Lawsuit challenges Legislature's shell bills, Hurricane Kiko to weaken to tropical storm north of state today, Honolulu council seeks audit on homeless response, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Suit Challenges How Legislators Turn Blank Bills Into Mid-Session Surprises. League of Women Voters targets the use of short-form measures that start out as empty shells. The Hawaiʻi Legislature’s practice of introducing mostly blank placeholder bills and then transforming them into substantive measures mid-session is unconstitutional, the League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi says in a new lawsuit. Civil Beat.

Major changes, political conflict create confusion over COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii.  While the federal approval process for COVID-19 vaccines over past years was routine, this year’s process is full of strife and disruption, with conflicting recommendations. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Kiko is weakening on a forecast path expected to take it north of Hawaii. As of 5 a.m. today, maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts.  Additional weakening is forecast during the next few days, and Kiko is expected to become a tropical storm by the end of the day.  Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  National Hurricane Center.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Hawaii Army National Guard meets its recruiting goals. After a yearslong slump in efforts to recruit new guardsmen and retain old ones, the Hawaii Army National Guard is finally making its recruiting goals. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolululu City Council requests audit of homeless response program. The Office of the City Auditor is expected to delve into the administration and operation of the city’s homeless response program currently overseen by the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. Star-Advertiser.

Police report progress on shuttering illegal game rooms on Oahu. The number of arrests at illegal game rooms on Oahu so far this year has surpassed the total for 2024, as Honolulu police work with city planning officials to shut down the operations, which have often been the scene of shootings, robberies and other violent and illicit activities. Star-Advertiser.

State agency to further invest in troubled Kakaako condo. The Block 803 Waimanu, an “extraordinary boutique condominium” midrise in Kakaako is headed for an extraordinary intervention by a state agency trying to salvage a nearly $10 million investment in the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi's wealthiest ZIP code may surprise you. 96814 is the ZIP code for the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako area of Honolulu. And it's the wealthiest ZIP code in the state, when you count not just home values but such data points as per capita income, education and population density. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi's only marine debris recycling facility searches for funding to stay afloat. Hawaiʻi’s only marine debris recycling center is running at full capacity after opening last summer. It’s part of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Center for Marine Debris Research — and a full-time staff of four is turning plastic trawl nets into building materials, roads and more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu CC expand aviation training. Honolulu Community College and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their partnership with the launch of the Maintenance Technician Development Program, a new initiative to train and hire the next generation of aircraft maintenance technicians. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council advances charter amendment on Environmental Management director qualifications.  The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday passed the first of three required readings of a bill that would amend the County Charter to change qualifications for the director of Environmental Management. Tribune-Herald.

What to do about feral cats? Group stresses education, sterilization in County Council presentation. Aloha Animal Alliance $10 million is spent annually on animal welfare today between county Animal Services, county and state-funded grants, and other donations from animal welfare nonprofits. About $4.7 million came from the county. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police dog dies after being left in hot car. A police dog with the Hawai‘i Police Department died Thursday after he was left in a police car for a long period of time. KITV4.

Hawai’i Island police post clarification regarding social media video of raid in Puna. The Hawaiʻi Police Department issued a statement clarifying that the activity in the Kalapana area was related to a fugitive arrest case involving illegal drugs and guns, not immigration enforcement. Big Island Now.

Immigration detainer, ‘substantial real property’ in labor trafficking case. A 26-year-old Kona woman accused of forcing a minor to work has substantial real property, according to the state attorney general’s office. Ludin Yorleny Pena Miranda on Thursday pleaded not guilty of nine counts of first-degree labor trafficking. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County drums up interest in more 'empathetic' approach to relocating homeless individuals. The Maui County Council on Thursday deferred the drafted set of rules, including those that would have required the county to give notice to residents and outreach providers before encampments were removed, and inform those displaced about shelters and “safe zones” where they can stay. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui commercial boating industry struggling while waiting for Lahaina Harbor to reopen, tourism to rebound. Most companies were just recovering from the pandemic’s six-month shutdown of tourists to Maui, when the Lahaina fire led to visitors being told initially to stay away, a message that still lingers two years later. Maui Now.

Burying power lines along Lahainaluna Road part of Hawaiian Electric’s grid hardening plan. The plans include burying 2.5 miles of power lines along Lahainaluna Road, which could be done in conjunction with Maui County’s plan to widen the major thoroughfare in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Solar nanogrids bring energy independence to these off-grid Molokaʻi families. With federal financial assistance from the Department of Energy, technical and design support as well as funding were funneled through Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New boat for Kauaʻi Sea Scouts arrives at Nāwiliwili Harbor. For the first time in 15 years, the Sea Scouts of Kauaʻi have a new boat with the support of the local community. Kauai Now.

