-time Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat incumbent Gladys Baisa said voters should easily be able to differentiate her from her general election opponent: She's the one with the diverse list of accomplishments. Maui News.

An estimated 500 people attended a Maui Democratic Party rally at the Maui Tropical Plantation on Saturday afternoon. Maui Now.

A relic of St. Marianne Cope will begin a five-day tour of Maui County Tuesday morning at St. Theresa Church in Kihei and culminate Saturday with a procession down the pali trail to Kalaupapa for events in the village where she served leprosy patients for more than three decades. Maui News.

Kauai

The money approved by the Kaua‘i County Council to be used in private attorney fees in a Kaua‘i Police Commission versus Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. lawsuit now amounts to $55,000, after last week’s approval by the council of an additional $15,000 to the administration. Garden Island.

County Officials report the Koloa Post Office is now fully operable after an SUV crashed through the building Thursday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i people had two opportunities to visit a relic of St. Marianne Cope Monday. Garden Island.

Lanai

The new head of Bio-Logical Capital’s Hawaii operations confirms that the Colorado-based land investment company had been interested in purchasing the island of Lanai before Larry Ellison bought it. Pacific Business News.

Cayetano unveils 'FAST' rail alternative, Hawaii Supreme Court won't reconsider rail ruling, Inouye asks Lingle to take down video, Lanai group won't learn Ellison's price, UH awash in PR, Big Island archeological study delays park, Navy cruiser gets reprieve, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cayetano's FAST rail alternative

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is proposing a $1.1 billion plan to add express buses and contraflow lanes as an alternate solution to a $5 billion rail line to ease traffic on Oahu.Associated Press.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano unveiled a transportation plan Thursday that features new Bus Rapid Transit routes, high-tech traffic signal systems to instantly respond to traffic snarls and plans for two-lane underpasses to ease the flow of traffic on Kapiolani Boulevard and other thoroughfares. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano presented his alternative–to-rail transportation plan today, saying the mix of expanded bus service, a two-mile extension of the airport highway viaduct, traffic underpasses beneath congested intersections and other features will cost $4.1 billion less than the planned elevated rail line. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu mayoral candidate and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano on Thursday formally unveiled his mass-transit plan, which he touted as being a cheaper, better and more flexible alternative than the city’s $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Instead of being a candidate running against something, Ben Cayetano is now a candidate running for something. Civil Beat.

After waiting months to reveal deeper details about his traffic plans Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano announced his bus rapid transit plan today.  But his opponent says it's too little too late. Hawaii News Now.

It's called FAST, for Flexible Affordable Smart Transportation, and mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said Thursday it will be one-fifth the cost of rail. KITV4.

The mayor and city council chairman say mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano's bus rapid transit plan would not get federal backing for the current round of funding the rail authority has applied for. KHON2.

Cayetano's FAST website. click here.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and City Council chairman Ernie Martin reacted quickly and negatively to Ben Cayetano's plan for a new Honolulu transportation plan. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday denied a request by the city to reconsider the court's unanimous Aug. 24 ruling that stopped construction of the $5.26 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday denied a City and County of Honolulu motion for the high court to reconsider its ruling on the city’s controversial $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's peak summer tourist season is coming to a close, but visitor traffic is holding its own into fall. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye on Thursday asked Republican Senate candidate Linda Lingle to pull down a web video touting a relationship between the two, and said the video has given him the incentive to actively campaign for Lingle's opponent, Democrat Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat.

A national grant that provides training, test prep and incentives helped four Hawaii high schools make big gains in the number of students taking — and passing — Advanced Placement exams in 2012, officials announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has hired two public relations firms with contracts worth $150,000  to supplement the work of 13 PR people already on the UH system payroll.  More than 30 other UH public relations staffers work on other UH campuses and at different UH schools statewide. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy said the Pearl Harbor cruiser USS Port Royal and three others based elsewhere that had been slated for early retirement in March will be kept on duty for an undetermined length of time. Star-Advertiser.
 