Kaua’i volunteers mobilize for 40th Annual International Coastal Cleanup. The Ocean Conservancy is celebrating 40 years of action and impact, scheduled for Sept. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., marking one of the largest single-day efforts worldwide to clean trash from beaches and waterways. Kauai Now.

Press Release: AND THE 2017 “RUSTY SCALPEL” WINNER IS…

Hawaii state Capitol © 2017 All Hawaii News

HB 375, CD 1 (Act 214, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017) has been selected by the League of Women Voters and Common Cause Hawaii for their 2017 "Rusty Scalpel" award. The "Rusty Scalpel" award recognizes enactment of a bill whose subject has been substantially amended without opportunity for legislative review as required by the Hawaii Constitution.

Article III, Section 14 of our State Constitution provides “Each law shall embrace but one subject which shall be expressed in its title.”  HB 375 was titled “Relating to Taxation”.  

When introduced, HB 375 proposed amending income tax rates to negate any income tax liability for those at or below poverty thresholds. The Senate Ways and Means Committee was the first to drastically amend the bill, gutting its contents, and replacing it with provisions to repeal the sunset date for the refundable food/excise tax credit. Then during Conference Committee, the bill was drastically altered to appropriate $1 million, subject to a dollar for dollar match by the private sector, to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, working in conjunction with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, for projects to address homelessness in tourist and resort areas. 

Corie Tanida, of Common Cause Hawaii said, “While addressing homelessness in Hawaii is important and commendable, an ‘appropriation’ is not the same as ‘taxation’.  The final version of this bill doesn’t pass the relatively ‘low bar’ of having the bill’s subject match the bill’s title.”

Article III, Section 15 of our State Constitution provides that “No bill shall become law unless it shall pass three readings in each house on separate days.”  The unambiguous intent is to provide  the House and Senate, separately, the  opportunity to thoroughly review every single bill.  Amending a bill’s subject in conference committee without such review ignores this Constitutional requirement.

According to Ann Shaver, President of the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, “The 2017 session was a ‘Good News, Bad News’ situation.  HB 375, CD 1 was the only real candidate for our 2017 ‘Rusty Scalpel’ award.  On the other hand, HB375, CD1 was the worst we’ve seen in the five years we have presented this award.”  On July 12, 2017, without the Governor’s signature, HB 375 became Act 214, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017.  

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The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit http://www.lwv-hawaii.com

Common Cause Hawaii is a state chapter of the national Common Cause organization. Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and improving Hawaii’s political process and holding government accountable to the public interest. For more information, visit hi.commoncause.org

Schatz attacks Hanabusa attack ad, Honolulu homeless may get one-way ticket to mainland, fight for breastfeeding rights, Maui mayor stifles staff, nursing homes not inspected, groups fear disclosure veto, turtle selfies banned, NASA test flight, brown water on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz, Colleen Hanabusa

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Saturday knocked U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for what he called the first negative advertisement in their Democratic primary, a postcard that reminds voters of Schatz's support for the Bipartisan Budget Act, which extended cuts in Medicare. Star-Advertiser.

A Disregarded Request From a Beloved Senator Shakes Up Hawaii’s Primary. New York Times.

The state has failed to inspect more than a third of Hawaii's 45 nursing homes within the time frame required by federal law, reflecting an oversight gap that some experts say could come at the expense of the facilities' vulnerable residents. Concerned about the problem, the federal government is threatening to fine the state as much as $121,000 if the timeliness requirements are not met by the end of September. Star-Advertiser.

Many Candidates Vie for Three At-Large Seats on OHA Board. In all, five posts are up for election this year for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, which is increasingly under the spotlight. Civil Beat.

How much federal money goes toward Native Hawaiian programs? About $34.9 million per year, according to our preliminary analysis. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii's health insurance exchange is making a final push to capture a share of the small-business market as the bulk of groups renew policies in July. Despite significant computer glitches that initially stunted its growth, the Hawaii Health Connector is aggressively marketing the Small Business Health Options Program, known as SHOP, the piece of the Affordable Care Act intended to increase insurance options for workers. Star-Advertiser.

Just when they’re needed to help students master newly required skills, librarians seem to have become a low priority at many schools, particularly at the elementary level. Civil Beat.