Oahu

The company hoping to sell alcohol at the Honolulu Zoo has two more weeks to come up with a better plan. KHON2.

A new device that could rid Kaneohe Bay of invasive algae by 2015 was shown off Thursday by the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The latest attack ad from the Pacific Resource Partnership that features footage of Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell raises questions about whether either of the two parties violated Hawaii's campaign spending laws. Civil Beat.

How much can the Pacific Resource Partnership spend on ad time in a single week? Here's a hint: it's a hefty fraction of the $1.3 million the pro-rail trade group spent airing TV ads before the primary.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is about to embark on an archaeological survey of its 784-acre Kawa Bay property, a process likely to add months to plans for an oceanfront park there and push any eviction of several Native Hawaiians laying claim to the property into the new year. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie releases funds to bring more doctors to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The Public Utilities Commission’s public hearing on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s rate increase and biofuel surcharge proposals is a month away, and all sides are digging in for what could be an explosive meeting. Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will vote Friday  on a management plan for the Ka`u Forest Reserve. Big Island Now.

Maui
Federal and state authorities are trying to locate, track and hopefully sink at sea a floating dock that could be tsunami debris from Japan, a state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman said today. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is coordinating with NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify the current location of a 30 by 50-foot floating dock that was last seen on Wednesday, Sept. 19, by fishermen off the north coast of Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Plans are under way to renovate the Lahaina Center on Front Street into Maui's first outlet shopping center by next summer. Maui News.

Maui's tourism industry ended a strong summer with both increased visitor arrivals and spending in August, according to new data released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

The annual Legislative Forum hosted by the state Council on Developmental Disabilities wrapped up an unusual week that had four political events crammed into four days. Garden Island.

A federal lawsuit claims teenage employees working at a Panda Express in Kapa‘a were groped and demeaned. Garden Island.

Taxpayers’ money that has already been approved to be spent on private attorneys’ fees on matters related to POHAKU (Productive Optimism Helps All Kaua‘i) diversionary program keeps snowballing: It is now at $35,000. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanaians for Sensible Growth, which was given approval by Hawaii regulators to intervene in the case of the transfer of utilities to Lanai owner Larry Ellison, have been denied access to confidential documents, including the price of the sale. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii reaction mixed on Affordable Care Act ruling, new state office replaces junior kindergarten, Honolulu releases details on $1.55B rail plan, almost half of Big Island properties in foreclosure, Ellison closes on Lanai purchase, RIMPAC brings 20k military, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Early childhood Coordinator Terry Lock and Gov. Abercrombie courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed legislation Thursday that ends junior kindergarten in 2014, and establishes a state Office of Early Learning to begin phasing in a publicly funded preschool network. Terry Lock, who has been serving as the state's first early childhood coordinator, was appointed by the governor to head the early learning office. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bet correctly that the Supreme Court would uphold the bulk of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, but the state plans a full analysis to see how the lengthy ruling affects plans to implement the law. Associated Press.

In the home state of President Barack Obama, government officials and healthcare executives were all smiles Thursday over the U.S. Supreme Court decision favoring Obama’s national health insurance initiative. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii government and health care industry leaders applauded Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding President Barack Obama's historic health care reform act and pledged to work across agencies to tie in and blend the federal standards with Hawaii's own landmark legislation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s top government officials celebrated Thursday as word came down that the U.S. Supreme Court had upheld the major tenants of President Barack Obama’s health-care reform legislation. Civil Beat.

Not long after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act on Thursday, the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation — all Democrats — were in unison in welcoming the surprise decision. Civil Beat.

Hawaii insurers have said they have been implementing the law's provisions as required and that the Supreme Court's ruling was unlikely to change anything. Pacific Business News.

Health insurance is a necessity for all, but mandates that citizens buy insurance or pay a penalty may be cause for concern, Big Island residents and visitors said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Regardless of what the Supreme Court decided, public opinion is split on Obamacare. Tribune-Herald.

Affordable Care Act's effects on Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

There was a round of applause by state leaders Thursday after the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the President's Health Care Law. KHON2.

The world's largest international maritime training exercise starts Friday in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for June 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

With just over a month left until the primary election, Honolulu mayoral candidates and PACs — including two newcomers — are ramping up their TV ad spending. Civil Beat.

A change in city bus routes is leading some riders to switch to driving their cars and overloading buses on some routes to the point where they have to bypass people at bus stops. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Transit officials marked a major milestone today in their effort to secure 1.55 billion dollars in federal funding for the city’s largest public works project, ever. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thursday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) submitted an application to the Federal Transit Administration for a full funding grant agreement, the first step in securing up to $1.55 billion in federal subsidies for the city's controversial rail project. KITV4.

The city of Honolulu Thursday released details of its formal application for $1.55 billion in federal funding for the Honolulu rail line, the submittal of which rail advocates described as one of the most significant milestones yet for the controversial project. Star-Advertiser.

A seemingly innocuous statement by one of the leading candidates for Honolulu mayor has reignited a blaze of accusations and concerns about a potential merger of the city's Fire and Emergency Services departments. Civil Beat.

Three different groups gathered in Kunia to protest Monsanto. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island has more than 500 foreclosures pending in the 3rd Circuit Court, appraisers say. Compare that figure with the 1,289 active real estate listings the county has, appraiser Larry Baird said. West Hawaii Today.

New claims for unemployment compensation on the Big Island dropped last week, while total claims, including repeat filers, remained low. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A “Permitting Open House” will be held on July 6 by Mayor Alan Arakawa’s Permit Process Improvement Team (PPIT) taskforce and the public is encouraged to attend this free event. Maui Now.

Last Fourth of July, the Maui County Fire Department responded to 73 fireworks-related calls - about the average number for the past three years. Maui News.

Kauai

A cross-cultural event recently celebrated the return of traditional food sourcing and preparation in the interest of health and heritage. Garden Island.

Voters will not decide in the November elections what “shall” really means when it’s spelled out in the Kaua‘i County Charter. Garden Island.

Lanai

The third-richest man in America, Oracle Corp. co-founder and CEO Larry Ellison, has completed his acquisition of Lanai, seller Castle & Cooke Inc. said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The sale of most of Lanai and its assets to billionaire Larry Ellison was successfully completed, seller Castle & Cooke Inc. announced Thursday morning. Maui News.

Castle & Cooke announced today the completion of sale of its Lāna‘i assets by David Murdock to Lawrence J. Ellison to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. Maui Now.

Undersea cable could send Neighbor Island electricity to Oahu, legislators rake in cash during session, Maui clears hundreds of homeless from camps, no doc taxes for state from Lanai sale, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law Wednesday that lays the foundation for a proposed undersea cable that could transmit to Oahu renewable energy generated on Neighbor Islands. Star-Advertiser.

The ceremony surrounding the controversial undersea cable bill was eclipsed by questions about the sale of Lanai to billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and what that means for a large-scale wind farm proposed for that island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers raised nearly a half million for their reelection campaign treasuries in 2011, often by holding fundraisers while the Legislature was in session. And judging by the number of candidates who held fundraisers during this year's session, it looks like it'll be even more this year. Civil Beat.

Former U. S. Congressman Ed Case and former Governor Linda Lingle have already set their first debate after the August 11 primary, even though both have to win their Primary election in the upcoming U.S. Senate race. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii ranked seventh best out of 30 coastal states for beach water quality last year, but failed to have any of the cleanest beaches in America, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council's 22nd annual beach water quality report. Star-Advertiser.

Manny Duenas, outgoing chairman of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, repeatedly challenged federal scientists as they testified during Wespac meetings this week at the YWCA in Honolulu, accusing them of undermining indigenous rights. Civil Beat.