Two members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents have resigned after state lawmakers unanimously passed a bill requiring public financial disclosures from people serving on more than a dozen state boards and commissions. Associated Press.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate State Senator David Ige is criticizing  the governor’s notice of intent to veto SB2682, which would require the disclosure of financial statements by members of 15 state boards and commissions,  including the Public Utilities Commission, University of Hawaii Board of Regents, Board of Education, Hawaii Community Development Authority, Board of Land and Natural Resources and others. Hawaii Reporter.

Commentary: League of Women Voters Debunks Governor’s Take on Disclosure Bill. The organization doesn't accept the idea that women would be harmed by the law, and hopes it would help the governor vet nominees. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Governor’s Veto Threat on Bill Shows This Is Not a ‘New Day’ Neil Abercrombie's argument that a transparency bill will harm women is sexist. Civil Beat.

Respect the Locals: Sea Turtle Selfies Are Uncool — and Illegal State, federal officials remind public that harassing honu is against the law and can result in a fine. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A year after the state declined to start up a pilot program to send the homeless back to the mainland, the business community in Waikiki might step up and fill the void. Rick Egged, president of the Wai­kiki Improvement Association, said his organization will be looking to establish some sort of airfare fund in response to a plea from providers of homeless services. Star-Advertiser.

A homeless mother is fighting for her right to breastfeed in public. The woman says the Oahu shelter she is staying at told her to cover up or get out. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s homeless are most visible in Kakaako, Waikiki, and Chinatown but they are everywhere throughout the state, in the parks and bushes and at the beach. Several of Hawaii’s political candidates have made addressing Hawaii’s homelessness and lack of housing a top issue this election. Hawaii Reporter.

The deadline for comments on the Kawainui-Hamakua master plan is Monday, and environmental and neighborhood groups are joining forces over concern that the proposed development will damage the natural resources and character of Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

The concrete barriers at popular Laniakea Beach were supposed to be a temporary fix to help keep the traffic flowing along Oahu's famed North Shore, but six months after workers installed them, it's unclear how long "temporary" will be. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved granting the $1.3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project a sublease for land on Mauna Kea. In concept anyway. While the board voted in favor of the agreement, it won’t go into effect until several contested case hearing requests are resolved. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to approve The University of Hawaii at Hilo's sublease of land on the summit of Mauna Kea for the $1.3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope, but the approval is on hold until the board hears several contested case requests are resolved. Pacific Business News.

The first group of 60 minimum-security inmates are expected to arrive at Hawaii island's Kulani Correctional Facility after it reopens this week, easing some of the crowding in the state's prison system. Star-Advertiser.

The dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy said Friday that he will be stepping down at the end of the year. John Pezzuto, who helped launch the college at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2006, is moving on to the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, where he will serve as professor and dean. Tribune-Herald.

Some day, tanks at aquaculture farms around the state and nation could be teeming with millions of colorful fish to help stock the nation’s aquariums. At least that’s the dream for Syd Kraul and others who have attempted to strike the fine balance needed to rear species such as angelfish and yellow tang in captivity. But that day isn’t today. West Hawaii Today.

Women of the Womb do a chant to open communication during the launch of the Hawaii Star Visitor Sanctuary and UFO landing pad Friday afternoon in Kalapana near Unle Robert's Awa Club. The event was part of the weekend long Ho'ohana "A Sustainability Talk Story." Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The mayor of Maui ordered an end to direct communication between his staff and members of the Maui County Council. Mayor Alan Arakawa last week directed all county civil service employees, administration directors and staff to stop communicating verbally or in writing with council members or staff. The employees were instead directed to send communications through the office of the mayor and the managing director’s office. Associated Press.

For nearly two decades, Hana residents have known exactly where to go when they have had an after-hours medical emergency - the Hana Health hale where American Medical Response paramedics live. Maui News.

The state’s first flashing yellow arrow traffic signal has been installed on Maui and will be activated at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2014, county officials announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

NASA officials are calling Saturday’s experimental test flight off the coast of Kauai a success, despite a malfunction of the saucer-shaped vehicle’s gigantic parachute. Garden Island.

A mysterious brownish-green plume off Kauai has prompted the state Clean Water Branch to issue a brown-water advisory for the coastal waters between Moloaa and Anahola bays. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government is considering whether the Native Hawaiian community should be treated as its own government and is seeking input from the Kauai community. Public meetings on Kauai are from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Waimea Neighborhood Center and from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Kapaa Elementary School. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Native Hawaiian community on Molokai added its voice to the growing chorus of those who are rejecting a federal proposal that could lead to a formal U.S. relationship with a potential Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

Porn industry looks to Hawaii in wake of condom law, unemployment hits 4-yr low, League of Women Voters seeks election investigation, apologies in UH tiff, rail project forgot wifi, Inouye takes fall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

She hasn't even been sworn in yet, but Congresswoman-Elect Tulsi Gabbard is already trying to get comfortable in Congress. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye sustained a minor cut to the back of his head following a fall at his home Thursday and was taken to the Bethesda Naval Hospital as a precautionary measure. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye took a spill at his Maryland home Thursday morning, cutting his head and heading to the hospital as a precaution. Civil Beat.