Protection of sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act is helping their populations rebound and some groups say it's gone too far. Hawaii Public Radio.

With the Supreme Court upholding today by a vote of 5-4 the key mandate in the Affordable Healthcare Act forcing Americans to buy healthcare coverage, there will be a variety of statements and editorial opinions issued over the next several days. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

A nearly three-decade quarrel over New Zealand's anti-nuclear posture still prevents the Kiwi frigate Te Kaha and tanker Endeavour from stopping in Pearl Harbor, just as U.S. Navy ships are not allowed to make port calls in New Zealand. Star-Advertiser.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn will not unseal McDonald's surveillance videos of the Nov. 5 shooting of Kollin Elderts by a U.S. State Department special agent in town for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Star-Advertiser.

Racial slurs preceded a deadly encounter at a Waikiki McDonald’s, leaving a U.S. Department of State agent charged with murdering a Hawaii man, the agent’s attorney claims in a request to move the case to federal court. Associated Press.

Occupy Honolulu fights corporate greed, while working for corporate giant. Hawaii News Now.

Wednesday the City's Planning Commission held a public hearing asking residents what they think and the majority of people who testified believe the city needs to slow down on Ewa development. KHON2.

Nearly 80 people affiliated with the University of Hawaii are in Washington D.C this week for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. UH says the trips costs about $230,000. KITV4.

Hawaii

All 20 West Hawaii public schools will likely benefit from the more than $45 million the state is receiving next school year to provide extra support and resources for the neediest of students, said West Hawaii Complex Area Superintendent Art Souza. West Hawaii Today.

More than $500,000 has been targeted for efforts to fight the coffee berry borer on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

A new self-help center for those who represent themselves in court will start operating Monday on the first floor of the state courthouse in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The North Kohala community is celebrating the acquisition of 27 acres of undeveloped coastal land in Halaula by the community non-profit Maika`i Kamakani `O Kohala. KPUA.

Maui

Bulldozers and other heavy equipment cleared 40 acres mauka of Honoapiilani Highway, from Dickenson Street to Kauaula Stream, of "little tent cities" that had housed hundreds of homeless people. Maui News.

Eleven sets of iwi kupuna discovered in the "footprint" of the planned Safeway store at the future Maui Lani Center could be relocated to a large on-site burial preserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Asbestos abatement and disassembly of the former Kekaha Sugar Mill is scheduled to start in July with work expected to take about six months, states a release from Kekaha MS, the property owner. Garden Island.

The Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS Lake Erie successfully completed a flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system early Wednesday morning in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Garden Island.

Lanai

When the sale of some 88,000 acres of property on Lanai to Oracle Corp. founder and CEO Larry Ellison closes, it likely won’t include the conveyance tax that is paid on nearly every other real estate transaction in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

On the day Lanai was set to be sold, residents were left wondering whether the sale really took place and how it would alter the future of Hawaii's sixth-largest island. Star-Advertiser.

Veto brewing for coffee certification bill, Ellison's Lanai purchase to close today, broadband coming to Molokai settlement, adult education downsized, Honolulu councilman scolded for abuse of power, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona coffee cherries

Hawaii coffee growers remain divided over legislation that would do away with the state’s mandatory certifications of their coffee. Tribune-Herald.

The future of the state will depend much on the Big Island, particularly with its development of energy and agriculture, Gov. Neil Abercrombie told business leaders in Hilo on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

After reviewing more than 340 measures, Governor Neil Abercrombie today notified the State Legislature of his intent to veto 19 of those bills. Hawaii Reporter.

90 Percent of Hawaii's Incumbents are Running For Reelection. Hawaii Reporter.

Under a restructuring program, the 11 adult education schools across the state will be folded into two. KITV4.

State roundup for June 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council plans no further disciplinary action against Councilman Ikaika Anderson, Chairman Ernie Martin said, after the Ethics Commission publicly scolded Anderson for misusing his office in trying to obtain special parking privileges and threatening retaliation against parking office employees. Star-Advertiser.

Federal special agent Christopher Deedy shot and killed Kollin Elderts at a McDonald's restaurant last year, but only after the Kailua man harassed a customer with racial slurs, assaulted Deedy and tried to grab the agent's gun, Deedy's defense attorney said in papers filed in federal court Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Hopefuls Differ on Big Issues. Civil Beat.

Reapportionment – the redrawing of election boundaries every ten years – almost always results in two incumbent office holders running against each other for the same district seat.   That’s what happened in House District 33 … consisting of the Newtown, Ai’ea and Halawa neighborhoods on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The hotly contested primary race between state Sen. Pohai Ryan and challenger Laura Thielen spilled over into a Kailua Neighborhood Board meeting earlier this month. Civil Beat.

More help is on the way for Oahu drivers who are frustrated with the traffic nightmare on the H-1 Freeway. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with the City and County of Honolulu on a revised and expanded power-purchase agreement for the utility to buy electricity generated by the H-Power plant in the Campbell Industrial Park in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The new expansion at the H-POWER plant will help turn even more smelly trash into cash for the city. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign a bill today intended to make the Big Island a center for companies and space agencies working to make the moon habitable, a feat long left to the realm of science fiction but coming closer to reality. Tribune-Herald.

If Tuesday’s League of Women Voters of Hawaii County candidates’ forum featuring state Senate District 3 and 4 candidates is any indication, education is emerging as one of the issues that will shape the election season. West Hawaii Today.

Despite recent court orders establishing the county’s ownership of the property and denying Lui’s appeals of those orders, Mayor Billy Kenoi hasn’t ordered Hawaiian activist Abel Simeone Lui evicted, nor has the Hawaii County Police Department or the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office enforced the court’s wishes. The lack of action has some Ka‘u residents wondering whether the inaction is political, particularly as the mayoral primary approaches. West Hawaii Today.

A cattle ranch is teaming up with an investment organization funded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar to research large-scale grass-fed beef production on the Big Island. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui Court Nominee Grilled By Senator. Hawaii Reporter.

At least 40 people gathered for an overnight vigil Sunday through Monday to honor the kupuna whose skeletal remains have been discovered and/or removed from the construction site of the Maui Lani Center across from Baldwin High School along Kaahumanu Avenue. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution clarifying the process by which the co-op allows members to not have a smart meter installed. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the Kilauea Lighthouse Village, an ambitious and controversial 46,800-square-foot mall in the heart of Kilauea Town. Garden Island.

Work on the decommissioning of the Lihu‘e Sugar Mill is on schedule and should be completed by the end of September, said Keith Roylance, the operations manager of NCM Contracting Group, during a monthly meeting providing updates on the decommissioning project. Garden Island.

Lanai

Once Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison owns the island of Lanai, seen here in this 2007 file photo, he would have to ask the Hawaii Land Use Commission for zoning changes for any development that's not already allowed on land zoned for agriculture. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has given interim approval to allowing Larry Ellison, the anticipated soon-to-be-owner of most of Lanai, to take over ownership of the island's three regulated utilities. Maui News.

The Public Utilities Commission has given interim approval for the transfer of three Lana’i utilities (electricity, water, and transportation) from Castle and Cooke to Larry Ellisons’ Oracle Corporation.  This clears the way for the sale of the island to close as scheduled June 27. Hawaii Public Radio.

Molokai

Next month, Kalaupapa residents can expect to receive broadband Internet service for the first time in the settlement’s history. Molokai Dispatch.

Lanai buyer owes $333,824 in back taxes, more on the Ellison Lanai sale, activist challenges Hawaiian land transfer, candidate filing deadline moved up, snake dogs to return, Kona midlevel road opening Saturday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lanai mountains Halibut Thyme courtesy photo

Billionaire Larry Ellison plans to buy Lanai, the sixth largest of the eight Hawaiian isles. Civil Beat.