Porn producers may set sights on Hawaii in wake of L.A. condom law. Los Angeles Times.

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is calling on the Hawaii State Legislature to take steps to remedy problems in voting operations that surfaced in the 2012 elections. Hawaii Reporter.

In its fourth quarter 2012 economic report, the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism projected higher growth of visitor-related indicators and more optimistic growth of most other economic indicators in 2012. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent in October, the lowest level in nearly four years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's diabetes rate soared 117.1 percent from 1995 to 2010, mirroring a disturbing nationwide trend, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows. Star-Advertiser.

A lack of judgment, and UH personnel unwilling to take overall responsibility, are to blame for losses from the Stevie Wonder concert scam. An advisory task force group released those findings to the UH Board of Regents Thursday. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents expressed its support for President M.R.C. Greenwood Thursday night, saying they will "work together" after months of turmoil that began with the Stevie Wonder concert debacle. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Regents and President Greenwood announced that their partnership to achieve ever higher standards of academic excellence throughout the UH system will continue and remains strong. Star-Advertiser.

After insulting the state’s political leaders and demanding $2 million from the University of Hawaii regents, today UH President M.R.C. Greenwood took it all back, said she was sorry and kept her job. Hawaii Reporter.

Ecotourism ends at Midway Atoll. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 16. Associated Press.

Oahu
State and Honolulu city lawmakers plan to meet today to assess the coordinated response to last month's tsunami warning and coastal evacuation. Star-Advertiser.

Officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Thursday that the transit agency has only 27 more trenches left to dig for the archaeological survey work along the planned route of the elevated-rail mass-transit project. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is budgeting nearly $86 million to buy 63 properties in the next fiscal year as part of an accelerating land acquisition program for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board is asking for more than $1.3 billion to spend in 2014 and yet with all that money there is one thing the city didn't think about, wifi for riders.Hawaii News Now.

Roughly 600 teachers, students, parents and community members flanked Fort Weaver Road near Campbell High School on Thursday to send Gov. Neil Abercrombie a message: "Negotiate, not mandate." Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council was looking a little different on Wednesday. KITV4.

Campbell High School teachers and students staged two demonstrations today to express their frustration with the state over stalled teacher contract negotiations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community organizations continued the fight over the future of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial on Thursday night. KHON2.

At Kaimuki High School, 558 photovoltaic panels harness energy from the sun. They were installed in May as part of the Department of Education's five-year plan to dramatically reduce its energy bill. Hawaii News Now.

A freak accident that killed a man who touched a streetlight will cost Honolulu taxpayers $550,000. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

U.S. DOT rejects Hawaiian Airlines Kona-Haneda request. West Hawaii Today.

The long-sought Kealakehe Regional Park could cost more than $85 million, Hawaii County officials and park planners revealed Thursday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A local resident who’s “passionate about keeping the pool open” has donated $30,000 to the Hilo YWCA to help keep the solar-heated, salt water swimming pool open through 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Members sought for Game Management Commission. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Public Works now has planning authorization to move ahead on the Laaloa Street extension. West Hawaii Today.

A controversial bill that severely restricts geothermal energy production drilling operations on the Big Island has passed the Hawaii County Council and is headed to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s desk for his signature. Pacific Business News.

After six years of testifying before the County Council, Kohala Councilwoman-elect Margaret Wille will soon take a seat on the other side of the dais. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Public school enrollment in Maui County grew by 1.6 percent to more than 21,000 students this school year as the impact of Kamehameha Schools Maui on the island student population diminishes, according to a state Department of Education official. Maui News.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will be speaking from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday as part of an ongoing innovation series sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.

Kauai

A 5th Circuit grand jury on Wednesday indicted a county department head on charges relating to the alleged abuse of a county gas credit card, according to a county news release issued Thursday. Garden Island.

A Kauai grand jury has indicted the county’s Human Resources Manager Janine Rapozo on charges relating to alleged misuse of a county gas credit card. Star-Advertiser.

Workers’ Compensation awarded in county case. Garden Island.