Larry Ellison’s Oracle Corp. owes the state of Hawaii $333,824 in back taxes, according to a lien filed against the company here last year. Hawaii Reporter.

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison is buying more than land when he closes on the deal to acquire 98 percent of the island of Lanai from billionaire David Murdock of Castle and Cooke. Pacific Business News.

Prior to Wednesday's public confirmation that Lanai was being sold to billionaire Larry Ellison, state Senate President Shan Tsutsui asked Gov. Neil Abercrombie to look into purchasing the island that could become "a major asset to the state." Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa was among the Maui officials who responded today to news of the recently confirmed sale of the island of Lana’i by releasing a statement this afternoon. Maui Now.

There's a condition to the deal to sell Lanai. David Murdock wants to continue with his controversial wind farm project for the northwestern part of the island. Hawaii News Now.

Friends discuss Murdock's struggle with Lanai. News of deal, relief to Murdock friend. KITV4.

Commentary: Give Lanai back to the Hawaiians. All Hawaii News.

Hawaii attorney H. William Burgess is challenging the state's decision to transfer 10 parcels of land from the state of Hawaii to a state agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Reporter.

The public won't have to wait as long to get a close look at who's donating to political candidates this year thanks to a new law signed last week that moves the filing deadline up to July 12. Civil Beat.

After a nearly three year lapse, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is bringing back canine units capable of detecting the brown tree snake, which if established in Hawaii would devastate the state's fragile ecosystem. KITV4.

Hawaii has made national news in recent days because of two national reports shining the light on Hawaii’s growing state liabilities. Hawaii Reporter.

By the Numbers: The U.S.'s Growing For-Profit Detention Industry. Civil Beat.

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison has reached a deal to buy 98 percent of the island of Lanai from its current owner, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday. Associated Press.

A bill prohibiting having feral deer or releasing them into the wild was signed into law today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

First Wind said Thursday it will start transporting the wind turbine components for its 69-megawatt Kawailoa Wind project next week via trucks with oversized trailers from Barbers Point harbor to the wind farm site near Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Eight years after the Army last fired a live round in training in Makua Valley, a federal judge affirmed that the service won't be allowed do so again until it completes an archaeological survey and study of munitions runoff on limu and other marine resources, an environmental law organization said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Land Use Commission issued written decisions Thursday detailing its approval and conditions for master-planned communities Ho‘opili in Ewa and Koa Ridge in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The first phase of the 5.3 billion dollar rail transit project is underway in Leeward O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Average daily rates at Oahu hotels rose 10 percent in May, the highest average daily rate growth in the nation for the month, according to data from STR. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public hearing on a proposed permanent rule to identify a safety zone around Ahu O Laka (the Kane‘ohe bay sandbar) that is subject to restrictions on three-day weekends involving a state holiday. KHON2.

Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has not made a decision on reopening Kulani prison, a spokesman said Thursday, a day after the governor signed a package of bills aimed at reducing the number of prisoners sent to the mainland. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi ripped into a bill that would require a minimum prepayment of millions of dollars into the county’s retiree benefit fund as “political grandstanding” and promised a “highly likely” veto. Tribune-Herald.

The new 2.9-mile Ane Keohokalole Highway opens at 3 p.m. Saturday providing motorists another means for traversing north and south in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

State Department of Transportation officials are seeking authorization to build a base yard to maintain Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui community groups say they're determined to halt development of two planned mega-mall shopping complexes off of Piilani Highway, even to the point of seeking relief in court. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council members on Wednesday put on hold for at least two weeks a bill proposing to outlaw smoking in county parks. Garden Island.

Po‘ipu Beach Park was the beneficiary of efforts from a group of visitors from IHS, a global business information services company based in Denver. Garden Island.

Molokai

The canonization of Blessed Marianne Cope is just four months away, and a fundraiser aims to help patients from Kalaupapa make a pilgrimage to the Vatican. KHON2.

Hawaii Senate sets special session to confirm judicial nominees, Abercrombie signs charter schools bills, Hawaii County Council bans aerial hunting, transit stations downsized in Honolulu plan, Lanai sale gaining momentum, islands battle wildfires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Senate will meet in a special session June 28-29 to take confirmation votes on judge appointees Richard Pollack to the Hawaii Supreme Court and Peter Cahill to the Circuit Court bench on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 2115, which replaces the chapter governing charter schools based on task force recommendations. Civil Beat.

Tuesday Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 2115 and SB 2116, Relating to Charter Schools, into law. KHON2.

With just six weeks until kids head back to class, Hawaii school board members still can't decide how to plug a $17 million hole in the school bus budget. Civil Beat.

The wheels of the bus go round and round, except when there's no money to fund them. Hawaii News Now.

A Civil Beat review of the financial disclosures — filed in mid-May and posted online by the Center for Responsive Politics last week — shows that Sen. Daniel K. Inouye could be the wealthiest in the delegation. But it could also be Rep. Mazie Hirono or Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, depending on how things shake out. All three have holdings valued between $1 million and $3 million. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is making her ability as a Republican who can work with Democrats a centerpiece of her campaign for U.S. Senate. Associated Press.

In a Hawaii Public Radio debate with Mazie Hirono last Wednesday, U.S. senate candidate Ed Case said that women’s organizations gave him 100 percent approval ratings when he represented Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007. Civil Beat.

Small unmanned planes are used as military spies elsewhere but NOAA has bought half a dozen for use over the remote Northwestern Hawai`i Islands. They’ll help researchers track endangered wildlife and marine debris. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for June 20. Associated Press.

Oahu
As the Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation continues to tweak its financial plan, a decision has been made to shorten the length of all 21 rail stations from East Kapolei to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. KITV4.

Honolulu City Council considers auctioning off Haleiwa land. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano reacted quickly today to a new online political attack questioning his record as governor. Hawaii Reporter.

Conflicting information has come out of the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services regarding how much the city is limiting the number of new sewer connections that can be added to the the city’s system from Halawa to Pearl City. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle joined an official from Google to announce Tuesday the new Street View imagery of Hawaii's parks, beaches and attractions. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council has a message for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources: Stop shooting our animals from helicopters. Tribune-Herald.

Energy and the economy — and their relationship to each other — were the biggest topics at Tuesday’s League of Women Voters of Hawaii County candidates’ forum at Hualalai Academy. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council passed two geothermal bills Tuesday evening but floundered on a third. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u Hospital reopened its emergency room late Tuesday while firefighters continued to battle two brush fires that have scorched about 4,400 acres and obstructed traffic in the Pahala area. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighters spent a second day on Tuesday battling a wildfire that has all but paralyzed Pahala, as well as a smaller brushfire a few miles to the north. Tribune-Herald.

East Hawaii parents dodged a bullet Tuesday when members of the state Board of Education voted to fund all school bus routes on the east side of the island. However, nearly 200 West Hawaii students will need to find alternative transportation in the fall. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The island of Lanai could be under new ownership by the end of the week, according to Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

The news of the sale of the island of Lanai being imminent has spread throughout the Mainland and even internationally as far as Germany. Pacific Business News.

A wind-fanned fire that damaged three homes in Kula was 90 percent contained this morning, a fire official said. Maui News.

At least three homes were damaged and 6 acres of "heavy timber" were scorched Monday afternoon in a fire fanned by periodic "crazy winds" in Kula. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Fire Department has acquired a driver simulator and showed it off recently in a demonstration held at the Lihu‘e Fire Station. Garden Island.

Molokai

About 50 guests at Hotel Molokai — the island's only hotel — were allowed to return to their rooms Tuesday afternoon after fire heavily damaged the bottom floor of one of its buildings — but the facility is still without power and water, a Maui fire official reported. Star-Advertiser.